Volume 5 Chapter 3 The Girl Who Meets Again
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Saint, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am from the southern part of the Dusselhelm Empire──”
”…”
”Good evening, Saint. I am the special envoy from Urben──”
”…”
”Ah, my dear Saint, how splendid you look. I am from Crotopone──”
”…”
…Ugh.
Beneath the lofty glass ceiling—so distant it seemed one could only gaze upward at it—the grand unveiling ceremony of the Saint proceeded within the cathedral. One after another, finely dressed individuals stepped forward to offer their greetings.
Draped in silks and adorned in jewels, these nobles surged forward to introduce themselves uninvited, their flashy attire obstructing her view. The cathedral, with its magnificently radiant splendor, remained out of reach—she hadn’t even been allowed a moment to admire it.
All manner of gazes bore down on her.
Some scrutinized her.
Some evaluated her.
Some outright glared.
It was maddening.
Never before had she been so suffocated by the weight of others’ eyes. If she could, she would have fled on the spot.
Of course, she’d anticipated this to some degree—it was an unveiling ceremony, after all.
But this… This was more like a spectacle.
Far more troublesome than she’d imagined.
People from nations she’d never heard of were coming up to greet her. It was a complete waste of time. She wished they’d all just stay at least two meters away from her.
A sigh escaped her lips, soft but deeply rooted.
She glanced toward the choir, wishing they’d intervene somehow.
Usually, the choir girls hovered close, almost clingy in their attentions. Yet today, they kept their distance, clearly wary of disturbing the diplomats.
The choir served as the cathedral’s guardians—and now, as the Saint’s protectors.
Ever since the divine revelation, she had been taken into the care of the Theocracy, living sequestered deep within the palace, always surrounded by the choir.
They guaranteed her safety. The fact that they were all women was a national consideration, meant to ensure her comfort.
But constantly being around them only built up her stress.
For someone like her, gifted with foresight, they were more an obstacle than protection.
Annoying. Annoying. Annoying.
Ever since arriving here, irritation had consumed her.
She could feel it eating away at her, dulling her emotions into something cold and hollow.
And all of this—this suffocating situation—was thanks to the past Saintes.
…No. Perhaps it wasn’t their fault.
The former Saintes had probably done their best to protect themselves.
Still, for someone who possessed the power of foresight, freedom was far safer.
But her current reality was a cage, falsely labeled as “protection.” It was a 24-hour surveillance system disguised as care. Because the ability of foresight had been misunderstood as a divine prophetic power, everyone viewed her as a powerless puppet.
It was utterly absurd.
And yet, the logic behind it was all too easy to grasp.
The previous Saintes must have feared those around them more than they feared any calamity.
They must have realized that revealing the true nature of their foresight would put their lives at risk.
So they had hidden it. Done the bare minimum. Deceived the nation.
Thus, while evading crisis, they became figures of trust and envy—revered as saintly oracles who foresaw disaster.
Whether they had desired that role or not was anyone’s guess.
”I can’t believe it, that girl. She doesn’t change her expression at all. Isn’t it a bit eerie?” whispered a woman nearby.
The Saint’s gaze flicked sideways, catching a woman in a dress conversing with a middle-aged priest robed in a cassock.
”That’s not the case at all,” the priest responded. “Apparently, she lost her sister recently. Since then, she hasn’t been able to speak. She must be deeply wounded. Even while living in poverty, she retained the heart to care for others. Seen in that light, is she not a noble soul worthy of sainthood?”
”Oh dear, I had no idea… How unfortunate…”
Pity—shallow and uninvited—suddenly fell upon her like a cold drizzle.
Clenching her teeth, she fought back the storm of emotions rising from the pit of her stomach. Pretending not to hear, she turned her eyes to the window.
What nonsense. Speaking as though they know anything about me.
Right then, she wanted to leap over and rake her nails across their faces, to tear apart their shallow little lives.
Her feelings were for Letty. For that person.
Those people, who now wore gentle smiles, had once turned cold eyes on her as she scavenged for a blanket amid piles of garbage. Even when she was starving. Even when she begged for a blessing right in front of their eyes—they had ignored her. As though she didn’t exist.
They hadn’t helped her.
So why should she help them?
She clenched her fists, barely suppressing the irritation boiling within her.
It was then that she noticed the crowd had thinned.
Perhaps the majority had finished their introductions. Though their stares lingered, the space around her had finally cleared.
Maybe now, she could move about more freely.
A stage greeting was scheduled soon, but it would never begin—it would be canceled.
If a commotion broke out, she’d be whisked back to the palace. That meant she had a narrow window, and before it closed, she had to make contact with that thing one more time.
Her eyes turned to the towering altar ahead, flanked by massive stone columns.
The interior of the cathedral was vast, but the most striking feature was the peculiar pedestal where the statue was enshrined.
It resembled a castle more than an altar.
Anyone would think so upon seeing it.
A sanctuary that contained a castle within its walls.
At what would be the castle gate stood a statue of a woman—presumably the Goddess Teekua.
Along the stone walls, shaped like the ornate border of a painting, were four other statues—two on the right, two on the left. Blue flames flickered above the golden pedestal, casting long shadows.
Apparently, those flames had burned undisturbed for hundreds of years.
No one knew how it worked. The principles behind it were a mystery. The statue on the right was said to represent the first hero, yet even that name had been lost to time.
It was laughable—they didn’t even understand what it was they were worshipping.
This grand cathedral was believed to stand in opposition to the Abyss. The Theocracy had been founded for the sole purpose of protecting it.
Nowadays, it served more as a lavish banquet hall than anything else. But in truth, it was the opposite—it was a place to commune with the divine.
If that phantom beast hadn’t told her, she would’ve missed this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
If she had the opportunity to meet it again, she would have to thank it properly.
With a silent nod of gratitude to the monster she had yet to meet, she stepped forward.
A hint of tension tightened in her chest, but her steps remained steady.
The guests instinctively moved aside as she passed, parting like the sea before her.
Thanks to that, Adelina reached the altar without disturbance.
It felt like divine will.
──Goddess Teekua.
How can I speak to you? she wondered silently, calling out from within.
She had found and memorized a telepathy magic circle in the imperial library, already possessing a method to communicate without words. Of course, she also had the parchment on which the circle was drawn. However, that magic couldn’t be used on someone who didn’t exist.
Should I try to reach out telepathically to the statue? she considered. Just as the thought crossed her mind, the world began to sway.
Everything in her field of vision melted into mist, as though reality itself were vanishing.
──This is…
In an instant, the scenery disappeared.
A brief pause.
Then something began to descend around her. The sensation was familiar—like arriving in a world of pure souls. In other words, this place was…
’Adelina. Thank you for coming.’
The voice descended upon her like a divine blessing. It was unforgettable, etched deep within her soul. Even before birth, the knowledge implanted in her recognized that presence as her mother—the apostle.
The one who governed life and death. The Goddess Teekua of the underworld.
The moment Adelina acknowledged the divine presence, the void transformed into a breathtaking field of flowers.
The ground glowed enchantingly, blanketed with blood-red spider lilies (higanbana, T/N: flower often associated with death and the afterlife in Japanese culture). A river shimmered, purple cosmos flowers flowing beneath its surface. In the distance, a colossal waterfall loomed, wide enough to engulf the continent. The pitch-black sky sparkled with stars no different from those twinkling below.
”──Where is Letty?” Adelina asked, forgetting her greeting.
The underworld’s scenery could easily have entranced her, but she had more pressing concerns. Her lips drew tight as she addressed the woman whose outline remained indistinct despite her clear presence.
’She is here, so please do not worry,’ the goddess replied. ‘However, I cannot allow you to meet her. That will only be possible once you have fulfilled your role and truly descended.’
”Truly descended…?”
Adelina’s brows furrowed.
”Does that mean it will be after I die? Then this scenery isn’t real. It’s not that my soul was drawn here—but that the underworld itself is temporarily descending.”
Even if she is a goddess, maybe she can’t summon the souls of the dead.
”I was a little hopeful about meeting Letty, so I’m disappointed… though I figured it was impossible.”
Her thoughts turned inward. What should I do now? Am I on the right track so far?
The salvation of humanity was the task entrusted to her. Though she had plans in motion to that end, what she could see through foresight were only glimpses—possibilities of the future. She had no way to judge if her actions were correct.
She looked to the goddess, believing that the one who had set everything in motion must surely understand.
Though her expression was vacant, it somehow seemed to smile.
’Your actions are very significant,’ the goddess said gently. ‘However, you should also pay attention to the one who is confronting her.’
Adelina blinked.
Her? Who does she mean…?
”…Are you talking about Hero Anna?” she asked. “What should I be looking at?”
’The one who confronts,’ the goddess clarified. ‘She faces the approaching Demon King. Her power is unparalleled, and she is the kind of person who resolves problems without needing to be prompted. She needs guidance. She cannot defeat the Demon King. To meet the necessary conditions, your assistance is required.’
”She can’t defeat the Demon King?”
Adelina’s eyes widened. That possibility had never once crossed her mind.
She had fundamentally ignored Anna—left her to her own devices. After all, the girl had a tendency to wind up in a strange love-hate relationship with the Demon King. It was frustrating to watch.
”…Heroes don’t die, right? They’re not just strong—they’re monsters. Why can’t she win?”
Could it be that Anna wasn’t immortal after all?
Adelina had always assumed she was. But even then, it made no sense. Why couldn’t she defeat him?
She had never once seen a proper conclusion to the battle between a hero and a Demon King. In times of crisis, she’d never paid attention to anyone else but him.
’I’m sorry. I cannot stay here for long,’ the goddess said, urgency bleeding into her tone. ‘Adelina, please let another flower bloom. That is your most difficult task.’
”I understand. Is there anything else?” Adelina asked.
’──Be wary of the dark sorceress. She is the greatest obstacle.’
With those final words, the scenery shattered uniformly.
Like a collapsing mountain of sand, it cracked and crumbled. In the blink of an eye, everything vanished.
Was there anything else I wanted to ask…? Adelina searched her thoughts frantically, but she knew she wouldn’t make it in time.
If there had been time to talk more, she would have. She was trying to connect the afterlife and this world—she should’ve realized it wouldn’t be easy. She should have thought ahead.
Next time, I’ll summarize the main points better.
While reflecting on that, just as her original surroundings returned—
”Big sister, I’m cheering for you, so do your best!”
A voice—sweet as an angel’s—echoed through her mind.
──Ah.
When she came to, her vision was filled with blue flames and a white statue, standing atop a golden pedestal.
A reunion with the deity—abrupt in its descent, just as sudden in its departure.
Adelina looked around in surprise.
Time hadn’t passed. The people were still chatting animatedly, glasses in hand, waiting for the stage greeting to begin. Everything was unchanged.
Letting out a heavy breath, she released the biggest sigh of the day.
”To say I wouldn’t be allowed to meet her again… That’s just cruel,” she muttered under her breath.
Her heart pounded with unexpected excitement. Was it really possible to feel so happy just from hearing a voice?
But still—she couldn’t forgive that mean Teekua.
It had toyed with her emotions. The next time they met, she would definitely flick its forehead.
I’ll get you for this, she thought, silently swearing divine vengeance.
”Hm? Hey, why are you closing the door?”
A man’s voice cut into the growing noise around her.
Without her noticing, the surrounding commotion had intensified.
At the chapel entrance, a guard—who shouldn’t have been inside—was closing the door and standing firmly in place, sealing them in.
Something had happened.
Everyone inside was now trapped.
Ah… I see.
That woman is dead.
Adelina knew this scene far too well.
Soon, the choir would escort her back to the palace in a panic. Everyone here would be detained and questioned under suspicion of murder. The cathedral would be in chaos over the identity of the corpse lying just outside.
──It doesn’t matter.
She had seen it all many times before. She knew exactly what had happened.
Her mother had been killed.
By none other than her father.
The woman had overestimated her worth as the mother of a saint and approached her father—the Archbishop Boston—suggesting he take her as his mistress. Half-threatening him.
Naturally, the Archbishop, repulsed by the idea of a whore, refused. They argued. He pushed her. She fell from the balcony.
That was the end.
A pathetic tale of flies swarming over rotting meat.
Adelina felt no pity.
Whether it was because she despised them, or had simply grown too used to it, she couldn’t say. That ambiguity no longer held meaning for her.
”Saint, I’m sorry, but could you come here?” a voice called.
Just as an odd calm had begun to settle over her heart, the words shattered it. A choir member’s voice—bright, gentle—reached her ears like a ripple through still water.
The mood inside her turned cold, as if someone had poured ice water over her chest.
The woman who had called to her looked to be about ten years older, yet her bright eyes gave her an almost childlike charm. Her name was Gina. Among the many troublesome clergy, she stood out as one of the few who showed any real kindness or thoughtfulness.
In the narrow, suffocating world Adelina inhabited, it was no exaggeration to say that Gina was the only person she did not dislike. However, as Gina wasn’t assigned as her bodyguard, they rarely had the chance to speak.
If someone like her, who normally guarded the outside of the cathedral, had come inside to call her…
Then it meant the time for her escort had arrived.
”──Hmm,” Adelina murmured with a nod.
Gina led her away from that place, and together they descended the stone steps at the back of the cathedral, exiting into the light of day. From there, they made their way straight toward the palace.
Today was her first outing in quite some time.
She had accomplished her objective. Her reunion with the deity had come to pass. And now, as if nothing had happened, she would return to the gilded cage that was her life.
The next movement of the wheel would likely begin once they arrived.
Until then, her remaining days would consist of nothing more than choosing among countless futures, guided by foresight.
”Are you all right?” Gina asked gently.
Adelina barely heard her. There was a face-to-face meeting before that, she recalled. It held some importance, though it was difficult to judge just how much. The girl she would meet would go on to become one of the Hero’s companions.
It was the first meeting with the Hero’s party.
”Well, well, the princess of the Dusselhelm Empire, Lady Hermine. How delightful to see you──”
The girl who appeared was breathtaking. Her long black hair flowed like silk, and the word “beautiful” seemed made for her. She was just a little older than Adelina, and truthfully, more aligned with his tastes.
After confirming Adelina’s well-being, Hermine turned and headed toward the cathedral without another word.
Her walking figure sparkled and dazzled.
Adelina found herself watching in silence, a quiet bitterness blooming inside her. The feeling that she wanted to make that girl suffer someday… it was probably just jealousy.
She sighed.
They arrived at the palace.
Her private chamber awaited her beyond the large doors, guarded on either side by members of the choir. The room itself was white from ceiling to floor—white walls, white bed, and a window with a pleasant view of the town. Laced decorations she found irritating adorned the curtains and furnishings, all in that same pristine hue.
Adelina stepped across the red carpet leading to her bed and collapsed forward into the plush white comforter.
With that, most of her preparations were complete.
Aside from the fact that she hadn’t managed to have a proper conversation with Tiqua, everything had generally gone according to plan. From now on, she would be on standby for an emergency.
And she would likely be here for quite a long time.
Preparation, huh…
Tiqua’s words lingered in her mind.
One had been about the Hero. One about the flowers. And the last… about a sorceress.
That third one was completely incomprehensible. It would probably require further investigation. For now, she had no choice but to put it on hold.
Since she had time—plenty of time—she might as well try to resolve it while she waited.
As for the other two…
The mishap concerning the Hero had been her own fault.
She was strong enough to crush even the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon Lord’s army without breaking a sweat. Not once had Adelina believed she would fail to defeat the Demon Lord. Yet, she had been too focused on him to see how things had actually played out between the Hero and the Demon Lord.
Her foresight had shown that if he were to head to the Beast Continent, his safety would likely be ensured.
So, then… she would have to find a way to deal with the Hero before that happened.
And then, the flowers.
──Skill activated: Prophecy Book Creation – Black Chronicle Maker.
Adelina rose and sat up in bed, raising her hands in front of her chest.
Opening her clenched fists, she watched as the air itself began to crack.
A jagged black line split the space, and from it, a simple book emerged. Its cover was matte black, and utterly featureless.
The two “flowers” she had received…
They were Future Sight, and Prophecy Book Creation.
If she followed Tiqua’s words, then this book was meant to be used.
It likely meant, “Do your best with this plain prophecy book that has nothing written inside.”
But Adelina had no idea how to use it.
She opened the book slowly, but as expected, the pages were blank.
She had assumed that anything given to her would be something she truly needed. But this… this was a prophecy book with absolutely nothing written in it.
How was she supposed to make use of something like this?
She didn’t understand at all.
And honestly, when it came to seeing the future, wasn’t Future Sight already enough?
The book was black and white in a strange, almost unnatural way.
Staring at it for a while, she let out a sigh and tossed it aside.
Leaning back against the futon—surprisingly soft, nothing like the hard beds she’d shared with her sister—she turned her eyes toward the future.
(T/N: “Futon” refers to a traditional Japanese bedding set, often used as a mattress or comforter on the floor.)
Notes:
• Goddess Teekua – The deity who saved Sylvia after her death and granted her rebirth as a hero.
• Adelina – The slave girl.
• Anna – The legendary Hero, chosen to defeat the Demon Lord. Her past life is Sylvia Croce. She is described as a heavenly being with overwhelming skill and a merciless attitude.
• Boston – Adelina’s father, who holds a position of power within the church hierarchy. He has a dark secret regarding the death of his wife, Adelina’s mother.
• Gina – A kind choir member who shows genuine concern for Adelina. She’s a rare ally in this unfamiliar place, offering some comfort and companionship.
• Hermine – Daughter of the Emperor of the Second Empire of Dusselhelm. A companion and friend of Anna. The mage. She is pragmatic and encourages Anna to focus on her duties as a hero rather than her personal revenge.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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