I meticulously wiped away the drool I had unconsciously let escape and headed for the tower’s exit once more. I was determined to reach it. Mel and Rozaria were still giving me suspicious glances, but I wished they would direct those looks toward the exit instead. After all, that was where we were headed. *…Seriously, can you guys cut it out already? I’m completely calm now. I’m not even drooling.*
“Now, I wonder what the top of the tower is like… Hmm?”
As I took the lead and stepped out of the exit, I found myself above the clouds. I had no idea how it worked mechanisms-wise, but the clouds were acting as the ground. Oh, wait, no, maybe they had laid down a ground of ice inside the clouds? Strangely, it wasn’t slippery, but it was quite cold, so I figured that was it. In that case, was the fluffy stuff not clouds but the cold air emanating from the ice? *Wow, they sure are clever with all sorts of things.*
“It’s a fantastic sight. A world of ice mimicking clouds, an endless blue sky above, and… angels who greet us with a state of alert.”
“Whether the last part can be called fantastic is honestly debatable.”
Putting aside the talk of illusions, Mel’s words of admiration were all factually true. It was a sanctuary created by Seraphia, a sky above the clouds, hence the blue sky. And then there were the guardians, with their white wings and halos, holding spears and revealing their wariness. Judging by their appearance, they must be angels who had evacuated from White Wing Land. Moreover, Mel, a former Reincarnated Goddess, confirmed it. There was no doubt.
“Guests, I apologize for such a reception, but could you please tell us your identities and the purpose of your visit to this place? Depending on your answer…”
The elderly man at the head of the angels spoke, pointing the tip of his spear towards us. His impressive beard and stern demeanor matched the stories Gordiana had told me. If so, he must be the one in charge.
*Mel, I’ll leave this to you.*
*Understood.*
I gave the instructions via telepathy and stepped back. Mel, who materialized blue wings and a halo, took my place and we switched roles. It would be better for Mel, who was once an inhabitant of this place, to handle the communication rather than me, who was likely unknown in White Wing Land.
“Please lower your spear, Raphael. We have come to ensure everyone’s safety.”
“Wh-what?! That divine voice, and those wings as vast as the blue sky, could it be…!”
“Yes, I am Melfina, the previous Reincarnated Goddess. I go by Mel now, so please address me as such.”
“Ooooooh!”
The angels’ expressions transformed from anguish to hope. The somber atmosphere that had moments before disappeared vanished, and they all let out cheers. Yes, even Raphael, the angel in charge, was overjoyed, waving both his hands. Also, um, let’s see…
“Um, excuse me. What are those sashes and headbands you just took out, with inscriptions like ‘Melfina Forever!’ and ‘LOVE’, and those fans…?”
Amidst the angels’ fervor, I couldn’t help but ask. After all, they had just been dressed like angels, but now they looked like idol groupies. And you there, stop making glow sticks with white magic. And stop dancing, are you seriously angels of this era?
“What!? Guests, you don’t know?! For generations, we angels have championed the Reincarnated Goddess and strived day and night to convey her magnificence! Well, since we couldn’t leave White Wing Land, our activities were limited to within our circle or sending oracles to the Shrine Maidens of Delamis for proselytizing during normal times!”
Raphael, no longer bearing even a shred of sternness, passionately explained, spitting as he spoke. Ah, I finally understand. These people are fervent fans of Mel. … Hmm? Wait a minute?
*Mel, by any chance, is the reason the Shrine Maidens of Delamis have been fanatically devoted to the Reincarnated Goddess for generations because–*
*–Your Excellency, please say no more. It’s pretty much as you imagine.*
*Eh…*
Seriously?
“Certain angels in White Wing Land, above a certain rank, sometimes bestow oracles to the Shrine Maidens of Delamis as representatives of the Reincarnated Goddess. This happens when they’re overworked and can’t maintain their divine radiance, or when they’re just not in the mood, or when they’re too hungry to give oracles. It’s very rare, though.”
You’re telling me that was rare? You’ve frequently used it as a proxy, haven’t you? But, well, it makes sense. It’s no wonder Colette got influenced when such passionate “Melfina” fans were giving oracles.
*I see. In other words, Colette was also a victim…*
*No, Colette was always like that. However, the meeting of my faith and my faith during the oracle did indeed cause both of our faiths to become even stronger, which is a sad turn of events, *sob**…*
*That’s the worst…*
At the Great Temple of Delamis, Colette was praying with a serious expression. But in reality, she was engaging in lively conversations about faith with the angels in her mind. It must have been hell for Mel.
“Ah, I apologize for getting carried away! Please, please, come this way to this humble abode!”
“Ah, thank you…”
As if on cue, the angels parted to the sides to let us pass. “Humble abode?” I thought, this is the sanctuary Seraphia prepared.
“Lady Melfina, no, Mel! Have you come to check on our welfare?”
“Yes, that is correct. Gordiana Pritiana, who will be the next Reincarnated Goddess, cannot meet with you directly due to divine restrictions. As her proxy, I, the former Reincarnated Goddess, have come.”
“Oh, how wonderfully fortunate! Um, afterwards, could I get an autograph— No, could I ask for a handshake!?”
“Eh? Oh, well, if it’s something like that…”
“Ah! Raphael, you sly dog! That’s going too far!”
“That’s exceeding your authority! Quit being a high angel!”
“Give us a fair chance! Aren’t you a fallen angel!?”
“Hahaha, idiot! It’s first come, first served with these things! I find the sour grapes of the losers quite delicious!”
“………”
We were all dumbfounded by the angels’ unexpected argument. Are these the angels of this world? Are these the ones we’re supposed to escort? I couldn’t help but suspect that maybe the reason the Reincarnated Goddess is forbidden from direct contact with angels is for reasons like this.
*Mel, were you like this in the past too? You’re from here, right?*
*Don’t joke. I left for the outside world precisely because I hated this kind of atmosphere. In that sense, I might have been the only normal angel.*
Though it was rare, I empathized with Mel at that moment. Yes, I empathized completely. If it were me, I’d fly off the floating continent too. Honestly, I couldn’t tell which one of us was the fallen angel.
“Mel, and your companions, your complexions don’t look too good. Is something wrong? Ah, perhaps your faith in Mel is too strong, and you’re worried about whether your faith in the next Reincarnated Goddess will go well!?”
“Hahaha, don’t worry!”
“The next Reincarnated Goddess is chosen by the Almighty Mel, and she is a chosen one!”
“Foh foh foh. I’ve been a big fan of the Reincarnated Goddess since Elearis’s era. I will support the next Reincarnated Goddess with absolute faith.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah!”
“………”
Um, the next Reincarnated Goddess is Gordiana… Are you guys really okay?
