In this world, when it comes to gods, there are only two: The Supreme God Puthos and the Demon God Deusgoat. However, openly professing faith in Deusgoat is considered aligning with the demonic forces.
Therefore, when one claims to have faith in a god, it generally refers to the Supreme God Puthos.
Those who make a living out of such faith are called priests, and the organization to which priests belong is known as the Puthos Association.
"So, I would like to hear the details."
Guided to a guest room, I found myself sitting on a luxurious two-person chair. Across from me, High Priest Cieltia was seated in another seemingly upscale chair.
"Even if you ask for details, I don't know anything beyond the content of the prophecy…"
While saying this might make me seem useless, lying could lead to getting caught, so I chose to be honest.
"I see."
In response, she sipped the tea placed in front of her.
"Please have some of this."
Looking up, I noticed that Priest Elise had placed a cup of tea in front of me. Judging by her tense expression, it seemed she still harbored doubts about me.
"Why did you decide to believe my story?"
Unable to endure the silence, I grasped for a topic and voiced what came to mind.
"Well, it's not like I completely trust you. I just couldn't think of a reason for you to lie. So, for now, I decided to hear you out."
She explained with a composed expression, creating an atmosphere of tension by maintaining her unwavering demeanor.
What could she be thinking? I couldn't fathom it. Because of that, I found it challenging to determine whether I should view this situation optimistically or not.
"Excuse me."
Suddenly, after a knock on the door, a priest entered the room. He handed a bundle of papers to High Priest Cieltia.
It seemed there was something written on the papers, and High Priest Cieltia began reading. Meanwhile, I remained silent, waiting.
"Your name is Kiska, isn't it? It seems you committed a crime recently and were expelled to the depths of the dungeon."
She spoke just as I thought of opening my mouth, revealing such information.
"It's written about you here."
Perhaps sensing my surprise, she explained. Apparently, the papers High Priest Cieltia was reading contained information about me.
"A criminal!? We can't have a criminal here! Let's kick this person out immediately!"
"Elise, please be quiet."
"Yes, I apologize!"
Priest Elise, who had been standing next to me, raised her voice. However, now that she had been scolded by the High Priest, she remained silent.
"It's a false accusation. I haven't done anything. I was framed by the villagers."
"Do you have any evidence?"
"There's no evidence, but if you investigate thoroughly, you'll see that I'm not the culprit. I have no reason to kill Namia."
"I see. However, what interests me more is why you're here now. Why is someone who was expelled to the depths of the dungeon outside?"
I thought that question was reasonable. After all, I was expelled to the "Katarov Dungeon" using the transfer array. Normally, one wouldn't be able to return.
"I conquered the dungeon."
"Hmm."
For a moment, I felt like she smiled. But when I looked at her again, she had returned to her usual composed expression, so it might have been my imagination.
"Do you know about the battle between the Hero and the Demon Lord in the Katarov Dungeon a hundred years ago?"
"Yes, I'm aware."
"In that case, are you familiar with this rumor? It's said that the Hero is sealed in the Katarov Dungeon."
"The Hero…?"
What is it? I feel like I knew something. However, I can't recall it, as if a fog has covered my mind.
"Did you perhaps know about it?"
"No, I've never heard of it."
"However, since you conquered the Katarov Dungeon, did you see anything related to that?"
"…No, nothing in particular."
"I see."
Once again, I recalled the events in the Katarov Dungeon. However, I couldn't remember anything about the Hero's seal. No, I'm clearly aware that I've forgotten something. Perhaps, I knew about the Hero's seal, but I've forgotten it.
"Um, High Priest Cieltia-sama. Regarding your words, it is widely known that Hero Eligion-sama escaped from the Katarov Dungeon and returned to the country after defeating the Demon Lord. Therefore, I don't think the Hero should be sealed."
As Priest Elise said, her words are correct. The rumors she mentioned contradict the legend of Hero Eligion-sama.
"Yes, it's just baseless rumors. There's no credibility. If there were really a Hero sealed in the dungeon, it would mean there is another Hero besides Eligion-sama, or Eligion-sama is a fake Hero."
The statement that Hero Eligion is fake made me gasp, as it could be interpreted as disrespectful.
"High Priest, even if it's just a rumor, I think those words went too far. It could be misunderstood."
"I apologize, Elise."
After settling that exchange, High Priest Cieltia looked at me again and said:
"As for the matter of being a guard, I would like to formally request your assistance."
"Eh, is that okay?"
I was surprised by the unexpected response. I thought for sure I would be refused.
"Yes, if you have the strength to conquer the Katarov Dungeon, you would be the most suitable guard. You will work as my exclusive guard during the festival. Of course, appropriate compensation will be provided. Would you be willing to accept?"
"Rather, I would like to ask for the opportunity. Please let me take on the role."
We both nodded slightly. Now, I can protect her.
"Um, is it really okay? Having an Alcus person as a guard…"
"Prejudice is not good, Elise."
"But he is a criminal. To have such a person as a guard…"
"He says he is innocent."
"Do you really believe what he says!?"
I listened nervously to the exchange between Priest Elise and High Priest Cieltia.
Objectively, Elise's words seem more accurate. I couldn't think of a reason why High Priest Cieltia would defend me.
"Yes, I believe his words."
She asserted in a calm tone.
Instantly, I felt my heart being won over. After all, when I claimed to be innocent in the village, not a single person believed me.
Yet, she believed me.
"W-Why?"
Elise asked with a distressed expression.
"I can tell whether someone is lying just by looking at them. He is not lying."
"I didn't know the High Priest had such a power."
"Yes, I usually keep it hidden. So, Elise, do you still doubt me when I say I trust him?"
"…No, if the High Priest says so, I have nothing more to say."
It seems that this settled the conversation between the two. I nervously listened, thinking High Priest Cieltia might retract the offer of being a guard, but it appears she trusts me.
"But it will be troublesome if others react like Elise every time they see you."
Cieltia's gaze was fixed on the tips of my hair. Indeed, this silver hair stands out too much. I can't even imagine what people would think if they found out I'm the High Priest's guard.
"So, how about dyeing that hair a different color?"
"Can you do that?"
"Dyeing hair is possible with special materials. It's not common in this country, but in other nations, it's widely used even among commoners."
I had no idea.
Honestly, I haven't been fond of my hair color. If I could change it to a different color, I've always wanted to.
"I happen to have the materials for hair dye, so what do you think?"
"Please."
A few hours later, after washing the dye out of my hair, the color changed from silver to blonde.
"It's the same color as mine. This way, you won't stand out too much."
Cieltia, standing beside me, spoke. Indeed, it was the same golden color as hers. It seems I can now serve as her guard without drawing too much attention.
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