Chapter 97

The journey to Silvesta proceeded without any major issues. Twenty knights of the Royal Guard escorted them, and there were no bandits or monsters that dared to challenge the convoy of carriages.

"Almost there, we'll be in Silvesta soon. Cain, you didn't end up sharing a room with me..."

Sighing, Cain responded to Silk, who pouted and gazed out the window, while keeping an eye on their surroundings through his exploration skills.

"We haven't announced our engagement yet, and Duke Eric did say something about it, right? Plus, what would Telese say..."

Thinking of Telestia, who had seen them off, Cain lightly indicated his refusal. Considering his age, which exceeded twenty when including his previous life, and despite Silk being a beautiful girl that he hadn't met in his previous life, he had no lustful feelings for her, as she still felt like a child with only a slight hint of development.

The carriage continued on without incident, and by midday, the walled city of Silvesta came into view.

"Viscount Cain, we can see the city of Silvesta."

A knight guarding the carriage called out from outside, and Cain nodded in response.

(Still, as His Majesty mentioned, Duke Lagunef... I hope nothing happens...)

The leading knight explained the situation to the guards, and the gates opened wide, with guards lining up on either side to welcome Cain's party. The merchant caravans trying to enter the city were surprised but made way for the guards.

The carriage proceeded through the city center without stopping, heading directly to the lord's residence. After about twenty minutes, they arrived at the residence.

"Viscount Cain, we have arrived at the lord's residence."

"Understood, thank you."

The carriage door opened, and Cain stepped out first, then helped Silk down by holding her hand.

"Thank you, Cain."

Nodding at Silk's smile, Cain looked up at the lord's residence, where several attendants, including the lord, were already lined up at the entrance.

"Viscount Cain, Miss Silk. Welcome to the city of Silvesta. I am the lord of this city, Duke Lagunef von Rubeurt Silvesta. May the blessings of the Marinford faith welcome you."

The two straightened their posture and bowed before greeting him.

"Duke Lagunef, thank you for your warm welcome. I am Viscount Cain von Silford Drintri. We are grateful for your hospitality."

"I am Silk von Santana. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Thank you for your kind words. You must be tired from your long journey. Please take your time to rest today."

The door opened, and a maid led them to their guest rooms. Although there was a guest house next to the lord's residence, they were staying in the guest rooms of the lord's residence because the Holy Maiden would be staying there.

In the guest room, a small statue of the seven pillars was displayed. Although it differed significantly from the actual deities, it was best not to dwell on it.

Soon, there was a knock on the door, and it opened halfway, with Silk peeking in.

"Cain, can I come in?"

"Of course."

Silk, who had already changed out of her travel clothes, entered wearing a decorated dress befitting a noble lady.

"Thank you. The Holy Maiden won't arrive for another five days, right? I'm wondering what we should do until then."

"We need to go to the border to welcome her, but it's only a half-day trip from here, so we have a few days to relax. How about we go sightseeing in the city?"

"Oh, Cain, don't say 'sightseeing.' Say 'date.'"

"---Sure... This city is known for its devout followers, and I'd like to visit the church."

Cain wanted to meet the deities before meeting the Holy Maiden. He didn't think he could discern them, but if the Holy Maiden suddenly called him an 'apostle,' it would cause a commotion in the city, especially since his status was already beyond human, and he had become a demigod.

"Then let's ask Duke Lagunef at dinner if we can go to the city tomorrow."

"Sure, that sounds good."

"Alright. Cain, you haven't changed yet, so I'll see you at dinner!"

Silk quickly left the room.

Cain cleaned his travel clothes with a living magic spell, changed into noble attire from his item box, and sat on the bed to meditate and circulate his mana. He was so focused that he didn't notice the sunset streaming through the window until a maid came to call him for dinner.

"Cain, dinner is ready. Everyone is gathered."

"Thank you, I'm coming now."

Led by the maid, Cain headed to the dining room, where Lagunef and Silk were already seated.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Cain was about to sit next to Silk, but Lagunef gestured for him to sit next to him.

"No, no, Viscount Cain is already the head of the house. You are the guest of honor until the Holy Maiden arrives."

Lagunef smiled.

"Then, let's raise a toast. To the seven deities of the Marinford faith! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Since it was the first day, a lavish meal was served. The maid began to serve the dishes.

"Viscount Cain, which of the deities of the Marinford faith do you revere the most?"

After a bit of conversation, Lagunef asked.

"I don't particularly favor any specific deity..."

Cain, who had met all seven deities, didn't feel the need to rank them. The screen in his mind from the divine realm flashed before his eyes.

"Is that so? That's not good! Each deity has a specific role. First of all—"

Lagunef began to talk about the seven deities, and it seemed like he could go on forever. It was impossible to eat while he talked, so Cain just nodded and let the words flow past him. Only a fraction of what Lagunef said registered in his mind.

"—so all the deities are wonderful."

"I see. I didn't realize you were so devout."

Lagunef had been talking for about thirty minutes. Cain, exhausted, could only manage that one response.

After finishing a small portion of the meal, Cain was invited to continue the conversation, but he declined, citing fatigue from the journey.

Back in his room, Cain collapsed onto the bed.

"He's really a devout follower... but why does he have so much to say..."

Exhausted, Cain called Hak and Gin, and buried himself in their soft fur to find comfort.

"I haven't played with you guys much lately... but you've grown a bit, haven't you?"

Hak was already nearly three meters in size. Cain dove into his soft belly and stroked his fur. Although he wanted to walk through the city, he imagined it would cause trouble if he walked with a divine wolf and a divine dragon.

After thoroughly enjoying the fur, Cain got into bed and fell asleep.

The next day, with Lagunef's permission, Cain and Silk went on a date. Lagunef offered to send knights as escorts, but Cain declined, as the knights who had been guarding them knew of his strength and didn't object.

They walked through the city, admiring the scenery. Despite wearing fine civilian clothes, they were cautious about what might happen if they walked around in noble attire without guards.

"Look, there are so many delicious fruits on display."

Silk pointed to a variety of colorful fruits piled up on the eaves. Due to the warm climate in the south, grapes for wine production were also on display.

"They really do look delicious. Let's buy some on our way back."

"Sure."

They chatted and continued walking, eventually reaching their destination, the church.

"Cain, are you going to pray? I'll join you."

They placed offerings at the entrance and knelt before the altar, clasping their hands together. As usual, they were enveloped in white light.

Thank you for always reading. I plan to start revising the manuscript again next week (^_^;)