I Will Buy Divine Power With Money! - Chapter 68

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

“And what about the dedication ceremony? It was so magnificent that I could truly feel the Sun God’s glory in that wonderful dedication ceremony.”

At Jun’s admiration, I patted the shoulder of Airic sitting beside me.

“The High Priest worked hard preparing the dedication ceremony. He thoroughly prepared by searching through all the records.”

“…It’s naturally what I should do as High Priest.”

Airic answered nonchalantly while drinking his tea.

However, perhaps because his long-cherished wish was fulfilled, his face was filled with a more gentle smile than usual.

“The formation of the Holy Knights was also excellent. You could see at a glance how well the knights were trained.”

At Yuri’s praise, I patted Seth’s back on the opposite side as if I’d been waiting for this.

“That’s thanks to our Order Commander!”

“Holy Maiden, you look just like a mother who’s dying to brag about her two sons right now.”

At Jun’s blunt words, both Yuri and Count Hindel spat out their tea simultaneously.

I looked fondly at the flustered Airic and Seth.

“Would you like to try calling me mother?”

“Holy Maiden…”

Unlike Airic who had grown accustomed to my nonsense, Seth’s ears turned red. This makes teasing him even more fun.

“These two have suffered so much because of me. Last time I was worried they might blow away in the wind.”

Yes, I’m so worried they might get swept up in the countless storm-like events that will come in about nine months.

Even though this world is slightly different from the original, there are still more similarities, so I can’t help but worry.

“Given their rather delicate appearance, such concerns might be understandable.”

While everyone was taken aback by my statement, only Jun expressed fervent agreement.

As expected, we’re on the same wavelength. I absolutely must become friends with him before leaving the Grand Temple.

“I’m no less delicate than them, but you don’t worry about me?”

Then Rute, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, grumpily interjected.

What’s this, does he want to become my third son?

“Who would have thought you coveted my sons’ position. At this age, I’ve ended up with three grown sons.”

Pfft, cough cough.

At my words, coughing erupted from all directions.

The Count couple and Yuri turned pale and glanced nervously at Rute, while Jun clenched his fists trying to hold back laughter.

“Originally, the youngest monopolizes all the love.”

Of course, the shameless Rute didn’t care at all.

Everyone’s bewildered gazes poured onto him.

Even Seth’s sense of betrayal as he blushed with embarrassment was the highlight.

“But I’m curious. Who’s the eldest, and who’s the second?”

“…Not sons.”

At Rute’s question, Seth struggled to voice his denial.

But unfortunately, no one was listening to him.

“Oh, that’s right. Who’s number one in the Holy Maiden’s heart?”

When Jun asked with excited eyes, everyone subtly leaned in as if they hadn’t been watching earlier.

I glanced at Airic and Seth.

Both seemed uninterested, but since they asked, I should answer.

“I suppose it would be the High Priest.”

“…Me?”

Airic, who had been drinking tea with a detached expression, looked at me with surprised eyes.

“Of course.”

Who else would be first if not Airic, who endured Ordel’s misdeeds the most, gritted his teeth to somehow lead the poor Grand Temple, and respected me even knowing I was a fake Holy Maiden?

I’m grateful to Seth for many things too, but still, Airic is the one I worry about most.

How should I put it, like a Korean eldest daughter?

“I didn’t know you thought of me that way…”

“It’s because the High Priest has been so good to me.”

“…Thank you.”

Airic, who had been fidgeting with his teacup, smiled.

Gently as usual, but somewhat shyly.

It was hard to look away from the reddened ear tips visible through his soft blonde hair.

Ha, Idella didn’t even have mental barriers like me, so how on earth did she endure the insane beauty of these male leads?

Maybe Idella’s greatest ability wasn’t divine power but mental strength?

“The Order Commander is second, but aren’t you disappointed?”

Then Jun asked Seth. He shook his head vigorously in denial.

“Not at all. Just…”

Unlike Airic whose only ear tips were red, Seth’s entire face gradually turned red as he spoke.

“I’m very happy just knowing you worry about me that much.”

It was quite a sight to see someone with such a pale face except for blue eyes turn so red.

Beauty attacks from both sides. It’s so good it’s overwhelming and killing me.

Without mental barriers, I would have collapsed long ago.

“Master Rute. It doesn’t look like there’s any love left for the youngest?”

Jun, who had been alternately looking at Airic and Seth sitting on either side of me, whispered to Rute.

“Cheer up, I’m rooting for you. Though there’s probably no hope.”

We can all hear you.

“Right. I’ll have to try harder.”

Anyone could see it was teasing, but Rute answered seriously while alternately looking at me, Seth, and Airic.

His wolf-like gray eyes glinted as he stared at us…

I don’t understand why. Is he really worried about becoming the unloved youngest?

…Should I really make him an honorary son?

“Duke, would you like to try calling me mother too?”

“I’ll pass.”

What? I was going to make him a son, but now he immediately refuses this too.

I grumbled and drank the rest of my tea in one gulp.

* * *

As soon as tea time ended and I was left alone in the bedroom, I called up the System Message window first.

【User’s divine power has surpassed 25%. Skill ‘Inventory’ is now open.】

The message that appeared as soon as my divine power increased.

At the time, there were too many watching eyes so I didn’t have time to think quietly and just passed it by.

【Skill ‘Inventory’】

User can store desired items.

(However, only items containing divine power or sacred power are possible.)

Inventory, one of the staple elements in romance fantasy novels featuring systems.

Having fully realized the convenience of inventory while reading novels, this was a very satisfying reward.

“Even with conditions, this much is more than enough.”

It means I can put divine power potions, holy relics, or sacred items all in the inventory, right?

Even if I face danger alone, with just the inventory I definitely won’t die easily.

For me as a contract Holy Maiden, this much is perfectly sufficient.

Knock knock.

“Holy Maiden. It’s Airic.”

Just as I was wondering whether to try putting a holy relic in the inventory as a test, there was a knock and Airic announced his visit.

“Please come in.”

Airic entered and bowed his head.

“Haven’t you changed clothes yet?”

Ah, I was so busy checking the system that I didn’t have time to change clothes.

Unlike me, Airic had already changed into his usual formal attire.

“The clothes are light and comfortable so they’re not too uncomfortable. But this is heavy so I’ll take it off.”

I was so absorbed in the inventory that I forgot I was still wearing the golden crown.

No matter how I look at it, it’s incredibly extravagant.

To not sell this even while struggling with poverty, they’re remarkable people.

“I have something to ask, so I requested a brief meeting.”

“Please speak.”

“When Count Kiris made me a fake Holy Maiden, did he give you any special instructions?”

At my words, Airic’s eyes widened.

“Count Kiris?”

“Yes. On the Count’s first day here, he threatened me to stop the potion business.”

I briefly explained what had happened then.

“You’re already busy preparing for the dedication ceremony, so I thought this matter would weigh heavily on your mind, which is why I’m only telling you now.”

“No…”

Airic furrowed his brow. Displeasure and slight anger rose to his face.

“…First of all, you’ve suffered keeping this to yourself.”

It wasn’t really suffering. Though I did smack my forehead repeatedly when I realized the flow was different from the original.

“And regarding your question, I have nothing I can answer either.”

Airic sighed and continued speaking.

“The Count was the one who first proposed establishing a fake… Holy Maiden. Regrettably, we weren’t in a position to be choosy about the situation at the time, so we had no opportunity to discern the Count’s intentions.”

I had hoped there might be even a small clue, but perhaps that was too much to expect?

“However, one thing.”

Then Airic cautiously added.

“The Count himself would have known that Daesinjeon was in no position to refuse the proposal, yet he seemed strangely rushed.”

“Rushed?”

When I tilted my head at the puzzling words, Airic continued.

“Yes. At the time, our situation was also urgent so we had no leisure to think properly, but looking back now, that’s how it was.”

“…”

“He seemed quite anxious, as if he had some kind of obsession that he absolutely had to push through a fake Holy Maiden.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————