Epilogue And Thus, the Priest Demands the Very Best “Incredible work, Ares. The information you’ve gathered will be closely examined and passed on to the Kingdom.” As always, Creio responds to my report with meaningless thanks. In all honesty, the battle with Felsa was extremely arduous. I didn’t have enough supplies, let alone personnel, for that matter. Above all else, I still can’t believe that such a horrifying creature showed up in Golem Valley. It’s uncommon for someone of my level to face such a close battle. The Demon Lord’s army is advancing at a far more inconspicuous pace than the Church previously thought. I didn’t have a chance to ask questions, but let’s say for instance that the Holy Warrior did destroy the mother golems, then we will have to be more vigilant about who he goes up against. “I’m short-staffed. Send me more personnel.” “I’ll see what I can do.” I made my demand crystal clear, but Creio’s tone doesn’t indicate any sincerity. I need a firm commitment. A priest with the God of Order does not tell lies, but I also cannot trust claims that are open to interpretation. Creio must realize I’m ready to retort, as he adds incredulously, “But Ares, you take the easy route, do you not?” “Hey, I’m a priest!! In what world could you find a priest who can single-handedly take down a steel tiger?!” “No, you’re not a priest. You’re a crusader. And you came out on top, didn’t you?” He’s right on both counts. In terms of supplies and commands, I have been treated relatively well. But I’m not omnipotent, dammit! Creio continues, obviously trying to placate me. “Ares. You are a top-class crusader. You have defeated more followers of darkness than anyone before you. This is why you receive the most difficult assignments. Resources are limited, but you still bring the greatest results through the least expenditure. We’re able to divvy up surplus resources among other crusaders, and as a result, we can keep other factions of the Church quiet.” “I told you we won by the skin of our teeth, didn’t I?” “Ares, I have full confidence that you, Ex Deus, will overcome this hardship as well.” Creio’s tone is perfectly serene, and I give up on trying to persuade him any further. In these instances, he’s truly hardheaded. Thankfully, I have another option available. I’ll use Stey to put the pressure on Cardinal Sylvester. “…For the time being, the threat is behind us. We’ll continue to remain vigilant and level up here in Golem Valley.” “Understood. If something goes awry, inform me immediately.” The transmission cuts out, and I sigh deeply. I have enough priests on hand. Next, I want someone with scout capabilities in the fold. Amelia has been quietly waiting in a corner of the room during my communications with Creio, and she now starts to approach me, saying, “Well, at least things have calmed down a bit, haven’t they? Besides, it will take the Demon Lord some time to plan his next move.” “Good point… Let’s withdraw Stey and devote ourselves to raising the party’s level.” I’m concerned about the werebeast that got away, but all I can do is keep an eye on things. Just then, the door flies open, and a familiar cheery voice fills the room. “I’m baaack! Oh, Ares, you’re here, too!” “Oh, so you’re back. I assume you don’t have much—” —to report, I start to say. But the moment I turn to face Stey, I lose my train of thought. She hops toward me with a spring in her step and makes a peace sign with her right hand. “I finished all my work!” “……What happened to you?” Stey is covered in soot, black from head to toe. Her nose is darker than anywhere else. Something has obviously happened. Amelia puts her hand to her forehead and asks, “…What in the world did you—?” “? Um, nothing in particular?” Quit lying and bring Cacao out! “…Stey. Tell me everything, starting from the beginning.” “? I finished all my work, that’s all.” I’ve already heard that many times. Logically speaking, there’s no damn way you came out looking like that from nothing! That said, I doubt she has the self-awareness to realize she’s fibbing. What should I ask her to get the truth? “In other words…today was completely uneventful? Toudou raised his level without any problems?” “…No, he didn’t gain any levels. He couldn’t take down any golems today.” Stey looks at the floor as she answers. Okay, this is a dead giveaway—you know that, right? I grow weary as I stare at her. She quickly becomes flustered and blurts out in a high-pitched tone, “B-but, I did exactly as you told me! I put a bind on the bird werebeast thing, just like you said—” “Whaaaaa?!” This is futile… There’s absolutely no way I can get through to her. Stey is obviously flustered, and as I stare at her, my stomach aches for the first time in a long while. Just like that, we find ourselves departing Golem Valley. “Thank you for everything, Madam.” “Heh-heh-heh, don’t you worry about it one bit. Supporting the next generation is my duty.” I’m back at ever-so-nostalgic First Town church. The madam replies to me calmly, but her words are weighty. Just one of the reasons why she is so deeply respected here. “Please keep an eye on Wurtz for me.” “Fear not. He’s very sensitive… I’m sure there will come a day where you see eye to eye.” In the end, I was unable to reconcile with Wurtz. Of course, I knew that a genuine warrior like him would never accept my plan. I knew he would harbor ill feelings toward me, but it’s not like I hadn’t considered that beforehand. I could try reasoning with him, but there’s no point in me trying to force him to feel differently. The madam’s reassurance is a true saving grace for me. The clergy of Ahz Gried do not tell lies—if someone as cunning as her truly believes this, then she’s right—Wurtz and I will come to an agreement, someday. I say my good-byes and leave the church. Amelia and Stey sensed what was going on and waited outside for me. Looking at my face, Stey seems disheartened as she asks me softly, “Am I…f-fired?” “No, Stey, I’m not firing you. I still…have work for you. I will forge you in the fire and temper you in the flame.” “Y-yes, sir! I’ll d-do my best!” “Ares, are you sure about that? You can fire her anytime, you know.” Amelia’s barb cuts as deep as always. Stey grabs her by the sleeve and yanks on it. “Wh-whyyy would you say such a thiiing?!” Stephenne Veronide’s greatest flaw is in the disparity between her thought process and that of those around her. She has tons of other flaws, like tripping and falling all the time, or quickly losing concentration, but it all comes back to that fact. She has no idea what I’m thinking. For instance, discovering a werebeast while out with Toudou is well within the realm of what I asked her to report—yet, she failed to include it. Further, she never mentioned to me that she knows the reason why Limis can’t contract with the other seven elemental spirits. Stephenne has absolutely no sense of what is truly important—she’s only capable of doing exactly as she’s told. Stey is a moron, but her blunders are entirely due to my inability to properly educate her. “Is there anything else you didn’t include in your report?” “N-no, nothing else. I’m sure!” she answers without hesitation. Her credibility remains low, but all I can do is plug away at educating her. I pack my belongings into the runner lizard. Our next destination is the city of Cloudburst—outside the Kingdom of Ruxe. It will be a long journey. Unfortunately, I’ve never been there, but it’s a famous city. I can more or less tolerate our reasons for going there. Cloudburst—the water capital—is only a third-rate location for leveling up. No matter how vigilant the Demon Lord is, the chances are slim that his reach extends that far already. This should prove to be a good chance to throw him off our scent. It’s a shame that we couldn’t get Toudou’s level quite as high as we wanted in Golem Valley. Just as I get lost in thought packing my things, I hear a voice I hadn’t been expecting. “Lady Stephenne, at last we meet again.” “…Huh? Wh-what are you doing here?” The two people who were with Stey when I first took her under our wing approach us with hardened expressions. It’s a man and a woman, the two chamberlains who have looked after Stey since she was a child…Barnard and Vilma. It’s been over a month since they saw her last, when Stey joined us in Purif. Vilma ignores Stey’s confusion and takes a step toward me. Barnard looks at me silently, lugging a massive trunk with him. “What’s this about?” “We are indebted for your services.” Damn straight. I can’t blame you for pushing her onto me, but leave an instruction manual or something, would ya? Vilma bows cordially before continuing. “We sincerely apologize for all the trouble that Stephenne has caused you. Ares, sir, I’m sure you knew beforehand—” “Skip the introductions. I’m a busy man. Nor do I need your apologies. State your business.” “Understood… To put it frankly, we have come here on Cardinal Sylvester’s orders to take Lady Stephenne back with us.” That’s what I figured. Two chamberlains who have been largely set aside until now wouldn’t have any other business. “…What?!” Stey cries out hysterically, her eyes wide as saucers. Vilma doesn’t flinch and keeps her eyes on me. “We are truly grateful for everything you’ve done. This was surely a valuable experience for Lady Stephenne as well.” God, what a load of bullshit. Spare me. I couldn’t get rid of her when I wanted to, but now you’ve come to claim her? Her and Cacao?! Now you’re just screwing with me. “You’re here to take her back, now? I refuse. Apologies, but we have plans in motion.” Like hell I’m giving Cacao up. Astonished and even more wide-eyed than before, Stey quickly hides behind me, pressing her head into my back as she says, “A-Ares… I knew I could trust in you… I love you…” “…May we ask your intentions?” Vilma furrows her brow and gazes up at me. I doubt she was expecting this. It’s unlikely that anyone has ever said they don’t want to give Stey back. But even I can polish a turd. Stey is most certainly a steaming pile of garbage, but with Cacao, and her status as a cardinal’s daughter, she definitely retains two undeniable merits. “I have no intentions. I will make good use of Sylvester’s daughter. Tell him to let her go.” “…Ares, you are truly reckless,” mutters Amelia from behind me, but I am a crusader—I don’t yield to authority. If they have a problem, they can take it up with Creio, who dispatched her in the first place. That said, I don’t plan on returning her even if Creio tells me to. If he wants to make a compromise, then there’s gotta be something he’ll offer in return, no? Superiors have an obligation to take care of their subordinates. If they don’t, they’ll soon find themselves bereft of loyal men. Vilma lets out a brief sigh and takes out a small bag, offering it to me. I accept. I remove the contents, rough against the palm of my hand. Amelia raises her eyebrows at their peculiar shine. “Mythril buttons. From her robe… We’ve brought them with us.” “I see. What about them?” “They’re for you. Now, will you please allow Lady Stephenne to come with us?” I see how it is… Not unexpected, coming from a mercantile big shot like Cardinal Sylvester. I am well familiar with the world of transactions. Of course, I want the mythril so bad I can taste it. However— “Are you saying I should sell my subordinate for a mere bauble?” “…Ares… I adore you…” Stey nuzzles her face into my back and says what I hope is a joke. I don’t need love and adoration! You’re terrifying me! Just get to work! Vilma shudders in response and looks at me again, searching for an opening. “Let me be even more blunt. How much is she worth to you?” This language I understand—very much so. I decide to go for an easily understood reply. “Are you saying I should sell my subordinate for money?” “Yeah, take that! Ares would never sell me!” Stey pokes her head out from behind me and sticks out her tongue. She really doesn’t grasp her place in all this… Vilma must have read my next move, as her cheeks begin to twitch. Sylvester is a former legendary merchant. He has more money than he knows what to do with. I don’t need him as my enemy, but he would do anything, regardless of expense, for his beloved daughter. A single bag of mythril is a drop in the bucket. “I see unprecedented value in Stey. She’s high-level and extremely talented. She’s gorgeous, and although still immature, she has some definite assets. I’ve already devised plans that depend on her involvement.” “Wha? Whaaaat?! Ares, you love me, too?! Does this mean it’s mutual? Will you marry me?” Stey is prattling a bunch of nonsense, and Amelia is staring at her like she wants to rip her in half. I ignore them entirely and state my demands loud and clear. “I want mythril. Plus one hundred million lux. That’s my final offer.” “…We have half of that with us at the moment. Will you accept the remainder in installments?” “Huh????!!” Barnard opens the trunk without a word. They must have assumed what kind of guy I am—the trunk is loaded with a mountain of gold. Stey turns to stone. She rams her head into my back repeatedly, clearly feeling betrayed. Damn—with one hundred million lux, I can employ top-tier mercenaries for the long haul. Stey has definite potential, but I already have a priest on deck. No matter which way I slice it, taking the gold is more advantageous than trying to foster Stey’s true potential. Money makes the world go round. Well… This is it, then. Satisfied, I make a show of nodding my head. “This is an offer I cannot refuse.” “…We appreciate…your kindness.” Thinking of all the times I struggled dealing with Stey, this is obviously the sound decision. Lux gold currency is highly stable and easily exchanged in other countries. Vilma glares at me angrily but nonetheless bows deeply. She’s probably deeply regretting having let Stey go so easily in the first place. Serves you right. As I receive the trunk of gold, I peel Stey off my back as she shakes her head back and forth, truly in shock. At the end of the day, there’s no denying that she’ll be happier leading a quiet, calm life at the Church headquarters, rather than taking part in a potentially deadly journey. I muster the tranquility I haven’t felt for some time to address Stey in a friendly voice. “Stey, take care of yourself back home. I won’t forget you.” “N-no, I don’t wannaaa. I wanna be with you, Ares!” “That’s not happening.” “?!” Vilma comes forward, dead-eyed, and grabs Stey by the arm. That’s when I remember something. “Ah, by the way, I’m only selling Stey. Cacao stays here.” “????!!!” Stey is incompetent, but Cacao more than makes up for her. It’s the only thing keeping her conscience afloat. Stey finally realizes what’s happening and glowers at me with tears in her eyes. She can barely pronounce her words as she lays into me. “Um, Ares?! Cacao and I come as a set, y’know! With me included, we’re a real bargain!” “What is this, some kind of sketchy back alley deal?” “What’s that supposed to mean?! Oh! Cacao, no! Don’t go with hiiim!” Stey’s scream could shatter glass. Vilma and Barnard fidget restlessly as people begin to stare. I was only half joking. Neither Amelia or I can actually see Cacao, but it appears that it’s come toward us. Just what can you do without your covenant-bearer, Cacao…? Stey grasps at thin air as she hollers in disgrace. “Nooo!! Ahhhhhnnnngh! H-how are you two so friendly with Cacao?! You big ol’ cheater!” “…Take her away.” At my orders, Stey’s chamberlains grab her by the arms and quickly drag her away. She’s just as loud now as when she joined us— In a way, she’s a bit like her own walking circus. Her screams linger in the air before trailing off. Silence finally returns. Amelia simply asks, “Are you okay with this?” What’s that supposed to mean? For better or worse—makes no difference to me. “It’ll be really lonely without Stey around, but we have important business to attend to. Our journey is just beginning.” “That’s pathetic.” And here I tried so hard to consider Amelia’s feelings, only to get an acerbic response in return. Cacao may be invisible to us, but I get the feeling it’s dancing around near our feet. The Holy Warrior, Naotsugu Toudou—currently level 40. Our next destination—the water capital, Cloudburst. Our goal—capture a powerful water spirit. Stephenne believes that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. That’s why she put more effort into Ares’s assignment than anything she’s ever done before. Acting as personal escort, all by herself. She absolutely could not afford to mess it up. Her nervousness must have helped—she didn’t make any small mistakes like usual, and her escort duty went exceptionally well. None of the golems that usually appear had spawned, and Toudou and the others seemed highly suspicious of such circumstances. But for Stephenne, that was neither here nor there. Ares has taught her that she’s not a capable multitasker—a stunning yet accurate revelation. As she tended to her escort duties, Stephenne kept on walking, ruminating over one thing, and one thing only—making sure not to mess up, no matter what. “If Toudou runs into a werebeast, or a high-level golem he can’t take on, I want you to use earth magic to stop them dead in their tracks, okay? If you can completely bring them down, then by all means, go for it.” If Toudou ran into a werebeast or a high-level golem, she would stop them dead in their tracks. And finish them off. Stephenne was extremely invested in keeping watch on the party as she marched onward. It’s no surprise that she immediately noticed the giant birdlike werebeast flying high above their heads. When it appeared, she stopped it dead in its tracks, just like she was told. It was just the tiniest speck of a shadow, and Stephenne instinctively used her magic before she realized it. It was a gravity-enhancement spell that she had just finally remembered the other day. Thankfully, the spell worked perfectly, and the werebeast flying high in the sky crumpled like something had grabbed both of its legs, before plumetting to the ground. Toudou and the others made a ruckus at the sudden strange noises, but Stephenne simply put a serious look on her face and counted on her fingers to figure out what her next move should be. Just as Ares had said, she borrowed Cacao’s skills to stop the werebeast. That meant next, she needed to finish it off. If she could completely bring it down, then by all means, she had to go for it. That was her responsibility. “Wh-what the—? What was that?” Limis was bewildered. Stephenne couldn’t simply leave her in the dark, so she pondered for a moment before explaining. She hadn’t been ordered to keep any information secret—aside from Ares’s name. “This is my job! I’ve been ordered to defeat any of the Demon Lord’s underlings if they appear!” “Wha… Whaaaaa?! Really, Stey? You?” Aria was beside herself with shock. “Yes, that’s right! Me!” Stephenne nodded, clearly a bit proud. She promptly made her next move and headed down the cliff, making extra sure not to trip on the way. An unexpected sight had been awaiting her when she arrived. Five metal golems, their steely bodies curving elegantly, as they surrounded the downed werebeast. Arranged in something like a military formation, the golems turned to Toudou and company, who still didn’t understand what was going on. Meanwhile, Stey immediately sprang into action. They possessed immense power—as a mage, Stephenne could feel it. From her estimation, these were high-level golems. Much stronger than Toudou and her party. If Toudou ran into any high-level golems she couldn’t take on, Stephenne had to fight them herself. That was her command. “If Toudou runs into a werebeast, or a high-level golem he can’t take on, I want you to use earth magic to stop them dead in their tracks, okay? If you can completely bring them down, then by all means, go for it.” First, stop them dead in their tracks. Then, bring them down if she can. Oddly, Cacao had been shaking her head as if refusing to help, but Stephenne ordered her to channel every bit of their magic into an Earth Gravity spell and unleash it on the werebeast and all five golems. “Ugghh… Where did I go wrooong? I did everything as I was told…” Well, that’s because you didn’t defeat those golems…, she admitted with some hesitation. Honestly, she couldn’t help it. Earth elemental spells simply aren’t that powerful in terms of attack power. The fire spell that Limis cast afterward barely damaged them, too—obviously, her earth magic was destined to fail. She felt she followed her orders to the letter, but Ares still sold her off to Barnard and Vilma. She couldn’t believe it. He had been speaking so highly of her just seconds before… He changed his mind way too quickly. Barnard picks up Stey with an experienced hand and puts her onto their horse carriage. Vilma chides Stephenne, her eyes glazed over. “…Yes, yes. I’ll listen to your excuses later…” “Ares even called me reckless…” “Yes, yes. You can complain and moan to your father as much as you want—later.” Suddenly, Stephenne is hit with a revelation and claps her hands together. “…Oh… Of course! I just need to persuade Papa!” Stephenne is very close with her father. The reason she got the operator job was thanks to his intervention. She perks up immediately, but Vilma makes the same face she did when negotiating with Ares. “?! …C-come, come now, we’re going home! You must be tired. When we arrive at the Church, you can rest aaaall you want.” “Huuuh? I’m not tired one bit! It’s sooo unfair—Cacao gets to have all the fun!” Stey protests and kicks her legs as the horse carriage starts down the bumpy road. It’s hard to believe this is the room of a church. The scent of some unidentifiable incense lingers in the air, making Toudou’s brow twitch. An older woman sits in the center of the dimly lit room with a suspicious smile creeping across her face. Toudou can still remember her first impression of this woman as if it were yesterday—that this is no ordinary human being. Standing silently next to the cunning madam is Wurtz, and Toudou gives a slight bow of her head. “Thank you so very much.” “Heh-heh-heh, not at all. As a member of the Church, assisting the Holy Warrior is my duty.” It was a short period of time, but the training sessions really boosted Toudou’s prowess. She owes everything to Wurtz and the madam. If she could have exactly what she wants, Toudou would love to stay here and level up further, but a new destination awaits her. “I hear you’re headed to the water capital, yes?” “…Where did you hear that from?” Toudou’s question brings a grin full of hidden meaning to the madam’s face. She likely doesn’t intend to answer. Gathering her thoughts, Toudou finally asks something that’s been on her mind for a while. “…Madam, was it you who sent Stey—Stephenne Veronide—to our party?” Tripping, falling off cliffs, constantly forgetting things—the girl was a real ditz. Stey caused Toudou and her party a lot of trouble, but there’s no denying her powerful elemental spells and high level. And Toudou can’t forget her final words—that she’d been tasked with repelling the Demon Lord’s underlings. “No, that wasn’t me, dear. However—it’s true that she was dispatched to you by the Church.” In Toudou’s eyes, Stephenne isn’t a very competent human being. She’s not a bad person, but if possible, Toudou wanted her out of the party sooner rather than later. Her entire party recognized this—that’s why they went to such lengths to level up. However, if Stephenne only joined the party to protect them, then that changes everything. Looking back on it, there was something unnatural about her behavior—so much so that Toudou can’t believe that she never thought it was out of the ordinary at the time. Stephenne has already left Toudou’s party, meaning they have no means of confirming things—but thinking about it logically, there’s no way someone could be that incredibly klutzy. Looking back on it all, every one of her moronic charades seems like an act. She brought a werebeast that appeared out of nowhere to its knees and then drove off a group of five metal golems single-handedly, when Limis—who boasts the most powerful fire magic Toudou’s ever seen—couldn’t even damage them. She carried out this mission and then left. Could some ditzy young girl actually do all that? Not a snowball’s chance in hell. What’s more, she even went so far as to give Limis advice on how to improve after she got down on herself when her fire elemental magic didn’t work. “If you find someone as tough as Gar-Gar, I bet you’ll be able to form a covenant with them, for sure.” “I’m going to contract with a water spirit next. Cloudburst ought to have powerful ones inhabiting it.” Garnet is the most powerful of all fire spirits. There aren’t many examples of one contracted spirit influencing another. That said, if Limis can find a spirit as strong, or stronger, than Garnet, she should be able to form a covenant with it. Without a doubt, the only reason Limis realized this is because of what Stey told her. Although the Friedia family claims a prestigious elemental magic heritage, that doesn’t mean they have innumerable high-level spirits at their disposal. Limis has never had a chance to contract with an elemental spirit as strong, or stronger, than Garnet. She doesn’t know if she’ll be able to form another covenant—it’s not an easy task in itself. But she determines that it’s worth a shot, and Toudou is fully on board. Until now, Limis always thought that with Garnet by her side, she would have no issues. Maybe she was just in denial. However, her experience in Golem Valley, including seeing Stephenne’s mastery of earth elemental spells, made her realize that she can’t stay the same any longer. The party chose the water capital as their next destination in part because a water elemental spirit is oppositional to Garnet, a fire spirit, and Limis believes it’s her best chance at forming another covenant. Wurtz has remained silent thus far, but now he looks at each member of Toudou’s party in turn before speaking. “Holy Warrior. The water capital lies outside the Kingdom of Ruxe. If anyone there learns of your affiliation, you may find yourself wrapped up in a whole lot of trouble. Even in these times, when the menace of the Demon Lord looms, humanity will not gather as one. For better or for worse—your reputation as the Holy Warrior reaches far and wide.” “…Yes, sir.” Every town they’ve visited thus far has been within the realm of the Kingdom of Ruxe. They’ve been able to inform each respective town’s headman of their arrival and receive ample financial support and supplies. They’ve been provided with maps, tips for leveling up, and even some intel. But this is all because the party has remained within the Kingdom’s sphere of influence. Leaving its borders means that influence will plummet sharply. Wurtz continues, his voice full of vigor. “Yet, no matter which kingdom or town you visit, the influence of the God of Order, Ahz Gried, will remain strong. If you find yourself in need, please trust in the Church. They will be able to help you.” “…Understood.” Golem Valley has provided the group with so much. Powerful monsters and terrain they’d never seen before. Glacia joining the fray of her own accord. The group received training to acclimate to their newly heightened levels, along with a particularly idiosyncratic yet powerful new party member from the Church. In the end, they got a glimpse of another fearsome side of the Demon Lord’s army, although they have yet to understand exactly what they saw. They may have gained several levels, but their achievements don’t end there. Toudou opens and closes her hands, confirming the power resting within them. She can still move, and she’s surely become stronger, bit by bit. Not a single shadow of doubt is cast on her resolution to defeat the Demon Lord. Wurtz smiles mildly and forms the sign of the cross with his thick fingers. “And with that, may you go. Brave Holy Warrior, sir, as you face the journey ahead—may you receive the blessings of Ahz Gried.”
Chapter 28
25 min read