Seleia-san created a large circular air layer using a Magic Art and by
entering it, we were able to move underwater.
Of course, Seleia-san and Tirna led the way for us.
I had thought about it during our fight, but it appeared that although
Tirna had human legs, her swimming speed wasn't inferior to that of
a regular mermaid.
I was sure that the fins on her ankles had a lot to do with it.
She seemed to have no problem breathing underwater too, it could
be said that she inherited all the good parts of a mermaid.
But well, that's probably why the mermaids regarded copulating with
humans as taboo.
It came from their desire to protect the pure-blooded mermaids. After
all, it was easy to see that if a stronger kind was born, then the
weaker one would eventually be cast out.
"So beautiful. I never imagined I would get to view underwater
scenery like this," remarked Magmell.
"Ya bet! That one looks really delicious, don't cha think! Let's catch it
later and have it for dinner!" shouted Ophir.
"...Uhm, can you please stop spoiling the good atmosphere?"
Magmell gave the highly excited Ophir a stare with half-closed eyes.
Anyways, this trip seemed to have become a good change of pace
for the girls, I was glad.
In the end we couldn't find the fortune teller, after all.
The result must've left a bad taste in their mouths, so at least we had
to achieve our original purpose of 'expanding the range of my
purifying power'.
As I was renewing my determination, Seleia-san turned around and
said, "Everyone, there it is. That is the village of us mermaids
—'Norg'."
◇ ◇
"—Please stop."
Of course, when we went to the entrance of the village, male
mermaids who seemed to be soldiers blocked the way with their
spears.
"Seleia-sama, you have been expelled from the village. Whatever
the reason may be, you cannot go beyond this point."
...Seleia-sama?
Could it be Seleia-san actually used to have a high-status?
As I was tilting my head, Seleia-san nodded and said, "I of course
am aware of that. However, please listen to these people's story.
They are a party of saintesses who have received the favor of the
gods. Especially Exa-san over here; because he is the hero of
salvation who have even purified the goddess of earth—Terrasama."
"The hero of salvation!? Then the one who is referred to as the
'Brave' by Sinus-sama is…"
"Ahh, that's probably me." I raised my hand a little.
The men went wide-eyed, surprised.
At that time.
"—You are back I see, Seleia."
All of a sudden, a mermaid woman who seemed to have a highstatus appeared while being accompanied by various other
mermaids.
She seems a bit older than Seleia-san, but is she her sister or
something? I thought but,
"It has been a long time—mother."
"""""!?"""""
Wait, mother!?
Eh, wasn't she a tad too young to be Seleia-san's mother!?
She seemed to be in the early 30s at most!?
As we were lost for words, the woman looked at Tirna and said,
"That child has grown a lot, hasn't she?"
"Yes, she's my proud daughter."
Seleia-san gently patted Tirna's head, who had snuggled up to her.
After which, the woman replied, "I see," before moving her eyes in
our direction and saying, "I've heard the details from Sinus-sama. I
thank you for saving Seleia… for saving my daughter."
"N-no, please don't worry about it. We were able to get here all
thanks to her, after all." I urged her to raise her head.
A smile appeared on the woman's strict-looking face and she said, "I
appreciate your consideration. Well then, we will show you the way
from here. Sinus-sama has been waiting at the shrine since some
time ago."
"Alright. But uhh…"
"?"
As I sent a look towards Seleia-san and Tirna, the woman smiled
again and said, "I understand. That girl was born as a saintess, and
she got to meet you all. Seeing that, we have no choice but to accept
our fate. It will only be temporary but, let us lift the expulsion of the
two."
"A-are you serious, Mother?" Seleia-san asked, stuttered.
"Yes, I'm serious. Sinus-sama has asked me to bring you two as
well, anyway. I intended to do so from the very beginning."
"Ohh! I'm glad for you, Seleia-san!" Magmell happily said.
"Yes… This is thanks to all of you…
"Thank you so much," Seleia-san bowed her head. Even underwater,
I could clearly see tears filling her eyes.
◇ ◇
And so, we were guided to the shrine of the village where Sinussama was residing—the 'Water God Shrine' but,
"—You have done well for having made it here, o' children of man."
""""""...""""""
What we saw there was, truly eye-opening.
Sinus-sama boasted a large build that was several times as large as
an ordinary person.
In other words, yes—she was a 'giant'.
Needless to be said, that made her breasts to be ridiculous in size as
well, they were at the level where I couldn't even look straight at.
"Kh…"
How could someone had them that huge?
As I was desperately trying to control myself in front of the mystery of
god,
"Oi, your nostrils are flaring." Arca called me out.
"..."
Well, of course I'd get caught…