Chapter 83 – Let’s Go Home

Let’s Go Home

When I first opened my eyes after losing consciousness, what I saw was the face of the Goddess.
“Thank you!!!!!!!!!!”

I never thought I’d see the Goddess doing a full bow in my life. Where did she even learn that from?
…And why is the Goddess suddenly doing a full bow in front of me?

“Thank you, thank you so much. How can I ever repay this debt…”
“It’s not necessary. By the way, why did you call me here? Just to thank me?”

I inadvertently spoke in a blunt tone.
I didn’t have particularly good feelings towards the Goddess to begin with.

“We-well, Ariel-nim’s soul was trying to leave her body, so I hurriedly called you here for now.”
“Ah.”

So she brought me here to save me. I feel a bit sorry now.
As I was contemplating whether I should apologize for my blunt attitude, the Goddess instead apologized to me.

“I’m sorry for being an incompetent goddess. I’ve used too much divine power recently purifying the continent devastated by the Demon Lord, so I couldn’t intervene…”
I thought she was just not intervening too much… but it turns out she couldn’t.

I don’t intend to hold her responsible now. It’s all over now anyway.
“I’ll make sure this never happens again. I’m sorry.”

When she says such things while in a full bow position, it feels very convincing.
…The gravity also causes her skirt to flow downwards, providing a nice view.

‘Could she be aiming for that?’
What a fearsome goddess.

I turned my eyes away from the Goddess for a moment and looked around. The overall appearance resembles the temple in the capital.
Even without any light sources like magic lamps or sunlight, a soft light overflows in the place where I am now. It feels as if darkness doesn’t exist here in the first place.

This was already my third time coming here.
…Last time, I was too preoccupied to even think about looking around, but now that I see it, it’s quite a nice place.

‘What do they call this architectural style?’
Was it Baroque? I’m not knowledgeable about architecture, so I’m not sure. My impression is that it’s extremely ornate.

In this place reminiscent of a temple, there are no chairs for believers to sit on or a podium for giving speeches.
Well, this isn’t a place for worship after all.

Instead, there’s a magnificent chair like a throne. A chair with elaborate decorations and an overall silvery hue.
‘I guess it’s okay to sit?’

…The original owner is doing a full bow in front of me, so it’s probably okay to sit.
Oh. It’s extremely soft.

As soon as my bottom touches it, it sinks in, reminiscent of the griffin feather pillow at home. I want to take it home.
Can this even be called a chair? It’s beyond a chair… what am I saying?

“Ugh…”
As I sat on the sofa-like chair, absentmindedly enjoying the sensation, I heard a groan from the Goddess in front of me. She seems to be having a hard time doing the full bow.

To be honest, I’d like to leave her in that position a bit longer… but I decided to let her off out of pity.
In that position, I’m just talking to her backside anyway.

By the way, the Goddess’s underwear was white.
“Just sit down. I’m not angry.”

“…Really?”
“Sit down quickly.”

At my words, the Goddess hesitantly looked at me and slowly knelt down. I didn’t tell her to kneel though.
Well, it’s fine. Whatever makes her comfortable.

The Goddess, still breathing heavily, looks somewhat alluring… Ah, why am I like this?
Maybe it’s because of the warm light surrounding me, but I keep feeling my heart softening.

“Um, is there something on my face?”
“…No. Anyway, what happened after I collapsed? The children are alright, right?”

“If you mean Pfel-yang and Saya-yang… Yes. They’re fine. Saya-yang is still asleep but will wake up soon… Pfel-yang fainted for a moment when she saw Ariel-nim brought to the temple, but she just woke up.”
“I see… That’s heartbreaking. How’s my body condition now?”

If my soul was trying to leave my body, it must have been quite damaged.
“Riste completely healed the external injuries, but as for the magic circuits…”

The Goddess trailed off at my question.
Judging by her reaction, it seemed unlikely that I’d be able to use magic like before.

Magic circuits are a kind of circulatory system that allows mana to flow throughout the body.
For a magician, magic circuits are like another heart, so if the magic circuits are damaged, not only do they lose the ability to use magic, but most often it leads to death.

In other words, it’s right to think that I’m fortunate just to have survived.
“…Forget about the magic circuits. I won’t have much use for them anymore anyway. I’ll have to put up with some inconvenience.”

“I’m glad you’re taking it more calmly than I expected…”
“I’ve lived longer without magic anyway, right? And there’s Saya too. If I need magic, I can ask Saya.”

“Hehe. That’s true.”
…For a moment, the soft laughter of the Goddess and me filled the space.

It’s really strange. This whole situation. After dying, stabbed by a friend I trusted, I thought I’d never laugh like this again.
‘How did it come to this?’

The answer was simple. It’s thanks to that day, which I still remember vividly even though quite some time has passed.
“…Little one. Do you want to live with me?”

“Sha?”
I was able to laugh again after meeting Saya. I also met Pfel and Cherni.
I was able to mend relationships with my companions, and now I can even face the Goddess and laugh like this.

“I miss Saya.”
It feels like it’s been quite a while since I’ve seen Saya smiling brightly. Even though it’s only been a few days.

“You know. I want to go back.”
“Yes. If that’s what you want. …Once again, I sincerely thank you for your efforts, Ariel-nim.”

The Goddess bowed her head once more to express her gratitude.
…Come to think of it, without the Goddess in front of me, I wouldn’t have been able to meet everyone.

Having reached that thought, I spoke to the Goddess who was bowing her head.
“I’m grateful too.”

Before returning to reality, I recalled Milene’s face and asked the Goddess.
“Ah, and there was one thing I wanted to ask.”

“Yes?”
“If a person dies, do they all come here?”

The Goddess gently shook her head at my words.
“Not necessarily. Those who come here are beings I specially call. Other souls are purified again and become part of the cycle of reincarnation to be reborn. Humans, monsters, and demons alike.”

“…Then, is it impossible to meet past life connections again?”
The Goddess pondered for a moment at my question and then said.

“They might not meet in the same form, but they could reunite someday. As long as the soul doesn’t disappear.”
“I see.”

“Mom…”
I recalled Milene’s last murmur and thought.
I hope that someday, Milene will reunite with her parents.

“Wh-why isn’t Ariel-nim waking up?”
“…I’m not sure. All the external injuries have been healed. For now, we can only wait… Oh?! She moved!”

“What?! Does that mean Ariel has woken up?!”
‘…It’s noisy.’

My eyelids feel heavy as if weights are attached to them. Even moving a finger is a struggle. Not because of pain, but rather a languid feeling as if I’ve slept for a long time.
“Si-Sister! Are you conscious?”

“This is…”
“It’s the temple. Are you feeling alright?”

When I opened my eyes, I saw the faces of Pfel and Riste, their eyes brimming with tears.
“Mmm. I’m fine, but… there are a lot of people.”

It’s not just them. Cherni and Marian, and even Celestian priest with his sparkling head, and Mr. Henri are all gathered around the bed I’m lying on.
‘This is embarrassing.’

I certainly came back from the brink of death, but receiving concern from so many people is a bit overwhelming. Yet, not disliking it either creates a curious feeling.
“…”

Next to me, Saya is still sleeping soundly. As the Goddess said, it seems she hasn’t regained consciousness yet.
“Ariel! Do you know how worried I was?! Really…!”

“Sniff… That’s right! Ariel-nim needs to be scolded!”
Perhaps the tension has eased now that I’ve woken up, tears well up in their eyes as they look at me.

“I’m sorry for making you worry.”
“Phew. It’s okay. By the way, Ariel. Do you remember what you said to Marian and me?”

“…Surely, you haven’t forgotten. Ariel.”
The last thing I said? What did I say… Ah.

“You can’t die! Ah, there’s still so much we haven’t done!”
“That’s right! Ariel! We haven’t even gotten married yet! Us!”

“…Then, let’s get married.”
“Ha, haha.”

Postponing my answer, I quietly turned my eyes to Saya lying next to me. It’s a bit awkward to answer here.
Saya is still sleeping. Saya with her eyes closed like an angel.

How much I’ve wanted to see this face.
Seeing Saya still unconscious made me feel like I might cry a bit, so I lifted my head slightly.

“Saya.”
After composing my emotions, I called Saya’s name.
Of course, Saya didn’t open her eyes at the sound of my voice…

“Sha…a?”
…Or so I thought.

“Saya?! Have you regained consciousness?”
“Cherni. Can’t breathe. Shaa…”

Everyone’s faces brightened. Mine too.
“Where is this? It’s not home. Shaa…”

Saya tilted her head as if she didn’t understand why everyone was acting this way.
…Thank goodness. It seems she didn’t suffer any harsh experiences after being kidnapped.

Saya, who got up from her place as if nothing had happened, approached me and asked in a worried voice.
“Shaa? Ariel. Are you sick? You don’t look well.”

I raised my body that wasn’t moving well, and then hugged Saya tightly.
“Shaa? Ariel. What’s wrong. Are you crying? Don’t cry…”

“…I’m not crying. Saya.”
I can feel the warm presence filling my arms.

Saya’s fluffy hair, her slightly sharpened horns. Saya’s gentle voice tickling my ear, and even the soft feel of Saya fitting perfectly in my arms.
“Ariel. You smell good. Hehe.”

Stroking Saya who was nuzzling her head against my chest, I said,
“Let’s go home. Saya.”

To our home.