Chapter 137 - Visiting the King and Queen of Arclight

Upon hearing a relatively familiar name, I felt somewhat unsure about how to react. To be honest, my feelings towards this goddess were quite ambiguous. After all, it hadn't been that long since she tried to kill me. It was hard for me to imagine a friendly relationship with Artena.

As these thoughts were running through my mind, I discreetly glanced at Sylvia and strangely found her watching me. Her face carried an expression of doubt, which intrigued me. I turned fully towards her and didn't hesitate to ask.

"Is there something wrong?"

Upon hearing my words, Sylvia averted her gaze back ahead. This made me wonder if there was something on my face that had caught her attention. However, no matter how much I rubbed, there didn't seem to be anything noteworthy. Suddenly, Sylvia asked me a question I wasn't expecting.

"By any chance, Makoto, are you devoted to any god?"

As soon as I heard Sylvia's words, one eyebrow arched on my face, filled with doubt. Of all the moments, why was she asking this now? While I didn't know exactly why Sylvia was questioning me about this, I decided to be honest. To me, there was no reason to hide this information. Or at least that's what I thought, until Aurora-sama's voice echoed in my mind.

"Makoto, I can perceive what you're about to tell her, but maybe it's better not to mention that you're my believer... things might get a bit complicated for you if you do"

Hearing Aurora-sama's words, I paused momentarily, reflecting on the reason behind her telling me this. I still didn't have enough knowledge about this world to fully understand the reason, but I presumed it had to do with Aurora-sama's reputation as a goddess considered malevolent. With that in mind, I chose to be subtle in responding to Sylvia.

"No one in particular... Why?"

Hearing my question to her question, Sylvia continued walking. After a few seconds, I thought Sylvia wouldn't touch on the subject any further, but this thought proved incorrect when Sylvia's voice echoed.

"No particular reason, it's just that... usually, to attain powers as strong as yours and those of your companions, it's almost certain there was a contract with some god. From your companions' magic, I can guess the gods they must have been blessed by... But to be honest, your magic is quite unique. I've never seen anyone who could use so many attributes at once. Even some of your spells don't seem like spells. It led me to wonder what kind of God might have bestowed a blessing upon you... I'm sorry if I've been too intrusive"

Hearing Sylvia's words, I was momentarily surprised. Had she figured so much out in such a short time? It made me consider that Sylvia was probably much more perceptive than I initially expected.

As I let out a discreet sigh, I thought.

(Is all royalty like this?)

After that, we continued to follow Sylvia down the hallway that would lead us toward where the king and queen were. In no time, we reached a grand door where two guards were waiting on each side. As we approached, Rena addressed the guards and explained the reason for our presence.

Soon, one of the guards entered the chamber and returned after a few seconds, allowing us entry. It was clear that he had sought the permission of the king and queen to receive us. While pondering this, the gate opened, revealing a view of the interior of the room.

Sylvia and Rena resumed their walk, and I found myself debating whether I should accompany them or not. The question arose as to whether it was appropriate for me to be there. Suddenly, a feeling of displacement overcame me, but I realized I had no other choice but to continue. With that decision made, I followed Sylvia and Rena with determination.

Upon entering the spacious chamber, I immediately encountered several pairs of eyes that turned in our direction. Both on the left and the right, people were standing, observing us closely. However, I decided to temporarily ignore this scene and directed my gaze toward two figures seated in what seemed like thrones.

One of them was a man, and the other, a woman; both were sitting side by side. It was easy to notice the resemblance between Sylvia and the woman, likely the queen. However, the king, on the contrary, bore hardly any resemblance to Sylvia.

While contemplating this, I noticed that Rena suddenly knelt down. In this gesture, she shot a quick glance in my direction, as if awaiting my action. This reminded me that Rena had mentioned before that I should kneel when in the presence of the king and queen.

Without hesitation, I lowered myself to show respect. I wasn't sure if I was acting correctly, but at least I was trying to avoid any embarrassment. As I knelt, I noticed Sylvia giving a slight bow, lifting the hem of her dress a bit.

"Sylvia, my daughter, it's a pleasure to see you again. I'm glad to know you're well" 

A calm and serene voice echoed in the room. Somehow, this voice seemed to have a soothing effect, almost as if inducing a trance-like state. Gently lifting my gaze, I fixed my eyes on the speaker. To my surprise, the person in question was also looking at me.

Quickly, I averted my gaze, hoping I hadn't made any mistakes. Frankly, I didn't know how to act in a situation like this. Even though I had seen it many times in anime and manga, reality was quite different. However, to my relief, a male voice sounded soon after.

"So, I presume the reason for your visit is related to the prince of Daemon coming to Arclight, isn't it, Sylvia?"

Hearing the words of the man I assumed to be the king, Sylvia's voice echoed right after.

"That's exactly as Your Majesty said. I came here because I believe this is a matter we should address as soon as possible" 

Sylvia affirmed.