Gods aren't to be trusted ◊

I woke up when the sun was still below the horizon.

The stars were still out, and only a yellow aura could be seen behind the Eastern mountain range.

"Huh..."

I was expecting a naked woman in my arms, but I was alone on the bed.

Though, the smell of that waitress' body was still lingering about.

"Oh, I see..."

I heard the sound of running water in the bathroom and a soft humming voice.

Looks like she woke up before me and went to shower.

I sat on the edge of the bed, dropping my feet on the floor. Her smell seemed to follow me even when I'd moved away from the spot where we fucked last night.

Soon, the water stopped, and then came the ruffling sound of fabric.

She was wiping her body.

The body that my Gungnir penetrated and came inside...

While half awake, my imagination ran a little wild. Hearing the sound of that towel coiling around her beautiful body, Gungnir woke up before I myself fully did.

"Oh, good morning~"

"Hey."

"Last night was so good. When're you coming back?"

She sat down next to me.

"Not sure. I don't plan to live in this city."

"Aw, really..."

She lay down on the bed.

The robe got loose and revealed her bare breasts.

"I never asked what your name was, huh?"

"Haha, we just started fucking the moment you got here. I'm Lora."

"I see. I'm... Arc, and you're welcome to come with me."

"Hiding your real name, huh... It's none of my business though."

"Yeah, but you could get on this 'business' with me. Good women like you are hard to come by."

"Good? Your definition of 'good' is pretty weird, haha."

"Maybe, but I'm sure it's not that weird."

"No no, it's really weird. I have issues, y'know... Gambling, cheating, whoring... At some point, I just started enjoying doing those things. Don't really know when it all began though..."

"Heh."

"It's laughable, I know."

"Not that."

"Huh?"

"I laughed because you didn't hear me right."

"What do you mean?"

"I called you a good female, not a good lover."

"..."

Lora looked at me as if something struck a chord with her.

"In any case, I do plan to stop by Zorn again soon. Tell me your answer then."

I stood up and reached for my pants.

Lora sprang up and grabbed my arm.

She pushed me down and got on top of my Gungnir.

It opened up her tender flesh and slowly plowed through.

"Just one more, before you go."

"Not gonna make me pay more crystals, are you?"

I laughed while enjoying Lora's pussy.

"I might... mhg~~♥"

Lora brought out her virgin killing, cock riding technique right off the bat, but I'd grown accustomed to it over last night's 'dessert.' My Gungnir was attacked with an intense pleasure, but it wasn't enough to defeat it like the first time.

Lora also knew, so she held nothing back.

Her tits bounced up and down without ever losing the rhythm.

This place only opened from evening to dawn, yet I was offered free breakfast by one of their waitresses. She gave me something really tasty and accepted my gratitude at the deepest part of her body.

"Well then, see you soon."

"Okay, give me some time to think about that."

"Sure."

"But don't forget about me entirely!"

"Hmm... I'll try."

"Asshole. Is that how you treat someone who let your have her pussy all night?"

"I paid for that pussy. Well, until next time."

"Heh, fine."

I left the building and went to the market.

There were no shortage of food stalls, so I picked a few things that were decently nutritious. Spending the knights' crystals sure felt good; I'm glad I didn't spare them a single piece.

They got their crystals from donations all around the kingdom anyway, so this money was simply going right back into the people's pockets, which ran dry as they foolishly believed that the church would send their prayers to the gods. Those very gods they thought would deliver them from their sufferings would only throw their resources at amusing things, such as some random time traveling guy violating the Saint.

Huh... does it really mean anything, though?

This world is nothing but a reflection of the real one.

They made this copy to grant my wish and find some entertainment in watching me do stuff. So is there really any meaningful purpose in making this world better?

I should keep that thought in mind.

Maybe one day I'll have a definite answer.

When I returned to the inn, Dasha had not moved an inch from that corner she'd retreated to. By this time, she should've gone through all the stages of grief and arrived at a new mindset.

Though, I couldn't be sure where that mindset would take her next.

"Come, eat."

I used [Puppeteer] and made her move.

She was docile this time, not resisting my control.

Her eyes now looked lost and uncertain, but they were not lifeless.

I thought she'd reject commoner's food even when her body was being controlled, but that didn't happen. She properly ate all the things I bought without fighting against [Puppeteer].

"...I want to pray."

Dasha spoke weakly.

"At the church?"

"Yes."

"I guess I can take you."

...Mostly because I was interested to see what would happen.

If the bastards up there think it's amusing, they'll probably open their wallets.

I can't be certain they will, but it's worth a try.

Maria's religion had been predominant on this continent since ancient times, so most people simply referred to it as 'our religion' without really attaching a name to it.

I mean, what other competition was there for it to be distinguished from?

The church, on the other hand, referred to the clergy as 'Believers of the First Light.' They'd been convinced by some ancient lunatic that the first light to ever shine in the universe was from the sky of this continent. But much like how the Earth was never the center of the solar system, there were probably much older planets that had enjoyed this 'first light' since before the humans of this world could distinguish between food and monster shit.

Well, that's enough of going on a tangent...

The religion being what it was, there was a cathedral in every single large settlement, and Zorn was no exception. Walking down the street, I didn't even need to use skills or ask anyone; the most eye-catching edifice downtown was indeed a cathedral of the Believers.

The church wouldn't turn anyone away, as long as no trouble was caused.

So even if Dasha, Maria's current appearance, looked like a lowly slave, we were not stopped at the gate by the holy knights on guard duty.

I released [Puppeteer] and let Dasha do as she pleased.

Now that I think about it, fifteen yeas ago, when we all first arrived, we stayed in Zorn for a while, but never ended up visiting the cathedral here. In the following years, I didn't bother coming back too often, since there was nothing special about this city.

That can only mean one thing: there are probably secrets I have yet to uncover.

Corland is a nation of strong faith in the gods. Generations of Corsch kings have always been stout believers. The country put more resources into religions than military; that's why they're one of the few countries the church would summon heroes for.

Because of that, the roots and branches of the church reach far and deep into this country's soil. Everywhere I go, there will be, at the very least, a small church; large cities always have fancy cathedrals.

The problem with this is: there is ALWAYS some sort of scheme going on inside these churches and cathedrals. The priests and holy knights have tremendous power and sway over local goverments.

'Makes me excited to find out what kind of fucked up shit's been brewing in the shadow of Zorn, a city which appears peaceful yet consistently mediocre over the years, both economically and culturally.

Hah?

While I was deep in thought, a divine aura shone upon Dasha's praying figure. Her eyes were wide open and her mouth agape. She looked like she was just told all the secrets of the universe.

'The fuck're those bastards planning this time?

The gods' whims are the only thing I'm afraid of, even in this alternate timeline.

I can't interrupt Dasha right now, but I'll have to inquire thoroughly about what that damn god said to her. It's going to be troublesome though, since there are a few nuns over there freaking out over this scene.

For now, let's nip these buds before they bloom.

[Detect Presence] wasn't picking up anyone else inside the main praying hall, so it seemed like no one else but those nuns saw the oracle. I must be more careful about taking people in my circle to churchs now...

Fucking piece of...

Well, that's fine. I'll try asking Dasha anyway, even though I'm half certain that little shit up there has played some tricks on her. I won't be surprised if she doesn't really give me a straight answer.

Troubled as I was, I did not intend to get swept up by the gods who were watching. My goal wasn't going to change because of them. I wanted to control the world from the background and let all my minions do the work while I enjoy my harem on a private island, and that's exactly what I'd do.

"Done? Let's go."

Dasha stood up and looked at me with eyes full of life.

She still looked lost and confused, but her expression was definitely more lively.

"Yes..."

Dasha followed me without even needing [Puppeteer].

Really, damn those gods...