“SHEESH, I told you not to hurt other people anymore.”
“How could I not when this old hag was trying to kill my goddess—”
“Don’t means don’t.”
“Boooo…”
After lecturing Iris where she sits kneeling on the ground, I exhale a small breath and change tack. “But you did save me, so…” I pat her on the head just the way she likes. “Thank you. Honestly, I might’ve died if you hadn’t intervened, Iris.”
“Ehehe… Iris is being shown favor,” she purrs.
It’s anyone’s guess if she actually understands, but it’s true she saved my life. I’ll spoil her to bits to show my gratitude. As I’m gently patting her on the head, the other believers timidly approach.
“E-Excuse me… W-we also threw goddess statues! So!”
“So?”
“Erm, a patting…”
I narrow my eyes on the group of restlessly fidgeting believers.
“Were you not listening to me earlier? I told you it was dangerous. And anyway, it’s way too risky if everyone throws them at the same time! It’s a good thing they all missed aside from Iris’s…”
“Tch! We shall practice throwing starting tomorrow—”
“Don’t.”
“Yes’m.”
They’re an unstable group from beginning to end. I overlooked it before, but a complete crackdown on them might be necessary for the world and all the people in it. Sighing, I glance toward the unconscious Jela being tied up with rope by the soldiers. Just to be safe, I healed her with my left hand, so we shouldn’t have to worry about her injuries.
“I found him! I found His Majesty!” Lex calls out from the “love nest”—also known as the rundown cabin. I had him scout it out first to determine if it’s safe. I go inside with Pino and Sir Oden.
“It’s crazy dusty in here.”
“The stench of mold is overpowering too.”
With only a plain desk and a chair covered in cobwebs, the cabin shockingly lacks any signs of being lived in. I’d never want to live in a place like this for any amount of time. It’s in the corner of this drab shack that we find Lex. He’s holding up a horribly emaciated man.
“Your Majesty!” Sir Oden rushes over to the gaunt man as if coal had been lit under his feet. Judging by that reaction, this man is unquestionably Grantz’s king.
The king’s parched, cracked lips slowly part. “Oden. You’ve done well coming here…”
“I couldn’t have done it without the others, sire.”
“Cia… Is Cia safe?”
“Yes, sire. She is safely waiting back at the castle.”
“…Is she?” No sooner does the king crack a relieved smile than his expression turns serious. “Incidentally, Oden, did you enjoy announcing my once-in-a-lifetime proposal for all to hear? Hmm?”
“…Your Majesty, it appears you haven’t fully regained consciousness yet. Please rest comfortably until we return to the castle—”
“Oden. Be prepared for consequences later.”
“Y-Yes, sire…”
Even the brave and mighty Sir Oden is like putty before his king. Pino and I are quietly laughing when the king shifts his gaze to another corner of the room. A staircase descends from there.
“Below is Lia…and the Dark Djinn.”
“Please leave the rest to us, sire,” Lex soothes. Mind set at ease, the king’s eyes close. He’s lost consciousness. Lex entrusts the king to the other knights and rises to his feet. “Let’s do this.”