In the pot adorned with the goddess’s emblem, Ms. Barbara and the Clergy prepared Holy Water. Just like in the Territory of Kelvim, everyone gathered around the pot, praying together. Perhaps because we were doing this in the garden of the Duke’s Secondary Residence, the townsfolk began to notice and gathered to listen.
Afterward, we added lightly roasted chicken, potatoes, and vegetables to the pot and let them cook. We sautéed corn and onions in butter, then mashed and melted them into a hearty corn soup. Mr. Gilbert, who took on the task of mashing until the roux became creamy, seemed quite satisfied with the resulting velvety soup. He might have a knack for cooking after all.
In addition to those who had been captured by the Undead Slime, the young knights of Jiemeld and the townsfolk were also encouraged to partake, so we distributed the finished soup into the pots brought by the townspeople.
“This pot is amazing! Even when you serve it into other pots, the soup doesn’t decrease!”
“Is the content increasing…? What a mysterious pot!”
A little girl and a pregnant woman, who helped distribute the soup, exclaimed in surprise.
The “Goddess’s Blessed Purification Soup,” conceived by Mr. Gilbert, was shared among everyone, and we all prayed together for it to nullify the terrifying effects of the Undead Slime. According to Ms. Barbara, the pot was in the best of spirits.
The next morning, when the Clergy checked on the Duke and the knights, they found that most signs of Undead transformation within them had completely vanished. Mr. Gilbert and I clasped our hands together in joy.
After observing the situation for half a day, we prepared to set off southward towards the Ureri River. While we were getting ready, we received word that about ten knights had arrived in the capital on horseback. They were not knights of Jiemeld.
These knights made their way directly to the encampment set up in the garden of the Duke’s Secondary Residence. Upon spotting Lord Lionel, they dismounted and knelt before him. Each of their shields, like Lord Lionel’s, was painted black.
“You all… have come for me?”
“We heard that the Commander had resigned… and thought something must have happened. We wish to offer our assistance, however small it may be…”
They had left the knight order immediately after the announcement of Lord Lionel’s resignation, inquiring about his whereabouts in the Territory of Kelvim before making their way here. Their muddy appearance suggested they had hurried through rough terrain in inclement weather.
After receiving an explanation of the situation from Lord Lionel, they approached me to offer their apologies. It seemed necessary for them to find closure. Although I no longer harbored any ill feelings, I accepted their words graciously.
“Actually, my wife… has regretted it deeply. Jealousy is a fearsome thing.”
This confession came from a middle-aged senior knight. After a moment of hesitation, Lord Lionel continued.
“The knight order comprises both commoners and nobles. Among the nobility, there are those from prestigious families and others in more precarious positions. They tend to cater to those with strong influence, and regardless of their original status, the pursuit of success can easily warp their hearts. This is not to excuse their actions, but…”
I smiled gently at Lord Lionel and nodded, accepting his words. It was difficult to categorize as right or wrong, yet I could not entirely dismiss the understanding of it. Many belonged to the noble society, and various motives often intertwined.
More than that, the stories of Jiemeld’s past that I had heard yesterday lingered in my mind. The tragic events that arose from the swirling negative emotions born in the shadow of glory.
When I lifted my gaze, I found Mr. Gilbert looking at me with concern. He always seemed to be by my side when I needed him. The sadness faded, and the feelings of anxiety and anger unraveled. To me, Mr. Gilbert felt like a mysterious sorcerer.
──At the very least, I might be incredibly fortunate to have Miss Chelsea, to visit Mr. Dolf and Ms. Barbara, and to have met Mr. Gilbert in this way.
As I continued to prepare lunch alongside Mr. Gilbert, Ms. Barbara approached us. Since yesterday, both Mr. Dolf and Ms. Barbara had been unusually quiet while listening to the Duke’s story. They still wore somewhat forlorn expressions.
“…Jealousy, inferiority complex, envy. Emotions everyone possesses, yet they can be quite troublesome…”
Perhaps due to the earlier conversation, Ms. Barbara seemed a bit downcast.
“Hey, Flora-chan. Before I told you about the Selfless Blessing, you probably hadn’t heard much about it, right? Didn’t you find it strange?”
“Now that you mention it… Yes. I’ve heard about Lord Sidney and the Clergy, but since it’s part of the old teachings, I accepted it. Indeed, I hadn’t heard much about it before.”
The various meanings and blessings of prayers to the goddess, and the gifts they bestow. It felt odd to realize that, despite living in a country that worships the goddess and seeks her power, I had been unaware of so much.
“Prayers are unseen, and blessings can sometimes grant overwhelming power. Of course, such immense power only manifests in situations where it’s truly needed… Yet, the strength born from a heart that thinks of others can sometimes cloud the hearts of those unexpected.”
Ms. Barbara murmured this with a wistful tone, gazing up at the distant sky. Mr. Dolf, who had been listening nearby, sat down beside Ms. Barbara.
“After all, if you assert the Selfless Blessing, its meaning changes. Not just blessings, but there are those who say, ‘I did this for you,’ right? At that point, it loses its power as a Selfless Blessing.”
Seeing Mr. Dolf and Ms. Barbara with their shoulders slumped, Priest Sidney approached.
“That’s true. When teaching at the church, we often avoid using direct words. If one cannot realize it themselves, it holds no meaning… If it spreads too widely, it can be misunderstood, yet if kept secret, it can also lead to misunderstandings for those who are unaware. It’s quite a dilemma.”
After letting out a sigh, Priest Sidney met the eyes of Mr. Dolf and Ms. Barbara, smiling with deepening wrinkles. The three of them turned to look at us. I felt Mr. Gilbert flinch beside me.
“Well, you two seem to be doing just fine.”
“As long as you keep thinking of each other, that’s all that matters.”
“Yes, yes. Call for the priest whenever you need one.”
For some reason, their expressions and words felt laden with meaning, making me fidgety. It had been a while since both Mr. Gilbert and I had acted so suspiciously together.