You know, I certainly expected something when I heard that there was a church of Aris inside the capital of our kingdom, but this...

thud—!

''I beg of you, archmage Sylvia. I will do anything you want as long as you help persuade His Majesty.''

''...''

Kneeling in front of me with her forehead kissing the ground is a mysterious-looking woman whose long ashen hair has reached her waist. The gray blindfold on her eyes only intrigues the viewer even more.

Saintess Lucia.

She is the one leading this branch of Aris Church. The one inside our Aris Kingdom, I mean.

As for why she is doing this... well, we'll have to turn the time back a few minutes.

After a refreshing night with the queen, I decide to visit the church, both to hear directly from the people who are determined to save the goddess and to find my other party members, according to Anna's report. Then, I encounter the Saintess, which leads to this situation.

Now, I did find the others earlier, but...

''Oh, I insist, almighty archmage...''

''Almighty archmage...''

Somehow, the flat-chested elf with green twin tails is also kneeling beside Lucia, her hands woven as she prays. Moreover, Emy is also present, doing the same thing as Liana.

Both of them are dressed as nuns, which I like a lot. I'll have them do me in that attire later. How truly sinful...

Okay, snap out of it, my dear cum-stained brain.

The problem is how to deal with Lucia...

''Hah...'' I sigh, making the Saintess flinch. ''First of all, please get up and speak with me properly, saintess.''

That's my spot, you bitch.

After a lot of reassuring, consoling, and even threatening, Lucia finally sits up again. She breathes a few deep breaths before looking at me again. Maybe. I can't see through that blindfold, obviously.

''Why do you think you can convince me, who has fought on behalf of my lord in the first place?'' I inquire.

''I see a special light in you, Your Grace.'' Lucia yearns for my hand, which I swiftly dodge. ''I believe... you are the only one who can change the course of history. Only you can unite humanity and save our eternal light.''

''Are you coaxing me into joining that side?''

''...Yes. But would you please reconsider...''

''...''

This is bad. I'm not good with pitiful-looking people like this.

Still, do I hold that much power in this world? I mean, I suppose it's quite a miracle we've endured both humans and demons this long.

''Saintess Lucia. Let me ask you a few questions.''

''Please feel free to.''

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

''Why do you risk your life staying in Aris?''

If one thinks about it, the situation is really weird. Lucia, who opposes the country's ideals, is stubbornly staying inside it.

''That... is to convince as many people as I can,'' Lucia replies.

''You do know that the only reason you've not been dragged to the execution ground is because we are grateful to the goddess, right?''

''Yes. I know it, and I am thankful to everyone. I owe my life to Mother Goddess.''

''Have you ever considered that you're risking your precious life, the very same one that Goddess Aris has bestowed upon you?''

''...I consider it a sacrifice. If I can help her, then...''

''You are disregarding her effort.''

''I...''

A crack in beliefs.

Hm... well, I mean, I'm actually quite neutral in this matter, but who would've thought she folded almost right away?

In the end, it is a head-scratcher for sure.

On the one hand, we can choose an exponentially more difficult route to saving the goddess to express our gratitude to her, or we can simply prioritize humanity first and eliminate her altogether.

Either way, we'll need to sacrifice a lot of things.

Being put in a position where I can completely sway one side of the conflict means that the game's objective is probably for the player to choose either side and go through with that perspective.

It's a war of ideals.

''You two.'' I softly call. ''What do you think?''

Seeing Liana and Emy reacting, Lucia lets out a confused noise. ''Do you know these two...?''

''Yes. We're close.''

It doesn't matter. It's just a game, anyway.

After pondering for a while, my two elven fiancés finally reply, albeit a little reluctantly, as if they're unsure of their views.

''I honestly can't decide.'' Liana shrugs. ''Consider it objectively; there is too much to think about. Even if we managed to save the goddess, all of it would be meaningless if she couldn't help us achieve victory. On the other hand, we might not be able to win without her, so...''

''That's a practical way of thinking.''

But if so, we'll have to rely on our feelings eventually, and that's when things regress to the initial problem. How about Emy, though?

''We should save the goddess.''

''Hm? Can you elaborate?''

''I wouldn't want to feel the guilt of betraying her.''

Rarely, Emy shakes her head with a grim expression.

Well, see? We have to consider our feelings afterward as well. This is honestly quite overbearing.

''Hah...''

Should I just quit the game altogether?

No, but I hate leaving stories unfinished. Even if they're tragedies, I'll have to see them through.

The first thing I need is probably information. How bad is the goddess's situation? How strong is the demon force?

Things like that.

''Oh, right. Have you seen Luna-tan anywhere?''

Of our party, there's only Luna left.

Seeing both Emy and Liana shaking their heads, I can't help but feel dejected. It would be so much better if there were Luna here to brighten things up. And her ability should help us immensely as well.

''It's alright, then.'' I stand up. ''I'll consider your offer, Saintess. For now, I have work to do.''

''Yes, yes... thank you.''

With that, I stylishly leave the scene—

''Wait.''

At some point, I can feel someone's arm wrapped around my neck as if entrapping me. In the corner of my vision, strands of green hair dance in the air, and a refreshing scent akin to that of mint assaults my nose.

''It's the first time I've heard 'Luna-tan,' no?'' Liana says with a smile, but her eyes definitely do not smile at all. ''Quite an affectionate suffix, hm?''

''...''

Crap. I forgot Liana also knows a lot about otaku culture.

Cold sweat trickles down my back.

As I ponder how to get myself out of this tricky situation, Lucia comes over to my rescue.

''What are you doing to Her Grace, Sister Raeliana?!''

''She sinned. Heavily.'' Liana says blankly. ''For sinned wretches like her... we need to incorporate divine punishment on them.''

''S-Sinned...?? What are you talking about??''

Lucia seems genuinely baffled, which is quite entertaining. It's been a while since I've felt this mischievous... maybe it wouldn't be so bad to tease her a little further?

''It is true I've sinned greatly,'' I say solemnly. ''For it, I shall accept the divine punishment.''

Right then, I feel a hand firmly grab my butt, causing my hip to jerk forward a bit.

I've suspected it, but seeing Liana grinning while groping me like this... yeah.

''W-Wait, what punishment are you going to give her?'' Lucia furrows her brows. ''We cannot delay her actions, especially in such a crucial time!''

''Worry not, Saintess. It will only take half an hour at most.'' Liana smiles. ''For such a sinner... making her bear a new life should be a suitable punishment.''

That's an impressive leap of logic, but okay.

''W-What does that mean...?'' Lucia asks, her voice trembling.

Then, Emy comes from behind and puts her hand on Lucia's shoulder.

''We will knock her up.'' She says casually. ''You can participate, Saintess.''

'''' Eh? ''''

This time, both Lucia and I let out a confused noise.