Chapter 276: I Will Choose Death (1)

Life in Helium passed smoothly, and the promised three days also quickly flew by. The day when the danger Mora had warned me about approached. I'm not sure exactly what crisis is looming, as Mora didn't directly mention it, but because I don't know, I plan to visit the temple.

To kill two birds with one stone, I'll also replenish my divine power. These days I've been spending hot nights with Adelia, kind of like we're on a honeymoon.

During this vacation, Marie and Cecily seemed to be conceding, as they didn't even make any particular interference.

Instead, occasionally, there were frequent instances where the two would look at me with intense gazes, as if their patience was running thin. It seemed like they needed to be appeased soon.

Perhaps because I might have to deal with all three of them simultaneously, I planned to take full advantage of this opportunity. There's still a chance that Marie and Cecily might try to entice Adelia.

However, the main focus of the visit to the Mora Temple was undoubtedly conversation.

Luminous is similar, but Mora has a particular tendency to cherish me, possibly because I saved the race she cherishes, the demons. She expressed joy at seeing me every day and having her temple erected in the Michelle Territory, where we can often meet.

She also mentioned that the concentration of divine power had increased several times since the demon's salvation through Xenon's Biography, so it was probably because of this.

'So, what crisis prompted you to summon me here?'

[I wouldn't want to spoil the fun by telling you in advance~]

As soon as I asked the question, Mora responded in a typical Mora-like manner. It feels like Loki from Norse mythology would give exactly that kind of answer.

In truth, it's not like I didn't anticipate this situation. Surely Mora had her own agenda, asking to see me three days later.

However, it's the fact that gods don't lie to their cherished believers that bothers me. The prophecy of a crisis seems to be limited to me alone. So, all in all, it might not be that big of a deal. With that in mind, I muttered inwardly and then spoke up.

'Alright. I'll go away now.'

[Oops! Sorry! I won't joke around anymore!]

When I really tried to leave, Mora urgently tried to stop me. She should have done that earlier.

As I listened to her pleading, I reluctantly opened my eyes that I had shut in determination. Concentrating, Mora's voice echoed in my mind.

[I just wanted to talk to you... hee hee...]

'Pretending to be pitiful won't work.'

[Ugh. You're getting more wicked the longer we're apart.]

'Thanks to whom?'

[Is this attitude appropriate in front of the goddess of darkness and rest?]

'If you harm me, as I said last time, I'll depict you as secretly a devil.'

[Sorry.]

Simply by overhearing our conversation, one might think I'm an impious person daring to curse at a god. However, all of this can be seen as Mora's coquetry or jest.

No matter what empty words I utter, one flick from Mora's finger could end my life.

She, who can foresee the future, can discern that describing them as devils was a lie.

To the gods, including Mora, am I not just an adorable little pet?

A responsible owner would shower endless love and affection on their cherished pet, not trample or torment them.

In that sense, Luminous, Mora, and Harte could never be called evil gods. They are very benevolent gods in my view, who kindly accommodate pets throwing tantrums or being mischievous. However, kindness should not be mistaken for weakness. Just as pet owners sternly correct their pets when they misbehave, the gods do the same.

'Everyone is nice, but I hope Harte doesn't get sick.'

[Mom says her back has been bothering her lately. There might be an earthquake soon. So, be careful.]

Harte, as mentioned earlier, is the goddess of life and nature. Being a nature goddess, she also oversees natural disasters. If she becomes angry, volcanoes erupt, and if she accidentally gets hurt, earthquakes occur—truly a goddess intertwined with nature.

Although there hasn't been a natural disaster catastrophic enough to cause a nation's downfall recently, historical records show terrible calamities causing countries to collapse.

[If the population increases and science advances, the frequency of natural disasters will increase as well. Like your Earth.]

'Does Earth have a nature god like Harte?'

[Of course. There's never a place where humanity exists without a nature god. Earth is precisely a planet where humanity naturally evolved.]

'But isn't Earth struggling now due to global warming?'

[Definitely struggling. In human terms, the heat isn't going down, only steadily rising. The increase in the frequency of natural disasters is also due to this rising heat.]

When conversing with the gods, interesting stories pour out. In my past life, I was an atheist, so their stories feel just like another fantasy. However, being an atheist also means there are parts I don't understand.

That is precisely the gods of Earth mentioned by them. This means, in other words, that transcendent beings like them also exist on Earth. However, apart from myths and books, the gods have never directly spoken to humanity. There were 'sages' like Jesus or Buddha who existed, but whether there are gods is unknown.

'It's puzzling. Why don't the gods of Earth directly communicate with humanity?'

[There are many complex reasons for that. Firstly, there are so many gods, numbering in the hundreds, that if one starts, they'll all follow suit. Unless there's considerable chaos, it's very rare for the gods of Earth to directly communicate with humanity.]

'What do you mean by considerable chaos?'

[Like when holes open up in other dimensions due to a demon invasion and all sorts of monsters come flooding in? But Earth's dimension is so robust due to the abundance of gods that such incidents are almost nonexistent.]

Hunter genre, huh? But I wonder if I breached that sturdy defense and reincarnated here. Suddenly, I'm curious about why the devil worshiper who summoned me pierced through Earth's dimension to summon a devil.

If it went as planned, wouldn't it have caused a major incident akin to the events in Xenon's Biography? Whether it's a stroke of luck or a karmic retribution, the heads of the devil worshipers are probably exploding due to my arrival.

'But is it okay for you to just tell me such stories?'

[We have no problem with you using this as material. On the contrary, it's perfect for advancing the culture of this world.]

'Hmm...'

Indeed, instead of a World War II novel planned after Xenon's Biography, I was planning to delve into similar stories in a sequel. But that's a distant future, so let's move on and get back to the main point.

'Got it. By the way, the story took a sudden turn, but when is the crisis you mentioned going to occur?'

[In about 3...]

'30 minutes?'

Thirty minutes seems both insufficient and yet sufficient time to prepare. Moreover, Mora will respond promptly, so there shouldn't be a problem...

[...minutes?]

'Excuse me?'

[Three minutes left.]

How devilish! Rather than being flustered by the revelation that the impending crisis is only three minutes away, I felt more bewildered than anything else. Could it be that all this chatter until now was just to stall for time? Even such rational doubts crossed my mind.

[Heh.]

Right. Seeing her laugh like that after reading my mind, it's clear.

For a moment, I was at a loss, my mouth hanging open in disbelief. But then, I started to brainstorm ways to deal with the impending crisis. However, whether I act to address it or not, shouldn't I know what the crisis actually is? So, I hurriedly asked Mora.

'Can you tell me what the crisis is? Since there's only three minutes left, you should be able to tell me.'

[To be honest, it's not that big of a deal. Just your mother showing up at the temple, that's all.]

'Excuse me?'

No. How did she show up? Did she perhaps rummage through my room looking for Gartz's summoning circle? It's a plausible story. But just in case, I locked the drawer containing the summoning circle and kept the key in the safe. So, it would be very difficult for my mother to break through that.

[Oh, that? She just tore the lock off with sheer strength.]

'Wait, does that mean my mother is some descendant of a hero or something?'

[No, nothing like that. She just grew stronger over time while being with your father. You're even starting to develop your own talents, albeit a bit late.]

Mora alluded to divine power and an excellent mentor, Adelia, but my growth still seemed unreasonable. Even when I received basic knight training, the standards were too high, although I was praised for my potential.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to go at it all night during my first night with Marie. Anyway, let's move on from our family's talents for now; the priority is to get out of this crisis. If mother truly reached Helium through Gartz, it wouldn't be long before she realized I'm here. I remember visiting the temple with Cecily.

[Do you want to hear a really good idea I have?]

'What is it?'

As I pondered how to overcome the current situation, Mora asked me with a subtle voice.

She chuckled mischievously before replying with an expectant tone.

[How about opening your eyes and looking at the mirror?]

'...No way.'

This situation feels like déjà vu, like I've experienced it before. Have I?

Without hesitation, I opened my eyes and turned towards the mirror. In each private worship room, there's a full-length mirror to check your appearance.

And sure enough, when I looked at my reflection in the mirror, all I could do was sigh.

'Oh, please...'

In the mirror stands a stunning beauty with a bun on her head, a woman who could be called divine if she let her hair down. It's the grown-up version of my adorable little sister, Lily, but with the appearance I would have if I were a woman.

I don't know about anything else, but I can't help but think that my large breasts are just too much. They make me seriously ponder if there's anyone bigger than Cecily and Cherry.

I'd rather choose death.

I closed my eyes tightly while looking at a beauty that truly fits the description of "needlessly beautiful" reflected in the mirror.

[If you go out like this, even your mother won't recognize you... Ouch!]

'Huh?'

Just as I was about to reproach Mora with a sigh, her scream suddenly echoed in my mind. It was a scream as if she had been struck by something, and sure enough, Mora's tantrum immediately reverberated in my head.

[Jeez, why hit me! That hurts! Can't I even joke around? ...Fine! Fine! I won't do it if he doesn't want me to! I'll change something else instead of gender! Seriously...]

It seems she had a proper quarrel with either Luminous or Harte. Honestly, she really crossed the line.

After grumbling for a while, she quietly spoke to me with a voice full of disappointment.

[Mom told me not to do that. I guess it's like neutering a pet on Earth, but I don't really understand.]

'Phew!'

Quite an apt analogy, Harte.

I always feel this, but they truly are gods with remarkable human aspects. Usually, when we think of gods, we imagine entities devoid of any human qualities, pursuing only their own interests, akin to sociopaths. However, they are incredibly compassionate.

But that doesn't mean they're easy to deal with. As Harte's metaphor went, to the gods, humanity might be nothing more than small and cute pets.

'So, what are you going to do now? If it's too much trouble, you don't have to help. It's just a small crisis, it'll pass on its own.'

[No, I said I'd help, so I'll help until the end. Let's see... Yeah. Okay, this seems good. Want to look in the mirror?]

Following Mora's instruction to look in the mirror, I cautiously opened my eyes and turned my gaze towards the mirror.

And...

'Oh?'

I couldn't help but be surprised at the somewhat familiar yet entirely different image reflected back at me.

With this, it's possible that even my mother wouldn't recognize me.

*****

"Hello, Your Highness. You're still as beautiful as ever."

"Hello, Mother. You're beautiful too."

Meanwhile, outside the temple, Cecily, who had been waiting, was in the midst of greeting Anna, Isaac's mother. They exchanged pleasantries with smiles, but Cecily couldn't help but feel inwardly surprised. She hadn't even dreamed that Anna would come here.

When she first heard the situation from Gartz, she planned to gently soothe and send her back. Despite the shock of Jin's death, she cannot stand in Isaac's way.

"It's my first time visiting Helium, and everything here's so beautiful here. So, I ended up delaying my visit to the temple. I'm sorry."

"Oh, no need to apologize. Hearing Mother praise our country makes me unsure of what to do."

But when Anna arrived in Helium, the situation took a turn. Anna fell head over heels for the beautiful scenery of Helium. Finding Isaac was one thing, but a new goal of Helium tourism was born, making it difficult to send her back willingly.

For Cecily, Isaac was the most important person, but Anna was also important as Isaac's mother, making it difficult to handle firmly.

Moreover, after praising her beloved homeland, Helium, Cecily's defenses had already crumbled.

"Dame Cross is here, but where is Marie?"

"Marie is staying at the palace right now. If Mother wishes, I can allow you to enter the palace."

"No, thank you. I also have my pride. I just came to check if Isaac is doing well, so I'll be going back soon."

Although the atmosphere seemed cordial on the surface, Gartz, who had brought Anna here, felt like he was on the verge of death.

He couldn't refuse the request of the benefactor's mother, but if he did it, he might hear something unpleasant from Isaac.

In Gartz's perspective, it's an undeniable situation tangled in confusion. All he can hope for is Isaac's leniency.

"Please don't scold Isaac when you meet him. Okay?"

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I don't think he'd dare harm Jin. He was just annoyingly reckless to visit Helium as if fleeing. It was disappointing for me as his mother that he only went with his daughters-in-law instead of us."

"I understand that feeling."

Step step-

At that moment, the sound of someone walking in the temple reached their ears. All those waiting outside the temple turned their gaze towards the entrance.

Isaac entered the temple for worship, and although many people had come and gone, now only Isaac remained. This was information they knew because they had calculated it, a fact also shared with Anna by Cecily.

Therefore, the approaching person must be Isaac...

"Huh?"

"Hmm?"

"What?"

There was no denying the puzzled expressions on their faces. The person walking out of the temple was someone completely unknown to them.

With long hair tied back like a woman and a refined appearance, one could easily mistake them for a woman at first glance.

However, with sturdy shoulders and a sleek yet robust physique, it's clear that he's a man. Up to this point, Isaac fits the bill.

But looking at his face changes the story. He looks unmistakably like Isaac, but the coloration is completely different.

With jet-black hair, exclusive to demons, and eyes as red as blood. Finally, there were even black horns on his head.

Unlike Gartz, whose horns grow like sheep's horns and Cecily, whose horns stretch straight up, his horns protrude slightly, but they're small.

An aura and appearance that could captivate countless hearts. And to top it off, a black suit that seems tailored to fit him perfectly.

With the appearance of a demon who lacks nothing, Isaac's acquaintances were dumbfounded for their own reasons.

Cecily questioned the existence of a horned demon without black mana, Adelia pondered the whereabouts of Isaac, and Anna took interest in the demon who possessed a charm comparable to Hawks.

Finally, Gartz... had no particular thoughts. Instead, like Adelia, he wondered where Isaac had gone.

As the demon from the temple approached them, Cecily spoke up as soon as she caught the scent of "peaches" emanating from him.

"Just a moment. You there, sir."

"Yes?"

The demon male looked at Cecily with a questioning expression. Cecily, meeting his red eyes with her own crimson ones, politely asked,

"Have you happened to see a red-haired gentleman inside? His eyes are golden."

"Um... I'm sorry, but I haven't seen anyone like that."

The man passed by without saying anything. As he passed, there was a feeling as if the thick scent of peaches filled the air.

So, could Isaac still be inside? For her, that demon seemed too suspicious. Above all, not a trace of the black mana characteristic of demons could be sensed from him. In other words...

'...Mora must be playing tricks again.'

That demon was definitely Isaac. Cecily could be confident, having suffered from Mora's tricks before. He might be disguised to avoid Anna, but the disguise fit too well. She watched the demon and Isaac moving away.

Originally, Isaac had a warm atmosphere, but just changing the color seemed to make him ooze with eroticism. It seemed odd to call a man erotic, but whatever.

The question now was whether to play along with his act or to speak up. Cecily, despite acting better than usual, already understood every detail. Naturally, she had to struggle to hide the laughter welling up inside. Even stopping her lips from trembling was difficult.

Looking at others, he seemed to have no idea who Isaac was...

"Hmm... This is odd. Just a moment, Isaac?"

Anna's calling of Isaac was so natural.

"Yes?"

The demon, or rather Isaac, who had slightly eased his tension, turned back with an air of foolishness.

"··· ···"

"··· ···"

"···Pfft!"

Hahaha!

Eventually, Cecily couldn't hold back the burst of laughter. No matter how much he changed his appearance or the atmosphere, Isaac was still Isaac. Full of gaps and overflowing with foolishness, truly someone who shouldn't let their guard down for even a moment.

'Oh, goodness...'

He was so lovable it was maddening.

Translators note:

Forgot to upload before going to sleep