Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Although the monster was defeated, a pall hung over the village. The casualties were devastating. Of the twenty or so workers, only six had survived, fleeing to spread the alarm. The rest were either dead or their bodies unrecoverable.

Even in a large village, this world didn’t have Earth’s population density. Especially after the recent drought, the already small population had dwindled further, meaning almost everyone knew each other. The entire village was plunged into mourning.

“……So that’s what happened.”

Isana nodded, his face grim. As soon as he woke up back in the village, I told him everything. He was relieved it was over, but disappointed he couldn’t have helped.

“But El, where are the others?”

“Herol is still unconscious. The others are discussing next steps with the other mercenary groups. The merchant hasn’t canceled the contract; he was so moved by their dedication that he offered a bonus.”

“Wow, really?”

“Yeah. Amazing, right?”

Even Hussen was surprised. The merchant was notoriously stingy. The fact that he didn’t hold them liable for trying to break the contract and even offered extra pay… He even bought the monster’s corpse for above market price. He was a shrewd merchant for a reason.

“Luckily, your spiritist abilities didn’t attract too much attention. I asked them not to mention your role in defeating the monster. Best not to stand out.”

“Uh-huh, sorry, El. I decided on my own to reveal it…….”

“No, this journey is for you. You decide what you want to do. You don’t need my permission.”

“But…….”

“It’s okay. I have good news. Isana, good news for you.”

“Huh? Good news for me?”

I smiled and nodded at his confused expression.

“Why don’t you try summoning Ciel here?”

“C-Ciel? The high-level spirit?”

“Yeah, you should be able to now.”

Perhaps it was due to the experience he gained as a spiritist. He didn’t seem to realize it, but since he fainted, Isana’s mana capacity had increased significantly. After a moment’s hesitation, encouraged by my gaze, he took a deep breath and focused.

“Summon Ciel!”

Whoosh―

A clear scent of the sea filled the air, and waves seemed to rise in the room like a tide. It felt as if the room was underwater. The raging waves gathered and transformed into the elegant form of a wolf.

―I greet the one who governs all the waters of the world, my lord, the Water King.

Ciel greeted me as soon as he materialized. Isana’s eyes widened.

“H-Huh? El, I can hear Ciel’s voice!”

“Yeah, you should be able to. You can communicate with high-level spirits now.”

“Hee, I see.”

Perhaps it was the after-effect of summoning a high-level spirit, but Isana looked paler. Still, he didn’t faint, so he seemed to be holding up.

Soon, Ciel looked at him, and Isana seemed nervous. Ciel bowed politely to him, his voice gentle and with a hint of a smile.

―It’s a pleasure to meet you, contractor of the king.

“A-Ah, nice to meet you. I’m Isana.”

―I am pleased to formally greet you. I have been waiting for the moment your power reached me.

“Y-You’ve been waiting for me?”

―Of course. Your growth is the king’s joy, and it is also the wish of all water spirits. Therefore, do not forget this fact. All the water spirits in the world are blessing you.

“Blessing me…….”

Isana was speechless, as if he’d heard something unbelievable. His voice was choked, and his eyes filled with tears.

“Isana?”

“Ah, it’s okay, El. It’s nothing. I’m just… so happy… that’s why.”

He forced a smile and shook his head at my worried look. But he couldn’t hide the tears and began to cry.

Perhaps he had never heard a warm word of comfort or blessing before, especially after becoming emperor. I quietly patted his shoulder as he lowered his head. Then Ciel slowly approached and began to lick Isana’s face. Isana, flustered at first, soon laughed, overwhelmed by Ciel’s affection. It was heartwarming. I smiled, then suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, right, Ciel, it’s okay now, but don’t greet me like that next time. What do you mean, Water King? You can’t call me that so openly!”

―I-I’m wronged! It is the natural duty of all water spirits to greet the king…….

“Still, you can’t. Other people can hear you, and they’ll find out I’m the Spirit King.”

―*Sniff*, I understand.

Ciel lowered his head dejectedly. Isana stroked his fur to comfort him. Ciel readily accepted the touch and rested his head on Isana’s hand. They were already a compatible pair.

Just then, a knock came from the door.

Knock, knock―

“El, are you inside?”

The calm voice was Kaitain’s. Isana and I exchanged glances. We reacted instantly, without a word. While I went to the door, Isana dismissed Ciel and pulled up his hood. After confirming he was concealed, I opened the door slightly. Kaitain was standing there.

“Kaitain, what’s wrong?”

“Ah, sorry to come so late. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“Do you have a moment? I need to talk to you.”

“Ah, yes. Would you like to come in?”

“Well… I’d prefer somewhere private.”

Did he want to talk alone? Kaitain’s expression was calm, but I felt uneasy. Considering the day’s events, it didn’t seem simple.

It was strange that my hasty excuse had been correct. Even Cowell suspected he was protecting me. Although the oracle’s revelation overshadowed it, I was still uneasy.

Reluctantly, I excused myself to Isana and followed Kaitain out. He led me to a small open space behind the inn. It wasn’t a noticeable place, and it was late, so no one was around. Kaitain looked around, then turned to me. He smiled gently.

“I’m sorry. Were you surprised I brought you here?”

“Ahaha, well…….”

He stared at me, who was smiling awkwardly. His gaze was kind. But his next action was disconcerting. He bowed politely. A thunderbolt seemed to strike my ears.

“It is an honor to meet you, Elquines, the Water King, the one who governs the flow of a world.”

“……!”

Did he just call me Elquines?

I felt cold from head to toe. How did he know? Had he seen Ciel being summoned? My face hardened, but I couldn’t control it. I tried to calm down and barely spoke. I didn’t know what was happening, but figuring it out was the priority.

“How…….”

Fortunately, Kaitain heard my faint voice. He replied calmly.

“It is the oracle.”

“……The oracle?”

“The oracle I revealed publicly was only part of it. This is what Eluen revealed to me in detail.”

Only part?

As I looked at him questioningly, Kaitain closed his eyes and composed himself. A low voice flowed from his mouth.

“Attend to the boy with the color of the sea and lead him to my side. This is a special calling for my servant. This is to make falsehood into truth, and truth into falsehood. He is the son of God and the Water King.”

Kaitain opened his eyes. I took a long breath. He smiled at my awkward expression.

“At first, I wondered what the Water King meant. I was going to ask you. Then I heard you healed someone, and I realized. The Spirit King of Water has the ability to heal.”

“……Ahaha, it was far-fetched. A lie that a priest who hasn’t received a sentence used divine power…….”

“True, but Elquines’s healing ability stands out. Even a great priest couldn’t completely heal such an injury without being exhausted. But you weren’t.”

“I, I see.”

I expected it, but I didn’t know I was so obvious. It’s not like I’m advertising that I’m playing a game for the first time. I was embarrassed to think how I looked to others. I felt like a rookie making mistakes.

“Then does the temple know about me too?”

“Ah, no. It seems Elquines’s identity was only revealed to me. I can’t fathom God’s will, but I guess it was to resolve this incident.”

Yes, that must be it.

If he didn’t know my identity, Kaitain, a priest, couldn’t have resolved the divine power issue so easily. That was also using Eluen’s name. That’s why he gave such an oracle.

Falsehood into truth, truth into falsehood.

That suits my situation so well.

I was relieved that only Kaitain knew. He didn’t seem like he’d reveal my identity. Eluen must have had a reason for telling him. But that didn’t make my feelings any better.

“Um, I’m sorry for all this. I’ve caused trouble.”

“No. I understand you were in a difficult situation. I’m moved. I’ve read stories about Spirit Kings wandering the human world, but I never thought I’d meet you. Is the boy named Lyra with you the contractor?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Kaitain nodded knowingly. He hesitated, then spoke.

“Excuse me, may I ask one more question?”

“Yes? What…….”

“Could it be that Lyra is…… His Majesty the Emperor of the Swalt Empire?”

“……!”

I froze. Kaitain, seeing my reaction, smiled and nodded.

“I thought so. Then the three-day miracle must also be Elquines’s work.”

“Um, well…….”

“Don’t worry. I will never reveal this.”

He continued quickly, seeing my expression darken. I looked at him with complicated feelings and sighed. I had to trust him now.

“I trust Kaitain’s character. I hope you keep that promise.”

“Of course. I promise in the name of Eluen.”

I was relieved by his firm answer. A clergyman’s promise has weight. Especially in this world, where God’s influence is strong, they couldn’t recklessly promise in his name. Breaking it would be a curse. In the worst case, they could lose their divine power and be dismissed. Since he took such a risk, he would keep his word. I felt like I had gained a reliable ally.