The Apostles of God, their spokespersons, their messengers, and so forth.
Their existence had been acknowledged since ancient times, and they were called by various names.
What they had in common was having the same form as humans.
However, as a unique characteristic that humans and species called demi-humans did not possess, they had wings on their backs.
Their colors, number, and size varied.
And, as their greatest characteristic, it was said to be the immense power they possessed.
With power that was unreasonably great, they sometimes helped humanity, or sometimes passed judgment upon them.
There were times when their actions were confirmed to be the will of God, conveyed through a shrine maiden who received an oracle from God, and there were times when they were not.
Their motives remained unknown even to this day.
Some said they appeared when the world’s balance was about to collapse, while others said they appeared on a whim.
They also appeared by the side of God when God was about to do something in the world. That is why they were sometimes called the Apostles of God.
Therefore, for the priests and shrine maidens of the temple, they were objects of worship and also beings of awe.
Koohi, who suddenly revealed her true identity, bowed her head to Laurel and Silvia.
To them, it was a natural act as she was an object of their faith.
However, Koohi frowned at Silvia.
“Silvia. You do not need to take that kind of attitude towards me.”
“B-but!”
“More importantly, Master does not wish for it.”
Silvia looked up with a start, and Kousuke was nodding in agreement.
Although Silvia had only been with them for a short time, she could tell without being told that Koohi (and Mitsuki) prioritized him in their actions.
“I… I understand.”
Reluctantly, Silvia nodded in agreement.
For Silvia, even if Koohi was an object of faith and someone to kneel before, it would be counterproductive if her actions displeased the person herself.
“…Well then.”
Kousuke, who had been watching the two, looked at Laurel.
“I will confirm once more, do you intend to truly draw your blade against her?”
“No, no, certainly not. It was a misunderstanding in the first place…”
“Do you think you can sincerely lie to my Master?”
Koohi’s gaze cut off Laurel’s words.
At the same time, Laurel recalled the saying that lies did not work on them, the Apostles of God.
“……………..”
While careful to not show any outward change, he was sweating profusely on the inside.
It was true that Laurel himself had not taken any measures to harm Kousuke and the others.
However, it was also true that it was highly probable that someone belonging to this temple had, and as someone at the top, he could think of too many possibilities.
While racking his brain to figure out how to get out of this situation, Kousuke spoke up.
“Well, as long as you do not make a move against us, we have no intention of doing anything to you.”
“That is, of course…”
“However, looking at the current situation, it seems meaningless to only get your word, doesn’t it?”
Considering that those people were gathered outside the room, it was by no means a groundless fear.
Even if they were to have those people withdraw now and then say they weren’t there, it would be meaningless.
The fact that Koohi revealed her true identity meant that.
Laurel understood that well.
And he could roughly imagine what Kousuke wanted with his current words.
However, considering the aftermath, it was certainly a move he would have preferred not to make.
Even so, such petty tricks had become meaningless.
He sighed as if giving up and said,
“Then, let’s gather the people in charge of this temple. …Is that all right?”
“Hmm. Well, that’s probably for the best.”
Kousuke nodded in agreement with Laurel’s words.
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In the end, in a place where the high-ranking members of the temple had gathered, Koohi revealed her form again, and a pledge was taken.
The content was that temple officials would not carelessly lay hands on Kousuke and the others.
If any temple official took any action to harm Kousuke and the others, their superior would be held jointly responsible.
Alternatively, the superior would always take responsibility for the direct perpetrator.
Regarding this incident, it would be overlooked.
Various rules were established (?), and they dispersed.
Some people wore bitter expressions, but Kousuke didn’t care. It was a problem within the temple.
After this, he could only pray that no one else would do anything foolish after knowing about Koohi.
Although, if they did, he would just crush them. Using Koohi’s power.
That was why the pledge was made.
“By the way, Silvia, you didn’t have to return to that temple, did you?”
As they returned to the inn from the temple, Kousuke suddenly asked Silvia.
“…What do you mean?”
Silvia frowned at Kousuke’s sudden question.
“No, Silvia, you were originally in that temple, weren’t you?”
Laurel’s attitude and Silvia’s own attitude made it clear.
“Ah, I see. It’s fine. I was actually banished from that temple in the first place.”
Kousuke’s eyes widened at her casually stated words.
“Huh? You were?”
“I was.”
“Hmm. I see.”
Silvia looked at Kousuke, who accepted it so readily, with a probing gaze.
“…That’s all?”
“Yeah. Well, for now. …If Silvia wants to talk, I’ll listen?”
“…No. …I’ll refrain for now.”
“Then I won’t ask either. Besides, it’s not a problem even if I don’t ask. …Or rather, there’s no problem when Eris chose Silvia, is there?”
In a sense, she was the strongest guarantor.
Hearing that, Silvia briefly considered asking Kousuke about his relationship with God Elisamil, but quickly changed her mind.
If he wanted to talk about it, he would have, and if he couldn’t, he wouldn’t talk no matter how much she asked.
She felt that someday she would know, but she didn’t feel the need to know right away.
Today, Koohi alone was enough. In fact, she was completely satisfied with that alone.
More importantly, there was the matter of the Divine Tool she had created.
Silvia felt that her top priority now was to master its use.
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What greeted Kousuke and the others upon their return to the inn was an unexpected sight.
They had rented a large room for the four of them, but in the center of the room were Shurein and another woman.
…Their hands and feet were bound, and a gag placed in their mouths.
“…Uh, what exactly is this situation?”
Kousuke approached the two as he confirmed the situation.
Shurein was dressed the same as when they parted earlier. She had a mischievous smile on her face, but he would put that aside for now.
Next, he looked at the woman whose hands and feet were bound, sitting on the floor in what is known as a “girl’s pose.”
The moment he turned his gaze to her, Kousuke was involuntarily captivated.
She had a figure with more outstanding curves than any of the women currently around Kousuke.
While her facial features couldn’t quite compare to the monstrous Koohi and Mitsuki, she was undeniably beautiful.
Her black hair shone with a glossy luster, reflecting the light, and her distinctive red eyes exuded a mysterious charm.
By the time he realized something was strange, it was already too late.
Kousuke’s feet moved unconsciously towards her.
“…Hmm. Even Kousuke is captivated, as expected.”
Seeing Kousuke’s reaction, Shurein said so and clapped his hands, creating a sound that echoed throughout the room.
By the time Kousuke snapped back to attention at the sound, events had already unfolded.
And Kousuke witnessed the scene where Koohi was pointing a sword at Shurein.
Today, Prologue and Chapter 1, Episode 3 have been updated.
Please check them out if you’d like.
(Chapter 1, Episode 3 is a very minor update.)
May 24, 2014 Typo correction
June 9, 2014 Typo correction
