Somewhere in a vast space.
The observer, who had now fully transformed into a proper living being, sat quietly, deep in thought.
Crunch!
It consumed the divine authority and directed a question at the observer.
“What are you pondering?”
“……God commanded me to use the remaining ‘divine authority’ for Lady Eirene von Einsberg.”
“If that is God’s will, then isn’t it something you should carry out?”
“Yes. You’re right. Just as I did for Erin, I only need to bestow the ‘divine authority’ upon her. As an observer, such an act is not difficult as long as I have divine authority.”
And yet.
“You know, don’t you?”
There was no reply.
The observer cautiously continued.
“A human bestowed with divine authority can act upon their deepest desires, as long as it is within the limits of that authority.”
What Saint Erin desired most—to spread the absolute truth of the one God, Igogodon, to the entire world.
As the only woman who carried the truth of God, she was the only one who could wield her given authority with relative freedom.
And what Eirene, beloved by God, desired most was…
…to connect deeply with the one God, Igogodon.
Ever since meeting the avatar of God, Eirene’s sole purpose in life had been singular: to meet Igogodon just once more.
And to connect more deeply with Him than anyone else.
“You seem to know this already.”
“To act upon one’s desires within the limits of authority is God’s will. What, then, is the issue?”
“But… to connect deeply means…”
The observer trailed off, unable to finish.
All eyes in the space turned to the observer, offering a chilling warning from an existence that failed to become a living being to one who had achieved it:
“Surely… you aren’t jealous of Lady Eirene, are you?”
Startled, the observer shook their head vigorously.
“No, no, that’s not it! I just…”
“Having been reborn as a living being through God’s love in the form of divine chicken, the observer now had warm blood coursing through veins and flesh forming their body.”
“Soft skin enveloped them.”
“They could walk, talk, and think.”
“To think meant to have independent thoughts.”
“To have independent thoughts meant daringly, even envying those beloved by God.”
“Saint Erin, chosen by God, and Eirene, beloved by God.”
“You must know they are the perfect vessels for sustaining God’s eternal support.”
“Yes.”
“And surely, you are aware of the fate that awaits a world abandoned by God.”
“I am.”
“Your current state is also by God’s will, so do not concern yourself too much. However, never forget the task we must complete.”
The observer, without replying, placed a hand on their left chest.
Thump. Thump.
Something palpable could be felt beyond the soft skin.
The sound of a beating heart, the symbol of life circulating their blood.
The reason it beat so strongly was…
Eirene von Einsberg.
The one who was deeply loved by God, Igogodon.
A necessary and essential existence to anchor God’s love to this world.
This feeling they harbored toward her… gratitude?
If not that, then, as the being suggested—
The observer could not realize it.
Nor did they notice their face had flushed bright red.
***
A day in the Holy City of Igogodon was bustling.
Emperor Eirene rose early in the morning to offer her prayers.
‘May even a small portion of God’s simple truth grace me today.’
After her morning prayers, she immediately sat down for breakfast.
“Good morning, Your Majesty.”
“Good morning.”
The dishes on the table were surprisingly simple for an emperor.
A bowl of stew made with meat, rye bread without butter, and a plate of assorted vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces and dressed with a sauce prepared by the imperial chef.
Recently, all the stews served were made with chicken.
The church had provided a large quantity of preserved chicken, so similar dishes would be served for a while.
Even before she came to believe in Igogodon, Eirene was not one for gluttony.
She only consumed dignified, high-quality meals appropriate for someone of her stature, enough to elicit the thought, “Ah, an emperor must eat this well.”
However, during her time in the monastery with Igogodon, she realized that food only needed to warm the body and soul.
Thus, she no longer obsessed over luxurious ingredients.
‘A woman overly fixated on flaunting herself was far from mature, was she not?’
“Thank you for preparing my meal today. Lur”
“It is my honor, Your Majesty!”
The chef bowed at a ninety-degree angle, offering the utmost respect.
Lately, Eirene had memorized the names of all those who served her.
Her existence as an emperor was not the natural result of royal lineage but rather a part of God’s ‘simple truth.’
Thus, her actions stemmed from a mindset of never taking her position for granted.
Did not Lord Igogodon also say in The Great Igogodon Scripture:
“‘Nothing is granted as a given. Without gratitude for what is given and humility for what may come, one is destined to stumble.'”
The words of Chapter 14, Verse 5 of the Great Scripture.
Even now, she could easily recall verses from the holy text.
“What is for lunch?”
“Grilled salmon and bagels, Your Majesty.”
“Today is the day of the luncheon. Based on the remaining ingredients, prepare something slightly more lavish but within reason. You may also serve some of the stored wine.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
For the emperor, lunchtime was not merely a time to satisfy hunger.
Political discussions and calculations often took place over the meal.
With a smiling face, she was adept at extracting what she needed from her vassals.
After embracing Igogodon, her methods had changed somewhat—but the essence remained the same.
Following breakfast, she headed straight to her office.
Upon arrival, the vassals who had arrived earlier bowed deeply to show their respect.
“Duke Kal Bayan greets Her Majesty, the Emperor.”
“Count Ernest greets Her Majesty, the Emperor.”
“Both of you, thank you for coming such a long way. Please, take your seats.”
The Kal Bayan and Ernest regions.
Both were areas where dungeon entrances were located.
With human-demon cooperation becoming more significant, discussing matters with the rulers of lands near dungeon entrances had become one of her most pressing tasks.
“Is that so? The effects of the demonic energy are, in fact, having positive impacts?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Instead of fear or anxiety, many citizens are now approaching the demon border to bask in the energy.”
“Is it the same in your region, Duke?”
“We haven’t received reports to that extent, but… it does seem like many people are questioning why we’ve only started interacting with the demons now, rather than expressing dissatisfaction.”
“The Demon King had been most concerned about complaints from residents near the dungeons due to the leaking demonic energy.”
Yet, for some reason, all the reports coming in were overwhelmingly positive: “The demonic energy isn’t as bad as we thought,” or “It’s even beneficial in some ways.”
‘The Demon King wouldn’t have lied about this, would he?’
That kind and innocent-looking Demon King—it seemed impossible for him to tell such a meaningless lie.
At that moment.
“Perhaps it’s God’s simple truth?”
“Count Ernest.”
Ever since encountering the saint, Ernest had become a fervent believer of the Church of Guodun.
He spoke with unwavering conviction.
“If it’s God’s simple truth, then it’s no surprise that the effects of demonic energy have suddenly changed. After all, isn’t everything in this world formed by the love of the one God, Igogodon?”
Hearing this, Eirene nodded with a gracious expression.
“Indeed. God’s simple truth… That would explain everything. Considering how the disappearance of the demonic energy has made cooperation with the demons easier, it’s logical as well.”
“Exactly. Haha.”
“Is that… how it works?”
Duke Kal Bayan, startled by the two’s sudden theological consensus, broke into a cold sweat.
“Of course. Since you’ve come to the capital, why don’t you pay a visit to the saint?”
“You’ll surely gain some enlightenment, Duke.”
“Thank you for the suggestion, but… I have matters to attend to. I’ll formally meet the saint another time.”
Even during the luncheon with her vassals after their official duties, discussions about national affairs continued unabated.
Before she embraced the Church of Guodun, mealtimes had been tense, ice-cold moments where breaking even one wrong word felt catastrophic.
But now, Eirene no longer pressured her vassals to exhaustion. This allowed for a more comfortable atmosphere where important decisions could be made with ease.
After the luncheon, Eirene climbed into a carriage.
***
Today was the day she would visit the cathedral and offer prayers to God.
With a fluttering heart, she headed toward the Great Cathedral of Igogodon.
“Welcome, Your Majesty.”
Today, the one greeting the emperor was Luca, a member of the Holy Knight Order, A Plate of Truth.
Oddly enough, the rabbit that usually accompanied Ophel was nestled in Luca’s arms.
“You’ve worked hard, Luca Heavenishian. Where are Lady Ophel and Linnea?”
“They’re currently engaged in external activities.”
“Igogodon!”
Hop!
Eirene deftly caught the jumping rabbit in her arms.
“Igogodon! Igogodon!”
“It’s been a while, rabbit. Have you been well?”
“Igogodon~!”
The rabbit nestled into Eirene’s embrace, nuzzling affectionately for a long time before hopping onto Luca’s head.
It spun in place and curled up comfortably.
“The rabbit seems to be in good spirits.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Ophel said it was particularly eager to meet you after hearing of your visit.”
“Truly? The messenger of God desires to meet me? I’m honored.”
“Shall I summon the saint for you?”
“No, I wouldn’t want to interrupt her busy schedule. I’m here simply to offer prayers.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty. Please follow me.”
Luca led her to the cathedral hall, which, while still modest, had been filled with more furnishings than before.
Eirene knelt immediately and began her prayers to her one and only Lord.
These quiet moments of prayer were precious, offering her a reprieve from the heavy burdens of an emperor’s duties.
***
After completing her daily tasks, her favorite time arrived—bathing.
Eirene sank her voluptuous figure, with a chest almost too large and hips that could easily bear children, into the warm bathwater.
Splash!
An excessive amount of water spilled over the edge of the tub.
It was inevitable, given the volume displaced by her body.
“Haa…”
Indulging in her one rare luxury—a tub filled with floating red petals—Eirene thought of the celestial hot springs under a star-filled sky.
‘If, as the saint had said, that place was created by God…’
‘…then perhaps, bathing there would allow her to be seen by Igogodon.’
Such a shameless thought made her face flush red once more.
No matter how much she tried, she couldn’t hide her feelings.
A tickling sensation in her stomach rose to her toes.
Her love for Igogodon was genuine.
Every moment, Eirene longed deeply for Igogodon.
It wasn’t mere faith but the heartfelt yearning of a woman for a man.
***
After her bath, dressed and refreshed, she thanked her maid for the assistance.
“Thank you for your hard work today, Evelyn.”
“Hard work, Your Majesty? It’s my honor to serve!”
Returning to her room, she read the holy scripture.
Lately, her focus had been on passages from The Chronicles of Sacred Light.
Whenever she read verses praising the sacred energy pouch, she felt an odd sense of pride.
‘If only I were a bit younger… perhaps I could have been the saint instead of Erin.’
But she quickly shook her head.
‘…No. If that were the case, God wouldn’t have called me a “well-matured woman.”‘
Eirene took immense pride in being recognized as such.
Even if she couldn’t be the saint, being a well-matured woman was enough.
After finishing her reading, she dressed in a translucent negligee that accentuated her feminine charm and lay down to sleep.
Before drifting off, she allowed herself to dream.
‘Will Igogodon visit me tonight?
Though I prayed to Him, I haven’t yet had the honor of meeting Him. Perhaps tonight will be different.
Just once…
Just one time, I wish to meet Igogodon again.
If I could encounter Him in a dream, I would stay there forever and never wake…’
Such a girlish thought crossed her mind as she surrendered herself to sleep.
***
When she regained awareness, she found herself standing in an unfamiliar place.
The wooden room contained several wooden desks and chairs, along with strange, unknown objects.
‘Where… is this?’
Looking at her hands, she realized they were translucent, with the wooden floor visible through them.
She tried to move but felt resistance, as if her actions weren’t entirely her own.
‘What… is happening?’
Just as she thought this—
“How could you do this to someone who’s already hurt?!”
‘That voice…!’
The shout of a boy reached her ears.
Though it was a youthful and unfamiliar voice, she instinctively knew who it belonged to.
Turning toward the sound, she saw—
The one she had longed to see so desperately.
The one she had adored ever since gazing at His portrait.
God Igogodon, now in the form of a young boy, was confronting others his age.