I Healed the Cold Dark Goddess’s Loneliness, and Now She Won’t Let Me Go! - Chapter 9

“What do you want?”

Confronting Lady Reine alongside Lord Sulug, those were the first words out of her mouth—spoken with an air of utter boredom.

While Lady Reine looked genuinely annoyed, she didn’t seem truly repulsed; the atmosphere between her and Lord Sulug wasn’t as hostile as I’d expected. It wasn’t exactly murderous, just deeply, profoundly exasperated. They still clearly didn’t get along, though.

At the very least, I was relieved that a fight didn’t break out immediately.

“Must I have a reason to visit?”

Lord Sulug asked with a gentle smile. Wow, he’s actually bantering. He’s trading quips with Lady Reine…!

“Obviously. Get lost.”

“How harsh.”

Despite her blunt rejection, Lord Sulug just laughed it off. There was a sense of stability to it, like a routine they’d performed a thousand times. Even if they’re on bad terms, they are definitely “old acquaintances” in every sense of the word.

“I did have a reason for coming, though.”

“I assume you intend to complain about how I handle humans again. You’re always like this.”

Always. In other words, Lord Sulug visits her frequently just to give these little lectures…?!

Hearing that, Lady Reine’s annoyed attitude actually makes them look like a pair of bickering relatives. She’d probably kill me if I said that out loud, though.

“No matter what you say, I will not change my policy. If anything, your methods are the ones riddled with problems. Continuously giving to humans without a second thought, asking for nothing in return…”

“I must correct you on the ‘without a second thought’ part. I grant my protection appropriately, with the intent of nurturing the people’s strength so they may eventually walk on their own two feet.”

“And because of that, humans will eventually decide you are unnecessary! You will be betrayed and drained dry once again! Do you wish to become a slave to humanity!?”

“I wouldn’t mind. If that is the choice of the people, I will simply accept it.”

“You…!”

My relief was short-lived; they were in a full-blown argument within seconds. However, their dialogue, fragmented as it was gave me a vivid glimpse into their conflicting ideologies. And, at the risk of being rude, I realized Lady Reine actually put a lot of thought into this.

In fact, her words almost sounded like she was worried about Lord Sulug being betrayed by humans. Personally, I thought Lord Sulug’s way of thinking was a bit dangerous, too. To say he would “simply accept” being discarded after giving everything, that’s not normal. From an empathetic standpoint, I felt like I understood Lady Reine’s side more. They really are polar opposites.

“…Reine. Let’s leave it at this for today.”

“What?”

Lady Reine, who had been heating up during the argument, looked caught off guard by his sudden change in tone.

“It’s clear that no matter how much we talk, we’ll remain on parallel lines. And more importantly, it seems delivering words to you is no longer my role.”

With that, Lord Sulug looked at me, standing behind him. …Wait, me? Right now?

“I want to hear Haruno’s story, Reine.”

“Eh? …Excuse me?”

What is this person talking about all of a sudden? Ah, Lady Reine is thinking the same thing. She looks completely baffled… but that expression is slowly shifting into one of pure irritation.

“In the first place, why are you here with Sulug?”

Lady Reine’s voice turned even colder. Her gaze was fixed entirely on me.

“Ah—well, he seemed curious about the fact that I’ve become Lady Reine’s Shrine Maiden…”

Since Lord Sulug seemed to know her personality so well, he’d naturally be curious to hear she’d taken on a Shrine Maiden. Lady Reine should have been able to figure that out especially since she sees everything that happens in the village but her irritation only seemed to mount.

“So, Reine. I was hoping to hear more about how you feel about her…”

“No. I have nothing to say to you. Furthermore, stay away from my Shrine Maiden.”

“…Hm?”

Did Lady Reine just acknowledge me as her Shrine Maiden?

“Um, Lady Reine… just now, did you say ‘My Shrine Maiden’…?”

As soon as I let the words slip, Lady Reine’s face froze for a split second. Then, it instantly snapped back into a scowl.

“I have nothing to say to you!”

While I was still frozen in shock, Lady Reine swung her hand. Before I could ask what she really meant by those words, Lord Sulug and I were unceremoniously kicked out of the upper temple.