Chapter 37 : Forgiveness Is Easier Than Permission

After back-to-back interviews with three constellations, I was completely drained.

Even though I hadn’t moved a finger and just sat in a chair for hours, I was in a state of exhaustion.

So I asked the researchers for a favor and got an IV drip for free, then returned home and collapsed into sleep.

The next day, as I was heading to the academy for the librarian part-time job that the Projection of Wisdom had requested, I witnessed a strange scene.

In front of a display board plastered with photos of starving, half-naked children from Earth, a priestess — who appeared to be a member of the Order of Pure Dawn — was relentlessly ringing a bell.

Ding-a-ling!

“The lambs of Earth are suffering because of the Devil Dolls.

So we’re looking for someone to join a field trip to Earth during summer vacation.

You can even earn volunteer points!

It’s really popular, and there’s only one spot left.

Oh, and we’re also collecting donations to deliver supplies.

If you can’t go yourself, show your heart with money.”

“Earth’s still in the Orange Belt zone, right? What if someone wanders into a conflict area and gets hurt?”

“It’s not just the conflict zone that’s the issue. Earth doesn’t really have any native magic or martial arts. Even if you go, there’s nothing to gain — just a waste of effort.”

I wondered if that kind of emotional appeal would still work in this day and age, and sure enough, most students reacted negatively.

And to confess — I once passed right by a Salvation Army kettle ringing its bell for malnourished African children without sparing a glance.

If people react that way to children in another country, who’s really going to care about kids from an entirely different dimension?

But surprisingly, one student showed interest in the priestess’s emotional appeal.

That student was none other than my contractor — and the top-ranked student in the Junior Division — Iris Lunai.

“Priestess, are all these photos real?”

“Oh my, aren’t you the famous Sister Iris? Of course they’re real! Aside from slightly enhancing the black-and-white contrast to emphasize the tragedy, there’s been absolutely no manipulation.”

“Even though Earth is in the Orange Belt zone, the Pantheon Peacekeeping Forces were deployed there, weren’t they? Then why are there still so many injured children?”

“That’s truly a heartbreaking story, but as Earth’s strategic value continues to drop, the size of the Peacekeeping Forces stationed there has been shrinking day by day.

To be blunt, Earth doesn’t have any rare minerals, and the number of Stigma holders is low compared to the population.

It’s unfortunate in many ways.

However, Lady Ashakariel’s mercy does not concern itself with such trivial conditions.

So, how about accompanying me to Earth and extending a helping hand to those children in distress?”

“I’m sorry. It’s difficult to make a decision on the spot. I think I need a bit of time to think.”

Iris then stepped away and moved to a shaded area, where she got down on one knee and assumed a prayer posture.

It was clearly a sign that she was summoning her Constellation, so I also moved to a spot where it wouldn’t be suspicious even if my main body passed out and activated the Constellation’s ritual.

‘Nameless King, I’d like to seek your advice.’

‘Very well, what’s the matter?’

‘It’s about my plans for summer vacation. To tell the truth, Senior Neriel invited me to visit her homeworld, Yggdrasil, during the break. She said she’d introduce me to her elf friends, and she wanted to form a party and explore ancient ruins together.’

‘I see. That sounds like a great opportunity to expand your network and gain real-world experience. And since Yggdrasil is in the Green Belt dimension, it shouldn’t be dangerous. So what’s the issue?’

‘I do know it’s a great opportunity, and I was planning to go unless something urgent came up… but after hearing about the situation on Earth, I’ve changed my mind.

I’d like to visit there instead—to help the children in need and gain experience fighting Devil Dolls.’

‘Are you aware that Earth is classified as an Orange Belt dimension?

Iris, combat and war are two entirely different things.

The Pantheon Peacekeeping Forces will never allow a Junior Division student to actually participate in a war.

If you just want to help the kids, then make a small donation and forget about it.’

I wasn’t being sarcastic—I truly advised her against going to Earth out of concern.

I, after all, was the kind of person with enough hardened conscience to hole up in a safe place and ignore whether kids were in danger or not.

But Iris was different.

Even without any clairvoyant skill, I could clearly see she was about to act on impulse out of sympathy.

And this time, I seriously didn’t want to get involved in that kind of field trip.

However, instead of readily replying, Iris entered her trademark bullheaded mode—just like when she stood against the Grade 2 Devil Doll, the human-faced fish.

A contractor who would engage in a power struggle with a Constellation… Even the top student in the Senior Division wouldn’t go that far.

I barely suppressed the blood that was about to rush to my head and spoke in a calm voice.

“If you truly want to go to Earth, I won’t stop you. Compared to Yggdrasil, it’s a barren planet, but even just stepping outside the greenhouse and facing the real world will have its own rewards.”

“Thank you for your permission.”

“But remember one thing. Follow your instructor’s orders and prioritize safety above all—”

Tap!

Before I could even finish my sentence, Iris shot off like lightning, ran to the priestess, grabbed the field trip application form, and signed it.

Since there was only one spot left, she must’ve thought someone else might snatch it first.

No, that’s such a textbook sales trick.

As expected, Iris still had a bit of naive innocence in her.

Well, it couldn’t be helped.

Even if it was a hassle, I’d have to stick close and cover for her.

***

“I didn’t think the field trip group would fill up this quickly. This is really surprising.”

“Hehehe.

That’s why I told you, Instructor Han Seongryeong—if we use pictures of the kids as bait, it’ll definitely work.

You said you didn’t want to stoop to such cheap emotional appeals, but now that you’ve reeled in a big catch, doesn’t it feel great?”

“Ahem! Yes, Marianne, you’ve made a major contribution. But Iris, do you really know what kind of place Earth is before signing up for this field trip?”

“Yes, I’m aware. I heard it’s a barren land where no magical civilization has ever taken root. But that’s exactly why I believe it’s all the more important to extend a helping hand.”

“Iris voluntarily donated a huge amount of money to purchase tons of supplies too. Isn’t that amazing?”

“No one asked you to go that far… but fine.

More importantly, even though we’ve gathered enough people, there’s still the biggest hurdle left—getting Principal Dragos’ approval.

He’s not someone who gives it easily, so everyone, prepare yourselves.

In fact, it might be even harder because Iris is part of the team.”

Harder to get approval because of Iris?

That meant the academy wouldn’t so easily send one of their most promising talents into a Devil Doll conflict zone.

In any case, with Instructor Han Seongryeong in the lead, I, Iris, Marianne, and a tall, quiet male student named Park Minwoo—who I think had taken a firearms class before—headed to the principal’s office.

There was no special insignia, just a plain sign that said “Principal’s Office,” and yet, it felt like walking straight into the jaws of a dragon.

Even Instructor Han gulped nervously, hesitated a few times, and finally opened the door.

“Principal Dragos, I wanted to speak with you about the upcoming summer field trip plan—”

“Denied.”

“Pardon?”

“I said it’s denied. I fully understand the desire to help a homeworld in crisis, but do you really think it makes sense to take a bunch of amateurs into an Orange Belt conflict zone?”

“The students won’t come into direct contact with the Devil Dolls. I swear on my life I’ll ensure their safety—please, just give us this one chance!”

“No means no. Don’t you know I hate repeating myself?”

The room’s temperature was slowly rising—it was clear Principal Lyn Dragos’ anger gauge was steadily climbing.

Even the Constellations couldn’t win a battle of nerves against Principal Dragos—so who could possibly argue back?

Just then, Iris stepped forward and spoke.

“Principal Dragos, do you remember when you said you’d grant me one wish for protecting the other students during the school trip when I defeated the Face-Fish?

I’d like to use that wish now.

Please allow us to go to Earth.”

“What!?

Why would you waste it on something like this?

Wouldn’t it be more reasonable to ask for a high-grade artifact or an elixir?

Seriously, Iris Lunai, I really don’t understand you.

With all that talent, why did you even make a contract with some strange Constellation no one’s ever heard of?”

“The Nameless King isn’t some strange Constellation. He’s just so ancient that all records of him have been lost over time…”

“Enough, enough.

A promise is a promise, so I’ll approve it.

But if any of the students—especially Iris—get so much as a scratch, Instructor Han Seongryeong, I won’t forgive you. You know better than anyone how unreasonable this is, and if anything goes wrong, you’ll pay a heavy price.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ll keep that in mind.”