'Nice to meet you, child of Noah. I am Eil, Goddess of Water.

　That face, that voice is indeed Princess Sophia.
　But what comes to mind is an unnatural smile.
　Princess Sophia's blue eyes are shining golden.
　The magic power (mana) that surrounds the princess is overflowing and radiating light.
　The spirits have all disappeared.

　--The holy tribe of gods that rules this world.

　The goddess who governs the attribute of water: the Eir-sama.
　As a water magic user, she's a goddess that I should never go against.
　It seems that if I displease her, I will lose my water magic skills.......

''There's no need to be so nervous.
　Giggling, Eil-sama with a smile that Princess Sophia has never shown before.
　However, the sense of pressure (pressure) that her body emits is incomparable to any demon that has ever existed.
　Chattering, the magic power (mana) in the air is trembling.

　This is the descent of a goddess to a miko....


　◇


The Goddess of Pentecost?
'There is a famous story. A priestess who is a goddess-worshipping priestess is able to receive the goddess in her body. Therefore, they say, the miko's body must be pure.
　When I mentioned the theory of Noel-sama's virginity at the Highland Castle party, Fujiyan told me.

''So you're saying that Princess Noel and Princess Sophia will be transferred by the Goddess.
I've never seen this in person, but.... I've never seen this in person, but I've heard that the goddess descends when she gives an oracle.
Wow.

　Originally, people can hear God's words through a miko, which can only be heard by an apostle or a miko.
　That's why maidens are so special.

''But such a thing from Princess Noel?　You've grown quite close to me, haven't you?
　Fujiyan makes a dumbfounded face.
''You just don't want me to say that to you, do you?
She's Sakurai-dono's fiancée. Don't try to get along too well with her. Princess Sophia is going to be very sad.
Why is Princess Sophia there...?
He's a slow learner...
?


　◇


　I understood the meaning of Fujiyan's conversation at that time.
　If you could just say it clearly........no, I don't know what to do even if you do.
　That said, I have to sort out the situation now.

"Goddess of Water (Eil). What can I do for you today?
Calming my mind with the 'Meikyondo' skill, I ask the goddess in front of me.

''Brave girl from the new Water Country (Roses). Thank you for saving the Royal Capital Horn the other day.
　Smiling Goddess of Water (Eil)-sama.
　The difference from her usual expression makes me restless.

''That was........lucky. Besides, it was thanks to Noah-sama's advice.
　The abominable giant could not be defeated if he could not synchronize (synchronize) with Princess Sophia.
You still have the power. Leo, the Ice and Snow Hero, is still very young. He's also a talented boy........ It seems he still had a heavy burden to bear.
Prince Leonard is having a hard time, isn't he?
　I think of a boy like that girl.

''Hmph, so please help Leo-kun.
　The goddess is smiling happily with her hand over her mouth.
'Well, as much as I can,'
　We'll take care of it!　I'm sad that I can't say that forcefully.
　I'm an apprentice wizard after all.

'Oh?　If you want to be strong, I'll give you the 'gift' skills.
What?
　The goddess Eir-sama, who is even closer than usual, is even closer and puts her hand on my cheek.

"Ah, um........near.
Makoto-kun, the hero. If you become a follower of the Water Goddess (me), you can get the 'Water Magic, Holy Grade' skill.
　Plainly, the goddess said.

　Huh?　What did you just say?
　St. Grade?
　Even higher than the king grade.
　A skill that only a few people on this continent have.
　Can I get that?

What the hell are you...
''I know about your struggles from Sophia-chan. You make do with 'Water Magic, Beginner' and 'Spirit Master', isn't it hard?
....
　Yes, I'm having a hard time.
　Without the spirits, we can't use magic.
　It takes time for them to run out of control and use their magic.
　That said, I can't defeat anything with my own magical power.

"If you become my follower, everything will be fine, right?
　Is that...?
　No, but on that condition you must convert.
　You want me to betray Master Noah?

''Makoto-kun's proficiency in water magic is about 200, and with his Water Magic Sacred Grade skill, he's the best water wizard on the continent,'' said the Great Sage in the Land of the Sun. I'm more powerful than the Great Sage in the Land of the Sun. Only in terms of water magic.
Oh, I see.
　The weakest attribute: water magic.
　Even so, if you are called the best on the continent by the Goddess herself.....

''What should we do, Makoto-kun?''
　Eir-sama's smile was unchanged from a moment ago.


''Do you want to convert to the Water Goddess Eir Faith and receive the Water Magic and Saint Grade Gift Skill?''

　Yes, sir.
　No.


....
　A terrifyingly tempting option was displayed.
　A devilish temptation.

'Oh?　I'm a goddess. If you call me a demon, you'll be punished for it, right?
"...You can read minds as a matter of course.
　You're with Master Noah.
　Thinking about that, memories of the past came back to me.

　The day I transferred to another world and learned that I alone was the weakest status.
　It was a subtle skill, but I still cultivated it.
　A bitter memory of being the only one left in the water temple.
　The days I spent in fear of my remaining lifespan with none of my classmates left.
　Does this mean that all the hard work in this world will pay off?

　........Water Demon and Holy Grade skills.
　I don't think I'll ever get a chance like this again.

　I sighed heavily and replied.


''Water Goddess (Eil)-sama. I am an apostle of Noah-sama. Always have been and always will be.
　He looked into the golden eyes of the goddess and said.

'Oh?　You've been dumped.
　The goddess remained smiling, unconcerned.
　In the air, she flicked her fingers in the air.
　What was the gesture?

(Oh, my goodness~~~?!
　Oh, it's Master Noah.
Will I still be a believer?　You didn't convert me, did you?　(Yo, thank goodness...)
　It's been a long time since I've heard Noah-sama sound this impatient.

(Hey, you f*cking goddess!　(I'm telling you the truth, I don't know what you're talking about!
'What?　You want to give my sweet little Sofia's thoughtfulness some kind of gift, mercy?
What mercy!　You're lucky you have so many followers!　(I'm only true!

　Oh, oh........
　Goddesses are arguing with each other.
　It's not so scary.

But didn't the water hero of a thousand years ago get killed by the apostles of Noah?　That's why our descendants are having such a hard time in the Land of Water (Roses) because the land is so small, you know?
(Ugh..... I'm sorry about that.)
　The case of the previous apostle (sempai) from a thousand years ago who did a lot of things.
　Was it the legendary hero killer...?
"The Black Knight of Forbidden" and "The Mad Hero".　

That's great, he's amazing. I stared at him with my mesmerizing magical eyes and he didn't even change his face.　
What?
　What?　Have I been seduced?

(Silly me.) God's most beautiful god: He wasn't tempted by the sight of Noah-sama, you know?　(How could that possibly move you?)
"...You showed me Noah?　Is that what kept you sane?
　For the first time, the Water Goddess (Eil) looked suspicious instead of smiling.

''Is Makoto-kun really human?''
(Hmm, maybe?)
Why is there a suspicion that you're not human?
　You're right, I have to poke around.

(Anyway!)　From now on, no more recruiting for the truth!
Makoto-kun~, if you want the Water Demon and Holy Grade, you can always tell Sophia-chan.
You!　I'm listening to you!
Okay, Mako-kun. Ah!　Don't tell anyone that I've descended, will you?
　He winked at me with a smile.
　Until a moment ago, the dignity of the goddess is gone and she has a frank attitude.
　Is this the real deal?
　I mean, is this a secret?　Why?

　With a flutter and a wave of her hand, Princess Sophia wandered over to us.
''Oops.''
　Princess Sophia opened her mouth as I hurriedly caught her shoulder.
　Her expression was the same as usual.

''........well, thing.''
Princess Sophia?
　Princess Sophia rubs her eyes with a sleepy look on her face.

'I'm sorry, ... have I slept so long?　My body feels so much better.
　Princess Sophia stood up and fixed her clothes and hair in disarray.　
'I had a strange dream. I dreamed that the Goddess of Water (Eil) is descending. She shouldn't be descending in a place like this.''
Oh, really?
　I've been kept quiet.
　Even though it's a god outside of my faith, I'm afraid to go against the Goddess's request.
　I'll keep my mouth shut.

'Thank you. Thanks to you, I've had some rest.
'You haven't been getting much sleep, have you?　You'd better take care of yourself, you know?
　I looked into his face and he looked away from me.

'Duh, I'm fine!　By the way what did I say before I went to bed?
Well,
　Was it a conversation you had while you were sleepwalking?

I'll be in water country forever.
Oh, I see. Oh, thank you.
　With her back turned, Princess Sophia replied in a slightly flipped voice.　

''I'll invite you to dinner next time.
"...Yes. I'll be waiting for you.
　With that, Princess Sophia left for the Highland castle.

　I decided to return to the inn for now.
　I'm sure there's nothing I can do to help Princess Sophia since she's been working so hard.　


　◇.


Makoto!
　On my way back to the inn, it was Prince Leonard, the "Ice and Snow Brave", who found me and came over.
'What's the matter?　I mean, what is Prince Leonard doing over here?
　It's dangerous that the prince is alone.

''That's why........I felt a sign that the Goddess of Water (Eir) has descended. I hurriedly made my way to Sister Sophia's place, but the sign disappeared. I did indeed feel the presence of the Goddess-sama, but........
　Prince Leonard is cute today, with his eyebrows raised in thought.
　Well, Prince Leonard is a brave man of ice and snow who believes in the Goddess of Water (Eir).
　Does he realize that the goddess will descend?

''Didn't you notice something, Makoto-san?
No, no.
''The descent of Lady Water Goddess (Eir) is a major event on a national level. Certainly, it couldn't have happened on such an ordinary day...
　Prince Leonard isn't convinced, or he's mulling it over.
　I know it's new, but talking to the Goddess is very important.
　I'm usually not afraid to talk to Noah.

'By the way!　You had dinner with your sister Sophia, didn't you!
Yeah, yeah.
"How did you feel?
　What's that? Prince Leonard asks with great gusto.

The food was good. However, Princess Sophia might have been tired and fell asleep halfway through.
Did your sister fall asleep in the middle of it?　Are you sure?
　Prince Leonard's eyes are wide open, as if astonished.
　Did I say something strange?

Prince Leonard, what's going on here...
Hi, Takatsuki, Prince Leonard.
　It was Sakurai, the "Hero of Light", who interrupted the conversation.

I raised one hand and said, "Hey!
　Prince Leonard puts his hand on his chest and greets us in a nobleman's way.
　Sakurai-kun responds to that.
　Oh, that's so cool.
　I'd better learn it too.

I'm sorry to bother you. Do you have any more time to spare, Takatsuki-kun?
　He says apologetically, looking a little tired.
　I remembered that Yokoyama-san asked me to help Sakurai-kun.

''Fine, Sakurai-kun. What about Prince Leonard, what do you want to do?
'What?　Are you sure you don't want me with you?
　Huh?　I wouldn't have minded, but Prince Leonard is royalty.
　Was that a little rude?

"If it's okay with Prince Leonard," said Sakurai-kun.
"If you're with Makoto-san, by all means," said Prince Leonard, who seemed to have no problem with it.

　We came to the room of the brave men of light in Highland Castle with Sakurai-kun.


It's a good thing that you're not the only one.
　No, I should say room.....
　Isn't that about a hundred tatami mats?
　It's as big as the entrance to the guild.

　We sat down on chairs around a large table in the room.

''Well actually, I need to talk to you about the Moon Priestess.''
　Sakurai-kun, who had a tired face, began to speak.


　--Mistress of the Moon.


　Land of Perdition: the pinnacle of Moon Goddess Naiya's worship, descended from the Rafiroig royal family.
　However, her power has fallen to the ground.

　A thousand years ago, the Moon Priestess betrayed the human race and was privy to the side of the Great Demon King.
　Eventually, she was exposed for her wickedness by the savior Abel, but after the Great Demon King's fall, the Moon Kingdom was destroyed by the six nations, led by the Sun Kingdom.　
　At that time, the Rafiroig royal family was eradicated.
　--except for the Moon Priestess.　　

'Why?　Isn't it usually the other way around?
　Isn't it the traitors of the human race that will be executed?

''At the same time as the Great Demon King was destroyed, the thousand-year-old Moon Priestess, the Witch of Mischief, disappeared. According to some theories, she was defeated by the Savior.
　Prince Leonard told me.
"Since then, the Moon Priestess has appeared very rarely in history. Since then, moon maidens have appeared only rarely in history, as descendants of the defunct Raphiloig royal family. This time the Sun Knights have captured one such moon maiden.
　Sakurai-kun replied painfully.
　What's wrong with you?

''The Moon Priestess has gathered the demon race in Rafiroig and is planning to reconstruct it. For this reason, I heard that they were defeated by the Order of the Sun, and Sakurai-sama was in command of them.
Yeah, Fujiyan might have told me that.
　Sakurai-kun also listened, thinking that it was tough.

But....the people in the real Rafiroiug were just people living a quiet life.
What?
　I couldn't help but listen back to Sakurai-kun's words.

''It was a demonstration to inspire the feelings of the people who were afraid of the Great Demon King........ In reality, it was an oppression of the demon tribe that lived quietly...
Yuusama Hikaru-sama... and Sakurai-kun...
　What a sobering story.
　Was Sakurai-kun used without knowing anything about it?

''The reason I was chosen to defeat the Moon Priestess was because of my 'State Disable' skill. The Moon Priestess is a master of fate magic as well as a user of dark magic and curse magic. She specializes in magic that deceives people. That's why I captured her.
　Sakurai-kun's voice doesn't have the usual cheerfulness in it.

'The moon maiden abused me in a bad way. 'What's the fun in further hurting a sinner who is living a quiet life?'
"...and...
　It's not pleasant to listen to.

But fortunately she was able to escape. But it seems that she hasn't left the royal capital Symphonia yet. It's not really a good idea, but I want to let her escape at least...
　At Sakurai-kun's words, he and Prince Leonard looked at each other.

''Makoto-san, what are you going to do?''
'If you're asking for help, Sakurai-kun, I'd love to help, but why don't you use your subordinate, the Knights of the Sun?'
"...this action is a violation of the Sun Nation's decision. It's my own personal selfishness.
　Okay.

So, do you know where he is?
'No that's why I'm not very good at gathering that kind of information.
　Sakurai-kun says apologetically.

　Hmm, I don't know what to do.
　Fujiyan is good at this kind of search for people.
　Using the merchant network.
　However, Fujiyan is currently busy.
　I don't feel comfortable asking for more help.

　But I'm no good at gathering information either.
　Prince Leonard would be similar to me as an individual, even if he uses the power of royalty.
　I'm in trouble.

(Cemetery.)
　Huh?　Mr. Noah?
Search the cemetery in Sinfonia.
　You've given me some very specific advice.
　Do you by any chance mind that Master Eil has asked you to join him?
No, no, no!
　They're right on target.
　You shouldn't be so worried about it.
　You know I'm not going to rat you out, right?

　I could hear him sounding a bit happy.

'Sakurai-kun, it's a graveyard. There's a moon maiden there.
"What?
　Suddenly, Sakurai-kun and Prince Leonard give me a questioning look as I assure them.
　After convincing them, the three of us heroes headed to the largest graveyard in the royal capital.