[The excitement has worn off. I’ll take my leave.]
The handshake meeting was peaceful enough to make even the principal, who lived his life seeking only fun, shiver in dread.
Saintess Titosso and Senior Nepher-tem were busy screaming “Hieekk! Huhh!” in sheer terror every time they shook hands with the big shots, but ironically, the ones feeling fear were the handshake partners as well.
“Why do you think Saintess Titosso shows resistance towards me, the king of the Kingdom of Troy?”
“I don’t know. But I believe it’s certainly not a good sentiment. It might be an expression of having no goodwill towards a kingdom allied with the Divine Alliance.”
“The situation has truly become troublesome.”
It wasn’t only the Kingdom of Troy that was in distress.
The king of Atlantis was suffering even more anguish than that of Troy.
“Is there anyone who knows about that Saintess Nepher-tem? Gather information quickly. I need to understand why she left a curse saying she would be unlucky if she shook hands with me!”
“According to preliminary investigations by the Royal Information Department, Nepher-tem was a leave of absence student who struggled to accumulate points due to frequent accidents and disasters during her studies and had to be protected under a strong professor. This is noted in her academic record.”
“And what’s the problem with that?”
“Perhaps Nepher-tem’s exceptional divine power brings her misfortune proportionate to the amount of divine power she has yet to master.”
“What do you mean?!”
“In her practical sessions using her powers, disasters befell not only her but everyone around her. Having failed to comprehend how to correctly use the divine power bestowed upon her, she became frightened, resulting in a vicious cycle where only she suffers from the consequences.”
“Then what does she expect from me to show such a disgraceful attitude?”
After hesitating, the advisor who stood by the king finally spoke up.
“Combining the intelligence gathered by the Royal Information Department naturally leads to one conclusion. She has now learned the corrupted saintly art under Dark Princess Oknodie, which transfers misfortune to others, and is threatening that if she doesn’t receive offerings she finds satisfactory, she will project her misfortune onto others.”
“Corrupted saintly art?!”
“The ability of Oknodie to wield faith corruption is noted in Professor Raregrills’ class records of surviving the battlefield while serving as a commander, and it has already been revealed that the lightning god Matheus has succumbed to corruption and transformed into an Evil God.”
In today’s world, where the sects of the Divine Alliance wield power comparable to small country kings relying on divine power, the emergence of a strategic weapon capable of shaking even a deity’s tendencies left everyone with no choice but to declare unconditional surrender unless they wanted to face destruction.
“The principal and the foundation have birthed a monster that could herald the end of the world. How can the benevolent deities sit idly by in the face of such a vile talent that could lead to the abandonment of the age of gods!”
Even as the king of the small nation lamented, the author known as the Pope of the Divine Alliance was busy shaking hands with another saintess, Yufi, belonging to the Saintess Alliance.
“Now that we have lost support from the Empire, isn’t it only right for the Warrior Party to return to the embrace of our Divine Alliance instead of the Foundation?”
“How cheeky of you. You treated us with such disdain until now, and I suppose you’re afraid of the Foundation and Oknodie?”
“What can I catch by digging up the wind that has passed? I believe it’s appropriate to invite the spring breeze that strengthens our friendship while forgetting the cold wind of winter that has gone by.”
“Why should I care about what’s gone?”
“The foundation deals with Dark Mana. The warriors are destined to be exposed to the effects of Dark Mana. When your childhood friend finds herself in a fate similar to the Destroyer someday, do you truly think you can purify Dark Mana alone?”
Unlike Titosso and Nepher-tem, who were merely frightened by the situation, Yufi, who possessed rationality, found herself in the most disadvantageous position ironically.
Her rational demeanor made it easier for others to understand her, and instead of feeling ominous vibes from her incomprehensible demeanor, she felt approachable.
“Yufi. Why are you speaking needlessly? You don’t have to worry about such negotiations.”
“Ishitar… I’m sorry, but the words of the popes are right. With my abilities, I still can’t achieve complete purification…”
Ishitar placed a hand on Yufi’s shoulder.
Then, using short-distance telepathy, conveyed his thoughts.
– Oknodie can freely expel and absorb Dark Mana.
– What does that mean?
– She has an abundance of dense Dark Mana capable of summoning the Demon King’s Four Kings. I’ve believed for a long time that she possesses Dark Mana strong enough to be considered a true [Dark Princess], at least the minimum of the Four Kings, if not more.
– !!
– So as long as you’re allied with Oknodie, you won’t need the popes’ help. You don’t have to bow to those you’ve treated poorly during our difficult times.
Yufi was shocked.
Was Oknodie far stronger than she had imagined?
No. It was more about the fact that Oknodie and Ishitar had built trust so quickly that they barely recognized each other.
If Ishitar was right, Oknodie could not only absorb Dark Mana but could instead push it further in, potentially putting Ishitar in a dilemma at any moment.
Saying they could trust Oknodie and dismiss the popes effectively meant she placed absolute trust — enough not to consider any insurance.
“Let’s forget about what was said a moment ago. I seem to have been the only one unaware of the situation changing.”
Yufi regained her confidence and smiled softly.
The popes, bewildered by Yufi’s abruptly switched attitude, appeared flustered, but Yufi didn’t pay any attention to them as she sent them off.
At this point, she felt confident to shake hands with anyone and send them away.
‘So siding with Oknodie felt this reassuring?’
It was also astonishing to see Ishitar, who had always worn a frown while training, showing such a carefree demeanor that exuded a sense of liberation.
Now she envisioned herself adopting that attitude, boldly declaring that she didn’t need their help to the powerful figures.
As Yufi pressed the bell to signal the next person to enter, she met the gaze of someone coming through the curtain.
“Welcome…”
“Your conclusion came late. The gods, excluding the unique god I take as a state religion, even the messenger on the ground who upholds that meaning seems to be rather slow to speak.”
“Y-Y-you, Seonhwang?!”
“Do not be afraid. I have not come to harm these small and insignificant saintesses. I merely wish to borrow a seat for a meeting with my daughter.”
After Seonhwang sat down, Oknodie peeked out from behind the curtain moments later.
“Wow! Emperor Papa!”
“How have you been?”
“Thanks to you! But is it alright to meet the principal like this? You might have been discovered as someone with a dimensional barrier.”
“The dimensional barrier I showed to the Evil Dragon was only a small part. I deliberately compressed the properties of several barriers and made it seem as if I effortlessly blocked the versatile spells of the Thunder God.”
“Well, that’s a relief! What’s your business here?”
“It is only natural for a parent to attend when a child holds a cultural performance at the daycare center.”
“Wow, you’re so much kinder than Chairman Papa!”
The Emperor subtly expanded the dimension to sever the principal’s perception and conveyed words.
“I have questions regarding the Demon King’s Army, but seeing your form raises even more curiosity.”
“What about my form?”
“Not a single life response can be felt from your major organs, and your body is filled with Dark Mana, making it look as though I’m witnessing a spirit of death. What have you done to your body?”
“Gah! You noticed it at a glance; you’re amazing!”
“If one were to handle a power as unnecessarily massive as the Evil Dragon, they would not pay attention to miniscule powers. However, one who remains within the realm of humans pays close attention to the elements that constitute a human.”
With stern yet not cold eyes, the Emperor looked down at Oknodie and asked solemnly.
“So, are you okay with that?”
“I’m not in pain or anything! It’s a well-optimized build, and the [Dark Mage Body] fits perfect with the [Dark Mage Workflow], making it a useful 0-tier profound method to take to the end!”
“Then it’s settled. It’s the path you’ve chosen, and none have the right to prevent it.”
“Geez. Are you leaving already?”
“I have spent enough time here. Even at this moment, legions are waiting for my return in the Underworld. Offering death to the God of Death doesn’t sit well, but many destinies are waiting below that will raise the odds for the day of reckoning. I cannot let them be taken by those of the surface.”
“You’re truly noble! Then I’ll get in touch when the time comes!”
As if truly attempting to return home, the Emperor paused momentarily.
“Professor Jonnas.”
“…I’m listening.”
“Please take good care of my daughter. As a token of gratitude for the favor, I will take care of the rabble known as Belocassion on my way back.”
“I don’t need your instructions. I’m already the butler of the young lady. Orders from Wahyhiemhai, the Gift Academy, and even your orders are unnecessary.”
“What? Hahahah! The foundation has suffered a painful loss. Very well. I shall give you an additional favor for that spirit.”
The Emperor uttered one last word before leaving.
– According to intel gathered by my underground forces, it seems the Foundation’s butler has returned. It’s better to be cautious during this executive meeting as the butler will be in attendance.
