NOVGO.NET Chapter 2412: Spreading Aftermath ⑬
The story turns back a little in time, Marie had been at the temple with her father, Baron Ritch, listening to Elune speak, both of them somewhat dazed and overwhelmed. To be honest, even as she listened, Marie found the whole thing so unreal that she could hardly keep up with what was being said.
Of course, she wasn’t the only one confused. Strengthening their Divine Protection would bring tremendous benefits, yes, but it would also essentially announce to the world that the Ritch Barony had an unusually close relationship with the Gods, which made Baron Ritch want to hold his head in his hands when he thought about the future.
However, this wasn’t a proposal, it was a settled matter…… It was, in a sense, a gesture of goodwill from the God Realm itself from the Supreme God, Life. Refusal wasn’t an option. Not only was it unthinkable to reject a God, but even if refusal were possible, doing so would surely lead to other nobles accusing them of disrespecting the Gods, followed by a storm of criticism. Either way, the outcome would have been the same.
[The range extends to here on the map, is that acceptable? Strengthening my Divine Protection over this area should greatly increase the harvests and yields.]
[Y- Y- Y- Yes. That’s perfectly fine.]
At the very least, setting aside matters of social balance and relations with other noble houses, there was no doubt this was nothing but gain for the Ritch Barony.
Ripples were already in surplus as it were, but given the recent trends, both Baron Ritch and Marie could easily predict that sales would likely rise. Increased crop yields were a welcome boon for the future…… even if they didn’t particularly want to think about that future right now……
[Oh, and this isn’t part of the Divine Protection itself…… but God of Earth-sama has also agreed to assist in this matter. She will make a few adjustments to the soil within that area within my Divine Protection. However, since this isn’t part of my Divine Protection, the effect won’t remain permanently, the condition of the soil could change later depending on environmental factors, so please keep that in mind.]
[Y- Yesh……]
For Marie, the one true mercy in all of this was that her father, Baron Ritch, was here with her. As head of the house, all direct dealings with Elune fell to him, meaning Marie herself wasn’t responsible for handling any of it, something for which she was profoundly grateful.Watching her father bow and scrape with such humility, she even found herself thinking how lucky she was not to be the heir.
After discussing a few remaining details…… like the timing of the Divine Protection’s enhancement, the meeting concluded. Thereupon, Elune turned toward Marie and spoke to her directly.
[……Changing the subject a bit, Marie-san, I notice you haven’t received a Blessing yet, have you?]
[Ah, y- yes, I- I’m terribly sorry, w- we haven’t had the financial means……]
[Oh no, I’m not reprimanding you. Blessings aren’t something anyone is forced to receive…… However, since you’re a friend of Miyama-san’s, it would be unfortunate if you were to fall ill unexpectedly. Even the Blessing of a low-ranking God has the power to ward off sickness. Allow me to bestow upon you a Provisional Blessing.]
[Eh?]
[I- If that’s the case, then please, allow us to pay the proper fee……]
Marie stared blankly in disbelief as Elune offered to give her a Provisional Blessing. Baron Ritch began to say he would pay the standard amount, but Elune shook her head.
[No, to take money after I was the one to suggest it would be beneath my honor. Payment is unnecessary…… Marie-san, I grant you the Blessing of Fertility……]
[ ! ? T- Thank you very much. I- I- I- I am honored beyond words.]
[There will also be no need for you to pay for Provisional Blessings in the future. When the New Year comes, please come to the temple along with the others receiving Provisional Blessings.]
Once again struck by the sheer influence of being Kaito’s friend, Marie found herself swept along in the current of events like a leaf in a raging river. Her and Baron Ritch’s visit to the temple thus came to an end, and the two of them emerged outside, utterly exhausted.
Originally, as they had discussed on the way there, they were supposed to go buy some formal clothes for Marie afterward…… but as soon as they stepped out of the temple, they noticed a luxurious carriage waiting nearby.
[……That crest…… could it be the Hamilton Marquisdom’s?]
As Baron Ritch tilted his head at the sight of the crest engraved on the carriage, the maid waiting in front of it approached him and Marie, offering a polite bow before speaking.
[Master wishes to speak with you regarding this matter and the future, if you would be so kind as to accompany us.]
[A- Ahh, I see…… That’s a relief, actually. I had been hoping to consult Marquis Hamilton as soon as possible.]
It seemed Marquis Hamilton had already learned that Baron Ritch and Marie had been summoned to the Temple of Fertility, and had sent for them to discuss the matter. For Baron Ritch, this was a welcome turn of events…… he knew well that such matters were far beyond his experience, and he would be unable to properly plan for what lay ahead on his own. Having the chance to seek the Marquis’s counsel was a godsend.
But then, Baron Ritch glanced at the daughter beside him. From the look of her, the conversation with Elune had taken quite a toll on her nerves, she looked mentally exhausted. The father in him couldn’t help but show concern.
[……However, I must apologize. My daughter is tired, so I’ll attend the meeting alone. Marie, I’ll go speak with Marquis Hamilton. You should go buy your dress on the noble street. I’ll give you the money.]
[U- Understood. Thank you very much, Father.]
[In that case, allow me to have the carriage take you to the shopping district. Shall I also arrange for an escort?]
[Ah, no, that won’t be necessary. I don’t usually have escorts with me anyway.]
The Ritch Barony was too poor a noble house to afford personal guards, and except for the eldest son and daughter, the younger children all had at least basic self-defense training. Marie, too, could at least run away swiftly if something happened.
Besides, she was only going to a street lined with high-end shops, a safe and well-patrolled area, so there was no real need for guards.
[Very well then, Marie. Once I’m finished, I’ll contact you via hummingbird. If you have time after buying your clothes, go to a café and treat yourself to something sweet. I’ll give you more than enough money, so don’t hesitate to use it all and relax a little.]
[Father…… thank you.]
And so, Marie set off on her own, heading toward the avenue of luxury shops to buy her new clothes.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [I see, a father’s compassion, trying to spare his daughter from any further stomachache…… truly beautiful, deeply moving…… And yet, as a result, he ended up throwing his daughter alone into the Imperial Capital, a place haunted by that stomachache monster known to have “100% chance of running into acquaintances”…… What a cruel irony.]