“Heh heh heh, Lord Deles~”
“Y-you don’t have to stick so close to me.”
Clarice, who had successfully overwritten and discarded her assassination skills, headed to the Church of the Goddess headquarters with me. Nina was acting separately due to other business.
“I love you, Lord Deles.”
“W-what’s with you suddenly showering me with affection.”
“Because this is fate bestowed upon me by the Goddess.”
If only we had the same height, I’d probably link arms with her. But thanks to that, her chest kept bumping against my head. While flustered by the situation, we passed by the Commercial Guild.
“Ah, right. Is it okay if I go exchange the large gold coins I have for platinum coins?”
“That’s right. It might be necessary if His Holiness demands a donation for my marriage, so I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”
Naturally, the Commercial Guild didn’t have a Hero Exclusive Reception, so I lined up with regular merchants and people in cleric robes. Clarice sat with a pleased expression, holding a box wrapped in a beautiful cloth.
(Will she be alright with that?)
The conditions set by His Holiness to receive Clarice were three. First, to erase her assassination skills; this was achieved last night. Second, to make a significant contribution to the Church of the Goddess; this was likely almost accomplished by defeating the Demon Lord. Just in case, Clarice had prepared a sacrificial offering. With what she has now, there shouldn’t be any complaints. Only after clearing these two conditions would the final condition be presented.
(What kind of trial will it be? Nina said if it was an impossible demand, she’d cause a ruckus and steal Clarice away.)
I don’t want to go that far against a fairly large religious organization. I’d prefer to receive Clarice amicably and with her willing consent. However, the pretense of marriage is merely to allow her to leave this country…
(Still, Clarice was amazing…)
She was a wonderful body of a different type from Nina. Unlike Nina, who would unilaterally dominate, Clarice was good at being doted on, or rather…
“Hm?!”
Suddenly, I sensed a killing intent directed at Clarice! At the same time, a scream echoed! Looking over, I saw a woman in cleric robes stabbing a sharp staff into Clarice’s chest. Damn it, I let my guard down!
“Ugh, y-you are from the Church of Love and Freedom!”
“That’s right. I found out! You killed Jolly, whom I doted on like a little sister!”
“Ah, that, child… I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
As the staff was pulled out, a large amount of blood gushed out! As I rushed forward to cast Healing Magic, the box wrapped in beautiful cloth illuminated, and non-burning flames rose from within!
“Ahhh, Goddess, thank you…”
Clarice murmured, and the bleeding stopped. Looking at her wound, it had cleanly closed. Yes, it was the substitute doll, prepared as an offering to His Holiness, that had activated. By now, the box should be filled with ashes or empty.
“No, no, NO!”
The woman, apprehended by security and nearby adventurers, was likely a saint of another faith. I was completely caught off guard. She seemed to have used a magic to erase her presence, similar to what Clarice possessed.
“Are you alright?!”
“Yes, I’m fine now. The blood that was lost seems to have been restored within my body.”
“Why! Why are you alive! AAAAAARRRRRGH!!!”
The weeping saint was dragged away. Due to the homicide within the Commercial Guild, we were taken in for questioning for a while.
“Delas, Clarice, that was quite an ordeal.”
“I’m sorry. It was my complete carelessness, a mistake.”
“Mine too. I’m sorry, especially with Nina not here.”
It was already evening. We finally emerged from the Ruanko Security Headquarters and apologized to Nina, who was waiting for us. Her expression conveyed genuine concern.
“I let my guard down completely after overwriting my abilities.”
“I completely forgot that she, Clarice, was being targeted.”
“I also thought it was safe within the Commercial Guild. I never expected a saint to attack so recklessly.”
“However, though the loss was painful, in the end, it’s good that you’re safe. So, what’s the plan now?”
“Yes. Regardless, let’s proceed to the Church of the Goddess as originally planned.”
We headed to the Church of the Goddess headquarters, being cautious, though I thought we were safe now. Nina decided to accompany us for extra precaution. It seems there are enemies even among our own. The interior was lavish, with murals and statues of various goddesses. The lighting, however, was provided by angels. Well, that’s neither here nor there. Thinking, “The power of offerings is amazing,” we were led to a rather conspicuous altar where an old woman in pink clerical robes sat. I had met her once, but I recalled her anew. She was the most important person in the Church of the Goddess, His Holiness, Renan.
“I am Clarice.”
“I have heard the story. It seems you had quite an ordeal.”
“Lord Renan, I deeply apologize for being late.”
“We also bear responsibility. More importantly, is your physical condition…”
“Yes, I am fine. Please accept this.”
She presented the offering, repackaged in a beautiful cloth. The contents were properly replaced. An elder, looking like a high-ranking saint, examined the contents. Inside was the rare item, ‘Succubus Underwear.’ Well, it was a last resort.
“This is quite a good item. I shall cherish it.”
“It’s fine!”
“Well, I did include platinum coins with it!”
“Now then, Clarice.”
“Yes.”
“I shall acknowledge your significant contribution to our Church of the Goddess.”
“Thank you.”
“Let us confirm your personal skill.”
An old man, appearing to be an illusionist, emerged. He looked impressive. Holding his staff, he scrutinized Clarice. He cast the spell without incantation.
“It has become a new personal skill. There is no danger. I shall keep the details confidential.”
His voice was deep and somber. And it was good that he understood the situation.
“Then, Clarice.”
“Yes.”
“I shall bestow upon you the final trial.”
Here it comes!
