Chapter: 132
‘Wait a minute! I…’
“Hold on. Sloppy Perverted Fox. Let me change my clothes.”
No way can I keep running around in a bunny girl outfit!
I’m used to putting on armor now, so it won’t take much time, right? If it’s urgent, I’ll just head out in casual wear, so let me change!
“Uh-huh. Is your dignity more important than your friend who’s fallen asleep?”
As I shouted, the fox pretended to look grave and asked me that.
It might seem like a reprimand at first glance, but I know better. This perverted fox just wants to see my bunny outfit a bit longer. I can tell since the corners of his mouth keep twitching.
Come on! Is a little delay really going to cause a problem? Does he think I don’t know that being asleep for a week is okay?!
“Look. Your other friend doesn’t seem to be full of worries, does she?”
Glancing over, I spotted Joy, avoiding my gaze and fumbling nervously.
“I’m fine. Lady Allen. You go ahead.”
Despite her words, her face was pale. Joy didn’t know the exact situation about Phoebe. How can anyone stay calm when they don’t know what might happen to their close friend?
…Sigh. After all, I’ve already shown everyone, right? What’s changing now by changing?
The bunny outfit isn’t bad, either. It’s super comfortable, and there’s nothing restricting me. The wind feels cool against my skin. Yeah, it’s fine. It’s all good.
‘Let’s go.’
“Let’s go, Sloppy Fox.”
“Are you not going to change?”
‘It’s fine.’
“I think it’d be okay if it weren’t for the disgusting eyes of the perverted fox crawling all over your skin.”
“Ugh. That’s a problem. Even if I try not to look, my eyes just naturally wander.”
‘Please just die.’
“Seriously, how revolting. Just die. Apologize to the creatures of the forest you govern and off yourself.”
I sincerely wished for that, but the Sloppy Fox couldn’t help but make a goofy face instead.
Someday. Someday, if I get strong enough to take down this Sloppy Fox myself, I’ll come right to this forest and smash his head in. I’ll give him a physical education lesson.
Phoebe was in a room five steps away from me, peacefully exhaling on her bed.
With a blissful smile on her face, I wondered if she was having a good dream. What dream could it be? Since she connects everything to the Shoddy God, maybe she’s seeing the Shoddy God in her dreams.
Phoebe needs to understand just how perverted that god is. He’s not the noble and good god described in the scriptures. He’s a corrupted monster of a god, part sadistic and part pedo. He’s even less competent than Agra!
These days, he’s been somewhat helpful, but it used to be terrible! Truly! No matter how deep Phoebe’s faith is, knowing all this, she wouldn’t believe Armadi, right?
If the day comes when I can proudly declare myself as an apostle of Armadi, I’ll have to tell Phoebe then.
“Do you know the best way to pull someone out of a dream?”
The Sloppy Fox walked past us and approached Phoebe, placing a hand on her forehead.
“It’s to deny the dream yourself. For this girl, it seems like that’d be easy.”
In matters related to the mind, there shouldn’t be a character as reliable as this Sloppy Fox, so why don’t I trust him?
Could it be because I heard him whine about wanting to get hit under my feet?
*
“You had a rough time, didn’t you?”
Outside the orphanage, Phoebe was smiling as she felt Armadi’s hand stroking her head on a bench so old that children would bet on when it might fall apart.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks to Lord Jushin, you came to meet me.”
I’m so happy. Happier than any moment I’ve lived till now.
Everything I’ve done has been recognized by Armadi. He comforts me, forgives me, and praises me. How could I not feel happy knowing my entire life is acknowledged by the one I believe in and depend on?
As Phoebe smiled, closing her eyes under the warm sunlight and gentle touch, Armadi spoke again.
“My Saintess. May I give you a task?”
Hearing that, Phoebe hurriedly opened her eyes and turned to Armadi. His face was still so bright that she couldn’t take it all in, but that didn’t matter.
What mattered now to Phoebe was simply the fact that Armadi needed her.
“Yes, of course, my great Lord.”
What task could Armadi possibly want from me? If he’s directly assigning me a mission, it must be something dangerous and challenging.
But Phoebe didn’t worry. What’s there to worry about when the great one is watching over her?
“There’s a foul-mouthed girl among your friends, isn’t there?”
“…Yes, there is.”
Phoebe’s mind froze as Lucy’s name came up, but she suppressed her inner turmoil and spoke.
It’s inevitable. Lady Allen is someone who is loved by the Lord.
“Could you humiliate me like that girl does?”
“…Pardon?”
Phobe was taken aback by the jealousy bubbling inside her, but she couldn’t help but ask back.
It was understandable. The sentence that popped out of Armadi’s mouth was not something the great one would say.
“I’m asking if you can insult me like Lucy does.”
But he wasn’t mistaken. The esteemed one wished for Phoebe to demean him.
Why? Phoebe forced down that question, struggling, for questioning the will of God is a deeply blasphemous act.
“You may not understand, but it’s absolutely necessary.”
Right. The great one has his reasons for saying such things. How could a mere human understand his will?
“Phoebe, what’s so hard about saying a few words? Just blurt it out. You can do it.”
“Ah… Armadi.”
But the target I have to say this to is the one I believe in and rely on!? What do I do? What do I do!?
“It’s alright, my Saintess. It’s my request, after all.”
“Yes. Yes!”
Phoebe, with her eyes closed, took several deep breaths and recalled the words Lucy would often say.
What would Lady Allen say right now? Lady Allen would. Biting her lip, she set her mind and let out a loud scream.
“Y-You Shoddy God! You… You want to hear bad words from me, you perv!”
Then, as she slowly opened her eyes, she realized the light that had covered Armadi’s face had faded.
What is it? Bewildered, both of her eyes opened wide, and she saw something that closely resembled the lecherous gaze of a man who had been eyeing her body through her Saintess robe.
“AAAAAAAAA!”
With a scream, Phoebe clutched her face with her small hands, trying to catch her breath.
It was just a dream. Yes, that must be it. Surely, the great Lord could not be making such a… such a perverted expression while listening to such shoddy words.
Oh, foolish Phoebe! Am I so lost that even in my dreams I’m insulting the Lord!? Foolish. Silly. And.
“Phoebe, are you okay?”
Hearing a voice next to her, Phoebe looked up and spotted Joy, worry filling her gaze.
“Joy? Why do you look like that?”
“Phoebe! I’m so glad!”
As Joy, who usually held back her emotions due to her noble position, hugged Phoebe, she blinked in surprise. What on earth is happening?
“I thought you wouldn’t wake up!”
It was only when Joy spoke in a half-choked voice that Phoebe remembered her situation.
I was undergoing the trial of the Cytil Forest. What I would see there is the landscape I desire most…
…
I see. I’ve been facing the Shoddy God’s face as I’ve wished for every day. And I ignored all the uneasiness because I didn’t want to admit it was an illusion.
How shoddy of me. Just as Lady Allen often remarked.
“I’m sorry for worrying you, Joy. And thank you.”
“I’m sorry to break the excitement, but there’s someone else you need to thank.”
As she was patting Joy’s back to apologize, Phoebe lifted her head at Lina’s sudden interjection.
“…Huh?”
Only then did she take in the sight of the two persons behind Joy. Lina looked the same as before I fainted, but the person standing next to her was different.
Lucy Allen. The one loved by the great God and the most talented divine being on the entire continent.
The one who introduced me, unaware, to the word ‘jealousy.’ She was standing there in attire that made me question whether I should consider it clothing.
What the heck is that? Her arms and shoulders are completely exposed! Am I still stuck in that dream world? Is my dark heart wishing for Lady Allen to wear something embarrassing?!
“Sigh. What a nuisance, you Sloppy Saintess.”
“Uh, I… I’m sorry?”
“Change your clothes and go to the reception room.”
This… isn’t a dream?
*
Could I go back to the past if I die?
I wonder? If my head pops off, could I roll back to an earlier time? I’d never know unless I tried, but of course, I lack the courage to do so.
Sigh. Damn it. Once back in my room after taking off the armor, I slammed the door shut, stuffed the grandpa into my inventory, and threw the bunny outfit on the floor.
I’m seriously losing it! The look on Phoebe’s face when she met my gaze just won’t leave my mind! She must think I’m a lunatic, right?! Right?!
GRAAAAH! Shoddy God! I’m sorry, but could you tell me what punishment you had in store for me once I clear this quest?!
If that shame I can’t even fathom is worse than showing myself around in a bunny outfit, then that’d give me a bit of relief! Please!
You, the pervert who enjoys voyeurism, must be looking at me right now! Answer me quickly!
– Ding!
Just to check, I shouted, and it seems it was real. I can feel my dwindling faith hitting rock bottom.
[Quest Clear!]
[You have successfully gained recognition from the lord of the forest!]
[Reward will be granted!]
[The function of the cross will be enhanced!]
What is this? A consolation prize? “Good job, eat this and be done”? At least it’s better than nothing, but the feeling is awkward!
[…]
[During the calculation process, it was confirmed that you gained not just the lord’s recognition but his affection.]
[Exceeding quest conditions has been acknowledged!]
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