Published: August 25, 2025
Today, five chapters posted simultaneously.
This story is chapter four.
My consciousness returned to my body, and when I glanced sideways, perhaps noticing my gaze, Lord Reinbach and the others who had been praying nearby turned their eyes toward me. Since I had told them beforehand about receiving the Divine Decree, they must have understood that it had just concluded.
After everyone finished praying naturally, we promptly exited the chapel. We got back into the carriage and headed toward the laundry service. During the ride, I explained the details of the curse. However, I omitted mention of the demon king to avoid causing unnecessary worry.
“To think the gods themselves would personally lift the curse.”
“If one didn't know you were the child of god, it would be an unbelievable story. Is it because you are the child of god, or because you are so loved by the gods that you are called their child...”
“Either way, if the curse can be lifted, that's a relief. The only concern is the time until then, but it seems there are ways to manage that as well.”
“Yes, I don't think there's much need to worry.”
For now, we headed to the shop. Once there, I planned to briefly explain the situation to Mr. Calm. Since it was such a sudden affair, it would be troubling for him, and it seemed safest for me to avoid showing myself in front of people I wasn’t close with. After confirming I was safe and explaining the circumstances, I intended to head home immediately.
It turns out that even if you cover a bad smell so it doesn't escape, the residual scent lingers for a while. Apparently, there was a slight “lingering aroma” left on me before Gain and the others treated me.
“If the gods say so, then that's what should be done. But can you really say it’s safe once you enter the shop? Has it become busier than before, with more employees?”
“That's true... As for those who have worked there since the first store opened, there should be no problem, but quite a few people have joined since the beginning of this year.”
We had occasionally hired part-timers for short hours during busy times, but now we’re increasing staff to prepare for the future. Since I delegated the store manager role and authority to Mr. Calm, I visit the shop less often than before.
Of course, we checked backgrounds and interviewed people when hiring, and tried to avoid strange hires, so it’s not that I don’t trust them. But compared to the original staff, the relationships feel inevitably weaker, which is a source of worry.
“When it comes to the shop, there are customers too.”
“Now that you mention it, this is the busiest time of day. If the line extends outside the shop, it would be quite visible to many when I get off.”
“We can't discuss such things in the church, so I had the carriage come out... Perhaps it would have been better not to go to the shop?”
“No, I needed to inform them that I was safe. Also, it seemed better to show a healthy appearance when explaining the curse... Shall we try using Hide’s magic?”
“Ryoma-chan’s curse activates when the target senses it, right? That magic hides presence but the figure is visible, so its effect might be weak.”
“...Is it really necessary to overthink this? If you want to sneak in hidden, you can do so without magic. Instead of focusing on the curse, it’s better to think about not giving those around a bad impression.”
Thus, swaying in the carriage with the cooperation of everyone naturally, we soon arrived at a vacant lot on the shop premises.
“Hey, that carriage...”
“That emblem, it’s the Duke's household crest. Why is it here at a shop like this?”
“Oh? Have you only just come to this town? This shop is known to be favored by the Duke’s household. I’ve heard the manager is close friends with the duke.”
As expected, the shop was crowded, and the long line extended up to the vacant lot. Voices of surprise from customers in line could be heard from outside.
“All right, let’s get out.”