[These fucking idiots. Just tell them that once I bless that kid, he will absorb all the necessary energy that is needed and the prophecy will be fulfilled. The other two kids will be released as a result.]

Goddess Helia sounded frustrated.

To me, she sounded like a boss talking to her secretary, complaining about how incompetent everyone else was. It was funny and infuriating at the same time.

But since I had agreed to help her out anyway, I decided to put up with her nagging and do as she asked.

Cough

"According to the goddess, once she has blessed a vessel, they will transform into the ideal shape and form to carry out her will. There is no need for us to worry about the prophecy any longer."

I told everyone, and silence descended around me.

Even the guards dared not speak up, their eyes shifting in shame. The duchess looked proud, and the kids looked shocked.

I looked at them all before I continued.

"According to the goddess, once one of the kids takes the mantle and is blessed by her, the other two will be free to do what they want, and the burden of the prophecy will no longer fall on them. So make your choice carefully."

I told them all, and Eon still looked determined.

"Prophecy or not, I will not back down. The guardian has been with us since we could speak or run. I will do what I can to help him out."

Eon promised, and I nodded.

One second, Eon proclaimed this, and the next, a beam of light fell on top of him, blinding everyone.

When it faded, Eon and the griffin looked alright, and the wounds were healing. However, there was a sadness in the air that could not be ignored.

[Finally~ this problem is dealt with, and I can rest. Anyway, thanks for the help, old man's successor. You were a big help to me. As for your reward, I will give it to you the next time I see you.]

The goddess told me before she finally stopped messaging me. I felt my nerves calm down before I noticed that everyone was looking at me.

I quickly put the phone back in my pocket and gave everyone a nod.

"Shopkeeper, I want to thank you for helping us out. Our goddess has dispelled the fog that was contaminating this dome without us even knowing, and had it not been for you, we would have lost our faith. But may we ask how you know what our goddess wanted? As far as I know, you do not share the same faith as us. Then how…"

Cardinal Joshua asked in a calm but curious voice, and I debated what to tell him…

Mainly because I could not just tell him that this was what his goddess wanted from me. Or that she had been bugging me ever since she contacted me. I had a feeling that wouldn't go well at all.

So I just gave him a smile in return.

"Don't worry about it. Let's just say… I have my ways that you do not need to know about."

I told the Cardinal, and he gave me a suspicious look once more. But before he could give out any orders, Eon walked toward me and gave me a small bow.

"Thank you for helping us all out. Is there anything I can do for you in return?"

"Lord Eon—"

"Don't speak. You no longer have any authority over me now that I have the goddess's blessing and protection. I am now the new leader of Goddess Helia's faction."

The young child was bold and reassuring. His words were cutting and firm.

He had suddenly turned into an important figure even the Cardinal could not touch easily.

Once the Cardinal backed down, Eon turned toward me and the duchess and looked at us with an expectant expression.

"Hmm, I do not need a reward for helping you. Your goddess made a deal with me regarding this, so I will be asking her to pay up the price. However, I think the duchess has other plans."

I told the kid, and he turned to look at the duchess with expectant eyes.

The duchess sighed before she straightened up and looked authoritative.

"Lord Eon, on behalf of the Emperor, I would like to offer you protection and guidance until you become an adult. Our household will be responsible for your safety and growth. Shall you accept this offer, we shall become allies."

There was a loud gasp, and the guards quickly came forward.

"Y-You cannot do that. This is too dangerous. What if you try and sway the one who carries the goddess's will toward your side—"

"Silence. You all do not get to decide anything for us."

Eon silenced them all with his hand raised. The others fell quiet as they were forced to bow their heads. The pressure of power was too much.

Once the others had been subdued, Eon turned to look at me and the duchess.

But instead of addressing the duchess, he turned to look at me.

"Shopkeeper, you are our savior. Do you trust the duchess?"

He asked, and I nodded.

I could not say that I knew the duchess 100%, but I knew that I could trust her. She had never betrayed my trust until now.

"The duchess is a trustworthy person."

I told Eon, and he exchanged a look with Nyx and Erebus. Erebus was the one who stepped forward and clutched my pants before he looked up at me.

"I trust you. I want to go with you. Please, take us back with you."

The child asked, and Nyx was not too far behind. They both looked ready to come with me, but Eon kept his step back.

He gave me an almost sad look that made me feel bad.

"Yes, please take care of them for me, shopkeeper. Their safety is of the utmost importance to me as well."

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