69novels Chapter 121
Chapter 121
Chapter 121
The tent of the Numina sect.
“Ian, are you Brother Ian Blackangers?”
The priest asked.
Ian flinched slightly.
The priest’s momentum was unusual.
“Yes.”
Lately, it had improved a bit, but most people still frowned as soon as they heard Ian’s name.
What kind of contemptuous expression would come his way?
But contrary to his fears, the priest’s face brightened with a radiant smile.
“Ah, Brother Ian, to think you are interested in the teachings of Numina, I should have sought you out sooner!”
“?”
“Please, come this way. Once again, a sincere welcome.”
“??”
Such sudden hospitality.
How long had it been since he received such a welcome after introducing himself?
Although he didn’t show it, Ian was slightly moved. At the same time, a chill ran down his spine.
‘... Are these guys a cult?’
Even before his possession, the only people who welcomed him were usually cultists.
However...
“We have heard of your heroic deeds. May Deus’s blessings always be with you!”
The priests of the Numina sect had a reason to welcome Ian.
Their foundation was inherently anti-saints.
Ever since Ian delivered a blow to the saintess candidate at the disciplinary committee, an atmosphere of high regard for Ian had subtly emerged among them.
Moreover, he had recently exposed and executed the Northern Grand Duke as a Bloodstone Cultist!
To the doctrine-centric Numina sect, heretics like the Bloodstone Cult were objects of intense hatred and eradication.
Unbeknownst to Ian, he was an idol here.
Even though the priests of the Numina sect were only a handful, they were the ones who approached Ian when he returned to Lichten after a long time.
Anyway...
An idol-like figure personally entering their sect’s tent!
“It’s modest, but please have a seat here.”
The priest’s smile became even more benevolent.
Of course, Ian couldn’t guess their circumstances. His unfortunate fate forced him to doubt others’ kindness. He discreetly checked the exits as he sat at the table the priest guided him to.
“Elena, could you bring some tea?”
The priest called to a female priestess bowing in front of the sect’s symbol.
“......”
But there was no response.
Was she absorbed in prayer?
Just as Ian admired her devotion...
“Huh?”
The priestess’s head bobbed vigorously back and forth, startling herself.
“Elena?”
“I... I wasn’t sleeping!”
The priestess tried to hide her embarrassment, her hands flailing.
The priest sighed lightly, as if familiar with this sight, and spoke again.
“Alright, can you bring some tea for our guest?”
“A... guest...? Yes, yes!”
Ian blinked at the priestess who brought the tea. Her appearance seemed familiar.
Short stature, hair mixed with gold and brown hues, a noticeably broad forehead, and timid movements. Avoiding his gaze shyly, she clutched the oversized sleeves of her priestly robe while pouring the tea.
“Priestess Elena’s tea-brewing skills are exceptional. Even the student council often requests her service. Maintaining this tent is largely thanks to Sister Elena.”
The priestess blushed at the praise, her ears turning red.
Finally, Ian remembered who she was.
The youngest member of the student council trio who had evaluated the club.
The difference between her current appearance in priestly robes and her previous one was significant, which was why he didn’t recognize her at first.
“Ah, you were the Student Council member from that time...?”
The priestess finally met Ian’s eyes.
“S-Sophia is the name my mother gave me. Elena is the name given by the God.”
“I see. Then may I call you Elena too? It feels like it brings us closer.”
Elena nodded silently.
Despite her somewhat clumsy personality, she was indeed a devout believer.
And it’s common knowledge that the more devout a priest is, the more exceptional their abilities tend to be.
Ian became even more determined to persuade Elena.
“As I mentioned to the male priest earlier, I need a priest who can be on my team for the promotion exam.”
“I’m sorry, but I think it will be difficult for me.”
Elena refused firmly in a small voice.
“I’m not very interested in promotion. My path is solely to serve Deus and follow the teachings of Numina.”
A resolute refusal.
Of course, Ian wasn’t one to back down from a mere refusal.
He was well-trained by numerous rejections of confessions in the past.
In fact, rejection was like fuel to Ian’s energy.
“But Elena, think about it carefully.”
“Yes?”
“In the end, you will have to spread the teachings to others someday. Having the title of Aether Class would make more people listen to your voice. We’re the only team that distributes the cores from hunting dangerous species exactly in equal parts.”
Elena seemed to consider his words, but soon her expression hardened again.
“Excessive competition and greed should be avoided. I’m sorry, but it seems difficult for me to join.”
Even as she held her perpetually slipping priestly robe, she shook her head.
She was as unyielding as an iron wall.
‘Still, a priest is absolutely necessary.’
Ian couldn’t give up.
Judging by the reaction of the Numina sect, it would be impossible to find a priest from the Celeste sect of the saintess candidate.
So, Elena was the only priest he could possibly recruit.
‘Honestly, I didn’t expect her to be uninterested in the Aether promotion.’
The basic principle of negotiation is to understand what the other party wants.
Ian had naturally assumed that even a priest would desire Aether promotion.
In Lichten, “Aether” was a brand in of itself, synonymous with prestige. Just maintaining Aether status for one semester guaranteed significant opportunities post-graduation.
‘But she doesn’t want that...’
Ian’s mind worked quickly.
What was Elena’s deepest desire?
After a brief pause, Ian spoke.
“Then.”
“...?”
“I’ll give you 10 vouchers for Snowflake Fruits.”
“?”
A brief silence ensued.
Elena spoke in a determined voice, a beat late.
“I am a priest who serves God. I will not be swayed by mere desserts.”
But Ian didn’t miss it.
He saw the storm of guilt and desire flicker and then vanish in Elena’s eyes.
“Hmm... Alright then. How about one Snowflake Fruit every month for life?”
“...What? For life?”
“Yes, for life.”
“D-Don’t think I will fall for such a temptation! Devil! Oh God, please help me resist this temptation.”
Even as she started reciting a prayer, Elena’s body was honest. Her lips began to glisten with drool.
Ian’s lips curled into a smile.
“What, is that not enough? Then how about one Snowflake Fruit every week for life?”
Mmm.
Elena’s lips trembled.
“Protect me from my desires... Slurp.”
Her prayer was not completed.