Everyone shouted "Long Live the Goddess", which made Aizi so ashamed that tears welled up in his eyes.
"Dear folks—my name is Aiko! Hatayama Aiko! No need to call me Goddess!"
Aiko also corrected the way they addressed her in other villages, but the reaction was always the same.
"What...you're actually allowing ordinary villagers to address the goddess by her name..."
"Goddess, you are so kind... Wow, I've never been so moved as I am right now."
"Long live the goddess!!"
“““““Long live the goddess!! Goddess of abundance! Long live the compassionate goddess!!””””””
Just like this, the villagers were so moved that their bodies trembled, and they praised their beloved son in unison, which deepened their faith and affection for their beloved son.
"Wuwuwu, why won't anyone call me by my name? Are you trying to use my shame to kill me... Are all the people around me killers who want to kill me..."
Finally, Teacher Xiao Ai burst into tears and said something incomprehensible. It seemed that her shame level had reached the warning line.
Although David and the other knights of Aiko's guards offered words of comfort and encouragement, they could hardly hide their joy at Aiko's praise. Their smiles as they consoled Aiko only made her cheeks twitch even more.
"Ah—Ai-sensei, since we are both 'companions of the hero' and 'apostles of God', we will naturally be noticed. There's no point in being too concerned about what others think."
"Sonobe-kun...it's okay to be noticed. No, it's not that it's okay, I've just given up on resisting it. But I can't stand being called a goddess at my age!"
David and others immediately joined in, "How can he be old? Aiko is so cute and lovable!", but Aiko pretended not to hear.
"Alright, alright, Ai-sensei, the title 'Goddess of Fertility' has already spread. It's a bit too late to bring this up now, isn't it? It's just that your fame has spread a little faster now."
Junshi followed Yuuka, with a wry smile on his face, and encouraged Aiko in a relaxed tone; Aiko murmured, "That's true...", as if she couldn't agree with what they said; Nana, Taeko, Noboru and Akito, who were traveling with them, had expressions on their faces that were half sympathetic and half as if they were watching a play.
As if to avoid people's sight, Aiko quickened her pace and walked towards her accommodation for the day. At this moment, she began to hear the villagers praising each other.
"By the way, what kind of person is 'Goddess Sword'-sama? I heard he has white hair and wears an eyepatch..."
"Yes, except for the Knight, everyone else is a 'Messengers of God', right? But I've never seen anyone who looks like that."
"You said his defining features are white hair and an eye patch. Is that true?"
It seemed rumors of the "Goddess of Fertility" weren't just spreading; rumors of the "Goddess's Sword" had spread as well. Hearing that name, Aiko shuddered, her gaze shifting, her attention clearly drawn to the villagers' conversation. Yuuka and the others pretended nothing had happened, listening intently. The villagers, however, began to chat animatedly about the rumors they had heard.
"There's no mistake, it's a very conspicuous feature."
"I heard he uses a spear of light to instantly kill distant flying monsters, and emits a meteor-like light to sweep away large groups of approaching monsters!"
"Impressive, right? But why isn't he now serving as the goddess's bodyguard like the other apostles?"
Overhearing the villagers' conversation, Aiko, Yuuka, and the others gazed into the distance, thinking, "He's truly formidable." David and the others, unable to deny the achievements of Hajime, the "Goddess's Sword," grumbled, their faces filled with dissatisfaction.
The villagers were understandably puzzled by Hajime's absence, and one of them shared a rumor he had heard:
"I'm telling you, I heard that a merchant staying at the Water Fairy Inn accidentally saw... the goddess and another woman fighting for Sword-sama. Maybe that's why Sword-sama can't stay here anymore?"
Of course, Aiko was so surprised she choked. She turned to look and immediately heard someone yell, "Eh!? Are the Goddess and the Sword dating?!" Instantly, rumors spread among the villagers. Everyone was saying that the Goddess and the Sword of the Goddess were dating, and that a third party was involved, leading to a scene of jealousy.
"Wait, wait a minute! Stop talking nonsense! I'm a teacher! He's a student! We're definitely not in that kind of relationship!!"
As the knights, emitting a dark aura, approached the villagers, Aiko shouted this to clear up the misunderstanding. The villagers looked at each other, wondering, "Isn't that right?" Seeing Aiko's desperate explanation only seemed to add to the truth of the rumor.
"Ah, so to speak, I've always felt it's rude to discuss the goddess's feelings, so there's a rumor I haven't mentioned before. It's said that after the battle, the goddess and the sword master... did something."
"Ah, ah, you mean that? ...I heard they were kissing passionately in front of everyone!"
At this moment, Aiko's face flushed red like a fire, and her mouth opened and closed, unable to speak. Then, when the villagers talked about "I heard it was a very passionate kiss", Aiko's panic exceeded her limit. For some reason, she turned to Yuka and said:
"Sono, Sono-Sono-Sonobe-kun! No! That was first aid, there's absolutely no other meaning! It's true! I'm a teacher!"
“W-what!? Why are you explaining yourself to me?! It has nothing to do with me!”
The topic suddenly turned to her, and Yuka protested frantically. However, Aiko, already in a state of confusion, kept asking Yuka not to misunderstand her. Yuka, in turn, emphasized, "It has nothing to do with me! Whatever Nagumo does with anyone is none of my business!" Her tempers gradually escalated.
"For some reason... I have an indescribable feeling."
"Stop it, Atsushi... I understand how you feel."
Seeing the women around them panicking because of the absent men, Atsushi and other boys looked at them like dead fish; Nana and Taeko gloated and laughed even more happily.
It seems that even without the presence of the "Sword of the Goddess", it still seems to be the spark that causes the commotion.
Volume 4 Bonus Booklet Continuation: Ordinary Magic Academy
This is a magic academy located in a certain country, one of the largest in the world.
The magic academy's ordinary large playground, roughly the size of Tokyo Dome by Earth standards, had a rather dull atmosphere due to its purpose. But today, with its decorations and simple equipment, along with the crowds of students, their families, and visitors from outside the school, it seemed quite lively.
This is no wonder, because today is the annual sports meeting, and the students of the academy are competing with each other to master the skills they have been studying so far in order to help their respective teams win.
The morning session of the Grand Athletic Meet had concluded, and the afternoon session would soon begin. Prominent performances at this event would likely attract the attention of outside visitors—scouts from the nation or the nobility. Consequently, many students were filled with enthusiasm. However, beneath the tent that served as the operations committee and commentary booth, one female student sat dejected and helpless.
"...I can't do it anymore, Shizuku-chan needs to go home..."
"President!? You seem to have regressed to a child!? Cheer up!"
Yaegashi Shizuku, the student council president of the Magic Academy, lay slumped over the table, her ponytail drooping. The person frantically worried about Shizuku was the kingdom's princess, Liliana.
"Hehe, I'm fine, Princess Liliana. I just wanted to escape reality because the sports meet is still a while away."
"No, I don't know how to react when you say it's okay with that dead fish look..."
Shizuku raised her head, her eyes like an extremely tired old man, and Liliana's cheeks twitched in fear when she saw it.
Before she knew it, the time had come and the afternoon sports meet had begun. Instantly, Shizuku put on a stern president's expression and activated the magic prop for the loudspeaker:
"Meeting report: the afternoon competition is about to begin. Everyone, rest up during lunch and give your all in the afternoon competition... Please follow the rules and don't mess around. You must compete with dignity, care for others, and be safe!"
Suddenly, a burst of cheers erupted. Hearing the excitement, or perhaps the earnestness, in the president's voice, the students responded enthusiastically, though a hint of sympathy could be seen in their eyes and voices.
The afternoon sports meet began, and the first event was an obstacle course race. Each team had to use their physical abilities or magic to overcome obstacles created by magic or physics, and the team that reached the finish line was the winner.
However, the pedestal where the flag was being carried was covered with a large cloth for some reason. Shizuku felt a bad feeling when she saw it, and her cheeks twitched. The person carrying it (a male teacher from the magic academy) was tearful and, in a state of despair, he lifted the cloth.
In an instant, the campus fell silent.
“Mmmmm! Mmmmm!!”
After removing the cloth, they saw Hajime tied to a chair, his mouth gagged, his desperate struggle pitiful. Hajime was also a distinguished alchemist in the academy. To cope with him, the chair was made of the world's hardest wood, and the vines binding him had been reinforced with multiple layers of magic, making it impossible for him to break free.
"W-What is this?! What are you doing?! Why are you tying up Nagumo-san?! Mr. Kudeta! You're the teacher, right?! Ah, hey, please don't look away!"
"I-I don't know! It's none of my business! If I don't obey, Yue-sensei will... No, it's nothing!"
Mr. Kudeta, a teacher who was deeply loved by his students and cared deeply about them, was seen trembling with fear and then running away from the scene at full speed.
"Damn it! He got away. There's nothing we can do. Come on! Someone, go untie his ropes—"
Shizuku used the radio to call for help, and then immediately a loud music sounded, a rock song that could inspire people's fighting spirit; Shizuku was startled and looked towards the tent where the sound system was managed, just as a group of girls entered the playground.
“…Let’s use this opportunity to end things. Hajime belongs to me, and I will remove any obstacles!”
She was the most powerful magician and beautiful teacher at the Magic Academy—Tsuki-sensei. She emerged gracefully and charmingly, draped in a white coat, her golden hair flowing. She was followed by approximately one hundred people: members of the "Team Wanting to Receive Personal After-School Tutoring from Tsuki-sensei."
"Obstacles to love must be crushed. Whether they are teachers or friends, sink them all into the sea of blood!"
The other was the Magic Academy's strongest close-quarters combat expert and the school's idol—the bunnyman Shia. She raised her furry bunny ears and tail, swung her massive warhammer with all her might, and a powerful gust of wind whipped up. Behind her were about a hundred people, members of the "Shia-sanctioned Team."
"I won't leave Hajime-kun to anyone else. Just let me eliminate any obstacles!"
The one who uttered these words was Kaori, the Magic Academy's strongest healer and the academy's oasis. She wore a dress resembling a priest's vestments, the high slits revealing the shape of her beautiful legs. Behind her followed twenty male teachers, members of the "Kaori-san Healing Team."
"How dare you act so presumptuously in my academy! No matter what obstacles stand in my way, I will completely eliminate them. I will drive you out of the love nest of my master—him and me!"
This was Tio, the highest official at the Magic Academy and a noble dragon princess. Her beautiful black hair and golden eyes shone brightly, and her breasts, nearly overflowing from her clothes, swayed vigorously. Behind her were the members of the Dragon Princess's personal guard, though they were unaware of their beloved master's quirks.
Several women stared at each other and declared in unison:
“I must win this competition to eliminate obstacles in love!!!””””
"Hey! What are you guys doing!? You haven't registered yet! No, teachers and board chairmen don't usually participate in sports meets! Besides, the meaning of an obstacle course race is different! What kind of competition is it to overcome obstacles in love?! Stop acting on your own and get back to the cheering table! You troublemakers with your minds full of love!!"
Shizuku-san panted heavily, and Liliana beside her said with a rather silly admiration, "As expected of the Student Council President of a magic academy, her criticisms are spot on!"
However, Shizuku's complaints were in vain; the competition to eliminate obstacles to love was still being forced to proceed. It seemed that Yue-sensei and Chairman Tio were abusing their authority, and a mere student council president was powerless to stop them.
Thus began an unprecedented obstacle course race, keeping Shizuku very busy.
"Hey———! Don't launch Thunder Dragons at the audience! Ah, Chairman! You can't transform into a dragon! Ah, you can't even use your breath! Hey, Kaori—don't use the teachers like a shock trooper! Ah, all the teachers heal themselves the moment they're knocked away, like zombies... Ah, Shia! Even if Kaori can heal, don't hit them like marbles! Ah, a student flew into the Pope... I'm so sorry, Pope!"
All I could hear was President Shizuku's complaints and apologies coming from the radio one after another, which made me shed tears of sympathy for her.
She is the honest, serious, and gentle student council president of the magic academy, and also the academy's strongest swordsman—Shizuku. Her trademark black ponytail is her hair, and she leads thousands of students in the academy.
Her other title is...
"The hardest-working person in the school"
"If you guys don't control yourself, I'll kill you all!!"
The beloved student council president also let out a thunderous roar today, but this situation is already common in the academy.
Illustrations for Volume 4
Volume 5 Prologue
The Taiwanese version is from the Kingdom of Light
Image source: kerorokun
Scan image: a8901566
Input: a8901566
Photo editing: Iori
Proofreading: Bakemonogatari
In the solemn royal city, a man walked along the spacious corridor. His rough footsteps and serious expression startled those who passed by.
"Lord Freed!"
The man couldn't help showing his excitement, and then a nervous voice called out his name.
"Mikhail?"
"Fried-sama! I heard Cattleya was killed! I heard others say that when I returned from my mission. They must be lying, right? Cattleya can't be dead! Because Fried-sama's Ahatode also went with her—"
Seeing his subordinate, Mikhail, furious and frantic, the man known as Fried placed his hand on Mikhail's shoulder. The strength of his grip suggested he was suppressing some emotion. Mikhail then realized that his beloved, who had been sent on a mission to the Great Labyrinth of Orcus, would never return.
"Why... are the heroes that powerful? She led such powerful monsters, but she couldn't defeat them? How is it possible..."
"Calm down, Mikhail. Our previous investigation was correct. The current heroes are probably not strong enough to repel Cattleya."
"Then why is this happening?!"
Mikhail's eyes were filled with despair as he questioned Fried intensely. Fried shook his head and slowly asked a seemingly insignificant, but rather serious question:
"The mission in Ur Town ended in failure."
"What!...Are you saying the target didn't betray me?"
"No, that's not it. Our plan was successful. The 60,000-strong demon army should have destroyed the Goddess of Plenty and the town of Ur, but—an unexpected factor ruined our plan."
"Unexpected factors?"
Mikhail didn't understand the so-called factor. Fried stared sharply into the void, as if glaring at an invisible enemy.
"The monster army was wiped out by just four people. Reis, who was on a mission, lost a hand. He was forced to return, so it's almost impossible for him to return to the front lines."
"How is that possible! Even Reis... those monsters weren't strengthened by Freed-sama, but they were able to annihilate them with just four people? What kind of joke is this?"
Mikhail shuddered and shook. Fried looked at him and said:
"If only it were a joke... It seems those monsters left Ur Town and headed for the Orcus Labyrinth, right around the time Cattleya came into contact with the hero."
"So, Cattleya was...?"
At this moment, bright red water drops fell to the ground and flowed from Mikhail's clenched fist, symbolizing his anger.
Fried put his hand on Mikhail's shoulder and said sharply:
"The enemy is stronger than I imagined. I will now head to the Great Volcano to obtain new magic from the Age of Gods. I must gain greater power no matter what."
"Lord Freed..."
Mikhail couldn't help but shudder at the thought of his trusted and most powerful general saying such words. Fried said with a look that would scare even his comrades:
"All of this is for our Majesty and the God we believe in, Mikhail. I leave this place in your hands. The time for war is approaching. While I'm away, use your anger to prepare your army."
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