Chapter 51: I’ll pay for the chicken!

The grand plaza before the Hwangseong Palace.

This place was a highly symbolic location, hosting the initiation ceremonies of the Imperial Knights as well as various large and small events.

Now, the plaza was filled with countless spectators, including the Imperial Knights themselves.

A short while later, atop an altar roughly two stories high, the Emperor of the Empire, Eirene von Einsberg, made her appearance.

Her luxurious dress, as if crafted to prove she was the noblest person on the continent, shimmered with elegance.

The tiara symbolizing her reign crowned her asymmetrically styled updo, completing her majestic beauty.

Of course, she was not a being that could be described merely with the word “beautiful.”

The charisma, an inherent trait of rulers who stand above others, radiated from her, unmistakably marking her as the continent’s supreme sovereign.

Adding to that was her enormous chest, which her dress couldn’t fully conceal.

Known for her unparalleled sacred power, her figure rivaled—if not exceeded—that of Erin, a renowned divine figure.

Her presence alone testified to why she was loved by the gods.

***

Eirene took her place on the platform, and a brief silence followed.

Breaking the silence was none other than Eirene herself, the one who stood at the pinnacle of humanity.

“I ask you: What do you believe the ‘Plain Truth’ represents?”

The Plain Truth.

The benevolent symbol bestowed by Igogoden upon His creations, encompassing all the world’s mysteries—something so profound that humanity dared not define it with a single word.

That was the divine Plain Truth.

“Some might say it is unyielding determination. Others might call it an unwavering heart. But to me, it is the ‘power to trust.'”

“Faith! The strength to trust the person standing before you! The strength to see the same vision as the one standing beside you!”

“It has been some time since Igodenkyo was declared the state religion, yet… we still lack sufficient faith in the Plain Truth of the divine.”

Placing a pale hand over her chest, Eirene spoke louder.

“Thus, we must establish proof of our faith in Igogoden on this land! Something so grand that when the divine Igogoden gazes upon it from the heavens, He would laugh with joy!”

“Therefore, I declare here and now! By dismantling the old ruins, we shall—”

“—build a temple for Igogoden and repay His Plain Truth with faith!”

“Abandoning the old and embracing the new is also the will of the One True God, Igogoden! Those ruins? They’re relics of a bygone era when local religions flourished. By repurposing them to construct a temple, we can honor the great Igogoden, who blessed us with the Plain Truth!”

***

“Woooaaaah!!!”

The first cheers came from the Imperial Knights.

Leading the charge was Commander Bernheim Ottomitia, who had recently become a fervent devotee of Igogoden after meeting the saint Erin.

Next were the magicians of the Mage Tower, who responded enthusiastically.

While some, like the leader of the Fire Mage Tower, had met Erin, the majority of magicians supported Eirene.

Previously, Eirene had rigid policies, such as demanding results or forcing competition between Mage Towers, with research funding only going to the victors.

Now, anyone proclaiming belief in Igogoden was generously funded, allowing them to conduct their research freely.

‘How could they not support her?’

The Igogoden clergy, including the pope, were even more ecstatic.

To them, the world transforming according to the teachings of Igogoden was a dream come true.

Ophel and Luca also watched Eirene’s speech with awe and admiration.

This was the Plain Truth of the divine, and it seemed to be making everyone happy—or so it should have appeared.

***

Linnea glanced at her fellow holy knights standing beside her.

The light of faith gleamed in their eyes as they gazed at Eirene.

She thought to herself, ‘Can I ever look at the Empress—my mother—with eyes like that?’

‘Is this really right…?’

Turning her head, she saw the First Princess, Yuria, shedding tears as she applauded fervently.

It wasn’t just Yuria.

Everyone who met Erin seemed to transform into a devout believer of Igogoden.

To be honest, what Linnea felt wasn’t the awe or exhilaration of witnessing a miracle.

It was fear.

Fear of the incomprehensible things happening around her.

‘I’ll talk to my brother, Ares, once things settle down.’

With her mother and sister in their current states, Ares was the only family member she could rely on.

Though he was eccentric, he was intelligent.

Perhaps he could offer her some insight.

Resolving to do so, she continued watching her mother amid the crowd’s cheers.

***

The temple’s construction progressed rapidly.

With overwhelming financial support from the imperial family, devoted cathedral laborers, and the relatively straightforward task of repurposing old ruins, everything aligned perfectly.

Before long, a magnificent temple stood completed.

Its structure was simple yet grand.

Columns lined both sides, and at the center stood an altar.

The marble walls were engraved with messages from the scriptures, the most time-consuming part of the construction process.

***

“Thank you all for your hard work,” said Erin, chosen by the divine.

Her voice resonated throughout the temple as she addressed the gathered clergy.

“Now, let us offer prayers of gratitude to Igogoden!”

Placing her hands together and bowing her head, Erin led the congregation in prayer.

Everyone closed their eyes and recited their devotion to Igogoden:

[To my one and only Lord, Igogoden.]

[Thank you for always cherishing us humans.]

[Thank you for sharing the Plain Truth with us every day.]

[Thank you for never turning away in our times of trial.]

[When we are lost and wandering, thank you for willingly being the light that guides our path.]

[For sharing all of this with us without asking for anything in return, we are truly grateful.]

[For the rest of our lives, we dedicate ourselves wholly to you, Igogoden.]

[Igogoden. My Lord, my everything… Igogoden.]

“If the opportunity arises, I promise to repay all these Plain Truths…”

Gwemen.

The Holy Knight Han Japsi, Emperor Eirene, and over a hundred clergy members bowed their heads toward the One True God, Igogoden, in the temple—a truly majestic sight.

***

“Wow.”

‘I couldn’t help but let out an exclamation.’

This episode’s shameless praise for Igogoden is on another level…

‘How can an entire chapter be dedicated solely to glorifying Igogoden?’

‘Does the author need money or something?’

Well, there was some mention of Linnea.

At this point, Linnea is the only character wary of me.

Sure, I could just sponsor the author a little and make Linnea trust me too, but…

‘I can wait until I know what Linnea is thinking before stepping in.’

She did mention wanting to consult her younger brother, and it seems Linnea has her own reasons for not trusting me.

Still, as a member of the Holy Knight Han Japsi, I ought to know what’s on her mind.

As a reader, I was also curious to see how the author would unravel the story without my intervention.

To be honest, that was the biggest reason.

This author, while prone to over-the-top moments, could craft genuinely entertaining narratives.

I read the scene where everyone in the temple worshiped me again.

Every frame showed a pronounced focus on cleavage while they bowed in prayer.

It was almost obsessive how often the camera emphasized chests.

The author sure has some strange quirks.

Of course, they draw it that way because they know I like it.

In other words, the story and scenes were deliberately crafted to cater to me…

‘This… isn’t so bad, is it…?’

I let out an awkward laugh.

Ah, I shouldn’t enjoy this too much.

If you let others flatter you, you’ll end up a fool.

You become a Ttyuttya.

Right, Ttyuttya. Praise me more, Ttyuttya.

***

[Igogoden Writer]

[Igogoden: Money should be earned honestly, but this is so blatant.]

[MoneyPlease: Yet, everyone sincerely wants to express their gratitude to Igogoden.]

[MoneyPlease: Because the grace He has shared has genuinely made the world a better place.]

[MoneyPlease: And considering He’s already shared immense divine powers, how could I dare to ask for more?]

[Igogoden: Haha, is that so?]

[MoneyPlease: Yes, it is.]

[MoneyPlease: Truly, thank you, Igogoden.]

[MoneyPlease: Everyone will never forget the happiness you’ve gifted us.]

Ha. Here we go again!

I think, Money should be earned honestly, yet I can’t help but smirk as I move my mouse cursor toward the sponsor button.

I can’t take it anymore.

Time to give the author some money!

[Igogoden: (Sponsorship / 50,000 KRW / I give up—here’s chicken money)]

[Igogoden: Hahaha, today was fun as always.]

[MoneyPlease: Wait, no!]

[MoneyPlease: Igogoden, really… You didn’t have to do this.]

[MoneyPlease: Thank you so much for your precious support… again.]

[Igogoden: Don’t worry about it.]

[Igogoden: I’m only giving what I can afford, so no need to stress.]

[MoneyPlease: How could there be a limit to such generosity?]

[MoneyPlease: Thank you again for your sacred blessing.]

[MoneyPlease: But… what do you mean by chicken money, if I may ask?]

[Igogoden: Literal meaning.]

[-This is for you to buy chicken.]

With inflation being what it is, I wonder if this is enough for two chickens.

Back in the day, this amount could’ve bought three.

Prices have really gone up.

[MoneyPlease: Understood.]

[MoneyPlease: I will follow the will of the divine.]

I almost told them to eat pizza if they wanted instead, but—

‘I won’t ruin the moment.’

Since the author was kind enough to indulge my over-involvement, I decided to respect theirs.

[Igogoden: Yes, yes.]

[Igogoden: Since it’s the will of the divine, enjoy it.]

Ending the conversation, I opened a delivery app on my smartphone.

‘Maybe I’ll order some chicken for myself.’

Without much thought, I placed the order, completely unaware of what the next chapter had in store.

***

The day after the temple was built and the prayers were offered, Erin was reading scripture in her room when Cecilia arrived with a worried expression.

“There you are, Saint Erin.”

“What’s the matter, Cecilia?”

“I believe you need to come to the temple.”

“The temple? Has something happened?”

“Well… I think it’s better if you see it for yourself.”

Following Cecilia’s urgent steps, Erin quickly made her way to the temple.

The sight that greeted her at the altar was—

‘This… this is…!’

Chicken.

An overwhelming mountain of chicken.

Enough fresh, raw chicken to feed countless people, piled high like a small mountain atop the temple altar.