The Death Knight incident passed without issue, and the test ended automatically.
“This is undoubtedly divine power!”
“The power of the gods that heals all things!”
“You are the true Saint!”
After witnessing me heal even the undead, the priests became convinced that I possessed divine power and acknowledged me as a Saint.
With someone who embodied divine power itself standing before them, the other candidates became meaningless.
“No way, this can’t be happening…”
Naturally, Airan—the other candidate—looked utterly out of it.
“Con… congratulations.”
Even Hairel, who had been backing Airan, offered congratulations through gritted teeth and a devastated expression.
“Now that it’s been confirmed, we’ll be on our way. Once we report this to the temple, you’ll hear from us again later.”
As if they couldn’t stand the sight of me any longer, they said only what they had to and left.
They’re probably already scheming their next plot, but I had no reason to hold them back now.
I had also planned to return home and prepare for what came next—
“Ceres, since we’re already out, how about we go on a little trip?”
Ares suddenly made the suggestion, and our destination changed.
There was a city near the land of death.
Despite being close to a place filled with undead, it was a famous port city and a popular travel destination.
Ares dragged us here, saying it was a fun place to enjoy ourselves.
“How is it? It’s not quite like our territory, but it’s a pretty prosperous place.”
“It is, indeed.”
I agreed with Ares’ observation. After walking around the city, I could definitely tell.
It was clear at a glance that this place was thriving—but that also meant it was packed with people.
“Th-that’s…?”
“Isn’t that Lord Ceres?!”
As soon as I appeared, the crowd recognized me and stirred up a commotion.
“Oh my god, he’s really as stunning as the rumors say!”
“Honestly, I thought the rumors were a bit exaggerated…”
“If that’s Lord Ceres, then the one beside him must be…?”
“The silver bobbed hair—that’s Countess Ares!”
Once they identified me, it was only natural they recognized Ares as well.
With two celebrities appearing at once, even more people gathered. Ares smiled.
“This is troublesome. Ceres, you’re just too dazzling—everyone recognizes you.”
Troublesome, huh.
She’s probably just proud that her son’s attracting so much attention.
Acting out of character, she casually placed a hand on my shoulder and led me somewhere.
“Ceres, this place is too noisy. Let’s go somewhere quieter. How about we eat first?”
Ares took me to a huge, luxurious restaurant.
“Here?”
Just from the look of it, I could tell it was one of the top establishments in the city, and I hesitated.
“Don’t places like this usually require reservations? I doubt we can just walk in.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
Wait, did she make a reservation beforehand?
Ares walked in as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Where’s the manager?”
“Gasp—Countess Ares!”
As if calling over one of her own subordinates, she summoned the manager, who rushed over, startled.
“What brings you here all of a sudden? I didn’t expect you without a reservation.”
“I had urgent business with my son, so I had no time to make one.”
“Y-your son—do you mean Lord Ceres?!”
Once the manager finally noticed me, he exclaimed my name in shock, drawing everyone’s attention.
With all eyes on me, the manager examined me with wonder.
“I heard rumors that you recovered, but I never expected you to visit in person!”
“Exactly. My son—the most beautiful man in the Empire—has arrived. Surely you won’t turn him away just because we didn’t make a reservation?”
“Of course not! I’ll prepare a table for three right away!”
The manager hurried to prepare our seats, but Ares stopped him.
“Wait. Not three—just two. This person isn’t with us.”
She pointed at Hames, who had been following us, leaving the manager confused.
“Then, who is she?”
“I am Archdeacon Hames.”
“The Grand Chamberlain!”
“I didn’t make a reservation either, but I’d like to dine here. I’ll pay, of course.”
“P-please wait just a moment!”
Although at a separate table, Hames also made it into the restaurant without issue.
“Persistent.”
Ares muttered as we were led to our table, annoyed that Hames had seated herself nearby.
She had tried to ditch her, but Hames wasn’t just anyone—she held as much power as Ares. There was no avoiding it.
“…Ceres, what would you like to eat?”
She glared briefly, but when Hames acted unbothered, she gave up and asked what I wanted.
“Say whatever you want to eat.”
“Hmm, maybe… meat?”
“Meat?”
“Now that my body’s better, I’d like to try some meat dishes.”
Since my condition had been a mess, everyone had forbidden it, but enough time had passed—surely it was okay now.
“Just don’t try to eat too much.”
When I insisted, Ares reluctantly handed me the menu.
Since we were already in such a fancy place, I planned to order something expensive…
But this was too expensive?!
When I saw the prices, I flinched. The base prices started in gold coins.
Gold—as in literal gold—was the standard currency here?
I froze at the absurd pricing, and Ares gave me a puzzled look.
“What’s wrong?”
“Th-the price is just too high…”
“Too high? I don’t think it’s that bad.”
She genuinely seemed confused.
I guess for a successful Countess, this is pocket change…
“Then, I’ll go with this steak.”
In the end, I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu.
This restaurant also showcased how the dishes were prepared.
A flashy fire show later, the thick steak arrived.
Hehe, it’s real meat—finally!
I’d been craving it like mad, so I couldn’t help smiling.
I cut into the steak and took a bite.
This is it!
Thick, tender meat that melted in my mouth, overflowing with juicy flavor.
It tasted way better than anything I’d had before. I could eat two plates of this!
…But after just a few bites, I couldn’t eat anymore.
It felt like I’d eaten a ton of greasy food. My stomach turned, and my body rejected it.
What the hell? I barely ate anything—why do I feel like this?
It wasn’t even that greasy of a dish. Less than a regular steak, even.
…Could it be that Ceres’ body doesn’t tolerate meat?
“Urgh.”
“That’s enough. Stop eating.”
As I tried to force it down, Ares stopped me.
“Didn’t I tell you not to overdo it?”
“But I ordered it—I can’t just waste it.”
“It’s fine. It’s not like it cost that much.”
She took the plate and had it thrown out—gold coin steak straight to the trash.
“You’d better stick to soup. Manager, one ‘Treasure of the Sea.’”
She ordered a soup called “Treasure of the Sea.”
We could see it being cooked—one chef brought in heaps of ingredients:
Lobster, crab, giant shrimp, abalone, oysters, etc.
They threw all the expensive seafood into a pot, boiled it, then discarded all the solids—keeping only the broth.
I was speechless at the waste, but Ares stayed calm.
“A fresh seafood soup should be easier for you to digest.”
“What about the ingredients?”
“You’re not going to eat them, so who cares?”
She replied without batting an eye, and soon, the soup was served.
It tasted great—but was it really worth the absurd cost?
I sipped it carefully, feeling like I was drinking liquid gold. I couldn’t waste a drop!
“Excuse me for a moment.”
As I was finishing the last bit, Hames suddenly pulled her chair over to our table.
Ares, who had been watching me fondly, instantly stiffened.
“If you know it’s rude, leave.”
“I came to discuss something important. Don’t shut me out for no reason.”
“You’re unbelievably arrogant.”
Ares scowled.
“You butt in for no reason and even argue back. Do you realize I’m ten years older than you?”
“Good for you, being the elder. But for someone your age, you sure feel threatened by someone ten years younger.”
“What?!”
As Ares stood up in anger, Hames motioned for her to calm down.
“There are other guests here—shouldn’t you show some dignity? You’re the honorable Count Hyperion, after all. Besides, I came to speak with Ceres, not you.”
At that, I put down my spoon.
“You want to talk—because of the Death Knights, right?”
“Yes. After what they said at the end, I couldn’t let it go.”
Hames’ face grew serious, and I nodded in agreement.
Back then—
When I healed the Death Knight, his commander and companions stopped attacking.
But it wasn’t out of gratitude.
‘This is definitely divine power!’
‘Even after all this time, we couldn’t possibly mistake it…’
‘But how?’
‘They’re with the Hyperion family.’
‘Could it be… a latent bloodline ability?’
‘After all this time, the true heir awakens?!’
They muttered things I couldn’t understand.
They weren’t in the original story—none of what they said matched anything I’d read.
“I was curious too, but I couldn’t ask.”
When they mentioned Hyperion while looking at me, I wanted to know more—but they were Death Knights.
And not just ordinary ones—Sword Master and Expert level monsters.
‘My subordinate’s healed, so we have no reason to fight anymore. Well, bye!’
‘W-wait!’
While they were distracted talking, I bolted.
“…I couldn’t go back and ask, so I’m stuck.”
“But from what they muttered, we can guess the situation.”
As I hesitated, Hames asked in a heavy tone:
“Ceres, could it be that your divine power is an ability once used by your Hyperion bloodline—now reawakened in you?”