Chapter 339: Ending (N)
l After Story
Author: 4/25/2022 is the day the 9th volume will be coming out for sale!
Clearing the isekai with the Zero Believer Goddess, 9: The Sun Hero and the Water Spirit King**.
The illustration is of Furiae-san + Makoto.
And on this day, it will be the last chapter of the web version.
It is really long, but please take your time reading it. <TLN: No joke orz.>
*Pang Pang Pang!*
Fireworks were being shot at the capital of the Sun Country.
That said, it is morning, so there's only white smoke rising though.
The city is noisy.
I can hear the sound of instruments from music performances here and there.
The citizens were merry here.
The reason is obvious.
Today is a special day and it is a festival.
—Freed from the curse of the Calamity Witch.
There's barely any memories of the time when Nevia-san cursed the whole world.
According to what my comrades said, it was as if they were in a dream the whole time.
A world of dreams where no one got angry, and no one was sad.
When they were released from that spell and came back to their senses, they even felt a bit sad.
It hasn't been widely publicized that the queen of Laphroaig, Furiae-san, had her body possessed by the Calamity Witch and dyed the world in gray.
What was announced instead was only the result that the Light Hero had subjugated the Great Demon Lord.
Today and the whole 7 days that follow will become national holidays that will celebrate this most joyous moment.
It is also the wedding (second time) of the Light Hero, Sakurai-kun, and the Sun Country's Holy Maiden, Queen Noel.
The tops of every nation have gathered for this peaceful wedding, and the excitement of the capital of Symphonia just continued rising.
People from all over the continent have gathered to get a glimpse of the Hero that saved the world, and many stalls have been set by merchants in order to do business with those people.
What can be heard in the city are stories of how valorous the Heroes are, and how lovely and divine are the Oracles of the Goddesses.
Because it wasn't told to the people exactly how the Great Demon Lord was defeated, they would speak stories of the deeds of the Heroes and Oracles out of their imagination and heated up from it.
By the way, there's a rumor stealthily spreading around in the shadows of the Great Demon Lord subjugation.
That someone had conquered one of the Last Dungeons, the Deep Sea Temple.
The ones gossiping about it were the fishermen that were moving out to do their fishing at the ocean.
The fishermen that were unfortunately caught in the storm at the ocean.
They apparently witnessed something unbelievable at that moment.
That said, there were barely any people who believed it.
Because who would believe a story about a beast that came out from the sea all the way to pierce the heavens, stopping the falling moon, and several millions of Angels and Spirits were fighting. And then, when someone arrived at that place, the Deep Sea Temple at the back of the Divine Beast shone golden.
It is exactly because they saw it that they didn't doubt it was a dream.
And so, it is still thought that humanity hasn't reached the Deep Sea Temple yet.
Noah-sama's return is currently creating waves in the Divine Realm.
The residents of the Mortal Realm will learn of this a little further in the future.
◇◇
"Hey, Makoto, Aya, is it really okay for us to not head to the Highland Castle at once?"
"Hm?" "Eh?"
Sa-san and I look back at Lucy.
We are standing at the main street where stalls are lined up.
Furiae-san and Princess Sofia have headed off to the Highland Castle ahead of us.
Royalty apparently has a lot to prepare.
The ceremony will continue from noon to evening, and then there will be a celebration party after that.
Since we will have our hands tied for a long time, Lucy, Sa-san, and I decided to have lunch at the capital.
"There's no need to hurry, right? The ceremony will continue till evening anyways." (Makoto)
I munched on the kebab that had a whole lot of spicy seasoning on it while saying this.
The meat juice gushed out in my mouth.
"Yuum, so sweet~♡. This is delish, Lu-chan." (Aya)
Sa-san, who was sitting by my side, was munching down on a crepe that had a whole lot of cream and fruits in it.
"I see... Oh well, that's fine then." (Lucy)
Looks like Lucy, who was hurrying us, has reconsidered.
"Hey hey, give me this, this, and this." (Lucy)
Lucy is buying something at the food cart.
After a while, a number of drinks were placed by my side.
"Here, Makoto! Let's drink☆." (Lucy)
"Oi, Lucy, isn't this alcohol...?" (Makoto)
"Cheers!" (Lucy)
Lucy ignored my confusion and gulped down the fruit liquor that was in a small bottle.
"Lu-chan, right in the morning?" (Aya)
Sa-san was baffled by this.
But the reality is that I wanted to have a drink together with the kebab.
Lucy knows what I like, so she bought me ale.
I grabbed the bottle.
It is nicely cold.
I took the lid off and poured it down my throat.
"Kuuh, delicious." (Makoto)
Kebab and ale.
It reminds me of the days when I was at the Adventurer Guild in Makkaren.
I wonder if Lucas-san and the food cart old man are doing well.
Let's go meet them next time.
"Aah, even Takatsuki-kun. If you drink from the very morning, you will become a deadbeat, you know?" (Aya)
"Acting like a good girl~. You drink too, Aya." (Lucy)
"Hey! Don't force me to! Geez! Here, eat this!" (Aya)
Lucy forced Sa-san to drink what she had been drinking, and Sa-san shoved the crepe into the mouth of Lucy.
"Eh, wasn't that half-eaten?" (Lucy)
"Don't complain!" (Aya)
"Ah, but it is tasty." (Lucy)
"Right?" (Aya)
Despite everything said, Sa-san also joined in on the drinking.
And we are not the only ones drinking in the morning.
There were many drinking parties happening here and there, probably after being hit by the heat of the festival and their appreciation for the peace that has arrived.
What I could hear was stuff like 'Cheers for the Light Hero-sama!', 'Hurrah, Queen Noel!', and 'Glory be the Sun Country!' as they cheered.
(...It is a festival.) (Makoto)
I sipped on the ale as I observed that peace and noise.
"Here, Takatsuki-kun. Aah♡." (Aya)
I don't know where Sa-san bought it, but she was bringing pizza-like food to my mouth.
I bite into it.
"Tasty!" (Makoto)
The dense cheese and umami of the juicy ham was spreading inside my mouth.
This is the tastiest pizza I have eaten until now.
"Right? Here, eat more." (Aya)
Sa-san carried the food to my mouth all smiles.
No, I can eat on my own, and it is a bit embarra—
"Makoto, this one is tasty too!" (Lucy)
Lucy, who was sitting on the opposite side, pushed away the hand of Sa-san and threw some sort of deep fried fruit into my mouth.
"?!!!!" (Makoto)
When I bite into it, faint sweetness and saltiness like that of butter melted in my mouth.
It is the first time I tasted something like this.
"Lucy, what's this?!" (Makoto)
"Delicious, right? It is a fried fruit from a tree that's rare even in the Great Forest called the Spring Tree. I found it by coincidence in a food cart, so I wanted to have you eat it, Makoto." (Lucy)
"Thanks, Lucy." (Makoto)
"Ehehe." (Lucy)
I give a headpat to Lucy who is smiling cutely.
When I did, I heard a low 'muuh' from the opposite side.
"How about this, Takatsuki-kun? It is surely better than Lu-chan's." (Aya)
Sa-san pulled my arm.
"Hey, Aya, don't get in the way!" (Lucy)
Lucy also pulled me and it turned into a tug of war.
I can't drink like this...is what I was thinking and...
"Ooh, lad, aren't you showing off with two girls fighting for you! They are wasted on you."
"Yeah, totally. Cute lasses, leave that seedy man, we will take good care of you."
Drunk troublesome men appeared in front of us.
Looks like they came to cause trouble after seeing me be surrounded by Lucy and Sa-san.
The two are cute so it can't be helped.
"Ah?" (Lucy)
"Hah?" (Aya)
Lucy and Sa-san's faces turned serious in an instant, and they glared at the two men.
Those eyes alone would make dragons run away.
As expected of the daughter of the Crimson Witch and the Orichalcum Rank Adventurer.
"W-What's with you..."
"E-Even your angry faces are cute..."
The men falter for a moment, but it looks like they can't retreat from having girls glare at them.
(...Hmm, this is bad.) (Makoto)
I saw the future with the Time Spirits.
I saw a future where Lucy shoots a giant Fireball to scare them and Sa-san uses her Intimidation Skill, making the men fall on their butts and the people around run away.
This is a festival here, so it would be bad if that happened.
"Now now, guys, it is a festival, so let's have fun." (Makoto)
"Makoto?" "Takatsuki-kun?"
I stopped Lucy and Sa-san with my hand, stood up, and approached the men causing trouble.
"Ah? What's with you?"
"Can you even fight with that seedy body of yours?"
Looks like they are not getting scared at all when dealing with me.
Hmph, they are looking down on me.
—Moon Magic: [Charm].
I activate Charm with a smile.
I have ascended, so the power that Furiae-san gave me has been strengthened greatly.
"?!!!"
"......!!!!"
I made eye-contact with the two men and placed a hand on their shoulders.
And then, the two men that were glaring at me turned beet red and averted their gaze.
"A-Aaah..."
"?!"
"What's the matter, guys?" (Makoto)
I peeked at the faces of the two and their bodies shook -like puppies.
"H-Hiiih!!!"
"We were in the wrong!"
"No no, there's nothing wrong. You simply went overboard because it is a festival, right?" (Makoto)
I grab the shoulders of the two men who were trying to escape.
A strange cry came from them.
My face closes in on the two that were trembling beet red.
They are not making eye-contact with me.
"S-Spare us...!"
"Don't grab me so hard!"
"Now, if you feel bad about it, how about praying to Noah-sama in the future?" (Makoto)
"U-Understood!!!"
"I will convert to Noah-sama!!"
"I see, I see." (Makoto)
I tap the shoulders of the two and free them.
""Hiiiiiiiiiih!!""
The moment I let go, the two men instantly dashed off.
The ascended Charm is nice. I can cast it on anyone regardless of gender.
That said, it is not like I have mastered it that much, so it will only affect the men just now for a day.
A good night's sleep will have the Charm gone.
Anyways, it is great that we managed to solve this peacefully.
"I'm done, Lucy, Sa-san." (Makoto)
""......""
I look back with a smile, but there was Lucy and Sa-san making faces as if they saw something they shouldn't have.
"Makoto...what was that just now?" (Lucy)
"...Takatsuki-kun...what did you do?" (Aya)
"I simply used Charm magic." (Makoto)
I give a straight answer.
After that, I explained to the two about the effects of the ascension.
"And so, I will deal with the bad men that try to cause trouble to you two!" (Makoto)
I gave Lucy and Sa-san a thumbs up and smiled at them.
But Lucy and Sa-san's faces turned even grimmer.
"Makoto, you are prohibited from using Charm!!" (Lucy)
"You must not use it anymore!!" (Aya)
"Eh? Why?" (Makoto)
I actually want to make more use of it in the future though.
"It definitely won't bring about anything decent!" (Lucy)
"I can only smell trouble from it! We are talking about Takatsuki-kun here after all!" (Aya)
"That's not true." (Makoto)
How rude.
While we were making a ruckus there.
"Takatsuki Makoto!! What are you doing?!"
"Makoto-san!! We have found you!"
There were big shadows approaching us.
A golden armored female knight riding a pegasus.
The one at her back is a prince with blue and white elegant clothes.
"Janet-san and Prince Leonard? What's the matter?" (Makoto)
"You people weren't showing up at all, so we came to get you!" (Janet)
"We had Eir-sama tell Sofia-oneesama the location of Makoto-san and the others." (Leo)
Lucy and Sa-san looked at each other's faces at the threatening attitude of the two.
"Hasn't the ceremony already begun?" (Makoto)
"There's no way they can begin when the person that saved the world, Takatsuki Makoto, is absent!" (Janet)
"Her Majesty Noel is waiting!! Let's move at once!" (Leo)
Crap.
I was having a party here fully intending to be late though.
"Sorry, Lucy, counting on you to teleport us." (Makoto)
I asked for her Teleport.
"You can use Teleport too, right, Makoto?" (Lucy)
"I fail more often than not." (Makoto)
"...Haah, can't be helped. Grab on too, Janet-san, Prince Leonard." (Lucy)
Me and Sa-san are already grabbing the arm of Lucy.
Janet-san and Prince Leonard hurriedly grab the edge of Lucy's cloak.
"[Teleport]." (Lucy)
We are wrapped in light.
◇◇
"Makoto-san!!! What are you doing?!!" (Noel)
When we arrived at the venue, Queen Noel was steaming in anger in a white dress.
At her side, there's Sakurai-kun in a knight uniform showing a troubled expression.
"Man, you look beautiful, Noel-san. Looking cool there, Sakurai-kun!!" (Makoto)
For now, I try to calm down the anger of Queen Noel by soothing her.
"My Knight, we told you the schedule countless times, right? Were you not listening?" (Furiae)
"Furiae, this man would try to skip out at the drop of a hat. He ignored what we were saying." (Sofia)
"Aah, right..." (Furiae)
The ones looking at me with cold eyes are Furiae-san and Princess Sofia.
I am glad they understand fast.
"Makoto-san, you are the Legendary Hero that saved the world, you know?!! Why do you think we can begin the ceremony without you?!" (Noel)
"I don't really mind you beginning without me though." (Makoto)
"We can't have—oh my?" (Noel)
Queen Noel approached me and then made a dubious expression.
"...Could it be...you were drinking alcohol?" (Noel)
"Haha, no way." (Makoto)
Yes, I did.
"Noel-neesama, Takatsuki Makoto was having a drinking party with Lucy-san and Aya-san at the main street. If we hadn't come to call him, he most likely wouldn't have shown up until a few hours later." (Janet)
Janet-san exposed it all.
"......"
Queen Noel opened her eyes wide, and then grabbed my face and casted healing magic on me.
I sobered up immediately.
Blue eyes that were just like those of Anna-san were staring at me in point-blank range.
And then, she smiled.
"Makoto-san, there's a number of things I want to announce in the ceremony. I will have you answer them here." (Noel)
"...Okay." (Makoto)
I could only nod at that pressure of hers.
And so, she told me about a number of things I have to keep in mind.
I answered OK to them all as an apology for being late.
◇◇
"Everyone, the noble Light Hero-sama and the Sun Country's Holy Maiden-sama that have saved the world! Let their glory be known to all nations in the continent!!"
The emcee was heating up the place.
Loud cheers rang throughout the venue.
At the platform, there's Sakurai-kun in a shining white knight attire, and Queen Noel in a pure white dress like that of an angel waving their hands with smiles on their faces.
By the way, within this vast venue where thousands of people have gathered for the ceremony (wedding), our table is right in front of the lectern.
And so, we can see Sakurai-kun and Queen Noel well.
"It is so boring, watching someone else's wedding." (Furiae)
Furiae-san was resting her chin on her hand while drinking the sparkling wine.
Or more like, why are you at the same table?
"Furiae-san, is it okay to not be together with the people of the Moon Country?" (Makoto)
The table we are sitting at is mainly composed of the related parties of the Water Country with Princess Sofia as the main one.
"What? Is it bad that I am here?" (Furiae)
"I am fine with it though." (Makoto)
She probably used her authority as a queen to forcefully change her seat.
"By the way, Takatsuki Makoto, that silver hair is beautiful. I like it." (Janet)
"Thanks, Janet-san." (Makoto)
And for some reason, Janet-san was sitting at the same table.
You should be at the Sun Country's side though.
"Thanks for before, Janet-san -heading off to pick up our Legendary Hero." (Sofia)
"I don't mind it, Sofia. But wouldn't it have been faster to ask a teleport user instead of searching with a pegasus?" (Janet)
Since Princess Sofia doesn't mind it, there should be no issues with people of other nations being here.
"About that...the only user of Teleport from the Water Country was slacking together with him." (Sofia)
Princess Sofia looked at the red haired elf.
"T-That's not it! I told them we should head to the castle! The ones dragging their legs were Makoto and Aya!" (Lucy)
Lucy vehemently shook her head to the sides and denied her fault.
"But Lu-chan, you bought a whole lot of alcohol, right? I was thinking about heading there after finishing my crepe though." (Aya)
"Right right. We couldn't leave without finishing the drinks of Lucy." (Makoto)
"Y-You have betrayed me, Aya, Makoto!" (Lucy)
"...Haah, all 3 of you are offenders in this." (Sofia)
Princess Sofia shot down our blame shifting.
It was at that moment...
"Water Country's Legendary Hero, Takatsuki Makoto-sama! Moon Country's Queen, Furiae-sama! Please come up on stage!"
Both Furiae-san and I were called.
Speaking of which, did Queen Noel tell me that we would be called in the middle of it?
"Come on, let's go." (Furiae)
Furiae-san pulled my hand and we headed to the stage.
We did so while being applauded loudly.
"Furiae-sama, we managed to overcome this crisis and defeated the Great Demon Lord by you taking in a part of the Calamity Witch's curse! Because of this, you fell into a coma for a few days, but you have safely awakened and are here with us! She will be leading the Moon Country from here on and will be putting all of her efforts into bringing peace to the continent as one of the rulers of the 7 Nation Alliance!!"
The people get excited at the announcement of the emcee.
Looks like Furiae-san being possessed by the Calamity Witch is not going to be hidden, but reinterpreted as 'taking over the curse' and announced to the public as such.
Well, that would be easier to accept for everyone.
"Have a look! See how the two Holy Maidens are so close to each other! This is proof of the peace we have obtained!"
Furiae-san and Queen Noel had their bodies pressed against each other and waving their hands while smiling.
They certainly look like they get along really well, but...
—[Eavesdrop].
{What a farce.} (Furiae)
{Please don't say that, Furiae.} (Noel)
{I was joking. I am grateful, Noel. It would definitely turn into an issue if it was known that the Calamity Witch possessed me...} (Furiae)
{That's right. If something like that happened, both Makoto-san and Ryosuke-san would be sad.} (Noel)
{...Hey, Noel.} (Furiae)
{What is it?} (Noel)
{Leaving aside Ryosuke, why did the name of My Knight show up there?} (Furiae)
{That's because, for Makoto-san, you are a precious comrade, right?} (Noel)
{Yeah, but...} (Furiae)
{I have headed to the Deep Sea Temple with Makoto-san after all. Fufu, I didn't think I would be able to have an adventure like that after becoming a queen.} (Noel)
{You...are you bragging here?} (Furiae)
{Oh my, that wasn't my intention. Did it sound like I was?} (Noel)
{Don't come crying to me when Ryosuke misunderstands you!} (Furiae)
{...Uhm...Furiae...} (Noel)
{What?} (Furiae)
{Can you stop calling my husband without honorifics?} (Noel)
{...Who cares about how you call someone? Also, Ryosuke told me to call him however I please.} (Furiae)
{...Muh! Right back at you. Don't come crying to me when Makoto-san misunderstands you.} (Noel)
{...}
{...}
Just what are those two talking about?
But they are waving their hands with smiles towards the people of the venue without showing any of this.
They are outstanding Holy Maidens.
While I was sighing at this...
"Takatsuki-kun."
Someone tapped my shoulder.
"Sakurai-kun." (Makoto)
"Was it really okay...? The one who saved the world was you, and yet, you are giving me all the credit." (Sakurai)
"It is fine. That's easier on me too." (Makoto)
What's important to me isn't what the world thinks of me, but the fact that I managed to undo the seal of Noah-sama.
Also, Ira-sama said that if a Hero of the Water Country were the one to save the world, the standing of the Sun Country as the leading power of the West Continent will be shaky in the future.
It would be better to not have unnecessary causes for strife.
Sakurai-kun doesn't seem to be convinced by this, but I decided to change the topic.
"Anyways, to think you would become the General of the Sun Knights." (Makoto)
It was an announcement made just a few moments ago.
Looks like General Yuwein has retired, and Sakurai-kun has taken over the mantle.
"His surroundings tried to stop him, and I also wanted to be taught more by him though..." (Sakurai)
Looks like the person himself was pretty settled on it.
The Sun Knights are the strongest army of the continent, and their top would technically be the commander of the whole Alliance Army.
General Yuwein must have been working under a lot of pressure, with it being right before the resurrection of the Great Demon Lord.
He said he would be taking it easy at a southern island on his retirement.
"That must be rough, Sakurai-kun." (Makoto)
"Haha..." (Sakurai)
When I said this from the bottom of my heart, Sakurai-kun laughed kindly as usual.
He really has his hands full the whole time. While I was thinking that, Sakurai-kun spoke as if he had just remembered it.
"By the way, you not only had adventures with Furiae and Sasaki-san, but also Noel, right?" (Sakurai)
Oh?
Could it be that Sakurai-kun finds it strange that I headed to the Deep Sea Temple with Queen Noel?
Well, of course you would get worried if your wife adventures alone with a man, huh.
Just when I was thinking about explaining...
"Even though I haven't gone on an adventure with you anywhere yet..." (Sakurai)
That wasn't it.
Looks like Sakurai-kun wants to go out on an adventure with me.
Now that I think about it, he did say something similar to that before, right?
He had his duty of saving the world as the Light Hero, so I couldn't invite him as I pleased, but he should be able to make some time in the future.
"Then, once you get a break, let's go somewhere far away." (Makoto)
"Is that okay?" (Sakurai)
"Of course." (Makoto)
"It is a promise then." (Sakurai)
When I said this, Sakurai-kun smiled brightly.
That smile reminded me of my childhood days when we played together often.
Aah, now that I think about it, at the time before we were in elementary school, we would always talk about where to play next.
How nostalgic.
While I was remembering those young days of ours...
"And then, Takatsuki Makoto-sama! The Legendary Hero of the Water Country defeated the ruler of the Demonic Continent, the Ancient Dragon King, and has received the Proof of the Dragon King from the Demon Lord! In other words, the Demonic Continent has been defeated by a Legendary Hero of the West Continent!"
"Hm?" (Makoto)
The emcee was now talking about a different thing.
Looks like he is talking about me.
The venue boiled up at the talk of having won against the Ancient Dragon King.
"However, there's still countless demons lurking in the Demonic Continent, and there's a high chance a new Demon Lord will be born! Queen Noel will now be giving a speech regarding the future northern expeditions!"
The emcee says this and Queen Noel comes out to the front.
...The venue falls silent.
After a small pause, Queen Noel speaks.
"Thanks to all the people here, peace has finally come to the West Continent. There's already no need to fear the Great Demon Lord. Please carry on your days with peace of mind." (Noel)
The words of Queen Noel made the people in the venue do a grand standing ovation.
After waiting for that to calm down, Queen Noel speaks again.
"However, the West Continent...is geographically close to the Demonic Continent, so the threat of the demons and demonic beasts is by no means zero. I know that there's people who think that it is time for humans to take control of the North Continent now that the strongest Demon Lord has been defeated." (Noel)
There were opinions like that?
I feel like there's no need to do war anymore though...
"That said, I don't wish for any further conflict. Also, I don't want to expose the people of the West Continent to the dangers of the demons." (Noel)
The people in the venue were silently listening to the speech of Queen Noel.
"I am thinking of having exchanges with the North Continent, not with steel, but with pen." (Noel)
Hearing those words, the people grew noisy.
Does that mean having a talk with the demons?
"No way...", "That's obviously impossible", "Not happening" -I could hear those opinions flying about.
"There must be many who think this is impossible. However, the Legendary Hero here, Takatsuki Makoto-san, can negotiate with the Ancient Dragon King...no, order him." (Noel)
"""""""""""""""?!"""""""""""""""
The noise reached its peak at those words.
This is also something that was told to us beforehand by Queen Noel.
Ordering is a bit of an exaggeration, but she probably purposely expressed it with a strong word.
"Hey, can you really do something like that?" (Furiae)
"Hmm, well, he owes me a whole lot after all." (Makoto)
Furiae-san poked me with her elbow.
-I have won against him in a duel.
-Have lent the sacred treasure of Cain.
-At the battle against the Divine Beast...is it actually me owing him there? But I revived him with a Time Spirit, so it is half-half, I guess?
I explained that to her.
"I see..." (Furiae)
Furiae-san had a face as if finding it hard to say any words at this.
"That's why there's no need to fear war anymore! Celebrate a peaceful world free of the Great Demon Lord as you live on with your lives!" (Noel)
*Clap Clap Clap...*
At first, it was subdued.
But it steadily grew louder...
And at the end, it became a thunderous applause.
It seems like there's a lot of people who hold doubts in Queen Noel's policy about having a dialogue with the Demonic Continent that's ruled by Demon Lords and demons.
But it seems like there's a lot more people who are just 'tired of war'.
And then, the ceremony ended with flying colors and we moved to the celebration party just like that.
◇◇
The center of attention today is of course the Light Hero and the Sun Country's Holy Maiden.
There's a big crowd formed around the two of them.
And the second one who had the most people gathered around...was me.
"Takatsuki Makoto-sama!"
"Legendary Hero-dono of the Water Country!"
"Please, honor me one word!"
"Please accept this."
Maybe because of the announcement of Queen Noel, there were many people crowding my place.
This is way too rough for someone like me who is bad at dealing with strangers.
(S-[Stealth]...) (Makoto)
I couldn't take it anymore and used a God Rank Stealth to slip out from the venue.
The party venue was not in a situation I can enjoy at all, so I was thinking about heading off to the city.
Just when I was considering continuing the drinking party from before...
(Lucy and Sa-san...) (Makoto)
I look around to search for my comrades and call them.
But Lucy was with the people from Spring Log's elf village, and Sa-san was conversing merrily with Olga-san, Yokoyama-san, and Kawakita-san.
I would feel bad intruding on that.
Let's go alone...is what I thought and...
"Hero Makoto? What are you doing all sneakily?"
"...Sofia?" (Makoto)
I should be using God Rank Stealth, and yet, I was found for some reason.
When I asked her, it was apparently because Eir-sama told her.
"I can't relax in the party venue, so I was thinking of slipping out." (Makoto)
"I...see... My apologies. Normally, I should be interjecting, but there isn't much a princess of a small country can do..." (Sofia)
Princess Sofia was feeling dejected.
It seems like she feels responsible for the many influential people approaching me.
She is such a serious princess as always.
"Want to slip out together with me, Sofia?" (Makoto)
I said this and grabbed her hand.
I pulled her hand and headed to the exit of the venue, but even when she made a confused expression, she didn't show any opposition towards it.
And so, we went into the city that's brimming with energy.
I take a glance at Princess Sofia.
She is wearing a beautiful ice-like watercolor dress that isn't flashy with her appearance that's overflowing with elegance.
Will we be standing out too much if we head off like this?
[Transformation].
The skill that Sa-san taught me.
In the past, I could only change my hair at most, but now that I have ascended, I can freely change a variety of things.
I change the conspicuous fancy dress of Princess Sofia into the attire of a commoner.
"Oh? What's this...?" (Sofia)
"I have changed your appearance with Transformation. If you let go of my hand, you will return to your original appearance, so please be careful." (Makoto)
"Got it. Then, please don't let go of my hand." (Sofia)
Princess Sofia smiles.
We walked around the capital with our hands held.
Even when it was dark now, the festival was growing stronger and stronger.
I couldn't get anything inside my mouth at the castle's party, so I bought some food from the food carts around.
I have already undone the Stealth.
There's a whole lot of benches at the plaza facing the main street, so Princess Sofia and I sat at one of them.
We spread out our food on top of it and have a meal.
What we bought was sauteed noodles, bread with meat, and a whole lot of other junk food that has a strong taste.
I was worried if it would suit the palate of royalty like Princess Sofia, but she said 'it is my first time eating it, but it is tasty'. It looks like she liked it.
She is also drinking the fruit cocktail I bought.
I am also drinking the beer that I bought straight from the bottle.
We enjoyed the food from the carts for a while.
There's a campfire in the middle of the plaza, and many people were dancing around it along with the music.
It was not music I knew of, but the people dancing there were dancing as they pleased.
Princess Sofia and I were watching that absentmindedly.
"So peaceful..." (Sofia)
Princess Sofia muttered.
That side profile of hers was a rare one, as if a weight had come off her shoulders.
I suddenly remember what Sakurai-kun told me about General Yuwein planning on retiring.
Princess Sofia must have been feeling heavy pressure on her until now.
Is there any way I can make her feel better?
"Shall we dance?" (Makoto)
"Eh?" (Sofia)
I invited the confused Princess Sofia to a dance.
We joined the people surrounding the campfire.
I try dancing together with Princess Sofia by copying the people around.
But the woes of a beginner, I can't manage to dance well.
"That's not it. Here, like this." (Sofia)
However, it seems like Princess Sofia is versed in it.
She is properly leading me.
...This feels like the opposite of what I was planning.
"Fufufu, this is fun. It is different from the dances in the parties of nobles." (Sofia)
Princess Sofia was laughing.
Then, it is good that I invited her.
I can't match her in dancing, so I decided to go at it with my specialty.
In other words, water magic.
"Water Spirits." (Makoto)
When I called them, glittering Water Spirits covered the plaza...no, the whole sky of the capital.
People normally don't see Water Spirits, but I used Sun Magic to emulate the blue light of Spirits.
"So beautiful..." (Sofia)
Princess Sofia leaned on my body while looking spellbound.
Did I show a bit of my good side to her?
"O-Oi, isn't that the princess of Rozes?"
"The man there...isn't that the Legendary Hero of the Water Country?"
"But I heard Takatsuki Makoto is a plain guy with black hair and black eyes though?"
"There's no way the Legendary Hero of the Water Country would be plain... What beautiful silver hair."
"So wonderful... They match each other."
Looks like my Transformation was undone because I was so into dancing.
I thought people would be more surprised, but no commotion was caused.
Princess Sofia and I ate and drank until late in the night together with the people around.
I think we had a fun time.
◇Next Day◇
"My Knight, you are going out with me to the capital today!" (Furiae)
Furiae-san came in the morning and said this first thing in the morning.
"Oh my, Furi, good morning." (Lucy)
"Fu-chan, good work yesterday." (Aya)
We are currently in the dining room of the inn that was reserved by the royalty of the Water Country.
Princess Sofia has gone off to the Highland Castle for work.
I am currently eating breakfast with Lucy and Sa-san.
"What's the matter, Princess?" (Makoto)
"Don't 'what's the matter' me! There are rumors floating around the city that the Water Country's Princess and their Legendary Hero sneaked out to participate in the festival! That's not fair!" (Furiae)
"Hoh." (Makoto)
Is it spreading around that much?
Is what I thought, but I did use water magic to do something really flashy.
We must have stood out.
"If it has become a rumor, would it really be called sneaking?" (Lucy)
"Takatsuki-kun and Sofi-chan did slip out yesterday after all. It is indeed unfair." (Aya)
Lucy and Sa-san already knew about yesterday.
I promised to go around the city together with them today.
"That's right! That's why the two of us will be going around the city together!" (Furiae)
Furiae-san said this as if it is a settled matter.
""Okay.""
The arrangement with Lucy and Sa-san was overwritten, but in the end, we settled with having different times for each of them.
"Then, we are going out, My Knight." (Furiae)
"Got it, Princess." (Makoto)
I leave with Furiae-san who has changed into a commoner-like attire just in case.
That said, Furiae-san is the most beautiful human, so she isn't standing out any less.
"Won't Makoto Charm whoever when he gets drunk?" (Lucy)
"Will it be okay to release that Charm duo into the city...?" (Aya)
I heard the whispers of Lucy and Sa-san.
Good grief, these two are such worrywarts, is what I thought, but...people were trying to flirt with Furiae-san in the city since she draws eyes.
We ignored them at first, but in the later half of it, we found it a pain and used Charm to have them listen to us. "Her Majesty!", "Viva, Furiae-sama!", "The Water Country's Legendary Hero is passing!"; a big ruckus was made and the Templars stepped in to stop it.
And then, we were scolded thoroughly by Queen Noel.
From that day on, I would accompany Lucy in her shopping and Sa-san's cafe touring.
"Why are you not coming to visit me?!" (Momo)
Momo would angrily intrude at times.
"Now, go out together with me today." (Janet)
Janet-san would drag me around.
"Please tell me the story of the Deep Sea Temple!" (Geralt)
Geralt-san would come too.
—And so, the 7 day festival celebrating peace passed in the blink of an eye.
◇At the Deep Sea Temple◇
I went to the Deep Sea Temple with Teleport.
By the way, there's apparently no need to fight the Divine Beast every time after having conquered it once.
And there's currently a problem.
Noah-sama is mad.
"Makoto, I am mad." (Noah)
"I am sorry, Noah-sama." (Makoto)
I apologize by reflex.
But the mood of Noah-sama isn't getting any better.
And so, I could only continue apologizing.
"Yahoo there☆, Noah~! I have come to hang out. Mako-kun also—what are you guys doing?" (Eir)
The always merry Eir-sama appeared with Teleport.
And then, she made a dubious look after seeing me and Noah-sama.
Of course she would.
That's because I am on all fours and Noah-sama is sitting on my back.
Basically, I have become the chair of Noah-sama.
"This is punishment. I am punishing a bad boy." (Noah)
"I am sorry, Noah-sama...... By the way, why are you angry?" (Makoto)
I don't know how many times I have asked this question today.
I don't know the reason why Noah-sama is angry at all.
By the way, I thought I would be able to read minds after becoming a God, but I apparently need to train for a long time before being able to achieve that.
It seems I wouldn't be able to read the mind of Noah-sama anyways since her Divinity is far above mine though.
"What do you think I am angry about?" (Noah)
"I don't know." (Makoto)
"Think." (Noah)
"Okay." (Makoto)
We have been having this exchange the whole time.
Hmm, did I do something?
Even if I have ascended, I have not skipped on my prayers to Noah-sama.
I would also suggest people to become believers of Noah-sama.
"Geez, you are so dense, Mako-kun~. Noah wanted you to visit her sooner☆." (Eir)
"Hey, Eir!! Don't just say it!" (Noah)
Noah-sama smacks the Water Goddess who interjected.
Eh? That?
"If you called me, I would have come in a heartbeat though?" (Makoto)
I stayed in the capital of the Sun Country for 7 days as the Hero of the Water Country, but if Noah-sama had called me, I would have flown here immediately.
But, in the end, there was no call.
"...Hmph." (Noah)
"You don't get it, Mako-kun." (Eir)
"...?" (Makoto)
Noah-sama faces the other way.
Eir-sama made a wry smile as if admonishing a bad little brother.
"It is important to go meet the other person before they call you. Fufufu... Noah was irritated the whole time because Mako-kun wasn't coming back at all despite having defeated the Great Demon Lord." (Eir)
"Really?" (Makoto)
That's not good.
I hurriedly tried to apologize, but with me being a chair, I can't see her face well.
"It is fine already." (Noah)
Noah-sama floats up from my back.
I hurriedly kneeled in front of her.
"Well, it should be a time for celebration for the residents of the Mortal Realm after all. You still have your mortal body, so it is important to pay attention to your relationships on that side too." (Noah)
"Right right. High points for inviting Sofia-chan to a dance! You have grown, Mako-kun☆." (Eir)
"You were watching?" (Makoto)
Looks like they saw me being led by Princess Sofia despite me being the one who invited her to a dance.
"Makoto, I will teach you how to dance next time." (Noah)
"Noah-sama will?" (Makoto)
I was surprised, but Spirits apparently like dancing and festivals in general.
And so, it wouldn't be bad for me as a Spirit User to know how to dance.
Noah-sama really helps me out the whole time.
"Noah-sama." (Makoto)
"What's the matter, Makoto?" (Noah)
I once again pledged my loyalty to Noah-sama.
"Please instruct me on what to do next." (Makoto)
""Eh?""
I once again sought guidance from Noah-sama.
But not only Noah-sama, even the Water Goddess let out a confused voice.
"Makoto, you ascended just recently. You should get used to it first." (Noah)
"Right right, Mako-kun. It should be fine to just take it easy for a while." (Eir)
"Yes, I understand, but I would be able to train better with an objective in mind." (Makoto)
Just like with trying to clear the Deep Sea Temple.
For example, the Divine Realm War that Noah-sama failed to do in the past...no, a war would be bad.
The wish of Noah-sama is the return of the Titan Gods that are sealed in the depths of Hades, Tartaros.
Then, I should aim for that too.
Alright, from here on, my main objective is to clear Tartaros—
"Listen here, Makoto..." (Noah)
"Stop! Stop, Mako-kun!" (Eir)
They must have read what I was thinking, Noah-sama furrowed her brows, and Eir-sama was making an X with her hands.
"Tartaros is still too soon. Stay on standby." (Noah)
Looks like aiming for Tartaros is no good.
I have no objective now.
What to do.
"You seem to be troubled without work, Takatsuki Makoto!"
*Shuon!*
A golden magic circle appeared and Ira-sama popped out.
"It is not exactly work that I am missing, but an objective." (Makoto)
"I have good news for you! The Destiny Goddess is troubled with a mountain of work! Come help me now! Save me!" (Ira)
"Again...?" (Makoto)
This Goddess is always chased by work.
But I did have a lot I wanted to talk with her about.
"Then, I will go to your office, Ira-sama." (Makoto)
By the way, when I help out in the work of the Destiny Goddess, my Destiny Magic proficiency increases a bit.
It is a really small amount though.
I should think of it as a part of training.
"Eh? Really? Yay!!" (Ira)
Ira-sama hopped happily.
"Come on, over here." (Ira)
Ira-sama pulled my hand and was dragged just like that, but...
"Wait, Makoto." (Noah)
"Stop, Ira-chan, Mako-kun." (Eir)
Noah-sama and Eir-sama stopped us.
"What's the matter, Noah-sama?" (Makoto)
"Eir-oneesama, I am in a hurry here though." (Ira)
"Makoto...you are already leaving somewhere?" (Noah)
"Ira-chan~, Mako-kun is currently a God, you know? A young man and woman alone in the same room isn't good, right~?" (Eir)
Noah-sama and Eir-sama's pressure was strong.
""...""
Ira-sama and I looked at each other's faces.
"Makoto, you stay here!" (Ira)
"O-Okay." (Makoto)
"I will help you out in your work, Ira-chan." (Eir)
"Eh? Eir-oneesama will? But Onee-sama, you immediately say 'let's have tea' and slack... I would rather have you lend me Angels..." (Ira)
"Yeah yeah, let's move." (Eir)
Saying this, the Water Goddess and the Destiny Goddess left with Teleport.
Noah-sama and I are now alone in the Deep Sea Temple again.
"..."
Noah-sama isn't saying anything.
She would look down at me in a slightly bad mood, and would switch her crossed legs from time to time.
Silence continued for a while.
Hmm, is there no topic I can talk about?
I suddenly felt like saying 'that'.
"Noah-sama, I can see your underwear." (Makoto)
Noah-sama has been crossing her legs and floating in the air for a while now, so her underwear was entering my vision.
But, in the past, I couldn't see them no matter what happened.
Is this also because I ascended?
...Is it really okay for me to use my God powers for this?
"Eh? ...WA?!!!" (Noah)
Noah-sama's face turned bright red and she hurriedly covered her short skirt.
Even though I am aware this is rude, I thought that was really cute.
"You idiooot!!!" (Noah)
Noah-sama is smacking me.
I am the one at fault here, but...I remembered something that Noah-sama told me before.
"Didn't you tell me before that you would show me the inside of your skirt if I became your believer?" (Makoto)
"Forget that!" (Noah)
So the promise a long time ago has been fulfilled here.
"Haaaah......" (Noah)
Noah-sama sighed heavily.
And then, she looked at me and said seriously...
"Makoto." (Noah)
"Yes?" (Makoto)
"It really might be better if I gave you some duty. Who knows what you will pull if left be." (Noah)
"Please tell me." (Makoto)
I kneeled and lowered my head.
"Let's see. Then, what I want to ask of Makoto is..." (Noah)
Noah-sama gave me my next mission with a dignified tone.
And in this way, I have obtained a new 'request', but...I am thinking of speaking about it in another instance.
After a disaster at a certain snow mountain, the long long story of clearing the isekai with the zero believer Goddess after coming to a parallel world has drawn its curtains.
What will be happening from now on?
As someone who has just recently become a God, I can't tell what will happen in the far future.
But I am thinking of overcoming them together with the Goddess and my comrades as I have until now.
-The End-
—-
Author: With this, the main story of Zero Believer Goddess that began on 05/09/2018 has ended.
I am truly grateful towards everyone for reading this story.
■Comment Response:
>All the heroines saying it doesn't suit him, is it because they are jealous of Noah-sama?
→That's right.
The main heroines (somewhat) don't like that Makoto has changed because of the influence of Noah (another woman).
>It would be nice if he could fulfill his promise with Anna-san.
→For Anna-san's story, I am currently considering whether to make it separately.
I will go into detail at a later time.
■Author's Comment:
Impressions of ending.
...I have finally finished.
This is the first web novel I have written, but I didn't expect it to surpass the 1.6 million japanese characters.
I am thinking of aiming for a decently high volume for my next story.
There's a mountain of things I want to talk about, but I am thinking of talking a whole lot about it in the next afterword.
This is the last chapter, so I would like it if people who don't usually write comments to leave one.
Please feel free to write about any requests for the after story and about any plot points that were not touched on.
Today <April 25, 2022> the 9th volume is coming out for sale.
The first part of the 1,000 year arc begins from the 10th volume.
If you want to see the illustration of Anna-san...please buy it!!!
<Introduction of the illustrations for the new characters appearing in the 9th volume>
The ruler of the whole universe, Althena-sama.
The childhood friend of Noah-sama.
She is slightly uneasy that Naia and Noah-sama have been getting along lately.
The main heroine of the first part of the 1,000 year arc, Great Sage-sama, Momo.
Yup, cute!!!
I am sorry that she didn't have much spotlight in the last parts of the story!
You will have your time to shine in the after story!
All illustrations of the 9th volume are wonderful.
Many thanks to Tam-U.
■Lastly,
With this, the main story of Zero Believers Goddess is now over.
If you want to keep tabs on the recent news of the author, please follow me on Twitter.
Account of Osaki: https://twitter.com/Isle_Osaki
As for my next work...I will announce it eventually.
And so, everyone, until next time!!!
■Translator Note:
Hey guys, Reigokai here!
We have actually reached the end! Woohoo! What a bittersweet feeling.
I will just touch on a few points that the author mentioned here since I am planning on including my own afterword of this story in the afterword of the author.
I will be translating the after story too, and I am most likely going to be translating the second work of the author. For that second story, I will let it cook for a while and check it out before I decide fully if to translate it though (high chance it is a yes).
That's it. Gonna keep it short since I will go in more detail in the afterword.
Anyways, what a journey it was! I am really glad you guys accompanied me on this. It was really fun reading the comments of everyone as we enjoyed it together! Let it be known that you all fuel my motivation a lot more than you would expect. You could even say I am a bus giving you guys an isekai trip, haha. Thanks a lot!
See ya in the afterword! <That I will upload tomorrow>
l After Story
Support my translations or commission me to translate a chapter of any series on Patreon!