The Delamis Palace, Guest Room
Alex, Melfina, and Rion returned to their guest room and settled onto beds and chairs. They needed to rest thoroughly to recover from today’s fatigue. Although they wanted to relax, there were still things to decide.
“Rion, release Estoria.”
“Okay. Alex, please.”
In response to Rion’s voice, a shadow stirred and replied. From that shadow emerged Estoria, restrained by the shadows of Kuro and Alex. She was face down on the floor, held further by the black hand extending from the shadow. Though she had been treated, she still had no external wounds, but her MP was depleted, leaving her devoid of life.
“…Where am I? It’s too clean for a torture chamber…”
“Well, I wonder where this is.”
Before pursuing Serge in the Heroic Spirit’s Underground Mausoleum, Alex and Melfina had used Alex’s “Creeping Thing” ability to hide within Rion’s shadow. Estoria, whom they had captured, was with them. Melfina was there to guard the captured Estoria, while Alex’s reason for being in Rion’s shadow was simply that it was faster for movement. Even after repelling Serge, Estoria remained within the shadow, still restrained. Transporting her this way was also easier.
The matter that needed to be decided was Estoria’s fate, which had been left to the Pope. Although she had been freed from her status as an Apostle of Elearis and her Unique Skill returned, they couldn’t simply abandon her as she had declared. Her situation was different from Ange, with whom they had a prior relationship. There was a possibility she could become an Apostle again and pose a threat to them. It would be one thing if she were merely stalking Gerard, but even that could lead to her persistently following them into their mansion. They wanted to prevent that as well.
“We will now decide your fate.”
“So, I’ll receive divine punishment directly from the Reincarnated Goddess, huh? A rather unfitting end for someone who lived for love, wouldn’t you say?”
“Don’t jump to conclusions. What happens next depends on you.”
“Ah, and you are a valuable source of information for us. Ideally, we’d like to build a mutually beneficial relationship. First off—”
“Could you tell us about Grandpa’s preferences?”
“…Ah, alright.”
Huh? This person’s gaze suddenly changed. It was like the look of a predator, or a hawk’s eye… She looked like she was about to die just moments ago. Well, if the price is acceptable, it’s fine.
“First, let’s ask a few questions. Your ability, ‘Rebellious Disciple,’ was it? I’d like to hear more about that.”
“What good is it to ask about a gift you can no longer use… Well, fine.”
It wasn’t a matter of whether it could be used or not. For example, the ancient hero Melfina had encased in ice. Murmur was the same. There was no guarantee that those resurrected by abilities could live indefinitely like that. In typical fictional narratives, clones often have extremely short lifespans. While not exactly clones, their lifespan might not be fixed. The fact that she seemed to have used her power on the monsters encountered in the Dungeon meant this was something they needed to confirm.
“Well, first, let me tell you about the conditions for using the power—”
Estoria lectured them about the “Rebellious Disciple.” The content can be summarized as follows.
First, the conditions for resurrecting the dead require a trade-off with something related to the deceased, such as their bones or personal belongings. The more complete the remains, like a whole body, or the more cherished the memento, the more perfectly they could be resurrected.
The degree of this catalyst also applied to the next point. What defined perfection? It encompassed various aspects, such as the resurrected person’s lifespan, their pre-death Status, retention of memories, and a consciousness closer to their former self. While it was possible to use Undead monsters as catalysts, in such cases, they would have no memories or reason, lacking substance, and their lifespan would be instantaneous. The swarm of monsters seen in Level 8 would fall into this category. In terms of combat alone, they possessed only ferocity without self-preservation, which could be more troublesome than having reason.
So, what about the ancient hero they had brought back this time? Fortunately, the resurrection was nearly perfect. This was because the hero, a member of the Hero Party that defeated Demon King Gustav, had been buried with great care. It was a sufficient catalyst. Unfortunately, their combat power was lacking… *Sigh.* Ah, Murmur was the same. One could tell from that massive tomb. Their lifespan was not an issue either.
Finally, the “Rebellious Disciple” had another characteristic. Murmur, who should have been resurrected perfectly, had been somewhat violent, as they recalled. Well, thinking about it now, it was entirely their fault… But even putting that aside, there were vague aspects like memories that were not present in life. It seemed to be even more pronounced with the ancient hero. They heard he had displayed extremely peculiar preferences, calling out “Mother,” “young girl,” and “Serge” to the Cardinal who had become a monster. No wonder Serge returned to Japan… Alex could only sympathize with Cardinal Sai.
The conversation had strayed. Let’s return to the main topic. The other characteristic of the “Rebellious Disciple” was the alteration of the target’s memories and consciousness. Murmur knew their tomb had been destroyed, which caused them to snap immediately upon meeting. The ancient hero saw hallucinations of loved ones and thus resisted Melfina in an attempt to protect them. All of it was a manipulation to make them fight Alex and the others.
“Estoria, your appeal to me has increased. Honestly, I have a newfound respect for you.”
“Your Excellency!?”
Of course, their power could only be used when someone was resurrected perfectly. There was no point in using it on someone who was unconscious.
“Heh, with this, I’m one step closer to Grandpa.”
“…While I heavily doubt that, let’s endure it for now.”
Clearing her throat, Melfina assumed a more dignified posture.
“Now then, I also have a question. Did you give Cardinal Marcel Gottes the ‘spike’? Estoria Granveltz.”
“…Yes, I did.”
Estoria affirmed. Cardinal Marcel… He was the old man with the red scarf, who was briefly mentioned earlier. He had driven a spike into his own heart and ultimately turned into a monster.
“Marcel was not someone who would join the opposing faction. Did you incite him to do something?”
“He lost his wife and child many decades ago. His child’s death was particularly tragic. It was the result of a power struggle… It’s a dark story, so I’ll omit the details. Well, he had his own thoughts on the matter.”
“And then?”
“It was just a matter of unfortunate timing. I was seen in the act of using my power… I was implored. To bring back his daughter. The rest, as you can imagine. He used me, and I used him. I had no intention of using this power for free, and I received a considerable price for it… That’s all.”
With that, she fell silent. It was likely that Cardinal Marcel’s daughter had been resurrected somewhere. Alex had a feeling it was in a safe place, with her life guaranteed to some extent.
“‘That’s all,’ you say. Cardinal Marcel was a fool.”
“…Why do you say that?”
“Isn’t that true? For the sake of one daughter, he endangered the children in the orphanage and followed his selfish desires. If not a fool, then he was an idiot. How he became a Cardinal is beyond me. What do you think, Melfina?”
“Indeed. He is unfit as a clergyman. Truly regrettable…”
“—Yo.”
“Hm, did you say something?”
A pleasant killing intent filled the surroundings.
“What do you two know about him! He brought back the one he loved at a price! While there was desperation in that act, I don’t believe it was inherently evil! Because it was so full of love! Even the God of Compassion wouldn’t forgive you for mocking him!”
She exhaled, pouring out her heart in an emotional torrent. The glare she directed at Alex and Melfina showed no deception. Was it because she lived for love that she couldn’t stand it being mocked? Or did she see something in Cardinal Marcel’s way of life? Alex honestly didn’t know, but he didn’t dislike her. People like her became stronger. This was important. Also, wouldn’t Gerard prefer her speaking style?
“What, you can show some spirit, can’t you? Mel, I haven’t completely trusted her, but if the approach is right, it might be acceptable.”
“…Very well. I shall prepare immediately.”
Ignoring Estoria, whose killing intent was leaking out, Alex and Melfina proceeded with their conversation.
“Gerard Grandpa has it tough.”
“Woon (He’s a Grandpa who brings trouble upon himself).”
The second volume’s cover art has been released by Overlap Bunko.
You can catch a glimpse of the illustrations in the preview reading!
