Chapter 11
Through the previous events, I came to think that forming an alliance with this Kanan Kingdom might not be a bad idea.
A country with a Holy Knight who possesses a decent human character, and a church led by priests who carry the karma of serial killers in their quest to kill her.
As an angel, it wasn’t hard to decide which side to ally with.
From a realistic standpoint, I also judged that this church might have had some dirty involvement in the downfall of the High Heavens.
Besides, after already crushing their pawns, it would be ridiculous for me to reach out to them.
However, setting aside this plan for the moment,
The scene currently unfolding through Eva Gellion left me feeling dumbfounded.
First, it seemed that Eva and the people of the Kanan Kingdom were trying to establish me as a ‘god.’
I had clearly stated that I was an angel serving a great being—a god.
Yet, whether they had short memories or not, they were calling me a god and even praying to me.
Well, I could let that slide.
After all, the word “God” can sometimes simply mean a transcendent being, not necessarily the Supreme God.
In some cultures, even simple spirits or ancestors are referred to as gods, so I could overlook this part.
Even within Christianity, some angels were rumoured to be lesser gods who had submitted to the Supreme God.
Besides, regardless of what they called me, it would indeed be easier to move them from a religious position if they saw me this way.
If I ever met the Supreme God in the future, I could just sincerely apologize and smooth things over.
The problem was…
These crazy people were trying to offer human sacrifices to me as offerings.
What kind of messed-up situation is this?
Is this place like the Aztecs or something that worships Baal from the Old Testament?
Even if it were, why would I accept such unsettling offerings?
I have no use for livestock or gold, let alone human corpses.
From a modern perspective, this was utterly unacceptable.
On top of that, the person who had volunteered to be the sacrifice was none other than the princess of this country.
Should I see this as an act of fanatical patriotism or the result of a deranged mind?
At least objectively, her external image seemed pretty decent, and as she walked towards the altar, the people were literally in tears.
This quickly led me to a realization.
If I let this unfold as is, it’s going to be an incredibly frustrating situation + a confirmed image disaster.
Already, thanks to my fearsome appearance, I’m being called a demon, and I definitely didn’t want this kind of development.
But then…
[They are wise humans. Unlike those of Sodam before, they seem to understand the greatness of Seraphim quite well. Humans… Yes, offering at least that much would show their sincerity to Seraphim.]
‘What the hell is this guy talking about now? An angel supporting this?’
Feeling a non-existent stomach churn, I turned to Arc Royle, who was calmly speaking beside me.
This usually clueless guy was now displaying an unnecessary calmness, which made my headache feel even worse.
[I have a lot to say, but… I’ll start with one thing first.]
[Yes! What is it, Seraphim?]
Arc Royle looked at me with the purest of eyes as I spoke.
*
“Oh, so this is what it means to have ‘clear eyes of a madman,’ huh?” I thought as I spoke with a sense of finality in my voice.
“[From now on, the term ‘human sacrifice’ will not exist in our vocabulary. Under no circumstances, ever. Do you understand?]”
“[Ah… y-yes! This was wrong too… I thought humans did it so often… Understood. I will keep it in mind.]”
I was wondering if I should smack him if he refused, but unexpectedly, Arc Royle, as always, accepted my words without any further noise.
Feeling somewhat relieved about at least this one thing, I deemed it more important to stop the current situation and took immediate action.
“[I’m Going down.]”
“[Yes!]”
At the moment when they were about to offer Princess Solomon as a sacrifice, He revealed His holy form. The Seraphim. Though Eva had believed He would descend during the ceremony, given the situation, she carefully observed His reaction.
Should they continue to carve up Princess Solomon, or should they not?
At that moment, it was Princess Solomon who spoke first.
“Great One, are you the Seraphim of whom Eva Gellion spoke?”
“[Yes, I am the Seraphim. Princess Solomon of the Kanan Kingdom.]”
The Seraphim who saw right through her name.
Acknowledging that truly a god is a god, Solomon smiled gently as she spoke.
“Thank you for recognizing this humble girl. Great One, you must have seen everything already, so I will not speak at length.”
With those words, Solomon laid her body straight on the altar once again. Without the slightest tremble, she displayed a smile filled with even a sense of anticipation.
“Please do with this sacrificial body and soul as you wish. If needed, you may command Eva here to prepare it for consumption as you see fit…”
“[Stop.]”
The Seraphim cut Solomon’s words short.
Then, with countless eyes fixed on her, He said,
“[I do not consume humans. Not now, not ever. Do not engage in such absurd actions again.]”
“Oh… is that so? I understand. In that case, instead of my flesh, my virginity—”
“[…]”
“I’m sorry.”
Instantly, the numerous eyes frowned.
Quickly reading the room, Solomon immediately offered an apology. At the same time, she thought to herself.
This Seraphim is fundamentally different from the gods she knew in many ways.
Among the gods, there were not a few who craved human blood and flesh, or who saw humans as outlets for their sexual desires.
In the case of the Baal Church, they usually offered a sturdy bull, but it was said that their favourite delicacy was the flesh and blood of conquered prisoners.
Likewise, the goddess of the Empire, Isiris, was said to Favor the semen of men, with rituals conducted in relation to this.
However, the Seraphim, in this moment, gave off a fundamentally different feeling from such gods.
As Solomon was pondering over this, Eva’s voice broke the silence.
“Seraphim, your mercy is truly boundless!”
Raising her voice, Eva bowed her head in deep reverence.
Though He had merely refused to accept Solomon as a sacrifice, Eva felt genuine gratitude in this situation.
Despite not expecting much, He had answered her prayers once again.
He had put an end to the cruel custom of human sacrifice.
Feeling her heart swell with emotion, Eva repeatedly bowed her head before the god in front of her.
“Thank you, O noble being.”
Following Eva’s lead, Princess Solomon descended from the altar and bowed. The many people gathered here also began to show their respect to the Seraphim. They lay prostrate on the ground, their foreheads pressed against the earth. Regardless of whether they were nobles or peasants, everyone in this place was faced with an otherworldly being for the first time, feeling awe and fear… especially fear, as they pressed their foreheads as deeply into the ground as possible.
And then,
Watching these people, the Seraphim spoke in a quiet yet soul-piercing voice.
[I am pleased that you wish to follow me. However, in the future, if such matters arise, you must seek my guidance first. I do not wish to cause needless misunderstandings and confusion.]
“Y-yes, we will do as you say, Seraphim.”
Although the tone was calm, everyone present could feel it—the divine voice still echoing in their minds. Within that voice laid a quiet sorrow.
At that moment, the instigator of this plan and the one who was to be the sacrifice, Solomon, raised her head and asked in a solemn voice.
“If that is the case, O God, what kind of offering do you desire? Is it livestock? Or perhaps jewels? Please, tell us what you wish for, and we shall prepare it.”
The wise Princess Solomon knew one thing well—nothing in this world is free. Even if the other party is a deity, there is no god who bestows blessings on humans unconditionally.
So, what does this god desire?
If not humans, then livestock? Sacrificial offerings? Crops? Or, if none of these, perhaps land or war?
The answer to this question could greatly alter the future situation, so Solomon listened with bated breath for the god’s response.
And then,
In response to her question, the god spoke.
[The offerings I desire are not wealth or glory of the world. Such things can never be a true sacrifice. Teachings and religions that value these are merely false stories created by the tongues of devils and men.]
“…What?”
The unexpected words left Solomon momentarily stunned. However, the god continued.
[Even if you were to give up all the treasures of the world, can you stop the sun for even a single day? Even if you were to offer every animal on the earth, can you grasp even one star in the night sky? No. The riches of the world are needed only by mortals; to me, they hold no value.]
“Umm…”
With no way to refute the god’s words, Solomon could only remain silent for a moment.
Then,
“If so, O Seraphim, what must we do? What must we offer to prove our faith… to bring joy to your heart?”
Eva, picking up where Solomon faltered, cautiously asked. And in response, the god spoke with an even more profound voice.
[Obedience is better than sacrifice. If you truly wish to serve me, show it not with the things of the world, but with your actions. Following my law—this is the true offering you must give to me.]
“The law… you say?”
Eva’s question became more cautious. In response, the Seraphim’s voice seemed to elevate even more.
[There are many laws, but the most important among them is this: This is the first and greatest commandment, and the foundation of all laws. Love your neighbours as yourself. Serving the least among you is as if you are serving me.]
“!”
*
“Ah…”
The words spoken by him were like a ringing alarm.
To Eva and everyone present, they came as a colossal shock.
The gods they had known until now were not like this.
Those transcendent beings all declared,
“If you offer us something, we will lend you power.
If not, we will deliver punishment.”
From livestock and treasures to victories in war, and even the lives of parents and children.
In return for their mighty power, the gods demanded and took what was precious to the people.
Should they refuse or neglect to do so, the gods would bring calamities and suffering upon them as punishment.
These offerings, of course, came from the people themselves.
Thus, to avoid divine retribution, they had to squeeze out what they didn’t wish to offer.
Gods who appeared as capricious and tyrannical rulers.
However, the new god standing before them in this moment,
Seraphim, was different.
Despite his terrifying appearance,
He demanded nothing from them.
Instead, he said,
“Rather than thinking about giving me something, help your struggling neighbours”.
You don’t need to give me anything. Just live good lives, and that will be enough.”
His words were reminiscent of parents who simply wish their children to live righteously.
Through this, Eva and everyone present came to a realization:
The god before them was not the tyrannical king they had heard of, but a being with the heart of a caring parent.
He truly sought to be there for them.
Like those who had suffered under a tyrant and met a wise ruler akin to a father.
The realization that they were freed from the heavy burden of material offerings,
And instead were asked to practice pure kindness by the god’s words,
Caused tears of submission and gratitude to stream down their faces.
“To think that you care for mere beings like us…”
“Oh… Seraphim!”
“The true god is none other than Seraphim!”
Eva and the people expressed their fervent response and praise.
However,
Unlike their pure-heartedness,
Solomon felt a different kind of chill…
A deep fear began to well up inside her.
“Terrifying… This god is truly… terrifying…”
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