<Chapter 14>

At my unexpectedly assertive words, Kei responded with a surprised look:

“Of all places, the chapel during your rare free time… The Prospective Duchess is truly devout.”

Devout, huh? I nearly laughed but instead masked it with a somber, reverent tone.

“Well, I was a Saintess candidate once, you know.”

Even though I’d ended up in a world where God actually existed, I was originally an atheist. Considering how miserable my life had been, it wasn’t hard to see why.

Abandoned by my parents as a child, never having a single friend, barely holding onto any job I managed to find, only to be fired as soon as things got remotely stable. My life was a constant string of trials and tribulations, as though a god, if one existed, had forsaken me entirely.

Believing that no god existed had been a more comforting thought than facing the possibility of being deliberately overlooked.

‘But really, God has a peculiar sense of humor, bringing someone like me into this world.’

Even wasting a moment to glance at the sky felt like a luxury. I realized with some despair that ten minutes had already passed as I hurried toward the chapel with the two knights accompanying me.

“Come to think of it, Prospective Duchess, it’s been a while since you’ve visited the chapel, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah. This is my first time back since receiving the divine oracle.”

That reminds me, Alice wasn’t there when I first received the oracle.

‘Come to think of it, it’s been ages since I last saw Alice’s face.’

Maybe after the wedding, once I’m finally free from the clutches of the maid battalion, I’ll get a chance to see her again.

“Ahem. When we arrive at the chapel, please don’t be too surprised.”

“Huh? Why? What’s there to be surprised about?”

“You’ll see once you’re there.”

What could it be? Could they have prepared some sort of surprise party?

‘I’ve always dreamed of being surprised like that!’

Keep your face neutral. Don’t let your excitement show. Don’t look too thrilled. And most of all, don’t let them know if it ends up disappointing you…!

“Wait, is this even the same chapel as before?”

I widened my eyes in disbelief at the sight before me. The chapel was completely unrecognizable compared to my memory of it.

The run-down, nearly abandoned building I remembered had been transformed.

The place that was once a dusty haven for cobwebs and grime now shone brilliantly, as if it hadn’t just been repaired but entirely rebuilt from scratch!

“Wow! Oh my gosh, they even restored the statue! And the tiles, the windows—they replaced everything! Wow, just wow!”

Golden-threaded blue curtains hung over the newly replaced stained-glass windows. A soft carpet stretched from the entrance to the altar where the statue stood.

Even the seating area had been upgraded with several rows of long benches, suggesting the chapel was now open for public use.

“How did this happen? Did you two fix it up yourselves?”

“We weren’t the only ones involved.”

“It was under His Grace the Duke’s orders. He allocated a separate budget so we could even replace the sacred tools.”

“Whoa… This is amazing! Incredible!”

Since promoting faith in the North was one of my key responsibilities, this chapel was a place I’d have to visit often.

I’d been deeply concerned about how I could possibly bring people to pray in a decrepit building like this, but those worries were swept away in an instant—and then some!

The residents of the North have repaired the ruined chapel.

The faith of the North has increased. (+5)

Achievement Unlocked! <First to Foster Faith>

You have led the residents of the North to the chapel, increasing their faith.

Reward: 1 Divine Oracle Token

◆ Ultimate Objective: Save the World

◇ Current Objective: Raise Northern Faith to 100

 

*Northern Faith: 4

*Key Items in Possession: 1 Divine Oracle Token

Faith increased, and a divine oracle token has been obtained!

‘Awesome! I won’t need to pull off something desperate now!’

“This is amazing! I absolutely love it! Make sure to thank everyone who helped repair the chapel for me. And the Duke too!”

“Yes, Prospective Duchess.”

“It’s worth all the effort seeing you this happy.”

Kei rubbed beneath his nose awkwardly with his index finger, and Cesare looked equally bashful.

“Umm… In that case, would you… perhaps offer a prayer to God again this time?”

“A prayer? Of course!”

Perfect timing.

“Why don’t we all pray together while we’re at it?”

“Us? You mean us?”

Kei and Cesare exchanged glances, then cautiously asked, “Would it really be okay for us as northerners to pray to God?”

“Why not? Whether you’re from the north or the south, anyone can pray.”

Frankly, the idea that only priests can lead prayers seems strange to me.

‘Did the Great Temple make that rule? Can we even trust such rigid doctrines?’

It always feels like the rule that only priests can offer prayers is a means of controlling faith. But for now, there’s no way to confirm that suspicion.

“If you’re really worried, just trust me. I’ll make sure your prayers reach God.”

“Then… I’d like to try offering a prayer.”

“Me too.”

Standing before them, as they sat in the chairs closest to God statue, I readied myself.

As someone who had been an atheist, I had never led a prayer or a service before… but surely it would be fine?

Faith is about sincerity more than rituals, right?

“Alright, then. I’ll deliver your prayers to God. Speak whatever you wish to convey.”

Using my most reverent tone, I prompted them. After a moment of hesitation, Cesare was the first to speak.

“We deeply apologize for leaving the chapel in such a state. On behalf of the north, I promise to maintain it properly from now on.”

“I’d like to join in offering my apologies and make the same promise.”

The system window appeared with a bright flash before me.

The northern residents have offered a prayer of repentance to God.

Northern faith rises. (+2)

 

*The northern residents have offered a prayer of repentance to God.

Northern faith rises. (+2)

With a pleased heart, I assured them, “Your prayers have been successfully delivered to God.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes. God has expressed satisfaction with the beautifully restored chapel and has forgiven the negligence of the past.”

“Oh…!”

“Thank you, God, for your forgiveness!”

The northern residents have offered a prayer of gratitude to God.

Northern faith rises. (+1)

Watching their genuine joy made me feel a little guilty. But technically, I wasn’t lying.

‘They restored the chapel, so faith increased. Then the repentance prayers raised it again. That means God must’ve forgiven them, right?’

God, you’re hearing all this, aren’t you? If by any chance you still hold a grudge, please correct me now.

Three seconds. One, two, three…

‘Good. All quiet.’

Since no new system message popped up, it seemed God truly had forgiven them.

As expected, God is merciful.

“Oh! By the way, while God forgave you, there is one condition—you’ll need to join me here at the chapel daily to offer prayers.”

“It would be our honor.”

Even though daily prayers might become tedious, the two seemed genuinely happy about it. It was a surprising change from their lukewarm reactions when I first suggested giving thanks to God.

Back then, did they think prayer was meaningless because they believed God had abandoned the north?

‘If that’s the prevailing thought among northerners, it’s going to be a problem…’

Hmm. Spreading faith here might be tougher than expected.

“If you know anyone who might want to join us in praying to God, feel free to bring them along,” I casually brought it up to them.

“Would that really be alright?”

“Of course!”

Maybe I should start preparing some snacks for future prayers? Handing out sweets or treats is always the best for outreach.

‘That’s a problem for later, though.’

“Alright, then I’ll offer my own prayer next.”

“Yes, Prospective Duchess.”

“Are you planning to receive another divine oracle today?”

“That’s the plan, but we’ll see.”

“I understand. While you pray, we’ll keep watch around here.”

“It’s not necessary… but sure, thanks.”

Leaving the two to guard the area, I knelt before the Oracle Tablet with a solemn heart.

Phew… This is nerve-wracking.

Surely, since I have an oracle token, I’ll be able to receive new prophecy, right?

With as much sincerity as I could muster, I offered my prayer.

‘God, please grant me the guidance I need once again.’

Would you like to use a divine oracle token?

Yes / No

‘Yes!’

Moments later, the Oracle Tablet glowed brightly as the divine oracle revealed itself.
 

<To be continued>

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