Chapter 580
The Shawshank Escape happening at the mansion came to an end in less than three minutes.
“Well, it looks like you’re really a dark deity,” I commented.
That was because Tannian had used holy magic to bind the dark deities.
‘What a strange ability they have.’
As I watched eleven beasts dragged along, struggling with cries of despair, Tannian recited a brief prayer, releasing golden chains that ensnared the scattered dark deities throughout the mansion.
The saint’s utility skills were nothing short of miraculous. The ability to chase them down in place? Impressive.
“Master! Save us! I promise I’ll eat less and obey you!”
“We’ve lost all divinity! We’re just peculiar beasts now!”
“Hey, you wicked saint! If you’re gonna kill me, at least do it when I was a god! Killing me like this? I can’t die like this!”
Each of those captured dark deities, held by their necks, legs, or wings, frantically pleaded with me or cursed Tannian, struggling desperately.
It was certainly a pathetic sight. Who’d think these were the dark deities that even Enen warned against?
“I’m a bit surprised. When they said dark deities, I expected monsters on skeletal horses or some bizarre mix of animals.”
In the midst of it all, Tannian examined the dark deities and expressed a similar sentiment.
I thought the same when I first saw them. Typically, dark deities conjure images of grim reapers wielding scythes or chimera-like creatures with jumbled animal parts. Not this Yorkie, chick, or deer.
“Well, I suppose their appearance might have changed since they’ve lost their divine nature.”
Saying that, Tannian removed the chains and freed the struggling dark deities.
“More importantly, you’ve treated the creatures under your care harshly. I apologize.”
“No, it’s fine. They’re not the kind to get hurt by this.”
I shook my head at Tannian’s politely lowered gaze.
It wasn’t just that he set them free upon confirming their identities, nor that he referred to them as my creatures—Tannian didn’t seem to have come here to mess with the dark deities after all.
Well, that makes sense. Didn’t Enen say the oldest worries and sins had disappeared across the continent? If Tannian were to deal with these former dark deities on his own volition, it would imply he didn’t trust Enen’s declaration.
“By the way, Brother, what are these kids’ names?”
“Their names?”
At that, I shifted my gaze to the dark deities.
They did have names. Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—the so-called Four Horsemen. Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, Sloth—the Seven Deadly Sins.
However, saying that in front of a saint would be painfully embarrassing. It’s a bit… heretical to go “our pets are the Four Horsemen and the Seven Deadly Sins!”
‘Let’s keep their true names hidden.’
Plus, the reason even dark deities cowered before Enen was that their names and existence had been wiped away over hundreds of years.
Of course, revealing their names wouldn’t restore their faith, especially since they’d lost their divinity, but what if? If their true names spread and they began to be worshiped again, who knows what might happen.
“We don’t have names yet. If it’s alright, could you give them names, Brother?”
“Me?”
“Since they are striving to live anew, if the Son of God Himself names them, that name will become their new identity.”
With that, I threw out a line. Having a saint give them new names? What better way to reinvent themselves?
“No, our names exist openly…”
“Shut it, dope.”
“Fine, if I’m gonna die, then I’ll go down alone.”
Luckily, some nameless dark deity nearby was quickly subdued by the others.
“Since worries and sins have vanished under your hand, only happiness and goodness should remain.”
After pondering briefly, Tannian nodded and spoke.
“Vigor, Peace, Abundance, Longevity.”
“What?”
“Wait a second.”
“I think the rest should be Humility, Charity, Kindness, Patience, Purity, Temperance, Diligence.”
An unexpected set of words sent ripples of confusion through the dark deities.
I felt the same. Those eleven words mentioned by Tannian represented concepts entirely opposite to the Four Horsemen and the Seven Deadly Sins.
“…Did you know?”
“There are secrets inherited by popes and saints that cannot be revealed to the world. It would be unfortunate if we, who are meant to uphold world peace, were oblivious to them.”
With a gentle smile, Tannian approached the dark deities, patting their heads one by one.
“And if the Lord has deemed your past misdeeds erased, I, His servant, can only follow that will.”
And with that, he declared that the Church would no longer regard these dark deities with caution or hatred.
After granting the gift of forgiveness—a name change to the dark deities.
“Since I’m here, may I meet the little ones? I’d like to bless them to grow up healthy.”
“It would be an honor. Rather, I should be the one asking for your blessing.”
Hearing Tannian express his wish to bless Peddi and the triplets, I instinctively nodded in agreement.
The more blessings you receive, the better, especially from a high-ranking individual. Asking for a blessing from the future saint would be an undeniable privilege.
“Clearly, he’s your child, Brother.”
Tannian’s fond observation as he looked at Peddi filled me with joy.
Our Peddi is recognized by god himself as my child. My child, acknowledged by the world and the divine.
“Aw?”
Anyway, upon seeing an unfamiliar face, Peddi, who had been crawling around with Titi, tilted his head. He evidently sensed that this stranger posed no threat to him, as he didn’t cry.
– Woof!
Even Titi welcomed Tannian, wagging his tail.
No, Titi genuinely likes people.
“Oh, is this the Titi? It’s my first time seeing him in person.”
Kneeling down slightly, Tannian placed his hand on Titi’s head and muttered a prayer.
‘No way.’
Observing the undeniably blessed scene, I was taken aback. A blessing for a pet from the next saint? Way too generous!
“Ha ha, you don’t need to worry; I’m not planning to ask for money.”
“I feel like I should at least give you something to put my mind at ease.”
Tannian could only chuckle at the heartfelt murmurs.
‘Is this the power of connections…?’
I’d be the only noble who could bless a pet.
*
The visit to the capital concluded satisfactorily.
I saw the face of someone who could be called a friend after a long time and greeted someone to whom I owed a favor for three years. I also confirmed that the concerns and sins sealed by the Lord had been completely overcome, making this trip undoubtedly blessed with divine favor.
‘I hope they live a new life suitable for their new names.’
I chuckled, recalling the tiny dark deities, now mere pets of the Director.
The once fearsome Pestilence and War, Famine and Death had transformed into Vigor, Peace, Abundance, and Longevity. No longer concerns, but happiness that all beings yearn for.
The human transgressions of Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth had turned into Humility, Charity, Kindness, Patience, Purity, Temperance, and Diligence—transformed from temptations into goodness.
Of course, for now, it was just a name change, but names embody essence and everything. The day they accept those names will truly be transformative for the continent.
‘If it’s my brother, he’ll surely take good care of them.’
I had no solid reasons, but for some reason, I had faith. If my brother could eradicate worries and sins, surely he could lead happiness and goodness.
‘Happiness…’
The word happiness naturally brought to mind the face of the Director.
When I had mentioned bestowing blessings on my children, he had shown the brightest smile and expressed gratitude like never before.
The brother who laughed while holding his son named Peddi and his three daughters, who still couldn’t crawl—Maria, Cecilia, and Katreia.
‘Could he really be such a joyful person?’
The one who typically frowned or stared blankly out the window during our time at the academy, now made me feel guilty for having contributed to that.
Or perhaps he had merely brightened due to his children.
‘Children.’
Little Peddi, who crawled around on all fours. Maria, Cecilia, and Katreia who wiggled while lying in bed.
Thinking of those kids made my lips curl upwards. Seeing the purest and most adorable beings in the world was simply heartwarming.
‘I’ll have a child someday too.’
Just like when I lost my parents and became an orphan, I had found a family of faith. One day, I would be able to create a real family. Meeting a woman I connect with, getting married, and having children that resemble me.
“Brother, have you had some joyful news?”
Just then, Sister Alexandria, who had been watching me from across the table, inquired.
“Sister.”
“Yes, Brother.”
“If I had a child that looked like me, what would you think?”
Her pupils trembled rapidly.
*
Since receiving Tannian’s blessing, it seems Peddi and Titi’s stamina has increased by about 1.4 times. It’s apparent as they zip around the mansion faster.
Peddi, who already had a surplus of energy, is becoming even stronger. I feel so proud as a father.
“Master, Master.”
“What is it, Humility?”
“Please change that damned name! I’d rather be called Yellow than be named Humility, which is ironic for the arrogant me!”
Looking down at Humility flapping his wings in frustration was quite the sight.
How strange. Just by changing his name from Pride to Humility, he looks cuter than ever. Is this the power of a name?
“Yellow is better, huh?”
“I’m serious! I’m not joking!”
“If you go with Yellow, the saint will come and change it to Red, you know?”
“Red?”
He tilted his head, bemused, but once he understood, he dashed away in a hurry.
‘Your name is your lifeline.’
I watched Humility scurry away, wishing them well. The new names bestowed by the saint were nothing short of mercy. If they were to abandon those names, the likelihood of encountering Enen would skyrocket.
So they better behave. After all, they wouldn’t want to throw away the little life they’ve managed to cling onto.
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