Faith

“Yes, she said that the object of her faith awaits her in the capital. We have also been ordered to move the entire Temple by the end of the day… I truly do not understand what is happening…” Even the shrine maidens that were the closest to Kaguya were in the dark like them.

But hearing those words Maia’s eyes widened, she remembered Kaguya’s actions toward the God that appeared in her dream. And looking at what was happening now, it was clear.

“It actually….. happened?” Maia was going through so much that she couldn’t hear anything around her, now there was no denying it. She didn’t even have to ask Celestine.

Kaguya’s departure confirmed what she saw was true like that God said, she was shown what would happen to her in the future. And it was her own choice, as for the reason why she made that choice at that time…

‘For him to harbor such thoughts… and do such things to everyone…’ Maia had formed close-knit relationships with the Seven Shields, it was the first time in her life that she came across other strong women and she was always treated with kindness. It was like she was finally at home after a long time of drifting around aimlessly.

Most of her time was spent between Mercenaries, a job filled with men and she only stayed in that group because she fell in love with the leader, otherwise, she would’ve left way earlier. Even then she treated those guys with enough respect. But to find out that they held these types of thoughts about her, not to mention the things they did—the things he did.

‘I will kill those bastards!’ Alicia, Prim, Lulu, and Claudia who joined them later, and the knights, all were surprised.

This was the first time they had seen Maia—someone who was usually very carefree—become so angry that blood dripped from the corners of her lips.

All of the feeling of Love she had was now converted into pure rage. And the man who was about to receive it was totally oblivious of it.

Just like another man who had just placed a novel on the table, he looked satisfied. After all, he had finished all of the books that had accumulated in his storage all this time.

“Morning Celestine, did you sleep well?” Adam asked the Golden-haired elf standing in front of him.

He was satisfied that she was dressed properly now, the white dress with some golden and red in the mix suited her, and more importantly, it covered her curves with style.

Of course, it did, she had kept the best seamstresses from all over the Empire up for the entire night just to have this tailored for her, taking out the best jewelry from the treasure vaults, and trying on different dresses and combinations. All of that so she could appear presentable in front of him.

“I did not sleep, but I shall do so later,” Celestine said and he nodded in understanding, it would be difficult to sleep in her position.

“How you handle the coming events is important. But I don’t see you guys having problems with this cleanup as long you end things nice and quick.” Adam stood up to free his body from the confines of that chair.

“Yes, I will do everything in my power to not waste the chance Adam has given us.” Celestine was determined, but her face couldn’t exactly show how determined she was. And before she could convey it in the form of words, there was another thing that caught her attention in Adam’s words.

“Is Adam going somewhere?” It was just a feeling that appeared in her heart at the moment, but she knew that it was possible. And her heart nearly dropped when she saw him nod.

“I went a little overboard than what I planned for, and if I try to stay any longer… let’s just say that it will not end well for this world.” Adam had to release a lot of his power, even using many of his Professions at once something that shouldn’t be possible in a world of this level.

But he did that as it was necessary to tie the loose ends, and because of that, he couldn’t stay here any longer. He would’ve liked to watch the progress of their operation, but it was impossible in the current state.

“I see… then I will end this as fast as I can and then pay for the contract.” Celestine did sound sad, but she wouldn’t doubt his words. If he said he needed to leave, who was she to stop him?

“Umm… sure, but make sure to clear them out before using this card. Also don’t worry, if you are in danger I get a chance to intervene, though I would advise you to not get in such danger.” Adam handed her the shop card, and along with his considerate words her eyes widened in shock.

The name inlaid in gold got her entire attention though, and knowing that this card could get her to that shop made her happy. But more than that, knowing he would come and help if she was in danger was the final nail.

Celestine didn’t know that it was something that he needed to do, who would he get the payment from if she died? He would have to bring her back to life, but that would add more to the contract and increase the price.

Just that all these intricacies didn’t matter to her, because if they did she would’ve read the contract more thoroughly before signing it.

“I can’t express how thankful I am. I will make sure to not let you wait for long.” Celestine bowed. This was the first time that the Debtor was more enthusiastic to pay their debt than the creditor.

“I’ll see you around then.” Adam just shook his head and left for his shop. His connection with that space allowed him to instantly go back without any problems.

‘I will be sure to come soon.’ Celestine stood alone on the balcony, starting at the table with plates and a tea set used by Adam for a good while. But before she could do anything about them, there were footsteps behind her.

The wooden sandals stopped right beside her. Kaguya, still in her shrine maiden outfit stared at the empty seat and then bowed slightly with sadness in her dark green eyes, before turning to the one beside her.

“It seems that I wasn’t able to arrive in time.” Celestine nodded at her words, she had missed Adam by just 20 minutes. But nothing could be done about that, as this was her fault.

“We should prepare things before the others arrive, there will be a lot that we will need to explain to them and why we are launching this campaign.” Kaguya’s face had now returned to her usual stoic look. The truth was that she had already made plans to deal with most of the traitors, and this came as a surprise for Celestine especially the way she went about it.

“I have to make up for my mistake. And the only way to do that is to do the work that had been left for us to the best—No, we should go beyond our capabilities and make sure that it is completed to the last minute detail.” Hearing this Celestine couldn’t help but nod in agreement as she had the same thought.

“I have already called for others so they should be arriving by afternoon at the latest.” She sent out the message for the summons as soon as she could get a hold of the Knights.

“Hmm, I shall wait here then,” Kaguya said and Celestine didn’t have a problem with that as it was very comfortable around here. Just that there was a certain thing that she wanted to say to her fellow believer.

“Do not worry, Adam’s heart is as wide as the endless sea. I am sure Adam will forgive you for what happened.” Celestine didn’t know of any other way to talk about this, belief was an important thing for someone like Kaguya, she lived by it and it was the only thing in her life. But her belief was broken by simple crude rapists and traitors.

“I know the God will.” Even if it was the possible future, it happened and that was the problem. She wouldn’t forgive herself, or the ones who had done this to her.

“Kaguya you know tha-” Celestine who wanted to say a few more words was stopped in her tracks.

“I know Lady Celestine. He isn’t the God that I dedicated my life to that is why I need not worry about my faith broken, is what you want to say.”