'It is good that I receive more room to do things when the Contractee is in danger.' Adam already expected some deaths to come from this, especially among the people who were directly involved in the plans.
However, unlike his expectations, Celestine agreed to it all even before he could say that he would bring back anyone who died. It surprised him, to say the least, because she wanted them to be safe.
'It could be that she expected me to not let them die.' She had strong faith in him.
"It is an honor of our lifetime to see you again Adam." And that ridiculous faith of hers seemed to get stronger by the day.
"You all did a good job." Adam had to give praise where it was due.
Reading Vult's memories he saw them following things to the end, even his abduction was something they planned right up to the current situation.
He had to do all this to check things out. And it worked out in the end.
"We aren't deserving of God's praise." The reverence on Kaguya's face brought Claudia and Alicia up to speed. Maia already remembered him, so she followed along in the way the first two greeted him.
"Let's give them some space." Adam said glancing at the Dark elf pair hugging each other in tears.
It didn't take long for them to arrive in the previous meeting room, however, only Adam took a seat this time. Knowing how they'd refuse if he told them to sit, he decided to get into the crux of the matter.
"With this dealt with, there shouldn't be any more problems cropping up in this world." He didn't know the other Shop operators yet, but seeing how they didn't appear the best-case scenario was that they gave up on entering the world.
'If they try again, I can deal with them. But, fortifying the defense more would prove more efficient. After all, I kind of did too much here.' The price of their contract and their methods didn't sit well with him. That is why he wouldn't let them enter any of the worlds he visited. They'd only create more messes for him, and he didn't want the people he knew to get swept in trouble.
"Yes Adam, the only thing that remains is ending the war officially after this." Celestine said. She made most of the finer plans to match his needs, and everything would come to a close in due time.
"That's good." Adam nodded with a smile.
This may have ended earlier, but because of him, it dragged more than expected. He felt a bit guilty about using this chance, but there wasn't another way available for him at the moment. In the end, no one faced a loss, so it worked out well.
After hearing a few more things from Celestine and Kaguya, Adam allowed them to leave.
"What was that all about?" Still confused Alicia noticed Celestine skipping away with dancing steps. She had started to act very differently since the 'meeting with God' she talked about at the emergency summons. Even her dress had started to cover her body appropriately since then, and she made others follow through too.
The same became true with Kaguya who now wore a pure white shrine maiden garment that covered her from shoulders to the toes. However, the biggest changes came when they met God face to face.
"It seems that spring has arrived for them." Claudia, as the more experienced one smiled like a mother. She had never expected such a thing from Celestine and Kaguya, but denying it wasn't possible now that she saw it.
"Y-You mean that those two…" As a young girl, Alicia naturally had an interest in such gossip.
"Yes, they are smitten with him." Claudia said.
"But isn't he like… a God?" Alicia didn't know if they truly held romantic feelings. After all, those two were very devoted people in the sense of faith.
"Well, all we can do is support them." Claudia shook her head. Adam was a God, so what? Celestine Lucross was the reincarnation of a Goddess and Kaguya a devoted priestess.
However, in the end, things depended on them. Shaking her head she led the questioning Alicia and silent Maia to complete the tasks given to them.
As the sun sank into the horizon, Celestine entered Olga's room and found her on the balcony. She gazed at the sun deep in thought. But, sensing her long-time rival, she turned to face her again.
"So you came without knocking again." She said regaining her former calm.
"You should already know what I want to propose." Celestine received a small nod from her even if she disregarded most of her comment, "Can I have your answer then?"
"I… need some time to think about it." Olga said glancing at Chloe sleeping on the bed behind them.
"I guess you can't rush these things." Celestine nodded.
"Not everyone is so quick to make decisions like you. Though… I know that it shouldn't take me that long to come to mine." She thought back on what happened in the dream and this time around, "You can say that I have already made a decision... I just need time so that I can come to terms with it."
Celestine expected this of her. Olga was too prideful for her own good. However, after knowing where that pride led her and the only one she cared about. She had changed, the very fact that she considered her opinion without lashing out was already a big improvement.
"By the way, where is that other pest?" Olga didn't see Kaguya, to her that woman was an eyesore.
"I sent her back to be by Adam's side. We can't leave him unattended."
"You two are real crazies, aren't you?" Olga grimaced.
"Don't worry, you'll understand one day. Then, I'll leave you alone." Celestine said on her way out.
"…These damned fanatics…" Olga cursed but sighed later.
Walking into the room, she saw Chloe in deep sleep. Even if healed, the experience had overwhelmed her. She cried like a kid in her arms before going to sleep. Reaching out she caressed her head. Watching her sleep in peace made her glad, her daughter had been saved. Not once, but twice. It wasn't a small favor, and she knew of its value.
'Am I really rationalizing that decision now?' A wry smile appeared on her lips, but she would be lying if the idea didn't entice her.
"Am I going crazy too?" She wondered, but no answer could satisfy her rational and prideful mind. Climbing onto the bed she hugged Chloe, holding her close to her chest she felt at peace.
'I am sorry I couldn't protect you, Chloe.' That's how another sleepless night started for Olga.
On the other end of the fort, Adam was about to lose his sleep too. But, for a different reason.
"Can we make a contract?" An unexpected visitor had made an unexpected demand.
...
Read 50 chapters ahead on pa.treon.
See you next week, bye bye.