The Noble Lady of Lust

Chapter 440: Expectations

"This is an incident no one expected... a lot of strange things have been happening lately, and this is one of them. What you see is the wrath of the world of Aetheria,"

"Huh? My goddess, I've heard that about Aetheria too, but isn't that the name of my world?..."

"Hmm?.. Ah! I suppose that nonsense is being debated here. Little Phina, from our perspective, both your world, the world you're in, and the one you call demonic are, in fact, a single world that split into three dimensions. All three are part of Aetheria."

Now I understand. That's why those corrupt demons also dared to call their world the same as ours when they should have been content to just call it the demonic world.

'Tsk, it's not a pleasant thought, but if the goddess says so, I have no further doubts.'

"I see. So, Great Mother, do we have to evacuate? Flee from the world's wrath? What's happening to our world?"

"Don't worry about your world. This is only happening in this middle world where Aetheria has more influence...ahem! Anyway, rather than evacuating, this is a unique moment where opportunities are everywhere."

"Huh? What do you mean, Great Mother?"

"The world is angry and wants to find the culprit, but aside from what you've already seen, it can't do anything else. That's why it turned to us. Remember the oracle you received after the message."

"Yes, my goddess… something about finding the wolf."

"Yes, that is the world's objective, but don't make too much of it. What's important is to take advantage of the current situation. The world has unleashed many things; that great upheaval brought to light many things the world had kept hidden."

"Hm, I don't quite understand, Great Mother. It's as if the world were a treasure vault."

"That's one way of putting it. This happened so long ago that even I had begun to forget it. If it weren't for someone reminding me of it recently... But you know that in the southern region there is a non-aggression pact, backed by many gods, including myself."

"Yes, my goddess. It's so that the younger generation can grow up without trouble."

"You're right, but it originally had another purpose. In the past, when this world was young and lacked a strong consciousness, it gave birth to many natural treasures. This southern region in particular was so rich in treasures that it even attracted the gods."

"Great Mother, may I ask if you're referring only to the middle world or to the other two as well? I'm a bit confused."

"Yes, I was referring specifically to this middle world, which is truly the core of these three overlapping dimensions. As you know, the mana here is denser and offers far more opportunities than the other two, which is why they're always fighting to gain hegemony over it."

"Yes, Great Mother."

"Now it only opens during this time, when.... Well, you don't need to know that. Anyway, unlike now, back then this world didn't have such strict rules and attracted a lot of greed… I obviously didn't feel something as impure as greed, but I went along and helped my brothers, who are greedy beings."

"Oh! Just as I expected from my Great Mother."

"Yes, ahem… well. Things escalated quickly and several gathered their forces... struggles and wars began, but if they continued like that, no one would be left with anything and we would only bring destruction... so we decided to moderate ourselves and formed that treaty to prevent large-scale conflicts among the mortal realms that were being led by us, and thus we avoided letting things escalate too much."

"...I see now."

"A lot happened, and many got the benefits they wanted, but there wasn't much else, and there were other places with equal or greater opportunities, so everyone left, and no one bothered to review that treaty."

'I see... these are truly circumstances beyond my comprehension as a mortal.'

"What I wanted to tell you is that, without us noticing, the world has once again accumulated many things. Over the ages, some have even developed divine auras. This place seems secluded and irrelevant, but it appears to be just a facade; in fact,There could be many traces of mortals who came to this war-free place to retire or hide."

My goddess's words left me surprised; it seems that many things are truly about to happen.

"Little Phina, the world wants the one responsible for the incident, but I want you to focus on making the most of this for your growth. Right now, the southern region of this world is full of treasures and unique opportunities for ascension."

"Your words are my command, Great Mother."

"Good. It's a shame you're injured, but with everything around here, you might be lucky enough to find something that restores you to your best condition. In the meantime, you have many good connections, don't you? Like that girl who's Florael's agent. Surprisingly, you also have Solarius's agent, since they're following you. Don't hesitate to use them."

"Understood, my goddess."

It's a shame about Alice and Silvia, but if my goddess tells me I have to sacrifice them for the greater good, I'll do it.

"Wait, I didn't say that. My relationship with both gods isn't bad, especially with Solarius. It's best not to mess with him too much, since he's a bit petty. Just cooperate with them and use them as best as you can to avoid direct conflict. You won't be a burden, since just as there are treasures, there are also dangers everywhere. Our purifications are always welcome anywhere."

"I understand, Great Mother."

"You must be very careful, little Phina. This is no longer just a matter for this region. Everything that makes up Aetheria is on alert and may interfere, especially those from the central continent; their power levels are far above the standard you're used to and could turn into competitors."

"I'll be extremely careful, Great Mother. I'll take your words as law."

"Anyway, it's not all bad. It's fortunate that this world now restricts entry to powerful beings on its own. We're also discussing reforming the treaty so things don't get out of hand, and if you recover, you can stand out even more. After all, I doubt there's another fully blessed being like you in this world."

"I will raise your name to the highest heights so that all may understand what a great goddess you are, Great Mother."

"Yes, I like that attitude of yours very much. In any case, the epic allows the gods to intervene more actively, and some may play dirty tricks or do improper things, but I'll be watching to prevent that. In fact, we have a great advantage, because the more favored someone is by a god, the more we can intervene, and you, having my utmost blessing, give me plenty of room to intervene. If necessary, I can even descend into your body."

"Oh! I couldn't be more honored."

"But that would be counterproductive for your future, so it will only be a last resort. I will guide you through this stormy event. Even if I'm busy, my angels will guide you."

"I understand, Great Mother."

"Good, that's all. You haven't disappointed me so far, so I expect great things from you, my little Phina... Ah, and although I told you it's not a priority, I want you to keep an eye out for any information about the cause of the incident."

"Do I have to catch him?"

"No, something that caused something like this could be dangerous, but if we uncover it, even if we don't catch him, we'll reap great benefits. Though it will be difficult, since everyone else is doing the same thing. It all depends on luck and fate, which hasn't fully recovered yet."

"Huh? Great Mother, what do you mean by…?"

"No, little Phina. This is beyond what you would understand. Anyway, follow my oracles, and I'll make sure to reward you as much as possible. In fact, with your great achievement and karma in laying the foundations for such a powerful art, I can even reward you more—there's something I think you need…"

I didn't understand what Great Mother said , but it seems that a mere mortal like me really shouldn't get involved in that sort of thing.

On the other hand, my Great Mother granted me another reward. Her mere presence was enough for me, but if I wanted to live up to her expectations, I certainly could use some help…

'Maybe a weapon… No, I feel that if I want to improve my survival skills, the best thing would be for Elena-'

"Huh? Elena?... That girl—oh! I see she has a blessing inherited from Erobus. Hmm, I guess I missed that last time... Oh, and besides, her blessing is one of those rare mutations; it's the first time I've seen this kind of effect. She's so ambiguous, hmm, another god might claim her as their own... I guess Erobus hasn't noticed her, or he would have bound her..."

"U-um, Great Mother, is there a problem with Elena?"

Great Mother didn't say anything last time, so I thought there was no problem with Elena's blessing... but if my goddess disagrees, even though I love her, I might...

"Calm down, I'm not that fool Luxion. I have nothing particularly against Erobus or his blessed ones. Rather, I agree with your thinking. The blessing she possesses could be very useful, and not just to keep you safe but also in other situations. Hmm, he came too, so… wait a moment…"

I didn't understand, but my Great Mother suddenly disappeared. I didn't know what happened, but I couldn't think about it much since she returned almost immediately, and in her hand was a small statue of a hooded man made of some black metal, emitting a strange aura.

"Ha, ha! Now Erobus owes me one... Ahem. Here you go, little Phina. This completes the reward. Give this to that girl. Once she makes contact with Erobus, her power will increase."

"Really?"

"Yes. When it's finished, the statue itself is made of fine material. If you're lucky enough to find a skilled blacksmith, have some weapons made for you and her—or, well, if you don't, use it as a blunt weapon if necessary. Ha, ha. I don't think Erobus will mind."

"Understood, Great Mother"

"Good. I'd like to give you more, but it's impossible for me. Accomplish great feats, follow the given missions, and I'll make sure to reward you as best I can. Maybe by then I'll have found a way to heal your circuit and give it to you as a reward."

"I will, Great Mother."

"Good. Although I don't have a way to heal you, I do have an idea on how to prevent that in the future. After all, you'll have to keep refining and testing that great art. You can't end up crippled every time. Luckily, there's a skill that comes to mind to prevent that… I just have to negotiate with that rigid god."

"I appreciate your compassion toward me, Great Mother."

"It's only natural… Besides, you don't have to… Huh?... Little Phina, wait a moment. Something curious has come up."

Once again, my Great Mother disappeared. Since she's always so busy, the fact that she set aside a brief moment for me is already my greatest honor, so I didn't mind waiting for her.

"Erobus isn't the only one who's lucky, Ha, ha! Mortals really do bring surprises. This is definitely something I'll start using. That bitch of a fate had definitely been working against me. She just died, and now good things keep happening to me. Haha, you deserved it!"

My Great Mother returned. She looked very happy. She said something about the goddess of fate, but I don't really think I can understand what she means, and it's better not to think about it.

"Ahem, sorry, I got a little carried away. Anyway, little Phina, good news. On your own continent, I've just discovered a descendant of one of my ancient blessed ones—an technically, your ancestor as well too."

"Huh!? U-uh, Great Mother, do you mean E-Evangelin?"

"I see you know her, she possesses a very rare blessing. Little Phina, you have my greatest blessing and are capable of doing what any of my other blessed ones can do, so try to learn from her how to use this aspect of my power. It's truly worth it since it's a rare mutation of my divinity. She obviously deserves to be my agent as well. The two of you should get along and work together."

"G-Great Mother, a-are you s-sure? I-is there nothing wrong with her destiny or something like that?"

"Destiny?... Hmm, I don't think there's anything wrong. She's led a righteous life and faithfully follows my teachings, so there won't be many problems if she keeps it up...Hmm, you'll probably go very far together."

"Probably?

"Don't read too much into my words. Anyway, I don't mind even if you want to add her to your harem. As long as she keeps practicing and doing it purely the way you've been doing it, everything's fine."

"Great Mother, I think you should r-reconsider."

"Why? Rather, why have you been so nervous ever since I mentioned her? You've only known each other briefly, haven't you?"

"Y-yes, you're right...I-I don't know why I'm so flustered. I just have a strange feeling about her."

"Hmm, really? Well, it probably isn't anything important. Maybe, since you're both my blessed ones, you're just sensing a strange connection between you. Anyway, just follow what I've told you…"

"Y-yes, Great Mother."

"Well, I have nothing more to say to you, little Phina. May your path to the summit be pure."

It seemed there was no reason to keep talking. It was a shame I couldn't spend more time with my Great Mother, but I have expectations to fulfill.

As for that last thing about Evangelin, I don't know if it's a good thing or not, but I'll trust my Great Mother.