Chapter 821

Chapter 821

“What?”

Torkel was visibly flustered at Rosetta’s proposal.

“You want me... to become a priest?”

“Yes, that’s correct. We, the Holy Goddess’s Order, are officially inviting you to join the Holy Knight Division under our Church.”

“But... I am a leper. If someone like me becomes a priest, there will definitely be gossip among the people.”

At this, Rosetta shook her head firmly.

“In this world, all magic and mysticism have vanished. The divine power we used in our order is gone, and at the same time, all the curses that lingered in this world have disappeared too.”

Rosetta quietly studied Torkel’s face, hidden beneath his helmet.

“But Torkel, your leprosy remains. This proves that leprosy is not a curse but simply a disease.”

“...”

“Our priests have observed your time of service at the temple. Your devotion, integrity, selflessness in both thought and action... You have shown a truly exemplary image, more priest-like than any priest.”

Torkel lowered his head. Rosetta continued to speak.

“The Holy Knight Division is an organization of priests who fight for the Church. But first and foremost, they are priests who serve the Goddess, and our order does not choose its priests carelessly. We extended this invitation because we genuinely believe you are qualified.”

“...”

After a moment of silence, Torkel carefully asked.

“...I am truly grateful for the offer, but... may I take some time to think it over?”

“Of course. If you make up your mind, feel free to contact the order at any time. We look forward to a positive response.”

With a respectful nod toward Torkel,

Rosetta then turned to me and flashed a triumphant smile, like a scout who had already won a recruiting war.

“Now, Your Highness the Crown Prince, let’s give Torkel the space he needs to find his answer... Shall we proceed into the temple?”

“What?! Wait, wait a second!”

“I heard of Your Highness’s arrival, so I came out personally to greet you. Come along now...!”

With Rosetta’s gentle yet insistent hand on my arm, I was led straight into the temple.

As I looked back at Torkel, who was lost in thought, resting his chin on his hand, I called out desperately one last time.

“To-Torkel! Don’t forget that the Bringar Duchy wants you toooo...!”

Thunk!

The temple doors closed in front of me.

In that instant, I realized it.

In this recruitment battle for Torkel, I had lost.

Torkel would become a priest of the Holy Goddess’s Order...

‘Well, as long as he’s happy, that’s okay...’

Since the death of Saintess Margarita here, Torkel had always lived at the temple.

I, too, hoped that his long penance would now blossom into a new form.

“My recruitment campaign...!”

Even if my grand strategy had crumbled. Gah...!

Inside the temple were Zenis and Hannibal.

Zenis, who had stayed here at the temple for a long time, was saying his farewells to the people, while Hannibal, following him, also bowed his head in greeting.

“Ah, Your Highness!”

“We greet Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

The two smiled and greeted me upon seeing me. I smiled back and waved.

After a brief exchange of greetings, I asked where the two were headed next.

“There are other half-blood communities beyond our own Half-Bloods.”

Hannibal explained calmly.

“And there are likely even more half-bloods who suffer alone, not part of any community.”

“Together, Hannibal and I will travel across the continent, finding and helping such individuals.”

Hannibal intended to expand his role as the head of the half-blood community, “Half-Bloods,” and it seemed Zenis, now a free man, would be accompanying him.

“I’m confident we can help people wherever we go! With my father’s vast medical knowledge and my own skills learned from Master Kellibey!”

Hannibal flexed his biceps confidently.

Next to him, Zenis smiled ruefully. Despite growing so much, he still looked worried about his son, who had some boyishness left in him.

Listening to our conversation, Rosetta joined in.

“Our Goddess’s Order also intends to start a more organized effort to help such marginalized individuals. We plan to collaborate with Half-Bloods on joint projects.”

I casually asked,

“Is recruiting Torkel part of that initiative?”

“The primary reason is that we believe he would make an excellent priest.”

Rosetta offered her characteristic, charming smile.

“However, it is true that our Order has been somewhat neglectful in considering the lives of marginalized people. There are many outcasts, not just lepers but other races, half-bloods, refugees... those abandoned by society.”

“...”

“We aim to bring them a glimmer of hope. Not just in name but with practical support.”

Trailing off, Rosetta looked around the temple.

“Here at Crossroad, I’ve managed to shed many of the preconceptions that used to govern my life.”

Zenis and Hannibal, catching her gaze, smiled broadly.

Rosetta, smiling back at them, looked over at me.

“We need to spread the warmth of the world to more people, without prejudice.”

Even though the Order had lost its divine power.

It seemed they were now more prepared to be sincere toward the world.

“With the convenient remedy of divine power gone, we’ll focus more on medical research.”

“It seems I’ll be seeing you often, Rosetta.”

I spoke earnestly.

“No, not rodent names. Something more dignified! This is the Crown Prince’s aide we’re talking about. Got anything more serious?!”

Why does this place always feel like it’s turning into a contest whenever there’s an opportunity?

Lilly and Bodybag burst into laughter, holding their stomachs. As they laughed, so did Sid. And when Sid laughed, everyone around joined in.

Well, as long as everyone’s happy... Oh, whatever, I don’t care anymore.

In the midst of all this noise...

“Jörmungandr, where have you gone... Seriously, these reptiles, clinging to you when it’s convenient and then disappearing...”

There was a woman lamenting the absence of a reptile while everyone else chanted rodent names.

It was Violet, slumped over drunk. With her illusions stripped away, her hair was now a plain brown.

I chuckled and brought my cup to clink against the one Violet held before asking,

“What are you planning to do now, Violet?”

“Hmm? Well, I might...”

Still groggy, Violet wiped the corner of her mouth and slurred.

“Travel the world, telling the tale of my great adventures...?”

Just then, the remaining Gambler’s Club members who had finished their puppet show perked up and approached.

“What? Are we becoming a troupe of bards now?”

“Spreading tales of the great battles of the Monster Front far and wide!”

“Monstrous creatures trying to climb over the walls!”

“And the legendary hero who vanquished those wicked nightmares...”

The four members of the Gambler’s Club struck flamboyant poses, waving their hands wildly before suddenly extending their arms toward Sid in Lilly’s embrace.

Though he didn’t understand what was happening, Sid laughed brightly, and the crowd around them erupted into applause.

With a look of utmost injustice, Violet screeched.

“What about me?! Aren’t I the main character?!”

“Um, can you guys at least pay attention to me...?”

Hello? Crown Prince here? Leader of the Monster Front, that’s me. It’s a bit sad if you’ve forgotten already, just because we’re disbanding?

The lively chatter continued, heating up the atmosphere in the plaza.

“Alright, everyone! Attention-!”

The new Crossroad Marchioness led the rest of the female heroes toward us.

Evangeline wore a serious expression, holding a beer mug instead of her usual juice cup! Although she was old enough to drink now, it still seemed out of place!

“As of this moment!”

Evangeline solemnly announced.

“The Crossroad Female Heroes and Mercenaries Rights Committee, or CFHMRC for short, is officially... disbanded!”

“...!”

“Since I, the former chairperson, have now become the lord of Crossroad... Ahem! Since I’m now responsible for all the people of Crossroad, it’s only right that I include everyone, not just those in our committee.”

That’s right.

From now on, Evangeline would be the lord of Crossroad, tasked with embracing all the people of this city.

She had decided to disband her faction herself.

“But our memories will stay in our hearts forever!”

Evangeline raised the mug in her hand high.

“We won’t forget the days we drank and feasted together! Everyone... wherever you go, live happily ever after!”

“May we thrive wherever we are!”

“Long live CFHMRC!”

“CFHMRC-!”

Those affiliated with CFHMRC shouted together.

Seriously, that name always sounded like a dragon’s roar... Even up until its disbandment, I couldn’t get used to it...

“Now, Senior!”

Evangeline then turned her attention to me.

“In honor of the disbandment of the World Guardian Front and CFHMRC, why don’t you give us a stirring toast?”

All eyes turned to me.

Grinning, I grabbed my cup and shouted energetically.

“Alright! Open your ears and listen closely, everyone!”

I stood up from my seat, raising my cup high.

I recited the drinking song with gusto.

I offer you this golden goblet

Drink it to the full, do not refuse

The crowd cheered, lifting their cups.

People echoed my drinking song, clinking their glasses together. Countless people’s cups, and countless people’s gazes, met and parted.

Watching this scene with a fond smile, I softly murmured the final verse.

When flowers bloom, the wind and rain are sure to follow

Life is full of farewells

For every meeting, there is a parting, and for every parting, there is a new meeting.

So let’s not mourn tomorrow’s goodbyes. Let’s immerse ourselves in each other today.

After the storm, the flowers will bloom again. After the painful farewell, joyful reunions will come.

I downed my drink in one go and triumphantly held up my empty cup. The crowd cheered my name and applauded.

The night of the farewell ceremony grew deeper.

–TL Notes–

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