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Shione and I shared the findings we gained from our brief conversation instead of searching for Edelin together.

“You disappeared so suddenly, I was stunned…”

Starting with our unique encounter with the World Tree, it felt as though we were abruptly transported to different realms.

Moreover, I conveyed the intel I received from the World Tree, highlighting the targets we might aim for—information regarding angels and demons.

“So, are you saying that the World Tree instructed us to be cautious not just of demons, but also of the Church’s angels?”

Since I had already divulged much about the continent’s divine matters, I simply nodded in agreement to her statement.

Then, Shione lowered her head momentarily, staring intently as she contemplated before suddenly furrowing her brow and speaking in earnest.

“Even if it comes from the World Tree, those are words the Church won’t easily overlook…”

“Indeed, they could easily be construed as blasphemy.”

“I think it’s best for us to keep this between ourselves. To suspect angels—even in our family, which doesn’t have the deepest faith—could be quite taboo.”

“Certainly, that would be the wiser option.”

This continent is notably stricter regarding blasphemy than others.

The existence and influence of divine power are evident, and their bestowals are more focused on healing living beings. Those who grew up witnessing the divine’s sanctity were busy worshipping it.

Historically, when wars erupted against demons in the past, angels descended to aid and vanquish the foes.

To express doubt or blasphemous thoughts about the divine is frowned upon, not only by the Church but also by the general populace.

Perhaps it would be sensible to let go of our suspicions regarding angels until we can transform them into certainties.

“So, Shione, how does your experience regarding the trials of the first head of your family stand?”

“Oh, regarding that…”

Shione raised her tightly clenched fist to show me.

As the tension escaped her hand, what lay within was revealed: a pendant adorned with gems that shimmered like moonlight.

“The World Tree crafted this pendant using the absorbed energy of my ancestor.”

“A pendant, you say?”

“Yes! If I place this pendant under my pillow while sleeping, I will be able to undergo the trials again.”

“It’s astonishing how such a small pendant could be so powerful… it truly is magical.”

I was unsure how this pendant came to be, but as it was made directly by the World Tree, it should work as intended.

Later, once I returned to the Count’s House and had sufficiently researched the demon of illusions and dreams, I could face those trials again.

Shione narrated how the World Tree and the first head of the family shared a deep, friendly bond, unlike the serious discussions I had with it.

After finishing her monologue of self-praise, a proud Shione and I finally tidied up our space.

“Edelin must be waiting outside, so why don’t we make our exit?”

“Sure, I think the Grand Elder had something to share with us as well… it wouldn’t be polite to continue our conversation here.”

Stepping down from the altar, we moved outside the communal area.

The flower garden, once a mess from the fierce winds when the World Tree appeared, was now peaceful and unscathed, showcasing its beauty without a trace of the past chaos.

Thanks to that, Shione was busy glancing around, and I matched my pace with her lively steps.

Once we exited the cave, right in front was Edelin, standing and waiting for us.

“Hero Shione, and Hero Ray. Did you enjoy your conversation with the World Tree?”

“Edelin.”

“Thanks to you guiding us here, we concluded our talk with the World Tree on good terms.”

“I’m glad to hear that. The energy I felt from the World Tree outside was very bright, so it must be satisfied with your discussions.”

The atmosphere was warm and cheerful.

Shione no longer displayed tension when interacting with Edelin as she had before.

Edelin seemed delighted by this change, offering an even warmer smile.

“Then, let us ascend to the surface. It’s time for me to share what I had been eager to discuss… an introduction to the honors that Great Forest wishes to provide you heroes.”

The honors they planned to bestow upon us, results from our time spent in the Great Forest.

We listened carefully to the just rewards we would receive before leaving the Great Forest.

—

The Great Forest promised a friendlier relationship with the Kingdom and, moreover, stipulated an alliance akin to blood ties with the Count Shianella’s House. This was acknowledged by the heads of the remaining two noble families beyond Ianette, as well as the other elders. If necessary, borrowing the military forces of the earls would be feasible.

Additionally, the carriage we were to ride in was filled with treasures from the Great Forest. The hospitality we received during our travels was unmatched compared to before. As a slave treated like royalty, it increasingly became a peaceful and tension-free life.

Just as preparations for our journey back to the Count’s House were concluding…

The eldest daughter of the Kalia Marquis family, who kept a keen eye on Allen Kalia, and Shione’s schedule—a mix of responding to Edelin’s summons and scheduling meetings with other noble heads—had not allowed for much interaction with Eunice Kalia, who had wanted to speak with us urgently this morning.

“Hmm…”

Shione furrowed her brow upon reading Eunice’s handwritten letter. The sense of urgency and seriousness in the writing was obvious.

Diolia, observing her, frowned and remarked.

“You said Eunice mentioned not only Shione and Ray but even my name as well, correct?”

“That’s right. The young lady of Kalia wrote that it would be beneficial if Lady Diolia also joined us for the meeting.”

“The fact that a lady of the marquis family wrote a letter in such a rushed manner signifies her urgent situation. I think it would be wise to accept her request.”

Shione nodded at Diolia’s suggestion. She conveyed her agreement to accept the request through the servant who brought Eunice’s letter.

As Diolia excused herself momentarily to prepare, I took the opportunity to inquire of Shione.

“The tone of the letter felt quite serious. Do you have any suspicions, Shione?”

“Me? Well, I might, but… I’m not confident enough to say it outright…”

“……”

“… Why are you looking at me like that?”

“……”

“Oh, why now of all times?”

It seemed like Shione rarely got flustered, but now she was blushing as I gazed her way.

“Ugh, fine! Just say what you want to say!”

Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Shione burst into a lighthearted rage, chasing me in an effort to give me a playful smack on the back. Ultimately, exhausted from the chase, she waved the white flag.

“… I can’t help but think it might be that Allen guy.”

“Are you talking about Allen Kalia?”

Shione nodded quietly.

“The priest appeared absent-minded, and I couldn’t shake the feeling I should be cautious around him. Plus, same as the last time, Eunice asked me how I perceived Allen.”

“Interesting.”

“Considering his already poor reputation, I suspect he must have gotten himself mixed up in some serious trouble within his family.”

I nodded at Shione’s reasoning. It seemed a plausible hypothesis, and it was understandable.

“Well, I guess we’ll find out when we see him.”

We concluded our preparations, harboring suspicions towards Allen Kalia as we set out.

Afterward, with Diolia rejoining us and the time arriving to meet Eunice Kalia, we would soon be exposed to shocking news.

“The Kalia Marquis family’s military rights have been entirely transferred to Count Shianella!”

“Furthermore… your sister, Young Lady Siabel Shianella, is on her way to the Kalia Marquis family right now.”

“Moreover, along with the military rights, she’s been granted Immediate Judgment Authority over the Kalia Marquis family members.”

…

Wait, why on earth is the situation unfolding like this?!

 

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