It feels like being hit hard on the back of the head. I couldn’t focus for a while due to the news published in the newspaper. Luminous assured me that he would take care of everything and asked me not to worry, but the subsequent news I heard was quite different.
Currently, everything in the book was mere coincidences, but in the future, my words may predict the inevitable. It all started with Luminous’s assurance when he first arrived in Xavier Kingdom. However, whether it’s a problem with their interpretation or intentional, he went as far as making promises that weren’t necessary.
While the incidents in Xenon’s Biography appearing in reality may all be coincidences, it is a fact that they prevented disasters. Moreover, the impact of Xenon’s Biography on the world was not insignificant, and it’s not an exaggeration to treat it as a serious matter.
While Luminous praised me in his own way, it seems to have a slightly different meaning to the Xavier’s Kingdom, who worshiped him. To them, finding and treating me as a saint, the author of Xenon’s Biography, was something that was willed by Luminous.
Preventing the impending devil war and stopping the contamination of the World Tree, can be seen as a great thing from the gods’ perspective including Luminous.
Perhaps because of this, until recently, I was treated as a “prophet” or “regressor,” but now I’m being treated as a “saint” altogether.
[Could it be that he’s really not a prophet or a person from the future? Or could it be something that even Luminous cannot disclose due to constraints?]
[If there were constraints, Luminous would have made the promise from the perspective of the present, not the future.]
[Treating him as a saint and knowing the true identity of Xenon are two separate matters.]
However, the assumption that I am a prophet or someone from the future remained unchanged. The title of “saint” has overshadowed it, and those who suspected me continued to do so consistently.
Moreover, there were cases where the divine oracle was delivered ambiguously, leading to Xavier’s arbitrary interpretations. Within Xavier’s followers, there were many different beliefs and thoughts.
Above all, the one delivering the oracle was a god. It is not uncommon for people to immerse themselves in deciphering the will of the gods, often getting lost in various interpretations.
Therefore, how was my current situation?
“Saint, tiramisu is delicious, isn’t it?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Then should I call you a prophet or a regressor?”
“… …”
Well, what can I do? I could only be teased by my girlfriend.
As I let out a hollow laugh, Marie, who was eating dessert next to me, burst into laughter. I shook my head and neatly cut a piece of tiramisu with a fork and put it in my mouth.
The rich taste of chocolate and the aroma of coffee filled my mouth. However, my gloomy mood didn’t seem to improve.
Luminous gave me a migraine, but the next day, I was enjoying a peaceful date with Marie. Cecily and Rina said they had busy matters and went back to their respective dorms.
As I walked back, I recalled their gazes directed at me. Cecily had a smile that seemed to hide ulterior motives, and Rina also had a peculiar expression, or so I saw.
Regardless, Marie seemed to be delighted by the fact that we were having a private date and couldn’t stop giggling.
“Sigh…”
“Are you troubled?”
“Of course. Until a few days ago, they were calling me a prophet or a regressor, and now they’re calling me a saint. Honestly, I feel like crying.”
“Do you want to cry while hugging me? I’ll comfort you.”
Marie spread her arms wide and made a suggestion. The impulse in my heart almost moved on its own, but I managed to restrain it. Embracing her was always a happy moment, but now there was a need for a serious conversation. Besides, it wouldn’t mean much since we would soon go beyond just hugging.
“No, forget it. Let’s do it later.”
“Mm.”
Marie felt disappointed when I declined. It’s adorable how she pouted.
“Instead, I’ll hug you.”
“Hehe.”
Her response was also adorable. After I agreed to hug her, Marie quickly got up from her spot and slowly approached me. Eventually, she extended her arms as if asking to be embraced, and I, too, extended my arms and embraced her small body.
It has been over six months since we started dating, and rather than our affection waning, it has grown even stronger. Moments like this, when we share our warm body heat, make me realize that I’m not alone.
“Isaac, Isaac.”
“Why are you calling me, Marie?”
“Just because I like it.”
I briefly felt a sense of joy as I shared body heat with my beloved, but soon I started thinking about the current situation unfolding. While prophets or regressors may be somewhat detached from reality, it’s an entirely different story when it comes to being revered as a “saint.”
People belonging to the ranks of “Pope” or “Cardinal” are generally considered as “holy individuals,” but saints are somewhat different. They didn’t have a rank like “saintess” or “saint” as seen in Xenon’s Biography. However, even Xavier seemed to have been inspired by Xenon’s Biography, as a new rank has been born—an authority that rivaled that of the Pope, yet was kind of a figurehead.
‘To think that even a cardinal would embark on a pilgrimage to find someone like me…’
According to the news mentioned, there was a certain cardinal named “Kate” who was said to be wandering all over the world on a pilgrimage to find me. It was an uncertain adventure, to say the least, but those who become cardinals or similar clergy have experienced pilgrimages of this scale numerous times. However, I didn’t know much about this person named Kate.
So, I lowered my gaze.
I noticed a cat named Marie, burying her face in my chest and behaving playfully. Her cheeks flushed, and she closed her eyes, seemingly enjoying my presence. If time could continue like this forever, it would be perfect, but there were things that need to be done.
I gently pushed her shoulder aside, and Marie opened her eyes, looking at me with a bewildered expression. The blinking of her blue eyes was truly lovely.
With that, I softly stroked Marie’s head and quietly spoke up.
“Marie, there are a few things I want to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“Can we talk properly, away from each other?”
“No, I don’t want to.”
It seems that there was no intention of separation in her resolute response. Instead, it felt like she was embracing me like a child. Eventually, we had no choice but to talk while holding each other. Until we called the waiter, no one would come, so there was no worry about our affectionate actions being discovered.
“As you know, the cardinal went on a pilgrimage to find me. I think it was Kate?”
“Are you talking about Cardinal Kate Louise Angelica?”
“Is she a noble since she has a middle name?”
“No, ‘Louise’ is the baptismal name she received directly from Luminous. And Kate is a well-known young cardinal even within the Holy Kingdom Xavier. She possessed incredible divine power from birth and rose to the position of a cardinal at the age of 19. She is currently serving as the Grand Inquisitor.”
“Grand Inquisitor?”
“It’s the highest rank among the Inquisitors.”
Grand Inquisitor… I hope the concept was firmly established. It may be a prejudice, but most Inquisitors tend to have a radical personality.
Moreover, the Grand Inquisitor of the Xavier’s Inquisitors in this world had a record of slaughtering demons after the Devil War in ancient times. Of course, it is because the demons are considered descendants of devils.
Right now, They are focused on their main job and only deal with heretics, but they haven’t stopped handling individuals associated with devils. Even in the newspaper, it was reported that most devil worshippers have been dealt with by the inquisitors.
“I guess she must be really strong since she also holds the position of a Grand Inquisitor.”
“That’s right. Currently, She’s a terrifying figure for devil worshippers. I’ve heard that her sacred power and determination can even ignite blue flames on weapons. That’s why her title is ‘Blue Flames(?)’.”
“Oh…”
Blue Flames. Even my father was called Red Lion. It felt strange. People who carry such titles often become famous, whether in a positive or negative sense.
Of course, my father didn’t want to publicly announce his achievements, so only a few people knew about it, but having a title was a kind of honor.
“When someone like that goes on a pilgrimage, it means even Xavier itself has taken action. It’s possible that since various things related to devils have surfaced, it’s a good opportunity to eradicate the devil worshipers, don’t you think?”
“We won’t know until I reveal my identity.”
“Well… according to rumors, Kate is highly sensitive to sacred power. Because of this, the individuals she personally selects have a significant influence within the country. You could say she has a keen eye.”
“… …”
This is a bit dangerous. Fortunately, I have never directly received sacred power from Luminous, but I will have many conversations with him in the future.
Because of the current situation, I have to revisit the temple immediately. What if Luminous presents me with a tremendous amount of sacred power because of the events unfolding right now?
If I coincidentally ran into Kate, it was almost certain that suspicion would arise. Even if she doesn’t suspect me as Xenon, she might suggest visiting Xavier.
“Well, don’t worry too much. Even if Kate discovers you, she won’t confront you recklessly. That person is more focused on vanquishing devils than finding the saint, you know?”
“How come?”
“That person recently made a remark like this: ‘A good devil is a dead devil.’ Can you get a rough sense of it?”
“It seems like she has quite a fiery personality.”
Somehow, a famous character from a game came to my mind. They called a chainsaw an excellent means of conversation and literally ripped apart demons.
However, unless grudges and hatred surpass their limits, it was almost impossible for someone to possess such a personality.
“Yeah, but you don’t have to be afraid since she’s kind to those who are not heretics, just like any other clergy. Besides her intense actions, she’s also famous for her beautiful appearance.”
“Have you ever met her?”
“Only once a long time ago when I visited the Holy Kingdom. That someone tearing apart the entrails of heretics… Honestly, it’s hard to believe unless you see it for yourself.”
“Hmm…”
Now that I think about it, Lily, a supporting character in Xenon’s Biography, was a saint, but apart from the early stages, she hardly appeared in the story related to the holy kingdom.
If it’s for the upcoming war anyway, wouldn’t it be better for the holy kingdom to participate? I can handle it there. But ifI continue the romance with Jin, it’s obvious that there will be unavoidable clashes in the holy kingdom as well.
Furthermore, Jin was related to one of the Seven Deadly Sins, “Gluttony,” as his son. From the holy kingdom’s perspective, they will inevitably oppose any connection to Lily.
‘Well, this issue will come up after the beastmen part anyway.’
Jin even has to hear the famous line, “I am your father,” directly from the Gluttony. There were still plenty of loose ends to be tied up. It means that it’s not an immediate concern.
“I understand. Since the vacation is coming soon, we can relax a little.”
“Vacation… Isaac.”
“Yeah?”
I faced Marie’s face directly in response to her call. She stared at me intently and then quietly spoke.
“Um… You said you were going to Helium with Cecily during the vacation, right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Then… what are you going to do then?”
“… …”
Instead of immediately answering, I examined Marie’s expression. In her anxious, blue eyes, there was a deep concern.
Even though I had already accepted Cecily, dealing with human emotions was never easy. Although it is a world where polygamy was common, Marie would still be worried that I might leave.
Gently, as if to reassure her, I softly touched her cheek and caressed it. Marie gently held my hand, which was touching her cheek. And as we gazed at each other’s faces, I comforted her with a kind voice.
“It’s okay. Cecily is also my woman now.”
“I see…”
“But my feelings for you won’t change. I promise.”
“Even though Cecily is prettier and has a better figure than me?”
“Do you think I started dating you because of that? That’s disappointing.”
“Hehe.”
Seemingly relieved, Marie buried her face in my chest and nuzzled against it. I embraced her as if implying that I could be even more affectionate. Then Marie lifted her head, looked straight into my eyes, and raised an eyebrow, as if asking if I had something to say.
“Isaac.”
“Yes, Marie.”
“Can I go to Helium too? To help Cecily…”
“No.”
She slyly revealed her hidden desire. I wondered if Marie was joking as she smiled mischievously in response to my stern reaction. However, it seemed that her desire was genuine as she gradually moved her arms, which were hugging my back, downwards.
Starting from the arms, she reached the waist, and eventually, reached the hips.
And finally, the destination… There seems to be no need to say it separately. I reprimanded Marie with a smile.
“Marie, are you really a pervert?”
“You’re the one who made me like this. Take responsibility.”
“Gosh…”
Looking at Marie’s eyes that had already turned into hearts, it seemed like she didn’t have the self-control to go to the inn.
Just to be sure, I checked if the door was properly closed. Unless I call the staff, no one would come, and the soundproofing was also thorough for the expensive price paid.
So, just before doing it in a place that wasn’t an inn for the first time, Marie, who was still clinging to me, asked a question.
“Isaac, can I ask one more thing?”
“Huh? What is it?”
“You’re not really a reincarnator or something, right?”
It was a question that made my heart skip a beat. Come to think of it, Marie had that instinctual ability to sense a person’s true intentions.
How should I answer to skillfully avoid the question at a time like this? I hesitated for a moment and ambiguously replied,
“If I say I’m not?”
“Hmm…”
Marie, who had been staring at my face for a while, said,
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter, right?”
She smiled brightly and answered innocently,
“I just like Isaac, that’s all.”
“… …”
It seems like men really go crazy because of women.
Thus, I had a unique experience at a cafe.
[From the Helium side: Mora also expressed gratitude to Xenon!]
[Thanks to saving the demons, my heart feels at ease, and more people are finding true peace…]
This time, the mischievous goddess hit the back of my head hard.
Translators note:
