ATIRPBT 109

CHAPTER 109………………………..

“Everyone experiencing side effects, gather inside this tent.”

“Distribute supplies to the other territories immediately.”

“Are there enough Solia fruits?”

I was in a frenzy at Marquess Iolin’s residence, coordinating the antidote distribution.

Everyone seemed busy, but fortunately, the situation was resolving quickly. Ilia, Mullin, and Seshil breathed a sigh of relief.

I looked at Ilia and Mullin, eyes shimmering with relief, and asked,

“Did I properly tell Marquess Iolin to send people to the Dark Forest to retrieve the Solia fruits?”

“Of course. We also let our court and the Second Princess’s court know, so the word spread instantly.”

“Good. Well done.”

“But Your Highness, will you really leave the Empress’s spy alone?”

Ah, the spy.

I had completely forgotten—there was a spy in my mother’s palace working for the Empress.

I thought for a moment and nodded.

“Yes, I’ll use her as a witness later.”

“About this incident?”

“Yes.”

Mullin frowned skeptically.

“Who would listen to a mere maid? If Her Majesty the Empress denies it, everything will be swept aside. Even if the Emperor doesn’t forgive, Duke Alfe would make it disappear.”

“Do you think I didn’t consider that?”

The person who had already mixed the foreign substance into the anti-magic potion was on my side.

Lady Panashart really is useful.

From the moment the Pope came and the first meeting was held, I had anticipated all of this.

What raised public sentiment the most was the temple and the medicine that cured magic insensitivity.

But touching the temple directly was risky, so the most practical target was the medicine. That made predicting the outcome relatively easy.

With Baroness Panashart’s cooperation, the plan was even smoother.

Eight years ago, after joining forces with me, she became one of the most favored nobles in the Empress’s eyes.

On the first day, I told her to act as if she would do anything for the Empress.

And when the Empress called, she was to bribe someone separately.

The caught Empress would order Baroness Panashart to mix Necros into the remedy, leaving evidence behind.

I also had the Empress sign a contract ensuring she would protect me if things went wrong.

I smiled contentedly as I looked at the contracts of the Empress and Baroness Panashart in my hands.

“I’ll fold this neatly and hide it somewhere out of sight.”

I folded the contracts carefully and hid them deep in my vanity drawer, smiling all the while, oblivious to Ilia and Mullin shaking their heads behind me.

That night, I had a peculiar dream.

I had washed and gotten into bed, but upon opening my eyes, I was somewhere strange.

I paused, assessed the situation, and regained my composure.

Where am I?

It was a place unfamiliar and strange.

All around me was white light, with glimpses beyond it of a blue sky and a dense forest.

Just as I blinked, a voice spoke.

[Child.]

“Ah!”

I screamed in surprise at the woman who suddenly appeared behind me.

“G-Goddess?”

The figure was none other than the goddess Aeliridium, smiling at me.

She poked my cheek with her finger.

[It was fun. Watching you is never boring.]

“Is that a compliment?”

[You are the first human to capture my such attention, so yes, it’s a compliment.]

“I see.”

I relaxed, realizing this must be a divine space—it was clearly a dream.

Good, I’m not kidnapped.

Suddenly, the goddess spoke again.

[The first aptitude test is tomorrow, right? I heard from Mari.]

“Are you talking with the Pope now?”

[No? I just hear him chatter to my mini statue. By the way, could you tell Mari to keep it down? It’s annoying.]

Poor Pope Maridris…

“How devoted he is to you…”

[Ha, a man’s devotion is meaningless. Only someone like you, clever and daring, matters.]

I stared at her like she was a rascal and cleared my throat.

“Why did you call me, then? Are you going to give me divine power for the aptitude test?”

She clicked her tongue.

[You think life works that easily? I don’t give divine power to anyone.]

“…Then why call me?”

[See? You become greedy as soon as I say no. You’ll grow up to be something special, I suppose.]

It sounded like a compliment, but I felt oddly insulted.

Seeing my expression sour, she continued hurriedly.

[I was just observing, but it’s frustrating! Why haven’t you asked Mari for divine power? They’re on your side anyway. Why so clueless at the crucial moment?]

“….”

I thought: Of course! I could have just asked for divine power.

Even if I received the Pope’s divine power, the priests could recognize whose power it was. It would be obvious immediately.

Still, the Pope was already on my side, so why was I worrying…?

In my previous life, I was wary because Yevgeny had connections to the temple.

[Unnecessary caution.]

“Don’t read my thoughts carelessly!”

[Too late.]

“But… if you were going to help, why give the oracle in the first place?”

[To entertain myself. Watching someone struggle despite having everything is hilarious.]

Poor citizens of our empire…

I glared at her, thinking: well, at least she called me personally to give the right answer.

Then I wondered:

“Why didn’t Pope Maridris just tell me himself?”

[Because, child, I issued an oracle: he must not speak first. You must ask directly.]

Can an oracle be used like this?

Better to stop trying to understand. Easier that way.

I woke with a blissful smile…

“Goodness? Up early today, Your Highness?”

The day of the first aptitude test had arrived.

I stepped off the carriage, escorted by Seshil.

Apparently, Yevgeny and Isabel rode together, with Isabel taking care of his escort.

I looked around.

“Sir Seshil, I don’t see the Crown Prince. Did he not come?”

“He said he wasn’t interested and went to handle affairs. His schedule is always busy, and Pope Maridris understood.”

So today’s aptitude test would be only for Isabel, Yevgeny, and me.

“Shall we go in?”

“Yes.”

I nodded and started walking, when Isabel stopped me.

“Hey.”

“…What is it?”

Seeing her gaze, I couldn’t ignore her. She smirked arrogantly.

“Why bother coming to the temple for a test without divine power, when you could just stay in the palace like your brother?”

“Oh, Isabel, Lily would be upset.”

Suddenly, Yevgeny linked arms with Isabel and smirked.

Such a spoiled behavior… impressive in its own way.

I shook my head and continued walking.

“Seems the Second Prince is wasting time. Stay in top condition—you never know if he might fail the test due to poor condition.”

“Damn it…!”

Isabel swore, but the lead priest, Hebzel, quickly intervened.

“Follow the assigned priest. I am assigned to Your Highness, the First Princess. Was your journey safe?”

“Yes.”

“Then follow me. The aptitude test begins in one hour; until then, you’ll act separately.”

A chance!

I brightened and whispered to Hebzel as I approached.

“I want to see His Holiness. Is that possible?”

Hebzel smirked slyly.

“Of course. You are the one His Holiness supports.”

As if waiting for my words, he led me to the Pope.

“His Holiness is here. He was wondering when you’d arrive.”

“Thank you.”

Hebzel opened the door, revealing a glass greenhouse in full bloom.

Under sharp sunlight, water droplets sparkled on the leaves, glimmering like glass beads.

The Pope was at the fountain in the center, watching the water, then turned as he noticed me.

“Shall I share divine power with you?”

“You already knew, then.”

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask. I expected you’d request help from day one. I was anxious since you didn’t ask.”

“Sorry. I didn’t think of it.”

“It’s my fault for not earning your trust. Show me your wrist; we have no time.”

I rolled up my sleeve and extended my wrist. He held it gently.

“Before lending divine power, I must warn you—it will hurt.”

“I’ve endured it during the divine vessel ritual. I can handle it.”

“…It will feel very different from before.”

The Pope stroked my wrist, apologetically.

“This will hurt greatly. Previously, I only applied a little to maintain the vessel—like lubricating a door threshold. Now, I’ll pour it directly inside, a much larger amount.”

“….”

What? No one mentioned this.

More painful than maintaining the vessel? That was already painful…

I clenched my mouth and closed my eyes.

“Will it last long?”

“No. About ten minutes of pain, then you will sleep immediately. You’ll be awakened for the aptitude test.”

Short-term pain. That was manageable.

I nodded.

“Alright… do it.”

“Understood. I will put you to sleep immediately after. My divine power also induces sleep.”

“…Yes.”

“Then we begin.”