"Like I said—the Winter Shogun's already been taken care of by me." Shichen smiled as he looked at Chris, who was still sprawled over the table.
"Are you serious?" Chris asked, stunned.
"Why would I lie to you?"
"How did you even do it?"
"I wanted to, so I did."
"You're brushing me off again! You still haven't explained how you got to my place!" Chris grumbled.
"Sit up first—you're going to squash your pads."
"Go die!" Chris blurted, face flushed, then sat back properly.
"Huh, they really do look flatter."
"No way…" She said that, but still glanced down—no change at all.
"Can we please drop that topic?" Chris sighed helplessly.
"Alright, alright—I'll tease you about it next time."
"Next time?"
"Anyway, are you free in the next couple of days?"
"What are you planning?" Chris asked warily.
"Aqua and the others and I are heading to a hot spring. Come hang out with us."
"With Aqua-senpai… I'll pass." Chris's expression shifted; she shook her head.
"Scared of her?"
"Not at all. I just have important business."
"Fine, let's pretend you really do."
"I do!"
"So what is it, exactly? You really don't need my help?"
"No. I can handle it myself. You go enjoy yourself with Aqua-senpai and the others."
"Sigh… alright." Shichen shook his head.
He knew Chris wasn't looking down on his strength—she simply didn't want to bother him. She really was the type who preferred to shoulder everything alone.
"Why the sigh? You're that eager to help me? Why?" Chris asked, puzzled.
"You're a goddess. What's wrong with me wanting to help?"
"Oh, so you do remember I'm a goddess? Yet you have zero respect for me," Chris pouted.
"Not that kind of 'goddess.'"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Simple—you're cute."
"Me? Cute?" Chris froze, then grew a little self-conscious.
It didn't seem like anyone had said that to her before.
"Of course. I swear to the heavens."
"No need for that… Do you really think so? I've got a scar on my face."
"So what? It doesn't change anything."
"R-really…?"
"Still don't need my help?"
"I'll pass. I can settle it alone."
"Alright. But if you run into trouble, tell me. I'll help."
"Why are you so nice to me?"
"I literally just said it—because you're cute."
"You…"
"Okay, I'm heading out. See you next time." Shichen stood and left the guild without hesitation.
Chris stared after him, dazed, for a good while before snapping out of it—she'd forgotten to ask how he'd managed to reach the divine realm. That guy had dodged the question again. But… cute…
Three days later, Shichen and the others were packed and ready to leave for the holy city of Arcanletia.
They called it the City of Water and Hot Springs.
Shichen had never been, so they took a carriage. Yunyun and Megumin had been before, but one hadn't spent skill points on Teleport, and the other was never going to learn Teleport.
By carriage, it'd take about a day and a half. Best to depart in the morning so they'd only have to camp outdoors for one night.
Shichen didn't mind the long trip—it was a chance to enjoy the scenery along the way.
For adventurers, the best option is usually to hire on as caravan guards so you can ride for free.
But this was a pleasure trip, and they weren't short on money, so being regular passengers made more sense.
Shichen even picked the most expensive carriage—fewer seats, only five.
Which suited him perfectly, since there were six of them.
Kazuma wasn't coming—he was still holed up in his room.
"Shichen, there are only five seats. What do we do?" Yunyun asked when she saw the carriage interior.
"Easy."
As he spoke, Shichen hopped in first, then lifted Frieren up and set her on his lap.
Frieren didn't mind; she quietly settled onto his knees, pulled out a manga, and started reading.
"Being treated like a child in front of everyone… how embarrassing… I'm so jealous…" Darkness said, envious.
Shichen ignored her. "Alright, get in."
"No way, I object!" Megumin shouted.
"What now?"
"Why does Frieren get to sit on your lap? This affects us."
"Affects you how?"
"It affects our mood!"
"…There aren't enough seats."
"Then shouldn't I be the one sitting there? I'm petite—sitting on your lap won't tire you out."
"Megumin, if you want to sit on Shichen's lap, just say so," Yunyun exposed her mercilessly.
"N-no! I'm just thinking of Frieren—maybe she doesn't want to."
"I don't mind," Frieren replied softly without looking up.
"Shichen, I want to sit on your lap too," Aqua said, wheedling.
"What's the rush? The trip is long. You can take turns."
"You said it!" Aqua cheered and sat beside him.
"Um, Shichen… can I, too?" Yunyun asked shyly.
"Of course."
"Yay!" Yunyun happily climbed in and sat on his other side.
"Aah!" Megumin realized too late—both seats next to Shichen were taken.
She had no choice but to sit opposite him with Darkness.
Soon the carriage set off. They began enjoying the scenery along the way—but it was the dead of winter, so there really wasn't much to see. Just white, white, and more white.
There weren't many wild monsters either. The journey was a bit dull. Mealtimes were the highlight—Shichen would grill meat for them.
Occasionally, Shichen had to teleport Megumin and the others back to the villa for… convenience. Unlike Frieren, who had a "mana-form" and could convert everything she ate into mana, they still needed bathroom breaks.
Aqua didn't need them either—she was a goddess. Goddesses don't need bathroom breaks.
Darkness was something else entirely—she held it the whole way, "enjoying" the discomfort, too afraid to move. Only after they reached their destination did she take care of it at the inn.
There was no saving that girl. Good thing she didn't… have an accident en route.
After settling in at the inn and waiting for Darkness to return, looking blissfully relieved, Shichen took them out to explore the holy city of Arcanletia.
"Hm-hm~ hm-hm~" Aqua bounced along behind him, practically skipping with joy.
She'd been like this since they'd gotten close—clearly excited.
Shichen felt like he was forgetting something.
The moment they stepped outside, Arcanletia's beauty hit them: a clear, nearby lake; mountains venting hot springs; waterways everywhere; blue as the dominant color for the buildings; charming streets; and passersby brimming with energy.
The place felt… peaceful.
Luna had told Shichen that this city had once battled the Demon King's underlings. After that fight, they never came near again. Not even the word "Demon" showed up.
One reason: the city was home to many priests, a class that's quite a headache for the Demon King's Army.
The other: the city enjoyed the blessing of the Water Goddess—Aqua.
Huh? Aqua's blessing?
Shichen blinked—then remembered what he'd forgotten.
Oh, great. This was the Axis Church's headquarters.
No wonder Aqua was so hyped!
"Aqua, you—"
"Welcome to Arcanletia! Are you here to sightsee? To convert? To adventure? To receive baptism? Oh, and if you're job-hunting, please come to the Axis Church! We've got a great job—just go to other towns and preach how amazing the Axis Church is and you'll earn money! Plus, an extra perk: anyone doing this job can call themselves an Axis follower! Come, this way!"
Out of nowhere, a woman appeared in front of them, eyes blazing with zeal as she stared at the group.
It wasn't Shichen's looks—she just smelled a potential convert.
And in an instant, they were surrounded. A whole crowd of Axis believers closed in, each one with metaphorical red glints in their eyes, like they'd spotted prey.
Running into Axis believers the moment you step outside—and a whole swarm of them, at that. Well, this was the home base.
This was the real reason the Demon King's Army stayed away: the city was packed with Axis followers, and the Demon King's troops wanted absolutely nothing to do with them.
Even the Demon King's Army feared Axis believers—that should tell you just how terrifying they are.
~~~
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