The World I Was Supporting Was Real - Chapter 71



71. Jealous, aren’t you?

* * *

A space, somewhere.

The Observer, now a fully-fledged living being, remained slumped there, lost in thought.

Crunch!

It consumed divine power and posed a question to the Observer.

—What troubles you so?

“…The god told me to use the remaining ‘Divine Authority’ for Lady Eirene von Einzbern.”

—If that is the will of the god, then it is a simple matter of doing so, is it not?

Yes.

As it had been done with Erin, all it had to do was transfer the ‘Divine Authority’ to her.

As an Observer, that kind of act wasn’t difficult, not with the divine power.

It should be like that…

“You must know.”

There was no reply.

The Observer continued cautiously.

“A human granted divine power, within the limits the power allows, is able to do what they most desire.”

What Saint Erin most desired—to spread the unvarnished truth of the One True God Igguogudun to the whole world.

As the only woman who had conceived divine truth, she was the only one able to freely use the given power to some extent.

And, what Eirene, beloved of god, most desired was…

—To be deeply connected with the one god, Iggugodeon-nim.

After encountering the avatar of the god, Eirene had only one goal in life.

Just one more time, to meet Iggugodeon-nim.

And, to be connected with Iggugodeon-nim more deeply than anyone.

“Looks like you know, after all.”

—The will of the god is to carry out what one desires within the boundaries of their power, so I don’t see what the problem is.

“But, to be deeply connected… that is…”

Unable to finish the sentence, the observer is met with all the eyes in the space focusing on them.

A chilling warning sent by a being that failed to become a life form to one that succeeded—

—Surely, they’re not… jealous of Eirene?

“…!!!”

The startled observer shook their head without thinking.

“N-No, it’s not like that! I, I just…”

With chicken imbued with the love of god Iggugodeon, they were reborn as a life form.

Warm blood flowed, and veins formed flesh. Soft skin covered the observer.

They could walk, they could talk, they could think.

To think means that you can reason for yourself.

To be able to reason—means you can dare to envy a being that is loved by god.

—You know that Saint Erin, chosen by god, and Eirene, loved by god, are the best pieces for the god’s continued support, right?

“…Yeah.”

—And, you should also be well aware of the end of a world forsaken by god.

“I am aware.”

—The fact that you’ve become like this is also likely god’s will, so I won’t concern myself with it greatly. However, do not ever forget what we must do.

The Observer didn’t answer, instead placing a hand on his left breast.

Thump, thump. Something was clearly felt beyond the yielding skin.

The sound of his heart beating, a symbol of life circulating his blood.

The reason it was pounding so intensely…

Eirene von Einsberg.

A being that the god Yiggguoden particularly deeply loves and cherishes.

An important being who is absolutely necessary to tether god’s love to this world.

The feeling he held for her… Gratitude? If not that, then as ‘that thing’ said—

The Observer couldn’t quite grasp it.

He wasn’t aware that his face was flushed red.

* * *

The days in Yiggguoden’s imperial palace were incredibly hectic.

Empress Eirene, as soon as she woke in the morning, would offer prayers.

‘May today, even a sliver of god’s plain facts, be imbued within me… ‘

After morning prayers, she immediately eats her meal.

“Good morning, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Good morning.”

What appeared on the table, for an emperor’s meal, was quite domestic.

A bowl of meat stew, rye bread without butter like commoners eat, a plate of various vegetables cut to a good size, tossed in a sauce the imperial chef made himself.

Lately, all the stews had been chicken stew. The preserved chicken sent from the church still had a lot left over, so for a while, it seemed similar dishes were in order.

Even before she believed in the Guoden religion, Eirene wasn’t the type to be gluttonous.

She had only eaten food made with high-class, luxurious ingredients fit to show off the imperial authority, food that drew comments like, ‘The emperor really has to eat like that’.

But, living in the monastery with Lord Igguogeodon, she realized. Food is only needed enough to warm the body and soul.

That’s why she didn’t cling to extravagant ingredients anymore. A woman too obsessed with showing off, no matter how you look at it, is not a well-ripened woman, right?

“Thank you for preparing food for me today, Rour.”

“Yes! It’s my honor, Your Majesty!”

The chef bowed at a 90-degree angle, showing the utmost respect he could muster.

Lately, Eirene had memorized the names of all the attendants who served her.

Her existence as the emperor wasn’t an obvious result of being born with imperial blood, but simply a part of God’s ‘blunt fact’. She acted this way, with the mindset that she would never take her position for granted.

Didn’t Lord Igguogeodon say so in the Daegguogeodon Scripture?

「Fact Dish) Nothing is given for granted. Unless you are grateful for what is given and humble to what will be given, one day you will surely trip over a stone and fall.”

Those were the words of Chapter 14 Verse 5 of the Daegguogeodon Scripture.

She, too, could now easily recall scripture passages without difficulty.

“What’s for lunch?”

“Grilled salmon and bagels.”

“Today is a banquet day. Based on the ingredients currently available, it would be good to prepare a little more generously, but not to overdo it. I also grant you permission to take out the stored wine.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor’s meals, especially lunchtime, weren’t just about filling one’s stomach.

Political discussions and calculations all took place at the table.

She was always remarkably skilled at getting what she needed from her retainers with a smiling face.

After converting to the Guodun faith, the methods shifted a little – but the essence remained the same.

After finishing breakfast, she headed straight to her office.

Upon arriving, the retainers who had arrived before her immediately bowed their heads, showing their respect to the Emperor.

“Duke Karl Bayan, I greet Your Majesty.”

“Count Ernest, I greet Your Majesty.”

“Both of you have traveled far to come here. Be seated.”

Karl Bayan territory and Ernest territory.

Both were places where dungeon entrances were located.

With the cooperation between humans and demons having fully begun, speaking with the retainers who governed the lands near the dungeon entrances was one of the most important tasks these days.

“Really? The influence of the mana is actually having a positive effect?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Rather than being afraid or uneasy, there are numerous reports of common people going closer to the demon territory borders to absorb mana.”

“Duke, is it the same in your region?”

“We haven’t seen reports to that extent… but certainly, rather than complaining, it seems many are questioning why we’ve only now started interacting with the demons.”

The Demon King was clearly most concerned about the discontent of the residents around the dungeon due to the mana leakage-

Yet for some reason, all the reports coming in were full of positive things like, ‘the mana isn’t as bad as we thought’ and, ‘there are benefits to be had from it.’

‘I don’t think the Demon King would have bothered to lie.’

How could that kind, pure-looking demon lord have told such a meaningless lie?

Then.

“Perhaps it’s the pure, unadulterated fact of God?”

“Count Ernest…?”

Ernest, who had become a fervent believer of the Gworden faith after encountering the Saint, spoke with a confident voice.

“If there is the pure fact of God, then a sudden change in the influence of magic isn’t so strange. After all, everything in this world was formed by the love of the one and only God, Gworden, was it not? “

Hearing this, Eirene nodded in agreement, her expression exceedingly benevolent.

“Indeed. Of course, the pure fact of God…that explains everything. Considering that the disappearance of the magic has made cooperation with the demon race that much easier, it all makes perfect sense.”

“Exactly. Haha.”

“I-is that so…?”

Duke Karl Bayan, flustered by the sudden unity of the two towards the Gworden faith, broke out in a cold sweat.

“Of course. While you’re here in the capital, how about you also pay your respects to the Saint?”

“The Duke will surely achieve enlightenment as well.”

“I appreciate the offer… but I have some business, I will formally meet the Saint another time.”

Even during the luncheon with his vassals after work, national affairs were invariably discussed.

Before believing in the Gworden faith, meal times were just barely avoiding indigestion, like an atmosphere of cracking thin ice…

But now, Eirene no longer harangued his vassals to the point of exhaustion, so important decisions could be made in a more comfortable atmosphere.

After finishing the lunch, Eirene immediately boarded his carriage.

Today was the day to visit the Grand Cathedral and prayer offers to God.

With an excited heart, Eirene, who had made the appointment several days prior, immediately made his way to the Gworden Grand Cathedral.

“Welcome, Your Imperial Majesty.”

It was Luka, one of the paladins on duty, who was tasked with attending to the Emperor today.

For some reason, the rabbit that was always with Ophelia was now nestled in Luka’s arms.

“You’ve done well, Luka Hevnesian. And Ophelia and Linea…?”

“They are currently out on external duties.”

“Igo-godon!”

*Hop!*

Eirene caught the jumping rabbit much more skillfully than before and held it in her arms.

“Jari-go-godon! Jari-go-godon!”

“It’s been a while, rabbit. Have you been well?”

“Hyang-geu-ta-godon—!”

The rabbit snuggled and fawned in Eirene’s arms for a long while, then –

*Hop*, it jumped onto the top of Luka’s head, spinning in a circle before curling up and settling in.

“The rabbit seems to be in a good mood.”

“Yes. Lady Ophelia said that when she heard Your Majesty was coming today, she really wanted to see you.”

“Is that so? The Messenger of God wants to see me? I am grateful.”

“Shall I call for the Saintess?”

“No. I cannot disturb the Saintess, who must be quite busy. Today, I have only come to offer my prayers.”

“Understood. This way, please.”

The place Luka led him to was the hall, which looked less desolate, filled with more things than before.

Eirene dropped to her knees at once, offering prayer to her sole lord.

Whenever a spare moment surfaced, these moments of direct prayer to Lord Igwogweodon, were her precious escape, a reprieve from the emperor’s heavy responsibilities.

Thus, after finishing her daily duties.

Her most beloved time of the day arrived: bath time.

Eirene, she sank her body into the tub – a body with breasts so large and violent they seemed ready to burst, and hips that made it almost a shame she hadn’t borne any children.

*Splash*, an excessive amount of water spilled out of the tub.

It couldn’t be helped. The overflowing water was proportional to her volume.

“Haa……”

In the tub, the emperor’s one indulgence, red flower petals bobbing on the surface –

She imagined a hot spring, with a night sky full of stars above.

If, as the saint said, that place was created by god–

Perhaps, if she bathed there… maybe Lord Igwogweodon would gaze down upon her.

‘… … .’

Entertaining such a wickedly lustful thought, her face flushed red again.

No matter how hard she tried… she couldn’t hide this feeling.

Her insides tickled, and a strangely agonizing longing climbed all the way to her toes.

Her love for Igwogweodon was genuine.

Every moment, Eirene yearned for Igwogweodon intensely. It wasn’t just mere faith, but the love of a woman longing for a man.

After her bath, having changed clothes –

She lightly greeted the maid who would clean up after her.

“You’ve worked hard again today, Aeblen.”

“H-Hard work, you say! I merely did what was to be done, Your Majesty.”

And then, returning to her room, she read the Bible.

These days, she mostly read the Divine Power Compendium.

Whenever verses praising the divine power pouch appeared, Eirene would feel a sense of needless, almost proud, self-satisfaction.

If I were just a little younger, perhaps, maybe I, not Erin, could have become the saint—

‘… No.’

If that had been the case, God wouldn’t have called me a ‘well-ripened woman.’

Eirene possessed a very great pride in the fact that she was so well-ripened. Even if she couldn’t become a saint, being a well-ripened woman was enough to satisfy her.

And then, after reading the Bible, when it was time to sleep—

Wearing a semi-transparent negligee that accentuated her feminine charms, she would lie down in her bed for sleep; This was the daily routine of Empress Eirene.

Before drifting off, she would fantasize again.

Would Lord Igugudon come to visit today?

She’d spoken to God through prayer, but still hadn’t been able to meet him… Maybe today could be a little different?

Just once.

Just once would be enough, she wanted to face Lord Igugudon again.

If she could only meet Lord Igugudon in a dream, she’d want to never wake up and be with him for eternity…

And so, lost in thoughts far too girlish for her age… she surrendered her body to the sleeping demon.

* * *

“……?”

I came to, and for some reason, I was standing in a place I’d never seen before.

Inside the wooden room, there were several desks and chairs, all made of wood as well.

Okay, that much was normal, but then I noticed several objects I’d never seen before, things I couldn’t even guess the purpose of.

“Where…?”

Eirene looked at her hands. As if they were semi-transparent, she could see the wooden floor through them.

She tried to move a little. Something felt off, not quite moving the way she intended.

“What is…?”

A dream…?

Just as she thought that-

“How could you do this to a sick kid!”

‘That voice…!’

A boy’s shout reached her ears.

That voice.

It was a bit young, a voice she had never heard before, but…for some reason, she felt like she knew who it was.

Eirene turned her head towards the sound.

And there, there was-

‘!!!’

The one she had longed to see so much.

The one she had missed ever since seeing his portrait— Iggwo-Godon-nim—

In the form of a young boy, facing off against other boys.