The world's mysteries and the mundane problems

Dred having supernatural powers was impossible, but with how weird this world was, Savine wasn't willing to chalk it off as impossible and move on.

'Both spellcasting methods, now supernatural powers… am I going to be seeing demons, mutants and aliens later as well?'

With how things were laid down, it was becoming more and more difficult to just ignore things. Some things, she could say was a freak coincidence, but not if there were too many coincidences.

Savine felt compelled to get to the bottom of things. She was also curious too.

But honestly, the shortest way to unravel these mysteries was to conquer the world. The great powers should have their histories well maintained and even if they didn't it would be easy to find someone who was knowledgeable.

Another weird thought came to her head.

'Did Jibril knew about this place?'

Of course she knew. She wasn't God's Oracle for nothing. Compared to Savine's Areal Omniscience, Jibril's Omniscient Eye reached all the worlds that God created. Even if she could only see them, that was more than enough to learn many things about them.

'Then why did she send me here?'

Savine felt that she wasn't here just because Jibril wanted to punish her. And now that she thought about it, what was the point of punishing her in such a vague, irresponsible way, anyway? Jibril fully had the ability and authority to make a better seal for Savine, to have other angels join the job, maybe even keep an eye on Savine herself.

But there was nothing like that. Savine possessed a seal that prohibited her actions somewhat, but the conditions it imposed were extremely loose. And for some reason, Savine felt like after the first time it activated, its effects were weakened as well.

She really wanted to see the seal, but without Divinity, there was no way for her to check up on her Divine Soul.

Regardless, Savine was in no shape or form forced to save this world the orthodox way. She was plotting a complete takeover which would result in millions dead and she wasn't really being subtle about it all, but so far, Jibril did nothing to stop her.

'Ugh, whatever.'

Savine hated thinking. She liked it when things were simple and clear. Perhaps that trait of hers led her to resort to the easy way of slaughter.

There was zero need to think when you were leading a holy crusade. You saw the unnecessary people and you killed them. After everything was done, you slowly worked on the remaining people to make sure they stayed in line. It was a tedious process, but there was zero confusion and doubt.

'Fucking Jibril…'

She performed her daily 'prayer' to God's Oracle and looked at Dred.

"I'll come visit you here every morning," Savine said. "You'll get the hang of fighting mages eventually. As for your sixth sense, keep it a secret, but look out for others with something similar."

"I understand, young lady."

"By the way, does the duke recognize you?"

"The duke? He should. We met a few times. Aside from him, the High priest and the bishop should know me."

"Then staying in the temple's a bad idea… Well, it's fine. You can stay in the slums and prepare your speech."

"My speech?"

"Yeah, the one you'll be giving when you come meet the duke," Savine said. "When you come to sell us the blueprint I gave you."

"Oh. Aight… but what is that thing, anyway?"

"A manual version of the mana motor."

"..."

"Anyway, quickly finish that and contact the duke. You can't be late."

Dred nodded.

With her business in the slums finished, Savine headed back home.

'Today's unusually busy…' Savine thought, 'But I should probably scour the duke's library for information on the world's history in case I find something useful… After that, I'll go to sleep.'

But when Savine came back to the temple, she was met with someone shouting and banging on some door. Walking over to the fuss, she saw the bishop leaning onto Eliseline's door on a chair as Leanne banged on the door with great urgency.

"Let me in, Elise! That bitch is lying to you! Some whore from the streets, how can you trust her?! Give her to me and I'll save us the trouble of kicking her out!"

Savine walked over unhurriedly and spoke up.

"What's all the fuss about?"

Seeing Savine, the bishop glared angrily before he started shouting.

"Your whore valet's demeaning the attendant I lent to you! Saying mad drivel! Apparently, Leanne was trying to kill her or something. Saw her and pulled out her Vasa! What nonsense is that?"

"That does sound off," Savine said. "Why would Leanne ever do that?"

The bishop looked surprised briefly, but he spoke on.

"Exactly! No brain in their heads, these commoners, always speaking drivel. I've always felt wrong, seeing you hire all these rabble under you. A noble should have some self-respect!"

Savine rolled her eyes and spoke on, ignoring the bishop's monologue.

"But there must be something that happened for Zuri to say something like that, no? You mentioned something about them seeing each other right? Where did they meet?"

"Leanne, tell her. Where did you meet?" the bishop urged.

"Outside, young lady's room. She just saw me, and dashed off screaming. I went to chase after her, not understanding what was going on, but she locked herself in Lady Eliseline's room and refuses to come out, saying that I was about to kill her."

Savine thought of continuing the act for longer, but she suddenly felt bored. Her playful tone changed immediately.

"Sigh, cut the crap."

Leanne was startled, but she knew to keep insisting.

"I'm not lying, young lady, that's the truth!"

"It was me who told Zuri to wait for you near the bishop's room," Savine said. "Also told her to run for it if you get close or if you reach for your Vasa."

"Young lady?!"

She tried to act innocent, but the initial guilt from being found out was too evident.

"You don't have to come to me from tomorrow," Savine shooed her dismissively. 

"Are you serious right now?" the bishop flared up. "Do you seriously weigh that commoner whore's words heavier than Leanne's? She's a mere baron, yes, but she is still her better!"

"Look, I had a busy day," Savine sighed. "Can we skip to the part where we finish arguing and you promise me not to bother me again?"

"You-"

Savine ignored him and knocked on the door.

"It's me," she said, and the door opened slowly.

Inside, she saw not only Eliseline and Zuri, but Wilfred and his sister Julia as well.

"Come out."

"Young mistress, I waited where you instructed me to and saw Leanne running there discreetly. I also made sure to give Wilfred a heads up, fearing for his safety."

"I know. From now on, keep yourselves wary when you're near the temple priests, and tell that to all the servants. And Wilfred, tell your hires to accept whatever bribes the bishop sends them, but to come to me afterwards. I'll double whatever they get. Oh, and tell them to get at least five gold from the bishop's men. Any less than that is an offense to my dignity and the dignity my servants should possess."

The bishop's face contorted, listening to Savine. His face was red and he kept biting his lips, but he kept silent.

"Now go about you day."

...