Book 5: Volume 1 Chapter 7, The Word of God

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Following Ada’s report, King Pedro moved swiftly to prepare for the visitors indicated by the oracle. The delay until the next day was understandable given his position. in fact, securing an audience so quickly was unusual, made possible only by Ada’s trust and past achievements.

 

When the time came, King Pedro welcomed his guests with careful formality.

 

Sylvia and her companions had come not as messengers from Razequa Amamiya, but as representatives of Amamiya Tower itself. The fact that they had arranged this meeting through divine oracle made clear their true nature as messengers of God.

 

The Santo Emingo court, having received the oracle and prepared accordingly, was nonetheless confused. After all, they had been told the Conquest Battle would proceed without divine interference. What could Angels of God possibly need to convey now?

 

Ignoring the anxious murmurs around him, Pedro studied the three visitors. All were beautiful, but one stood out with an almost otherworldly quality. Yet contrary to his expectations, a different woman stepped forward as their representative.

 

Despite standing before a King, the blonde woman did not bow in the manner of a subject. Instead, she offered the respectful gesture of a shrine maiden. Normally this might seem presumptuous, but given that she had arrived following a divine oracle, no one dared object.

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Sylvia, priestess of the God, Kousuke.”

 

Several observers gasped at the name. They recognized Sylvia from her days as a priestess at Razequa Amamiya.

 

Pedro, however, found this entirely reasonable. The oracle had indicated she would come as a divine messenger. A God’s own priestess appearing in person was hardly surprising.

 

What Pedro truly wanted to know was her purpose.

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. I am King Pedro of Santo Emingo.” He decided directness would serve best. “I’ll be frank. What is the purpose of this special visit?”

 

If facing a God directly, such bluntness might be disrespectful. But Sylvia was Human, a priestess at that. A King need not be overly humble.

 

Sylvia appeared entirely unbothered by his approach. She nodded slightly and proceeded directly to her purpose.

 

“I’ve brought a message from the God, Kousuke.”

 

“A message?” Pedro maintained an outwardly calm demeanor while his mind raced through possibilities.

 

He was mentally prepared to cancel the conquest immediately if necessary. The monster evolution results were already enough. He had even considered returning captured floors if demanded.

 

But Sylvia’s actual words diverged completely from his expectations.

 

“I will now convey his message.”

 

Sylvia paused. Several priests and shrine maidens, including Ada at Pedro’s side, immediately prepared themselves to receive the oracle. The introductory phrase Sylvia had used was the traditional opening for divine messages, and priests were trained to ready themselves upon hearing it.

 

Sylvia noted their preparation with a glance but kept her gaze fixed on Pedro as she delivered Kousuke’s words.

 

“‘We’ve launched a Conquest Battle. Let’s fight until we’re both satisfied.’ That is the entirety of the message.”

 

“…Huh?”

 

Pedro could not suppress his confusion. They had traveled all this way as divine messengers for that? He found himself wondering if there was hidden meaning, some deeper message encoded in those simple words.

 

The others listening wore equally perplexed expressions. Everyone seemed caught between doubt and uncertainty.

 

Sylvia clearly sensed the atmosphere shifting. This was where her experience as a shrine maiden alongside Floria became crucial. They were in another kingdom’s royal court. Any misinterpretation of her words could completely distort Kousuke’s true intentions.

 

She spoke carefully, ensuring no nervousness showed on her face.

 

“From here forward, I’ll be speaking from my own perspective. Is that acceptable?”

 

“Yes, please proceed.” Pedro quickly recognized that his aides would be of little help here. He needed information directly from Sylvia.

 

Of course, he had no intention of accepting Sylvia’s interpretation without being critical. She represented the opposing side in this Conquest Battle. But any insight was better than none.

 

“You’re likely wondering about hidden intentions.” Sylvia began. “But I believe it’s best to take the message at face value.”

 

“I see. And why is that?”

 

Reading between lines, understanding true intentions, negotiating advantages. These were the foundations of politics and diplomacy. Normally, using a Human messenger implied layers of meaning. Yet Sylvia was suggesting the opposite.

 

“Because your counterpart this time is a God.”

 

“Hmm…!?”

 

Pedro’s expression shifted to one of startled realization.

 

As Sylvia said, when dealing with a God, everyone involved would analyze every possibility and act according to their interpretations, regardless of the God’s actual intentions. This would be true even if the message came directly as a divine oracle.

 

In such a context, using a Human messenger to convey an honest, straightforward message could actually be remarkably effective.

 

The reasoning was so sound that Pedro nearly accepted it completely. But he was a King. Blindly believing others’ words, for the very reasons Sylvia had outlined, would be tantamount to suicide.

 

“…I see. You may be right.”

 

Sylvia smiled at Pedro’s willingness to consider her perspective, though she had not expected him to accept it so easily. Even as a shrine maiden, she was still Human. She understood his caution.

 

But this time, she held a trump card.

 

For the first time, she shifted her gaze from King Pedro to Mitsuki.

 

“Oh!?”

 

“What!?”

 

Mitsuki’s sudden transformation drew gasps from everyone watching. Pedro had no opportunity to reprimand anyone for the outburst. He was equally stunned.

 

The woman he had previously seen as simply beautiful and otherworldly now revealed three pairs of wings extending from her back, six wings in total.

 

Mitsuki’s magnificent wings, previously hidden, were now exposed for all to see.

 

“King Pedro,” Mitsuki’s voice carried quiet authority, “I support Sylvia’s words. Are you still unconvinced?”

 

Silence fell over the chamber as the Angel revealed her true nature. Their reactions made words unnecessary.

 

No one present could doubt the words of Mitsuki, whose very name meant ‘God’s spokesperson.’

 

“…No.” Pedro’s mind had gone blank at the revelation, but he quickly recovered. Rising from his throne, he lowered his head. “I apologize for my ignorance in misinterpreting God’s words.”