Leona guided me through the main points of Anima, including restaurants, baths, and many other places. She always wore a smile on her face while talking about the kingdom. I can't deny that her excitement also infected me, making me eager to explore the rest of the realm.
Almost unnoticed, the sun began to set on the horizon, announcing the arrival of night. Meanwhile, Leona and I were on our way to the last place she wanted to show me. Honestly, I had no idea what it could be, but her expression indicated it was something of extreme importance.
As we continued walking, we arrived at a structure resembling a coliseum, although not as imposing as the ones I used to see in movies. Still, it was large enough to be seen from a considerable distance. Upon noticing it, I inwardly questioned why they had a coliseum in the city. My doubts, however, were quickly clarified by Leona.
"This place is called the Goddess Coliseum"
Said Leona, her eyes fixed on the Coliseum with a respectful gaze. Upon hearing this, I couldn't help but ask a question.
"Wait... are you saying the goddess of Demi-humans comes here to watch battles?"
The moment I asked that question, Leona looked at me with the same expression you would have when looking at an idiot.
"What on earth are you talking about? Of course not! Why would a god bother to see us in person? The name is simply because everyone who participates in the fights is personally evaluated by the Goddess's Oracle, the Priestess of Anima. Therefore, all duels are always fair, as nothing escapes the goddess's eyes"
Upon hearing Leona's words, I raised an eyebrow, wondering if she could be right. I mean, is it so uncommon to encounter or speak with a god? Was my common sense failing in these cases? Honestly, I didn't have an answer.
"In this place, warriors of Anima face off in duels before the goddess to resolve matters. In Anima, almost everything is decided through these duels. Of course, murder and other crimes of that kind are not included, but overall, if you desire a female who is far beyond your status, this is also the place to fulfill that desire"
Upon hearing Leona's words, my first thought was how strange that rule seemed. Of course, I wouldn't mention it to her, since it was the local culture, but still, I couldn't help but find it peculiar. However, after hearing that, another question arose in my mind.
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"So... if I wanted you... could I, if I won a fight?"
Upon hearing my question, Leona turned to me, with a surprised look on her face. She then turned back, gazing at the coliseum, as if pondering the answer.
"In normal circumstances, perhaps, but I believe that's not possible right now"
When she said that, Leona turned to me with a small smile on her face, but I could sense a sadness behind her smiling eyes.
“Actually, I am already promised to someone else”
With those words, Leona looked away to the horizon where the moon was beginning to rise in the sky. I couldn't help but look at her. The wind that caressed her face made her hair gently ripple. Her expression, in harmony with her captivating eyes, made it impossible to look away.
“You mentioned that almost anything is possible through duels, right? If I challenge your fiancé and win, could I be with you?”
I knew my question was quite odd. It seemed like I was treating Leona as a prize, but, well, Demi-humans seemed not to mind. I mean, polygamy is practically a norm in this realm, as the number of partners you have indicates your strength.
“You're strange, you know?”
Said Leona with a smile on her face.
“We barely know each other, why do you want to be with me?”
Faced with Leona's question, I realized she was right. I didn't really have a solid reason to want to be with her. It was just a vague desire, but still, it was something I felt. Plus, the idea of seeing her with someone else bothered me deeply, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation.
“I just liked you, that's all”
Upon hearing my words, Leona raised an eyebrow, but soon let out a laugh. After that, we fell into silence again for some time, both enjoying each other's company. When the night had grown late, Leona bid farewell, saying she needed to go back as she wasn't allowed to be out. I just waved goodbye and continued to stay where I was, gazing at the moon.
(Aurora-sama... Leona is Felrotha-sama's oracle, isn't she?)
The moment I asked this question, Aurora-sama's voice instantly echoed in my mind.
“I'm surprised you noticed, although I already knew. You're quite perceptive”
Said Aurora-sama, although her voice sounded genuinely surprised. For some reason, I could imagine her with a satisfied smile on her face.
(By the way, how does this oracle thing work? Leona explained that Felrotha-sama would watch the duel through her eyes, but I can't imagine how that would be possible)
Capturing my thoughts, Aurora-sama made a sound indicating she was pondering. I patiently awaited her response.
“Put simply, it's called divine possession, where a god enters the body of the oracle. In the case you mentioned, Felrotha simply watches what's happening through Leona-chan's eyes. Although you could say she's truly present in the duel, it's true that she isn't. Anyway, she only watches very specific duels or those requested exclusively by Leona-chan. Of course, no one knows this, and probably Leona-chan herself doesn't realize it, because unless Felrotha completely controls Leona-chan's body, it's quite hard to notice the difference”
Another concept I was unaware of. Honestly, I was curious about the requirements for this divine possession, but I didn't directly question Aurora-sama, as I had no intention of doing so.