11: Peaceful Outing - Part 2

Auriel did not have most of her powers, but she did have sharp instincts. That was why, as soon as she looked at the unknown woman in front of her, she felt a sense of foreboding that told her to take her leave and never look back.

But despite her initial reaction to the unknown woman, Auriel knew when she needed to keep her senses in check.

So, all she did was give the unknown female a calm look before she replied in a clear voice, "My answer depends on your reason for asking. Are you here to ask me for something?"

Auriel watched the unknown female's expression carefully.

A human's face said a lot about them, but the unknown female's mask was a tight one, letting nothing but her beautiful smile pass through.

Something cold touched Auriel's hand, and she instantly looked down, only to see her wrist being caressed by a naked hand.

It was a small touch, but it was enough to send shivers down Auriel's spine. The sensuality of that touch felt more than friendly, but pulling back right now would likely give it more meaning than it deserved.

That was why Auriel sat in her place, her back stiff as a board, and her eyes looking at the female in front of her without much emotion.

"Get to the point. I don't have much time to play games with humans," Auriel's voice was strong, but her action of pulling back her wrist was not as strong.

The goddess patted herself on the back for being able to appear this natural in her actions, and she could tell that the female in front of her felt a little stunned as well.

But once again, the human was good and pulled herself together faster than anyone Auriel had seen before.

"Ah, please pardon my boldness, O Divine One. I accidentally let desires out of their leash, and they ended up affecting you. I will try my best to keep myself in check," the unknown female spoke, still not getting to the point.

By now, Auriel was losing her patience, and she wanted to leave. But Carol was not back, and Auriel did not want to head out alone because she was afraid of getting lost.

While she was busy thinking about the best way to leave, the unknown female in front of her decided to introduce herself.

"O Divine One, my name is Shelly Munero, but I am also referred to as the 'Rose of the World.' It is my honor to meet someone as divine as you."

It was a cringe-worthy introduction, and Auriel had to hold her laugh back at the title Shelly Munero gave herself.

Don't laugh. Do not let your laugh escape, or it will be rude. But who can call themselves 'The Rose of the World' with such a straight face?

Auriel tried her hardest to not let her humor show on her face, but her eyes must have revealed something because Shelly Munero suddenly looked offended enough to make a face.

Seeing that she had offended the female, Auriel quickly calmed down and tried to divert the attention.

"It is pleasant to meet you, Lady Munero. Now, would you mind telling me what brought you to me? I doubt it is a social visit," Auriel asked in a calm voice as she looked at the pink-haired lady in front of her.

Shelly Munero's eyes flashed her displeasure, but the female must have been reminded of her ambition because she showed extreme self-control and smiled when she looked at Auriel.

"Goddess Auriel, you are the most noble person in this world right now, and for that reason, I am sure you won't deny my request. I have but one request to make—please allow me to participate as a candidate for empress as well."

The words were heard, but they did not register in Auriel's mind.

All Auriel could do was look at the female in front of her in disbelief as she tried to wrap her head around what she had been asked.

Realizing things could get ugly if Auriel did not do something soon, she quickly tried to wrap the situation up and deny Lady Shelly.

"I am afraid that it is not something up to me. I have the final say in who the empress would be, but I do not choose the candidates for the post. It would be more beneficial for you to head to the one in charge of the selection."

Auriel spoke calmly, but her words made Shelly Munero more and more enraged. Of course, the lady was good at hiding her temper behind her mask, but she could not hide everything.

This is bad. I have a feeling I might get attacked by Lady Shelly at this rate. Fuck! I knew I should not have said anything and waited for Carol to come back.

There was not much to be done at the moment. All Auriel could do was calm down and wait for Shelly Munero to do whatever she wanted to.

"Goddess Auriel, would you really not help me out?" It was spoken in a low voice, and Auriel had to strain herself to hear it. She suddenly had a bad feeling about it and wanted to back up.

But despite her feelings, Auriel gave Shelly a clear answer.

"I already told you that it is not in my hands what happens to you and the selection process. Now, if you would excuse me—"

Something headed toward Auriel at a fast speed, and she could barely make out the magic before Shelly let out a painful yelp.

Auriel opened her eyes (when had she closed them?), only to watch Carol holding Shelly back by grabbing her wrist. Shelly was struggling to get free and get to Auriel, but Carol was not letting go.

"Lady Munero, I think it's time for you to head back. I will be filing an official complaint against your house for your attempt to harm Goddess Auriel. If you know what is good for you, then you would back down now."

It was not a promise; it was a threat.

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Shelly instantly calmed down and all of her aggression left her body. She also knew that she had lost this round and she needed to head back.

"I understand. Please, leave me be and I will be fine."

Carol looked at Auriel almost as if she did not believe Auriel. But thankfully, Shelly did not try to pick a fight with Auriel. Instead, the young decided to give Auriel a small bow before gesturing toward the shops.

"Would you like to continue shopping, O Divine one? I am sure that would lift your mood."

Auriel did not think it was a good idea, but in her mind, it was starting to sound better and better to get rid of her fatigue.

Shopping sounded like a good distraction after the tense encounter with Shelly Munero, but her fatigue was still a looming presence. Yet, the thought of exploring the human realm's culture through its market drew her in. She nodded reluctantly.

"All right, Carol, let's continue. But no more surprises, okay?" Auriel said, narrowing her eyes at the priestess-in-training.

Carol's lips twitched in a mischievous smile, but she raised her hand as if swearing an oath. "No surprises, Goddess Auriel. I'll behave. Shall we head to the town square? The marketplace is bustling this time of day."

Auriel followed Carol, her steps light yet purposeful. As they entered the bustling marketplace, Auriel's fatigue momentarily faded. 

Vibrant stalls lined the cobblestone streets, each offering unique wares. The air was filled with enticing scents of baked goods, spices, and fresh flowers, accompanied by the cheerful chatter of townsfolk.

Shopping was fun, but soon it came time to stop.

They moved to a quieter corner of the market, where street performers were entertaining a small crowd. 

Auriel watched as a young girl performed an intricate dance, her movements graceful and fluid. Something about the performance stirred a deep nostalgia within her. That girl reminded Auriel of Kana…which was not a good thing necessarily.

She remembered the grand celebrations in the celestial realm, the joy that came with them, and how distant that life felt now.

Carol noticed the change in Auriel's expression. "Are you all right, Goddess Auriel?"

Auriel blinked, pushing her thoughts aside. "Yes. Let's move on."

As they continued their walk, Auriel couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The encounter with Shelly Munero still lingered in her mind. It wasn't just Shelly's actions that unnerved her, but the growing realization that she was becoming a pawn in the schemes of mortals.

Carol, sensing Auriel's unease, decided to lighten the mood. She stopped by a bakery stall and purchased two small pastries, offering one to Auriel. "Here, try this. It's a local specialty."

Auriel accepted the pastry, biting into it hesitantly. The sweet, flaky treat melted in her mouth, and she couldn't help but smile. "It's good."

Carol grinned. "See? Shopping isn't so bad, is it?"

Auriel chuckled softly. "I suppose not."

The rest of the outing passed peacefully, with Auriel slowly beginning to appreciate the vibrant life of the human realm. 

By the time they returned to the temple, her fatigue had lessened, and she felt a small sense of accomplishment. 

For the first time since her banishment, she'd chosen to embrace this world, even if only in small ways.

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If you can, please search and follow - Last Wizard King's SSS-Level Magic system in Modern World. I just want the number of colls to go up. If I get enough colls, I will do an additional upload for this story.