Chapter 152: I Don't Think Naughty Things Should Happen in a Convent (1)
After the Eastern expedition ended, the following was written in the final report:
"Victory in the Flower War Defense Battle. However, the leader of the enemy, Cassandra of the Eastern Crimson Flame, escaped. Around 400 orcs under her command were captured."
The female knights, who could practically be considered the enemy leadership, did not reveal their identities and were left off the list. As for Senior Cassandra, she fled after seeing Senior Owen's back, leaving things as stated in the report.
The young orc maidens who wanted to immigrate to the kingdom were initially marched to the border as prisoners. However, under the pretense of defection, they will receive subsidies from the kingdom and settle in border areas.
After some dramatic scenes, like teary-eyed comrades declaring they'd desert but being persuaded to return to the unit by ogre and orc maidens, we were finally able to return to the capital.
Thunk.
Honestly, the post-battle work felt busier than the Flower War itself.
I was so busy that it wasn't until our return trip that I could open and check the letters that had arrived for me.
"A letter from a convent? There's no way… Maybe it was sent to the wrong person?"
But since the recipient was addressed to a trainee knight of the Magic Knights, it was unlikely to be a mistake. I tore off the wax seal with my nail and began reading the letter.
---
[To the trainee knight of the Magic Knights,
When I suddenly lost both my parents and was thrust into the world in this lifeless body, I worried about how I would survive. But I suppose humans are creatures that adapt.
As time passed, I became accustomed to life in the convent. I find myself more at ease now—having conversations and doing work—even though my body is dead, rather than those earlier days when I waited for parents who would never come or begged for help from passing woodcutters, only to see them flee in terror at the sight of me.
At first, I thought my body would quickly rot away since it's dead, but because I was resurrected through necromancy, it seems that complications might arise if I try to ascend to heaven. That's why I was advised to consult with a priest.
After explaining my situation, the priests had various discussions and eventually said they would lead me to the Saint. They said she would help me find peace through purification.
They described the Saint as someone as beautiful as a goddess descended from the heavens. I was told she would listen to my situation and grant me rest, but…
No, I shouldn't speak ill of someone blessed by God.
Anyway, I had intended to seek peace, but it seems my body has been revitalized with fresh energy, allowing me to live a second life.
I've decided that if my body starts to decay again, I'll stop preserving it with divine power and accept death. I've even been assigned my burial plot.
It's in a spot where flowers bloom and overlooks the convent. I like it, but I still hope that, when the time comes, I can return to the family graves where my parents are buried.
By the way, the Saint… no, never mind. I'll erase this part.
The reason I've picked up the pen, even though I initially intended to cut ties with the world and find peace here, is that I need your help.
I can't explain the details in this letter, but the convent is not far from the Knights' Order. I ask that you visit me here at your earliest convenience.
P.S. Please verify the seal.]
---
After reading the letter from the convent, it seemed to be an update on Lien's situation. Based on previous assumptions, I had expected the excessive divine power in her body to dissipate within a few months, after which her body would begin to decay and naturally return to the earth. However, it seemed the Saint's intervention had recharged her, causing her to linger in this world a little longer.
"Should I feel relieved or disappointed about this?"
At least she didn't seem to be suffering, which was a relief.
"And the seal?"
When I opened the letter earlier, I hadn't paid much attention to the seal and had thrown it on the ground. I couldn't check what was stamped on it now.
"Well... in any case, she's asking me to visit."
I figured I could learn the details once I got there.
---
In the northern outskirts of the capital, near the northern road frequented by carriages, the Altein Lake spread out. On its edge were fields of flowers and wheat, and nestled among them was a small, shabby building.
The Sacred Retia Convent.
This building had existed for hundreds of years. Despite being destroyed several times during demonic invasions, it was preserved through the dedication of the nuns who, at one point, activated the sacred relics here to create a holy barrier, even at the cost of their lives. It was designated one of the holy sites of the temple.
Unlike the desecrated and abandoned cemetery where Lien once lived, this place was protected by a holy barrier, guaranteeing its safety. For that reason, aging nobles sought to be buried near the convent to prevent their graves from being defiled. However, their wishes were rarely granted.
There were two key requirements:
First, no burial goods could be included, and the deceased had to be dressed plainly.
Second, regardless of status, the grave size could be no larger than slightly bigger than the coffin.
These conditions were unacceptable to most nobles. Only a few devout ones opted to be buried here, paying a modes t (truly modest—affordable even for wealthier commoners) cemetery maintenance fee.
And if Lien's body were to finally stop functioning and her soul ascended to heaven, this would be the place where she would rest.
Such a significant place, but...
"Why the hell are those bastards here?"
Currently, a few Holy Knights were wandering around the Retia Convent.
You might think, "What's so strange about Holy Knights being in a convent?" But typically, convents and monasteries are not guarded by Holy Knights. Instead, monks traditionally defend them. Unless there's a major invasion planned, monks with quarterstaffs usually protect these places.
Furthermore, the monks, and often nuns, who reside here usually spend peaceful days praying, farming, or crafting the convent's special wine while dressed in simple clothes.
'Ah... right. Wine... they're making wine.'
It suddenly made sense why Dane, Levin, and Jake had all pooled money to give me before my departure.
When I left for the Eastern expedition, it was during the peak of the warm season. Since the expedition and our return trip took about a month, it was now the height of grape harvesting season.
'Yeah, this is the time when grapes are at their ripest, right before the monsoon season begins.'
As I passed by the vineyards, the sweet aroma of the grapes was so strong it made my mouth dry. Even Shuru, who had been hiding in my bag to avoid the heat, poked her head out, sniffing eagerly at the smell.
At this time, the convent must be busy making wine. Most of the grapes would be pressed, but I'd heard that a select few batches of premium wine were made by nuns carefully crushing the grapes with their bare feet.
Of course, wine made by beautiful nuns sold for a higher price, and sometimes the nun's portrait would be featured on the wine bottle. Apparently, the face on the bottle would change every few years.
It seemed likely that those Holy Knights were stationed here to guard visiting nobles or high-ranking priests who came to observe the wine-making process.
"Hey, you there, halt!"
"...?"
"What's your business here? Depending on your answer, I may have to use force."
Annoyed by the sweltering heat and the nerve of this young bald-headed Holy Knight picking a fight with me, I made sure no one else was watching. Then I curled my finger, gesturing for him to come closer.
"What? Is this guy crazy? On church-owned land, a Holy Knight's orders are—ugh!"
Before he could finish, I slammed my fist into his abdomen, leaving him gasping for air. Then I jabbed my finger into the center of his face and infused it with mana, ensuring he'd stay disoriented for a while.
If he was skilled, he'd wake up in two minutes. If not, he'd have a nice long nap for a few hours.
Thunk!
I listened to the sound of his ridiculously light orichalcum-alloy armor scraping against the ground as I dumped him there. Then I scattered sand onto the shiny chestplate and rubbed my foot on it, scratching it up thoroughly.
"Let's see you live with that armor bill."
There are many ways to mess with a knight, but for the Holy Knights, who care so much about their polished, flashy armor, scuffing it up is the most effective. Not only would they have to explain why their armor was damaged when they returned, but they'd also suffer the hassle of getting it repaired, which would hopefully lead to some self-reflection.
Whump.
Out of kindness, I kicked him under a grapevine so his face wouldn't get sunburned while he slept. Then I headed further into the convent.
Since it was a busy period with many visitors, the large front gates of the convent were wide open, welcoming guests. The Holy Knights and nuns merely glanced at me, recognizing me as either a familiar face or a visitor, and didn't stop me.
'But... where do I go?'
Lien had asked me to come to the convent, but I wasn't sure where to find her. I considered asking one of the nuns, but it seemed today was grape-harvesting day. I saw nuns carrying freshly picked grapes back, while others were busy with the large wooden vat in the courtyard, which was steadily filling with grapes.
"Nyaaang..."
Shuru scratched at the bag eagerly, clearly wanting some of the sweet-smelling grapes. I looked around to see if there were any for sale and spotted a basket of grapes near the seating area for visitors.
'Huh? Are those for tasting?'
A sign reading "Please help yourself" was attached to the basket. I grabbed two bunches and sat down.
"Here, enjoy."
I handed grapes to Shuru and Mollang. Shuru eagerly grabbed a grape with both hands, peeled it with her teeth, and sucked out the flesh with her tiny mouth. Mollang, on the other hand, simply stared at the grapes before pulling two into her body.
Swoop.
She used the grapes to enhance the roundness of her chest area, making them protrude adorably. The sight was so cute that I couldn't help but gently stroke her head with my finger.
'Since the Eastern expedition, there haven't been any unexpected developments, like Mollang splitting into two. Plus, she seems to love consuming semen infused with mana, so I don't think there's anything to worry about.'
Before heading to the Eastern expedition, I'd been mindful of Delphine's warning and limited my physical interactions with Mollang and Shuru. But after the events during the expedition, I realized it was better to release some tension occasionally rather than bottling it up and risking an accident later. Mollang was relatively safe, so we'd returned to our usual dynamic.
As for Shuru, there was some concern, but since feline beastfolk don't ovulate outside their mating season, I only needed to be cautious during those periods.
Thanks to this arrangement, right after returning to the capital, I bought a shrinking potion, rented a room at an inn, and had a wild night of sex. Both of them had been obedient and well-behaved ever since.
In Mollang's case, feeding her dense, mana-infused semen helped her grow back to her previous size—and then some. She'd grown slightly bigger than before, to the point where I could no longer hold her in both hands. Unless I cradled her against my arm, she'd slide off and spill over.
Of course, Mollang could reduce her size by expelling water and return to her original form. So I figured her capacity to absorb and expand had increased.
Swish.
Shuru tugged on my clothes with her clawed fingers, and when I looked down, she pressed her nose against mine and gave me a surprise kiss. Lately, she'd been more affectionate than ever.
"Geez... You two are so adorable."
But where should I meet Lien? I wondered if she had gone grape-picking. While waiting in the seating area, more visitors filled the space, and soon the large wooden vat in the courtyard was brimming with deseeded grapes.
"Ooh, is that the new recruit everyone's talking about?"
The people sitting nearby started murmuring. Some even stood up to get a better look at something in the courtyard, obscuring my view.
'What? Who showed up?'
Since I was sitting in the very back, I couldn't see past the crowd. I had no choice but to stand on my chair to get a better view of the courtyard.
"What?"
There, standing before the crowd, was a familiar face. A woman in a flowing skirt and sleeveless dress that exposed her shoulders stood nervously, greeting the gathered people.
'Lien?'
Those unmistakably heavy breasts confirmed it was Lien. But why was she out there in front of everyone?
"Ooh...!!"
Suddenly, the crowd erupted in cheers. Lien slipped off her shoes and...
Squelch.
...began stomping on the grapes.