Chapter 782 - Investigation into the Ancient Priestess ⑤
Thinking it would be better to leave the two of them alone with the Priestess for a while, everyone moved to the room where the secret books were kept. We continued the banquet just like that.
"After that, is it Jeanne's apprenticeship? It's not just here, right? Are you going to go around to all of them?"
Alex asked me.
I wonder. I feel like one place would be enough.
"The consent of all five Priestesses will likely be necessary. However, Egward-sama is here. After that, I think there will be no problem if Germana-dono and Jeanne talk to them."
It's Erikson-sama. In the distant past, the consent of all parties involved was apparently necessary. That somehow became a majority vote. That's probably because otherwise, it would never be decided no matter how much time passed. However, it can also be said that as a result, the conflict between the North and South a thousand years ago occurred. This is because factions are formed, leading to power struggles. In a sense, it's faster and more effective for a strong and capable leader to take charge. Of course, it's fine while they are energetic, but it's a problem if they misjudge the timing of their effective retirement, or if the successor is no good even if the timing is right.
"First, it's the confirmation of whether the hypothesis is correct. And even if it's right, we don't know specifically what to do, and we don't know if we can take the Priestess outside."
"What are you going to do after taking her out?"
Alex replies to Eleanor-sama's words.
"The outside is fun."
It's Erikson-sama. Germana nods with a smile.
It's good that both of them seem satisfied.
"Well, it would be better than staying still in a place like this. But then there would be a time when the barrier isn't functioning. Isn't the ceiling worried about that?"
"That is the problem. If only there were some good way..."
Eleanor-sama has also come to a standstill. Currently, no solution comes to mind. Besides, it's complicated because the true nature of the Great Terror is unknown. If it's war or an epidemic, wouldn't we know if we made use of each country's information network? Currently, a major war is occurring on the continent, but it seems unrelated to the White Island for now. I haven't heard that an epidemic is spreading either.
"If only there were someone to take over."
"Is there such a convenient person? If Jeanne becomes the ceiling, the sisters of the water won't stay silent. What will happen to the people of the White Island? No, it might not end there."
Thinking it would fall upon them too, he's trembling.
"If possible, shall I take over?"
Germana, that's not it.
"It's the same if it's you. 'Why didn't you stop her?'—I'll definitely be the one punished. Give me a break. Jeanne and Germana are definitely out of the question."
"Understood. Then, how about a ghost?"
"A ghost?"
It seems a suitable one is in the next room.
"Can he become an apprentice?"
"Let's have him do it."
Germana is also quite something.
When we called Egward-sama, who was single-mindedly apologizing by the altar, and talked to him, he readily agreed.
However, Egward-sama unfortunately cannot converse with the Priestess of the ceiling. The discussion finally began with Germana participating.
"Egward-sama says he is not unwilling to become an apprentice to the Priestess here, but he was asked, 'Can you do it?'"
The ceiling is glowing flashily, but Germana's interpretation is perfectly calm. There must be a lot of free translation involved.
"Then, please explain that Jeanne can use all light magic... and five other magics, and that they are at the super-advanced level. And that she has five types of Black Stones. We will temporarily withdraw to the next room."
Eleanor-sama said so, and the Henry Party, except for Eleanor-sama herself as the explainer and the priest faction, exited. Germana is looking at the ceiling. Since her mouth isn't moving at all, it seems she's having a conversation in her head. The ceiling seems to be reacting too, as it's slowly flashing.
"She says she wants to see."
The answer came back. After showing all the Black Stones, I cast them in order starting from Light. Additionally, I did simultaneous activation of Light and Dark using the breath-holding method. Those who know would understand.
"She says she understands."
Alright! I've cleared up to Testament. Next is the opposite side of Testament. I call the Henry Party and have them enter the altar room.
"Now then, please explain the method Jeanne thought of to keep the Priestess's soul in this world."
In response to Eleanor-sama's explanation once again, Germana stared at the ceiling, and it flashed as if listening to Germana's explanation.
Suddenly, the light became strong. To be honest, it's dazzling. When I instinctively looked away, I was the only one who found it dazzling.
"Jeanne, what's wrong? Only you are being illuminated."
Eleanor-sama gave me a look as if seeing something strange. No, it's not just Eleanor-sama. Everyone except Germana, who is staring at the ceiling, is like that.
"Jeanne. Endure the dazzling and look at the ceiling."
Germana says something unreasonable. But it can't be helped. I try my best to look at the light on the ceiling without closing my eyes. Then, as it stopped being dazzling, I was simultaneously enveloped in something like a white mist. And a woman's voice, which I had heard once before, echoed in my head.
(It is Jeanne, isn't it.)
(Yes. Do you remember me?)
(Yes, I spoke with you once.)
I was made to act like a Priestess only once and received an oracle.
(Thank you for that time.)
(No, thanks to that, since then, the offerings have become delicious sweets, and a priest and priestess visit me once a month. I should be the one thanking you. Thank you.)
Alright! It was the correct answer!
When I instinctively did a fist pump, she was giggling. I'm a bit embarrassed.
(You have found Testament, haven't you?)
(Yes. Germana... the spirit there, Erikson-sama the ghost, and Price-sama the priest also cooperated. And the Henry Party next to me.)
(And you met Egward-sama.)
(Yes. It's as you saw. He is my master now.)
(Yes. I have heard.)
After that, I talked about why I came here. She had heard this from Egward-sama too.
The 'opposite magic circle of Testament' that I had thought of on a whim was the correct answer. And she said Egward-sama's apprenticeship was possible. When I said I wanted to talk and consult with everyone after this, the mist cleared.
"Then, it was the correct answer, wasn't it?"
"Yes. She said Egward-sama's apprenticeship is also possible."
When Eleanor-sama asked, I answered, and for some reason, Egward-sama was making a smug face. Well, the regret he has been tormented by for three thousand years is being somewhat resolved.
However, it's lonely to have only one person to take over. It might be good if there were some other ghosts.
"Even if you say a ghost, a mere ghost will not do. It must be someone who has undergone sufficient training as a priest."
Egward-sama, who has made a complete comeback, begins to take charge.
"Then, I shall accompany you as well."
It's Erikson-sama. The Henry Party will lose both their Supreme Advisor and Advisor to the ceiling role at the same time; will they be okay?
"You will not do!"
Surprisingly, Egward-sama refused.
"W-Why? Even though I look like this, in my youth I made a name for myself hunting monsters and rose to the position of Grand Archbishop."
"What will happen if the Henry Party's Advisor is gone? You must fulfill your duty as a consultant."
Is the Supreme Advisor okay?
"B-But..."
"But me no buts! I am the Supreme Advisor. A Supreme Advisor is someone who lives quietly in a place like this, and when my opinion is needed, that person just has to come here to ask me!"
How should I put it, can't he be a bit more honest?
"Erikson-dono. Let us accept Egward-sama's words here. And will you not become a good advisor for our party?"
Henry-sama pats Erikson-sama's shoulder.
"I see. But is that okay?"
He looks at Henry-sama, who backed down so easily, with a resentful look.
"What, we just have to rotate frequently. The five Priestesses and Egward-sama will also take turns in order. When you're off duty, we just have to invite you to Jeanne and the others' banquets."
It's Price-sama. 'Off duty'... can you treat it so lightly? Besides, he's inviting him to our banquets on his own.
"Then, why don't we add one more ghost?"
This time it's Germana. Isn't the conversation getting a bit too casual?
"One more?"
Egward-sama asked.
"Yes. I know a Priestess who has been living quietly as a ghost for the past thousand years, weary of the world."
I see. She might be good. I talk to her at banquets sometimes, but she seems to be dragging a shadow and shows no sign of ascending at all. Here, the role of protecting the White Island with her seniors might be just right.
"I see! As expected of Germana-dono. How about it, Henry-dono. Let's go talk to her once."
The story is expanding more and more.
"Wait, wait, wait! What on earth are you talking about!"
Look, Egward-sama got angry. The ceiling is also flashing, and I don't know anymore.
Erikson-sama apologized to Egward-sama, and as a result of Germana staring at the ceiling, the situation was somehow settled.
We explained about the ghost of the Priestess from a thousand years ago again and proposed that if she agreed, she could take over the role of making the ceiling glow.
"How pitiful. I wish I could take her place."
Egward-sama, having heard the story, was nearly in tears. He's a busy person, shouting and crying. Besides, even if you go with the intention of taking her place, the Priestess won't move.
Leaving the self-proclaimed evil spirit with intense emotional ups and downs aside, the Priestess of the ceiling's view was that she wanted to talk to the person herself. As a result, it was decided to suddenly call Gnome.
When I asked Alex, it was decided to have a banquet, so we started the banquet again—for the third time—next to the altar with the Priestess of the ceiling participating. Since it was Alex's proposal this time, it was Alex's treat. However, since there are two bottomless ghosts, it's limited to one barrel.
"What, have you finally started calling me to a place like this?"
Egward-sama, meeting him for the first time, immediately knelt on one knee in front of him.
"N-N-Gnome-sama. I never thought I would be able to meet you."
"Jeanne, what is this pompous fellow?"
You don't have to be so cold to him.
Gnome knew the Priestess of the altar. He seems to have entered by Teleport on his own. Alex, the gatekeeper whose reputation was completely ruined, is grumbling, but the opponent is too much for him.
Germana was the one who explained to Gnome. Since it was her idea, she's moving actively.
"Hmm. It is not a bad idea."
"Then, is it okay to talk to that Priestess?"
"I do not mind. If she shows motivation, that is a good thing in itself."
"If possible, we would like Gnome-sama to come with us."
"I shall not be involved. Because neutrality would be compromised. However, I shall let you move by Teleport. Since you probably cannot go by yourselves. However, only Jeanne and Germana."
"Thank you very much."
We managed to get Gnome's official approval. After that, I let him drink appropriately and egged him on, and had him lecture Egward-sama, who had been too noisy. And he had us move to the entrance of the tomb of the Priestess from a thousand years ago.
As a result of talking to the Priestess with Germana, she said she wanted to meet the Priestess of the ceiling, regardless of taking over. The fact that it was Gnome-approved and that Erikson-sama was ahead also seemed to have made a good impression.
Just like that, we came back in a flash.
Egward-sama looked like he wanted to say something, but he was glared at by Gnome and backed down silently. Then, he went to the side of the altar and talked with the four of them, including the Priestess of the ceiling.
And the ghost from a thousand years ago showed enthusiasm for the duty of taking turns to protect the White Island.
(But will I be able to do it?)
(I'm sure you can. Because Jeanne is here.)
Umm, is it really okay? Although my whim turned out to be right, I've never actually done it.
We don't know if she can do it, but the Priestess from a thousand years ago was recognized as a candidate to take over. However, the Priestess of the ceiling said she couldn't decide alone. She said the consent of the remaining four was necessary. It was said that if the takeover was approved, all five would take turns in order. I see, it's fair. If that's the case, it can't be helped. I asked Gnome to move the ghost of the Priestess from a thousand years ago, Germana, and me to the remaining four locations, and we visited all the remaining four. As a result, we obtained the consent of everyone. The Priestesses themselves seemed to have some interest in the outside world and said they wanted to go sightseeing or something if they could take turns. The possessing stones for everyone can just be part of the wall of the room with the altar. The order became the order we followed. In other words, under Nakanohara Lake, the mountain, the hot spring town, the silver mine, and finally the Demon Realm where the female demon of Engrio is. Since the two ghosts will be beginners, it was decided that they would take turns one by one for about a month to gain experience until they get used to it.
After that, we just have to transcribe the magic circle for Testament, carve it into a plate-shaped silica, and shine light from the back. And I will perform the simultaneous activation of undead magic and Thought Communication alone. The talk was settled that far.
"My apprentice. No, I can no longer call you apprentice. Bishop Jeanne. You have done well to do this much. I truly let me thank you. Thank you."
The ghost of my master was also satisfied. Various liquids are flowing from his eyes, nose, and mouth.
"Please don't satisfy yourself and ascend. Master."
"I-I know that!"
When he rubs his face with his sleeve, he turns away in a sulky way. The ceiling flashes and Germana is laughing.
He's surprisingly cute, isn't he?