OMS Chapter 18

The core that the Nushi was guarding turned out to be the stump of a withered sacred tree. It was likely a holy tree once, but now it lay broken, probably struck by lightning, its decayed form standing as a sorrowful remnant.

Surrounding the stump was a thick concentration of impurities, adding to the oppressive, heavy atmosphere.

I stabbed a branch of the sacred tree into the center of the core and placed the purification orb beside it. Originally, the orb was just a regular crystal, but I thought it might assist in purification, so I infused it with holy power while we traveled in the carriage. It’s not easy to channel holy power into solid objects, but I managed to fill it with a decent amount.

Even with Viirant’s help, I had used up a considerable amount of holy power, so I’m glad I had prepared ahead of time.

Reciting the holy scripture, I offered my power, cleansing the land as much as possible. Since I wanted to conserve my strength for the return trip, I refrained from using blood, but even so, I could feel the impurities clearing away rapidly.

Though I couldn’t purify the area completely in one go, I’d say we made significant progress. Even the corpses of the Nushi and the demon beasts we had slain dissolved, purified into nothingness.

I hope that when they reincarnate, their lives won’t be distorted again.

“Man, I’m really exhausted this time.”

Viirant, being a current knight, remained perfectly composed, but this forty-two-year-old body was completely worn out. I was starving from all the holy power I’d used.

I just want to get back, eat, and collapse into bed.

With few words exchanged, we continued walking, cutting down any demon beasts we encountered. By the time we finally returned to the church, the sunset was bathing the town in a crimson glow.

✢

After resting for two days and fully restoring my holy power, Viirant’s blessing was already beginning to fade.

…So, a kiss lasts for about three days, huh?

According to the holy maiden’s knowledge, as the intimacy of the bond deepens, the capacity for the blessing increases, allowing for a greater and longer-lasting blessing. But there’s no record of exactly how long or how frequently blessings had to be given.

I suppose no one wanted to leave a written record of how often they kissed or, well, did more. I certainly won’t be writing any records either. Let others figure it out themselves.

—Still, that means I’m going to have to… do that every three days.

Surprisingly, I didn’t feel much resistance to the idea. In fact, it was… pretty pleasant.

…But maybe that’s why I’m feeling conflicted. I can’t help but wonder what will happen if we keep kissing like this, and even though I have no choice but to grant the blessing, I’m hesitating for some reason.

“Um… well, uh… I need to go purify again today, so… could you, uh, take the blessing again?”

“Of course.”

Viirant’s expression softened into a pleased smile as I awkwardly explained myself.

…Why does he look so happy about this?

Hey, get a grip. Take a good look. The person standing in front of you is just a worn-out old man. You’ve said something about loving me, but seriously, it’s better if you snap out of it before this gets too far. You’ll end up regretting it and tainting your shining future.

While grumbling internally, I stared at Viirant as he approached.

Even though I’m fairly tall, Viirant towers over me, a whole head taller. His physique is also completely different from mine, a product of his rigorous training compared to my undernourished body from living in poverty.

As I instinctively took a step back, my back hit the wall.

My wandering hands were gently pinned against the wall, and Viirant’s fingers lightly traced the side of my neck. Just as I flinched from the touch, his lips brushed against mine.

A soft, warm kiss, the first in three days.

The lips that pressed against mine were surprisingly hot, despite his composed appearance. As I endured the unfamiliar sensation, my eyelashes trembled, and Viirant’s hand gently squeezed mine, perhaps signaling for me not to be so tense.

I cautiously opened my eyes and found our gazes meeting at a distance where I could count his eyelashes. His usually calm purple eyes were darkened with an intensity that shot straight through me.

Frozen in place, I watched as Viirant didn’t wait for me to catch up. His lips nibbled lightly on mine, and then he gently grazed my skin with his teeth, slowly savoring the kiss as he licked along the edge of my lips.

His tongue slid over the sensitive, thin skin, and I let out a warm sigh.

—This is seriously dangerous.

We’re only doing this to give him a blessing. It’s just a necessary part of infusing holy power through skin contact. It’s nothing more than that.

And yet, why is he kissing me like this?

Why is Viirant giving me such sweet, tender kisses, like he’s whispering love to a lover or trying to melt me with affection?

Before I could get lost in it, I started infusing holy power through the contact. Viirant, his cheeks flushed, furrowed his brow as if he were holding something back.

He said it wasn’t painful or uncomfortable, but what was he enduring then?

Not knowing the answer, I continued the infusion, and Viirant’s tongue began moving more roughly. Even though the motion was uncharacteristically forceful, it still felt good.

That’s the problem—it feels too good.

I found myself intertwining my fingers with his, clinging to him as I tried to cope with the sensation. I leaned back to hide the embarrassing physical response that I didn’t want him to notice, all while our kiss deepened.

This second kiss ended up lasting much longer than the first.

✢

By the time we finished the third purification, the area’s impurities were mostly cleared. The demon beasts that had once attacked us in waves were now few and far between, and even the weakened local knights should be able to handle the remaining creatures.

Diruk and Kahim, who had been helping at the infirmary, reported that all the patients had been treated, and they had even taken care of patients referred by the doctors. The leftover healing potions were all left with the old priest.

With his deep, wise gaze, I was sure the priest would put them to good use.

“Thank you so much, Holy Maiden.”

“…I’ll be sure to relay your gratitude to the Holy Maiden in the capital.”

The old priest’s deeply wrinkled eyes were focused squarely on me.

Whether he had heard Viirant’s words or not, I couldn’t tell.

Unable to withstand his piercing gaze, I nodded slightly, and the old priest bowed deeply, his white hair brushing the floor.

…Not toward Viirant, who was right in front of him, but towards me.

Does this mean he knows I’m the real Holy Maiden?

And if he does, how did he figure it out? I didn’t let anything slip, did I?

Feeling a bit unsettled, I boarded the carriage without letting my thoughts show. Even if he suspected the truth, I couldn’t confirm anything. It would make things difficult for both Emillia and me if my identity as the Holy Maiden were exposed.

We had managed to purify one place, but there were still many more to visit.

For now, I’d focus on crafting more healing potions as the carriage rolled along.

Once that was done, I’d charge up more purification orbs and—if possible—enhance Viirant’s weapons with holy power.

…There’s so much I need to do, it’s exhausting just thinking about it.

Viirant climbed into the carriage as well, and it slowly began moving.

I glanced out the window and saw people waving as we passed by.

Their faces were bright with smiles, perhaps because the impurities had been cleared or because we had treated their sick. The gloomy atmosphere had lifted considerably, and the sunlight was shining warmly.

As I watched the townspeople with a small smile on my face, Viirant looked at me with a softened gaze, his eyes narrowing gently.