The World I Was Supporting Was Real

---

“Um… that is…”

“………???”

Erin repeated the Bible several times and offered the plain fact from God Igguoqueden.

Ophilia closed her eyes every time the light came out, but that was it. She didn’t seem to experience anything in particular.

After about three attempts without anything happening, a flustered Erin embraced the Bible with her big, round eyes.

‘What’s going on…? Is it possible that the plain facts are lacking…?’

Erin quickly rubbed her belly.

…No, it’s not lacking. It’s not just anyone, but the Saint Erin, who bears the truth of God, could feel it clearly.

When she touched her belly, the hot grace of God Igguoqueden… the plain facts were still quite abundant.

Then why… can’t Ophilia feel anything?

“Um… Saint?”

“Ah… um, well, it seems that today, for reasons I don’t quite understand, my condition isn’t very good…”

She trailed off, mumbling incomplete sentences.

An ordinary person would have easily noticed Erin’s fluster, but—Ophilia, who believed straightforwardly in what was said without thinking of any hidden meaning, easily nodded in understanding.

“I see, Saint. It’s alright. I’ll ask again when you’re feeling better. Rather, I feel like I’ve caused you trouble by asking during this difficult time.”

“Oh, I understand… I’m sorry.”

“What could you possibly apologize for, Saint? Please don’t worry too much and take a proper rest. Well then.”

After exchanging somewhat awkward farewells, Erin returned to the Saint’s room with somewhat anxious steps.

* * *

The next morning.

‘I couldn’t sleep properly because I was so nervous…’

Luka let out a light yawn and headed toward the large bath prepared exclusively for Holy Knight Plate.

During that process, she encountered—

“……!!”

For some reason, there was the sight of the red-headed female knight, Ophilia, collapsed on the floor.

“O-Ophilia! Are you okay?!”

“……”

With Luka’s help, Ophilia slowly stood up.

Ophilia took a long breath and spoke in a husky voice.

“Thank you, Luka.”

“Are you hurt? You collapsed on the floor…?”

“No, I just tripped. I… tend to fall down a bit.”

“Is that so? If that’s the case, I’m relieved, but you seemed to have been down for a while. Your ears are bright red, so don’t you have a fever?”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry if I caused you to worry.”

Ophilia thought to herself that she could not honestly tell Luka.

That the cold marble floor hurt so much compared to the wooden floor that she couldn’t get up and collect herself!

“Anyway, I was on my way to the bath… but I can’t remember the exact location. Do you remember it, Luka?”

“Oh, I happen to be going there too.”

“Ooh, really?!”

Ophilia quickly regained her energy and looked at Luka with sparkling eyes.

“It would be great if you could guide me there!”

* * *

Splash—

The two women submerged themselves in the luxurious tub prepared just for them.

A few flower petals floated on the water, releasing a soothing fragrance just by being present.

It was a small luxury provided by Eirene for the Holy Knight Plate, similar to what was used in the royal family.

“Come to think of it, instead of asking for guidance, I could just bathe with you. I seem not to have thought that far.”

“It’s alright. It happens.”

“Then, I’ll take the liberty of doing so. Soaking after exercise is also a kind of training.”

Saying this, Ophilia closed her eyes and entered meditation.

What a diligent person. As the rumors said, she clearly was the type to constantly strive without resting on her talents.

Luka cautiously watched Ophilia meditating.

Indeed, it could be said that she was ‘the leader of our time’s knights.’ Even as a fellow knight, Luka saw not a single flaw in her physique.

With a body like that, she would excel tremendously even in monster-infested situations.

Furthermore, her chest was quite ample, making one think that she truly was the holy knight tasked with protecting the saint of the Guoden Church.

That’s right. The chest.

After being appointed as the Holy Knight Plate, Luka diligently studied the Bible from that day on. As a result, she learned that the Guoden Church places great importance on the chest.

God Igguoqueden had said that a large Holy Power Pouch looked good in His eyes.

Luka cautiously rubbed her own chest.

…Compared to Ophilia, it was far too lacking.

Objectively speaking, Luka’s chest was not small by any means. If one were to compare it to fruit, it could be likened to a ripe peach.

The real issue was that Ophilia was carrying two melons. Furthermore, the Holy Saint’s Holy Power Pouch was even larger than Ophilia’s.

‘It is said that the Holy Power Pouch is innate, and if it’s lacking, I need to learn more of God Igguoqueden’s words… but…’

What worried her most was whether she could properly grasp God’s words due to her inadequate Holy Power Pouch.

Because, after all, God Igguoqueden was always watching over her—an existence she was grateful for. The only one who loved her and supported her decisions.

Being appointed as a knight was akin to a destiny for her. Hence, she wanted to try even harder with even the smallest of details.

‘Right. I won’t be too down. What does it matter if my Holy Power Pouch is lacking? Following God Igguoqueden’s will holds significance in itself.’

Luka gathered her heart as a Holy Knight Plate in her own way.

* * *

After finishing breakfast.

Saint Erin opened her mouth while looking at the Holy Knight Plate.

“As I mentioned, there are numerous testimonies indicating that the maelstrom of monsters is growing stronger, and it seems the entrance to the dungeon will soon reopen.”

“Does that mean that monsters will roam the continent to the point where they can’t be handled by guards, just like before?”

“I don’t think it will come to that… But even if it does, it’s alright. God Igguoqueden will surely not forsake us and will hold us dear.”

Historically, whenever the saint descended, the maelstrom of monsters would grow stronger.

It’s hard to tell whether it was a simple coincidence or if they were connected somehow, but what was certain was that during such periods, the authority of the religious community would elevate.

With even the Emperor as an ally, there couldn’t be a better opportunity to widely spread the plain facts of God Igguoqueden.

“Until then, there won’t be any special events, so please focus on preparing yourself. While Linnea is accustomed to this, Luka, it might not be bad for you to take your time getting used to the city by exploring around the Guoden Cathedral.”

“I understand.”

“Hey, it seems like something is going on at the church…”

At Linnea’s words, Erin nodded.

“They are likely in the midst of a process to fill the void left by the old.”

“If possible, I’d like to help with that.”

“That would be wonderful, Linnea. If the Holy Knight Plate started her activities in earnest with the priests’ witnesses, I’m sure it would provide more power than just assisting you.”

“Oh? Then I’ll help too.”

“Then I shall also assist, Linnea.”

At that moment, Erin looked at Ophilia with a somewhat firm tone.

“I would like you to stay behind for a moment, Ophilia.”

“I will follow the saint’s words.”

After Linnea and Luka left to help the church, leaving the two alone, Erin cautiously gazed at Ophilia and spoke.

“Ophilia, I’d like to discuss what happened yesterday…”

“Ah, you mean that… the sticky… of God?”

“It’s the plain facts of God.”

“Oh, right. I apologize. Is your condition alright today, Saint?”

“Yes, and I intend to try it once more.”

Erin, being the singular existence communicating with God, knew that God’s words were infallible and an absolute law.

If such divine words failed to resonate, it was naturally a problem on her end, as it could not be reasonably attributed to the unique God Igguoqueden.

From early morning, Erin prayed to God Igguoqueden and completed her purification rituals, meticulously arranging her body and mind as best as she could.

With this, she should be able to convey the plain facts of God Igguoqueden to the chosen Ophilia.

“Then, I’m counting on you. Please, share with me the plain facts of God Igguoqueden…!”

Ophilia kneeled, and Erin slowly approached her…

Just like always, she brought the Bible inscribed with God’s words close to her forehead.

Then, she closed her eyes and conveyed God’s words. May the plain and clear facts reach her—

With Erin committing her will, a flashing light surged towards Ophilia as if it were about to engulf her.

This time, may it succeed.

As a saint, to be able to convey God’s words…

After a few minutes.

When the light vanished, Ophilia slowly opened her eyes.

“I…”

Upon looking into Ophilia’s eyes, it was clear.

—Once again, the plain facts of God had not reached her.

Just as flustered Erin began to sweat coldly, it was Ophilia who broke the silence first.

“It seems my training is insufficient.”

“Y-yes…?”

“It’s certain that my studies are lacking to receive the plain facts of God. It can’t be the saint’s issue, so it must naturally be my problem.”

No.

Regardless of how much one has learned, whether they affirm or deny God—the plain facts themselves exist.

Not recognizing it doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent.

However—

“Please give me just a week. Together with my comrades of the Holy Knight Plate, I will learn more of God Igguoqueden’s words, and I’ll definitely bring you the plain facts, saint.”

Erin could not carelessly open her mouth.

For Ophilia, saying such words shone too brightly in her eyes.

* * *

After parting with Ophilia.

Upon returning to the Saint’s room, Erin sat down and reflected on what had just occurred.

…Even considering it again, there was no problem in the process of conveying the plain facts.

Ophilia had indeed received the plain facts. Four times at that.

Yet, nothing happened, and Ophilia was unable to gain enlightenment.

‘Why? The plain facts of God should have become a plate of facts simply by receiving them, granting an inevitable recognition of God Igguoqueden. Anyone would have to feel His grace, without exception. God’s words are never wrong. So why…?’

Ophilia has yet to realize anything?

Thump, thump.

Feeling anxious about something unexpected, Erin initially considered praying but—

‘…No. I resolved to become a saint who wouldn’t rely unilaterally on God Igguoqueden. What am I doing seeking Him just because something difficult has happened, Erin…?’

Thus scolding herself, she hugged the Bible with God’s words close to her chest.

Doing this, it felt as though God Igguoqueden’s words were gently stroking her heart.

God Igguoqueden… my lord, my everything… the one and only being I want to devote my body and soul to…

While rubbing the Bible, where the words of God Igguoqueden were engraved one by one against her enormous Holy Power Pouch…

‘…!!’

Suddenly.

So abruptly, the verses she always read sprang to mind—something just brushed against Erin’s thoughts.

Immediately, Erin opened the Bible.

The phrases from Genesis she had read dozens, hundreds, no, thousands of times came into her view.

By simply reciting from Chapter 1, Verse 1, her voice became the divine tone of God.

“One plain fact. The name of God is Igguoqueden…”

From there, she slowly began to skim through Genesis with her rosy lips.

The second plain fact. All the evidence that Igguoqueden is the one true God is found wholly in the ‘donation history.’

The third plain fact. If there’s someone who claims to be God but isn’t named Igguoqueden, they are a fraud deserving of being torn apart.

Bundling these three plain facts together as ‘a plate of plain facts’ and stating—

“If you still fail to understand God’s word after consuming a plate—”

—That then becomes just a matter of intelligence.