abcnovels
Chapter 61:
Chapter 61:
Chapter 61:
When Issei is relaxing in his house along with his wives, Barro comes in.
Barro - Hi, everyone. I'm back from Humpty.
Barro just got back from Humpty to check some things over there for Croix ritual.
Riche - Oh, Barro?
Barro - Sorry to barge in, but I'd like to talk about your next mission.
Issei - Sure, it's fine.
Barro - Great, great. Glad I'm not interrupting anything. I have to say, it's gotten lovely in here.
Barro looked over the living room packed with all the wives and offered Issei an impressed smile.
Riche - Geez, it's still early and you're already on the job. You clearly overwork yourself, Barro.
Barro - Hmm, leaving too much to Acheval would only mean more work for me later, though.
Kathryn - I bet, ahahahaha!
Ramius - You're a <Zero Knight> too, Kath. You should at least help a little...
Barro - Anyway, Issei-kun, as you might know, Princess Croix wanted you to help her with her wedding ritual.
Issei - Sure.
Issei thought why not because he thought of Croix as his family member after all since she's Riche Big sister and all.
Barro - Um, you may already know this, but Princess Croix is known for being a remarkable saint.
Issei - Saints being women who've strongly inherited Mother Eve's blood, right?
Barro - Her magic power far exceeds the average human, such that just standing near her can make you feel like you prayed to Mother Eve... She's like a living church.
Issei - Ah, I know.
He can feel her holy power quite well after all, and just by standing near her it's quite soothing. The same goes for Croix when she's near Issei though, he just doesn't know it yet.
Barro - The Church of Mother Eve say they want to use Princess Croix's wedding to recreate Mother Eve's wedding ritual. The prince of Central and, of course, Princess Croix have agreed to participate.
The ritual will involve using a ship to travel around to Humpty's Islands, and we'd like you to transport Princess Croix using your ship.
Ramius - Then all we have to do is transport her?
Barro - I've taken a look at that ship. It's both fast and maneuverable, much safer than any other ship we could get our hands on. And also to have Issei-kun to guard her personally it will be perfectly safe.
Kathryn - Heheheh, no doubt it is. Our ship's loaded with next-generation energy, conceived of by yours truly.
Riche - Well, it's an uppy named Mr. Edison, but yeah...
Barro - You're supposed to go from Humpty to the State of Hamlet City. Given that's your next destination, I assume there aren't any problems with that.
Riche - Sure, we have to go to Hamlet one way or another. Besides, this is my sister's wedding, so I want to help out somehow.
Issei - Um, I agree with Riche. We'll deliver Princess Croix safely to Hamlet.
Kyou - Hmmm, a wedding ritual, huh?
Kinou - and the destination is Hamlet. Perfect.
Issei - Hm? What is it?
Kyou - Oh, nothing... Nothing at all.
Issei - ...I see.
Issei still felt something was off as the two twins shook their heads, but forgot about it and told Barro they would take the job.
Barro - I'm glad you're interested. Eden's vessels are at the bottom of the ocean, and I'd feel pretty restless on a ship borrowed from Humpty.
Ramius - You seem pretty restless right this second, Barro. There was no need to visit so early in the morning.
Barro - Yes, that's true. But I can't help it, I'm personally invested in Princess Croix's marriage.
Riche - What a loyal Knight.
Barro - Hahaha, well, come to the castle when you're ready. I can tell you the details about the ritual then.
Issei - Got it.
Then Barro went back to castle ahead of them.
Kathryn - Hamlet, huh? It's so far north that I don't have much concept of what it's like up there.
Issei - What kind of place is it supposed to be?
Gurigura - Hamlet's where the Church of Mother Eve's headquarters is located.
Ramius - Have you been there, Gurigura?
Gurigura - Y-Yeah... A few times.
As the party gets their new mission, they turned their thoughts toward the State of Hamlet City.
...
In the darkness, a faint light illuminated a wrinkly old man. The water tank before him contained Jabber, still in his monster form after his defeat by Issei.
SC - Now this is gluttony...
The man, <Snake Crest's> Supreme Commander, watched the monster gradually dissolve and let out an impressed gasp.
SC - Truly repulsive... It's like a reflection of the soul.
However, he couldn't hide the delight in his voice.
SC - Rochefort's envy and Rocinante's greed were just as hideous... BUT IN THAT, THERE IS BEAUTY!... Compared to the swine living their empty lives in Mother Eve's cage, you look far nobler... Now, my <Snake Crest> brethren... Die and become one with me... Huhwahwah, huhwahwahwah!
...
In a dungeon somewhere...
All sources of light were intentionally blocked off, creating a total and impenetrable darkness. Within the darkness could be heard the slamming of metal against tough flesh, followed by someone's agonizing scream.
Man - GYAAAAAAH!
Kuro - ...I thought you might be of little use, but it seems I was mistaken.
Kuro killed almost every Outlaw that managed to get away from Issei's sight.
Shiro - Oh dear, this looks like a mess. I got these fellows together in answer to your request. Are you slaughtering them already?
Kuro - You're here? Hmph, should've gotten me a less useless group then.
Shiro - But these are excellent fighters. Ones who seek strength the same way you do. Just so you know, I'll never find anyone better than them.
Kuro - ...Heal him.
Lackey - Yes, sir.
Kuro - Once he's cured, go hunt some powerful monsters or something to make yourselves stronger.
The rest of the Outlaws silently nodded in fear at the instructions and left Kuro's side.
Shiro - But what made you want to gather allies?
Kuro - Sudden Impulse.
Shiro - Heheh, must be inspired by "Him". The allies he finds for himself becomes stronger at an alarming rate along with himself as well...
Kuro - ...
Shiro - Oh yes, and I believe you might know this already, but I'm told "He" defeated Jabber as anticipated...
Kuro - Well, don't you sound happy about that? If Jabber's dead, you can't make your true Adan's Blood and your plans grind to a halt, am I wrong?
Shiro - Actually, Bolonius has already finished the <Adan's Blood>.
Kuro - Nobody told me about that.
Shiro - I doubt he felt much need to mention it. We don't tell the rest of <Snake Crest> everything we do, either.
Kuro - True. I've known you for a long time and there are still things I won't share with you.
Shiro - That's a shock... I try to be as upfront with you as possible, at least... But, as far as the Supreme Commander is concerned, we're all just pawns in his games, though.
Kuro - Not that I expect you'll let yourself be used that easily.
Shiro - Jabber's corpse has been sent to the Supreme Commander. He's using all the corrupted and transformed admins to give himself power.
Kuro - Much like our crest... The snake that eats its own tail. Better watch out or we'll be eaten too.
Shiro - I wouldn't worry about the tail going without a fight...
Kuro - Have fun with that. All I want to do is lose myself in battle. You can keep your plans.
Kuro vanished into the darkness to once again. Shiro then shrugged and disappeared as well.
The now-silent darkness would again become noisy hours later with the pained groans of monsters.
...
Bolonius - So this is the <Adan's Blood>...
Within the windowless room unchanged by the time of day, Bolonius closely analyzed a drug of his creation.
Bolonius - The desire to attack, kill, ****, and eat humans... I had doubts that monster blood itself contains those instincts, but now...
Despite his doubts, Bolonius had made monster blood into all different varieties of <Adan's Blood> already.
One type caused a loss of self-restraint, one increased destructive impulses, one induced uncontrollable lust... This was only a few types he'd created.
Bolonius - But why is it that the purer monster blood looks closer to human blood?
The perfected Adan's Blood was the same deep red as the blood of human beings.
Bolonius - Who was this Adan that created the monsters? Who is Mother Eve?... It doesn't matter to me now, I suppose.
Bolonius noticed he was getting off track, shook his head, and looked to the bed in one corner of the room.
Bolonius - If it's true that <Adan's Blood> is the key to reviving Mother Eve, nothing else matters.
Bolonius took up the <Adan's Blood> in one hand and walked up to the bed.
In it, a young girl lay. Bolonius brushed the hair off her cheeks, during which he felt the lack of warmth in her skin.
Bolonius - If <Adan's Blood> could even resurrect Mother Eve, then theoretically, it should have no trouble bringing a human back to life.
Bolonius pricked the hard, cold skin with the syringe in his hand.
Bolonius - Now, open your eyes... My beloved daughter... Ophelia...!
The corpse of the girl he'd called Ophelia violently jerked upright.
Ophelia - Ah... Nngh, aaaah...
Bolonius - Ophelia! Do you recognize me?
Ophelia - Ah... Uuuhn, guh... Aaah...
Bolonius - Hrm, what is this massive flow of magic energy? It's like it's flooding into her from all around the world!
Ophelia - AAAAAAAAAH!
Bolonius - Ophe-
*WOOOSH!*
Coincidentally, on the same day Issei decided to depart for Hamlet... One of its towns was consumed by death.
...
The family was gathered in the living room, getting ready for the journey.
Tio - I'm putting all your spare clothes here. You don't want to get sick, so remember to change clothes whenever you sweat too much.
Issei - Um, thanks for everything, Tio.
The clothes Tio handed over was all neatly folded and soft to the touch.
Gurigura - Wooow, my panties smell like outside.
Riche - Don't you typically want to dry underwear away from the sun?
Tio - I made shade out of some washed sheets. It gives them the same smell as a fluffy blanket.
Gurigura - Sniff sniff, eheheh, smells nice...
Riche - Quit rubbing panties on your face, you look like a weirdo.
Ramius - Yes, you shouldn't rub your own underwear on your face. Use Ise's instead.
Issei - ...
Kathryn - That's even weirder!
Tio - Also, Kinou and Kyou left me packed lunches to give to all of you.
Issei - Hm? Are both of them not here?
Tio - No, they said they had some business to attend to and left rather early.
Issei - Oh... Well, knowing them. I doubt there's anything to worry about.
Issei doesn't really have to worry about them both in danger on this world unless the "Naughty" Dragon decided to fight them that is. But if they're in danger he will know right away and vice versa from the mark they share together now. And Issei could just teleport to their location instantly.
While Issei is thinking about the twins, his wives appeared to have finished preparing as well.
Kathryn - Alright, time to go help with Princess Croix's ritual.
Riche - It goes from Humpty to Hamlet, before ending in the Central Empire.
Issei - So, the northern continent...
Kathryn - Anyway, let's go to Eden Castle first and see how this whole ritual's going down.
Issei gives Tio a kiss and Tilt a pat on the head which makes the latter blushed deeply, then both of them saw off the party as they headed to Eden Castle. He already taught the <9 Divines> how to use teleportation so they could be Tio's taxi basically.
On a side note, it seems all of the Kalars already have <Nature/Earth> element inside them. Which is not surprising because they're one with nature in the first place.
The <9 Divines> trained some of the Kalars to be Issei's Elite Guards, although he already told them he doesn't need one. But they insisted, so Issei could only relent to their request. He's about to say no once again but the entire Kalar race gave him a "Puppy eyes" and he's defeated straight away after seeing their pleading look...
The Kalars are linked with Issei's divinity as the True Red Dragon King of Dominance, he doesn't realize he's basically already on par with Gods at this point. He could be called the True Dragon God of Dominance now basically. If Ophis represents <Infinity>, Great Red represents <Dreams>, then Issei represents <Dominance/Supremacy> but he also has a part of the first two divinity as well because of what happened in the past when Ophis and Great Red helped to rebuild his body before.
The Kalars souls are imbued with his divinity and it amplify their bloodlines, strength, comprehension, etc.
That's also why the Kalars bloodlines becoming so strong in the first place because they're affected with his divinity. Even though the Kalars underwent a process of <Rebirth> they are not supposed to be this strong from the get-go.
The Kalars already told Issei about this but he doesn't really care about it since for him as long as they're safe then it's okay. He doesn't care if they become strong or not and for him, every single Kalars are his women and he won't abandon them even if they're weak.
After the Kalars heard his words they are overcome with love and blissful feeling for having a King like Issei and they all swarmed towards him and they all had a very passionate orgy sex soon after that.
The Kalars now has an undying loyalty towards Issei more than ever and if they're asked to kill themselves for him then they would gladly do it, but it's basically impossible to happen because Issei would never ask them to do that, obviously.
The Kalars are also protected by his divinity. The moment they "Died", their soul will automatically go to Issei and start healing themselves until they're back to their top condition.
Issei won't be affected by this in any way since he basically has unlimited <Life Force> now. So in the future, Issei's army will be called <The Immortals> because they can't die unless Issei dies first.
...
Food Stand Man - We're celebrating Princess Croix's wedding with red and white pakapuku mochi, on sale now!
Sales Girl - The Princess Croix Wedding Sale is currently ongoing! Visit as a couple for 30% off on all products!
Issei's party arrived at the capital of Eden to be met with bustling streets.
Ramius - Princess Croix's wedding has gotten everyone in a celebratory mood already.
Riche - People really loves Onee-chan. She's a saint, she's nice to everyone, she's gorgeous... It makes sense.
Issei - Um.
Gurigura - I haven't been to church very much. What do saints do?
Kathryn - If we're being honest, they're walking advertisements for the church. And I guess they inherited a lot of Mother Eve's blood, so they're supposed to have a lot of magic power.
Riche - Onee-chan's magic power is high, that much is true. Thing is, she has no talent for casting magic, so she can't really fight or anything.
Kathryn - Huh, fascinating...'Might not be that she's bad at magic, so much as the kind of magic saints typically use... Or wait, maybe she's just hiding her talent.'
Issei also thought the same thing as Kath because he could feel she indeed has a massive magic power for a human, she's practically way ahead of Rias who's a high-class devil in terms of magic power while Croix is just a human.
If he's about to compare Croix in magic power then as of right now her magic power is on par with Sirzechs. And he doubts that Croix has no talent at all using magic, he could feel just how much holy power she has that even put Michael in the dust. If she were to cast an Offensive Holy Magic then she probably could kill thousands of devil in just one magic cast.
He felt like she's hiding her talent on purpose because she doesn't want to eclipses her little sister, Riche that far ahead. So that's why she doesn't learn any offensive magic spell most likely.
Issei's guess is right. Croix indeed doesn't learn any offensive magic spell because she doesn't want to take all the limelight from Riche and her little brother Philip.
She's already a saint for one and the strongest saint in history at that, so if she were to show the world her magic talent then people will forget Riche and Philip ever existed because of how outstanding she is. And that's still the best scenario... What if people started comparing her with her little sister and brother? That will only make them suffer, so she chooses to feint ignorance about magic by acting she has no talent at all on it.
She always put her family above all else and that's what makes Issei attracted to her very existence because they are so alike. She agreed to marry the Prince of Central just to solidify their kingdom alliance and she also agrees to be the Saint to lessen her father's burden.
Even if someone else were to have the same amount of holy power as Croix but her personality isn't like Croix then they won't attract Issei that much.
Ramius - Those designated as saints by the church travel around to churches to serve as nuns and speak with the church-goers, from what I know.
Riche - Onee-chan says she really just wants to travel and help people in need, but you know...
Kathryn - Yeah, not so easy when she's a princess. And unlike a certain prodigal daughter I know, she actually does her royal duties.
Riche - Yeah...
Issei - Riche?
Riche - Look, there's a beef and honey bun stand here! Let's get some as a gift for Onee-chan.
Issei - Oh, sure.
The party enjoyed the sights of the vibrant city as they headed to the castle where Louin was waiting.
Louin - Is that you, Issei?
Issei - Yes.
Croix - Otouto~
Once again Croix glued herself to Issei but the latter already got used to it so he let her be.
Louin - So you actually came... Haaah...
Issei - Hm?
King Louin slumped his shoulders, lacking his usual sense of majesty.
Riche - Oooh, I see. Father, you're not so happy Onee-chan's getting married, are you?
Louin - Naturally. Were the groom not the son of Emperor Viaries of Central, I would never think of giving my precious Croix away.
Kathryn - ...Was he like this when Riche got married?
Ramius - No, he was a bit shaken up, but mostly acted as he always does.
Louin - I had been deeply concerned that nobody would ever marry Riche, you see.
Riche - Ugh... You were that worried?
Acheval - He was so worried, in fact, that Barro and I were ordered to train up some Knights that you'd approve of.
Barro - But many Knights are so faithful to Mother Eve that they aren't too motivated by lust.
Acheval - Tons of our Knights are really beta, yeah.
Gurigura - What's "Beta" mean?
Croix - It follows alpha and proceeds gamma, I believe.
Kathryn - Nah, it's what you call a submissive guy who doesn't go for girls, as opposed to an alpha male. When it comes to this type of really devout guy, they'd go straight to church to pray after one glance at Ramius.
Ramius - I'd rather not be used as an example...
Barro - It's fine to follow Mother Eve's teachings, but their lack of interest in the competition is rather concerning.
Louin - But Felton's a good-hearted youth, even if he's easily distracted.
Issei - Um... We were told to help with the wedding ritual. What about that? Like, this is one of Mother Eve's rituals, right?
Riche - One of those rituals... Hmmm...
Riche thought back to the various rituals they had seen and frowned.
While Issei's party exploring some Mother Eve's ruins they found out about the rituals that needed to be carried out and they're all become speechless after knowing what rituals it is. But Ramius nodded to herself and noted inside her mind to try it out with Issei when they have another lovey-dovey night.
Louin - That's a look that tells me you know something about these rituals.
Issei - Yeah... We found out about it when we were exploring the ruins we come upon you see...
Gurigura - They're like, y'know... You have to do sex stuff...
Riche - Yeah, but most people wouldn't know what they actually entail.
Louin - The rituals involve recreating actions taken by Mother Eve, as described by the holy scripture in the church's possession called the <Evenicle>.
Issei - Towa talked about that...
Barro - In general, the <Evenicle's> contents are closely guarded by the church, so most of it isn't known to the public.
Kathryn - Well, I can see why they want to keep it secret.
Gurigura - Cause it's so dirty...
Croix - That isn't the only reason details about the <Evenicle> are kept private. They also don't want anyone using the power of the rituals for evil.
Issei - How could they be used for evil?
Croix - Not all the rituals are so carnal. Much of what's been translated does feature that sort of content, however.
Croix started explaining what she knows about the <Evenicle> while still glued onto Issei, it seems everyone in this room is already used to her antics so they automatically ignored it.
Riche - ...I see, so this <Evenicle> thing isn't fully translated...
Kathryn - I'd be very interested in asking the translator why they're only making progress on the sex parts... (AN: For research purposes obviously, Kath ( ) Am I right guys?)
Croix - When someone that meets the proper requirements recreates Eve's actions in one of the many ruins where her power still remains, a miracle-like phenomenon occurs, for some reason.
Issei - A miracle...
Ramius - Like opening sealed doors, or taking away control from your body?
Croix - That's caused by the world trying to revert to how it was when Mother Eve performed those actions.
Riche - What's that means?
Kathryn - Revert in what sense? Like turning back time?
Louin - The world is said to have been made by Mother Eve. As such, the world exists in her service.
Croix - For example, it's believed that the sun rises and sets at the times when it does in order to coordinate with Mother Eve's lifestyle.
Gurigura - If Mother Eve spent a lot of time sleeping, we could be in a world where it's always night...
Croix - When someone with power similar to Mother Eve's takes the same actions she did at the time, the world attempts to return to the state it was in when she was around.
Kathryn - Seriously?!
Croix - Most of the rituals are fairly trivial, but they still have the power to change reality.
Louin - As the <Evenicle's> translation proceeds, we may eventually uncover a ritual that could alter the entire world.
Ramius - If that were to fall into <Snake Crest's> hands, it would be a disaster...
Kathryn - What about the wedding ritual? Is that one safe?
Riche - The three towers are supposed to glow and fill the world with joy... Isn't that how the story goes?
Gurigura - Sounds like change on a global scale to me...
Croix - Don't worry, I've been assured that all the rituals involved in this are harmless.
Kathryn - ...Wait, something doesn't make sense. If they want to keep the rituals a secret, why do this wedding ritual?
Issei is also wondering about that.
Louin - There's a good reason, of course... Issei, you've seen the world with your own eyes now. How does it look to you?
Issei - Hmm? I think this world is quite beautiful... But I've noticed the shadow of the Arthur Tragedy lingering everywhere we go.
Louin - Yes, the whole world remains enshrouded by its darkness.
Barro - Many are even forgetting to pray to Mother Eve. If this goes on, the world will inevitably go down an unfortunate path.
Louin - In order to prevent any such dark turns, we need a miracle that the entire world can see.
Acheval - Croix's marriage to the prince of Central is a decent opportunity, so the church insisted we go through with this.
Croix - Of course, being that I'm as much a saint as I am the princess of Eden, I was happy to oblige.
Louin - And so, I have a request of you, Issei. Help protect Croix until her marriage to Prince Felton is complete. <Snake Crest> provokes people's hatred and desire in an attempt to cause the tragedy known as war.
Barro - If this ritual's supposed to cause a miracle that'll fill the world with love, do you expect them to sit back and ignore it?
Kathryn - ...Probably not.
Issei - Sure, I will protect her with my life on the line. I give you my word.
Issei solemnly agrees to Louin's request and the latter nodded in satisfaction. While Croix felt her heart thumped loudly hearing his promise.
She tightened her grasp on his arm and when Issei look at her, she gave him the best smile she had.
Issei becomes a little captivated by her smile but soon snap out of it and smile at her back. This time it's Croix turn to become captivated by his smile. But she returns back to her sense when she heard Louin's voice once more.
Louin - Um, I couldn't be happier to have you as her guardian... Thanks to your hard work, Eden, Lancelot, El Quixote, and Humpty have been saved from <Snake Crest's> clutches. But Kuro and Shiro I've heard about have yet to show themselves... And more importantly, their Supreme Commander has yet to show his rotten face.
Kathryn - 'Weird comment... Makes it sound like he knows their commander personally.'
Louin - I will forever regret letting him escape during the Arthur Tragedy... I'm sorry you have to be a decoy of sorts to lure him out, Croix...
Croix - Don't feel bad, Father. I care as much about the world as you do.
Louin - But if you'd rather not, you're free to say no. I hear the church has other saints available, albeit not ones as talented as you.
Croix - Father... Enough. You're so persistent... Besides, Otouto already said he will protect me. Right, Otouto~?
Issei - Yes.
Croix - Ehehe~
She smiled joyfully once more hearing his confirmation while Louin felt bitter about it.
Louin - Urk...
Acheval - If you keep offering for her to back out, even the princess will get sick of it eventually. And with Issei as her guardian, no one can hurt her so be rest assured.
Louin - Ahem... Well, that covers the plan that Eden, the Central Empire, and the church had in mind.
Riche - ...Um, Father...
Louin - Yes, Riche?
Riche - I've hated how lax you were in handling <Snake Crest> for a long time... But...
Louin - I understand, but this involves exposing Croix to danger. I didn't know how to explain it to you.
Riche - No, I'm sorry. I... I'm proud you're my father.
Louin - I-I see...
Barro - The ritual will start on <Melancholy>, Humpty's most southwestern island.
Acheval - I'll escort Princess Croix there first. The church personnel should give us some more detailed instructions then. The path to <Melancholy> should be plenty secure thanks to you guys, though.
Ramius - You haven't fully recovered yet, so I'm certainly glad it is.
Issei - Then we'll head to <Melancholy>.
Riche - No way am I letting <Snake Crest> screw with my sister.
Acheval - If they decide to pop out while Croix's with me, I can just take care of them myself.
Ramius - Remember, Shiro is as powerful as you are... Be careful.
The party decided to help with the wedding ritual by heading to <Melancholy> Island in Humpty.
...
The party boarded their ship to set sail toward <Melancholy>.
Issei - So what's <Melancholy> island had to offer?
Kathryn - <Melancholy>, huh? Nothing there but a church, as I recall.
Riche - Yep, it's said that Mother Eve secluded herself on that island, so the church is apparently against construction happening there.
Ramius - That's why there's no city. It's supposedly a peaceful place to live, but it doesn't sound very fun.
Kathryn - They've got no books or magivisions or anything. Sounds like my own personal hell.
Riche - I can definitely agree with that...
Issei - I see.
That does sound kind of boring if you ask him, but at least it's very peaceful.
Gurigura - Know where it is, Ise-nii?
Issei - I checked the map so yeah.
The party set their sights for <Melancholy>, where they planned to meet up with Croix and begin the wedding ritual.
...
The party arrived on the presently-busy island of <Melancholy>.
Issei - So this is <Melancholy> island.
Knight - Princess Croix's ritual is currently underway, so this island is on high alert.
When the party got off the ship, Knights from Humpty appeared and began a close inspection.
Riche - Based off how Mother Eve secluded herself here, they built a monastery for saints and nuns to train at.
Ramius - Men are prohibited from entering under normal circumstances.
Knight - S-Sir Issei the <Zero Knight> from Eden? Your identity has been confirmed. You may pass, sir!
The Knights of Humpty knows of Issei's tales so most of them idolized him a lot, and this particular Knight is one of those admirers. Not surprising because he does save their kingdom after all, and the most well-known about him is the way he fought his enemy and how he could make their only <Thousand Knights> as in Natal to become one of his wives... It's so dominating that just by hearing his tales they feel like their blood boil. Hence Issei is very famous among the circles of Knights as the <Tyrant Overlord>.
The Knight then proceeds to ask a signature from Issei and when Issei gave him one he became so ecstatic if he wasn't on duty right now then he might just start jumping in joy and bragging to his friends.
Issei's wives aren't so surprised seeing all this because they know just how outstanding their husband is.
Ramius - They seem to have installed some serious security for the ritual.
Kathryn - Looks like we'll be okay not patrolling around, then.
Riche - Now, Onee-chan should be here too. Let's head straight for the monastery.
...
??? - This is a monastery devoted to Mother Eve. We've waited for your arrival, Sir Issei.
A beautiful woman greeted the party upon their arrival at the monastery on <Melancholy> Island.
SIlent - My name is Silent, and I'm appointed here as a saint. Nice to meet you.
Issei - Oh, nice to meet you as well.
Silent has long light green hair and aquamarine colored eyes. Her outfit resembles most Saint Issei has seen such as Laurent and Croix. (AN: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/alicesoft/images/6/67/Silent-portrait.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/282?cb=20180921002159).
Saint Silent is a saint of the Church of Eve, responsible for church business in the Hamlet region and in the Central Empire. Due to her seniority and possibly because the Hamlet region is the home of the Church of Eve, she is comparatively powerful in the Church of Eve and is often seen as an associate to Pope Norshin.
In previous years, Silent handled the training of Saint Croix, on Melancholy Island in the Kingdom of Humpty, and was present for much of her ritual voyage to her wedding in the Central Empire.
Silent is a prim, business-like saint, who does her church duties with the utmost professionalism, even the lewd ones. This has certainly helped her in her duties as a saint and with her work and power in the church in general but she has a secret of her own as well... But it will be only known later on.
Issei sensed something about her. He can tell that she has a Dragon Bloodline inside her but it's quite thin. And yes, Issei is right. Her great-grandmother is a Dragon.
While Issei was inspecting her, Silent also does the same thing.
She can feel her Dragon bloodline telling her to submit herself to Issei, and her Saint bloodline also isn't helping much because his very existence is pulling her towards him.
If it's the Issei from before he absorbed the <Orb of Life> then she won't feel this attracted towards Issei.
Fortunately Silent has a good poker face so on the outside, her face is perfectly calm but on the inside, she's feeling hot. She wanted to try to pray towards Mother Eve to ease her desires but the chapel is currently used by Princess Croix.
But unknown to her it will be useless because as long as Issei still near her then her desires for him won't fade away unless she has sex with him but if she does then she will become his forever. Whether in body or soul.
Issei's party also found Croix praying at the altar.
Issei - Oh...
The picturesque sight of Croix leaning over the altar made Issei gasp a little.
Issei - 'She normally comes off as pretty carefree and approachable, but it's like she's a whole different person...'
Issei often saw the church trio from ORC pray but their holiness and the way they pray don't even come close to Croix.
Ramius - It almost looks like she's giving off a heavenly light.
Gurigura - Wow, most people leak rainbow-colored fog when they pray, but Princess Croix's not leaking anything.
Silent - That's because even among saints, Princess Croix is special. Such as emotions as anger or hatred must be largely unknown to her.
Wistful Nun - Aaah... Saint Croix, how wonderful you are...
For some reason, watching Croix caused rainbow-colored fog to rise from the nuns.
Ramius - I can actually see light flowing into Princess Croix...
Issei - Hmm?
Issei looked around and noticed the magic cameras directed at the praying saint.
Issei - Is this being broadcasted on magivision?
Silent - Hai, Princess Croix's wedding ritual has the whole world's attention.
Croix - Whew...
When Croix finally finished praying and sighed, the calm silence was quickly broken.
Film Staff - Okay! Back to the studio. Good work, Princess Croix!
Croix - Thank you, everyone.
The magivision crew began hectically preparing to leave.
Croix - Oh, it's Riche and Otouto! I've been waiting for you!
She didn't stick herself towards Issei this time because there are a lot of unknown people here.
Finally, the rest of the nuns noticed Issei's party and they all blushed deeply seeing his face. Some of them got lost in their thoughts while some of them instantly tried to dispell their desires by praying to Mother Eve.
Riche - So you're finally getting married, Onee-chan. I'll be lonely after you leave us for Central...
Croix - That's not very like you at all, Riche. Besides, you got married even before I did.
Issei - I'm surprised this was aired on magivision.
Barro - As well it should have been. This event is of interest to more than a few people.
Acheval - Hey, there you are, lil bro. Got the princess here safely.
Issei - Oh, yeah.
Barro - According to Acheval, the number of Outlaws seems to have fallen.
Acheval - I asked around in Lancelot and El Quixote, and everyone says they've been enjoying the peace, with barely an Outlaw in sight.
Barro - In Eden, we had Rochefort, who used President Bors as a puppet to bring Outlaws into Lancelot, but now they're both gone.
Acheval - In El Quixote, it's been discovered that Rocinante had been hiding Outlaws inside his shipments. He mostly just worked them to death for no pay in underground factories, though.
Issei - I see.
Acheval - It apparently also reminded that General Poncho guy of how despicable <Snake Crest> really is, so he reinforced domestic security in response.
Ramius - Aniue, it's Pancho, not Poncho.
Acheval - Well, dunno if it's thanks to him or what, but we were never attacked on our way here.
Croix - It was a pleasant journey. The Kalars offered us some delicious tea and they for some reason treated us really good.
Mertel only sends the Kalars who still haven's underwent their <Rebirth> process because they don't want to attract too much attention as of yet. And of course, they will treat them that well because some of them are their King family member after all.
Issei already informed the Kalars about Croix's party so they are very prepared to receive them well.
Kathryn - Sure sounds like you had fun...
Barro - But now we have to start taking this more seriously. My question is, where is it that all these Outlaws are hiding to begin with?
Silent - ...Apologies for the interruption, but I'd like to talk about the wedding ritual now, if I may.
Silent just tried to pray to Mother Eve along with the other nuns but it's useless. The moment she comes near Issei once more, her desires flared back right away.
The other nuns are still fine because they're not a saint nor do they have a Dragon blood inside them so they can still hold it in albeit barely...
Acheval - Whoops, that time already?
Silent - Princess Croix is to follow what is written in the Evenicle and repeat Mother Eve's actions. And where I'd like you to take her first is... A detour.
Issei - Oh, a detour? So it's not for the ritual?
Silent - The wedding ritual follows the story of how Mother Eve realized her love for the First Ancestor and pledged to be with him.
Riche - And that story starts in <Melancholy>, yeah.
Silent - Looking at the First Ancestor's face made Mother Eve's heart ache, distressing her to the point that she hid away on this island for several years. This part of the story has already been recreated.
Riche - Onee-chan did spend about a year training here.
Silent - Saint Croix laboriously studied the church's teachings with the rest of the nuns.
Wistful Nun - Princess Croix is especially talented, even for a saint.
Croix - Ugh, there wasn't even a magivision here. I was so lonely...
Silent - And while she was here, Mother Eve worked up the determination to return to the First Ancestor's tower, but... She kept coming up with excuses not to, instead of going on numerous detours, which we need to recreate.
Kathryn - Basically, we just need to go around to the places Mother Eve visited, in order?
Silent - Yes, that's correct. Has everyone who plans to travel with Princess Croix arrived?
Barro - I'll take over escorting the princess now. But since I'll be busy watching her, you'll have to deal with any sea monster attack yourselves.
Issei - Sure.
Barro - In the event that anything happens, I have to prioritize getting Princess Croix to safety over helping any of you. Keep that in mind... Not that I need to be worried about you, Issei-kun, but it's better to be safe rather than sorry.
Issei - Um, agreed.
Ramius - We'll try to ensure it doesn't come to that.
Acheval - It's all on you guys. I need to go back to defend Eden.
Issei - Ah, take care. So that means it's just us five then?
Mr. Edison - Uppy!
Issei - Oh right, and you as well.
Kyou - Don't forget us.
Kinou - We brought tea that helps with seasickness. Our best teacakes, too.
Issei - Oh, thanks. So why are you both here again?
Gurigura - Considering the security at the harbor, I'd say sneaking in wouldn't be so easy...
Kyou - Hm? We just walked across the sea. No need for harbors.
Kathryn - Guess security wouldn't help much with that.
Kyou - But I'm exhausted after all that walking. If you're going to Hamlet, let us come along for the ride.
Kinou - And to answer your question, Hamlet is home to some very tasty salt. We'd like to get some for our kitchen table.
Issei - Hee, is that so? I need to try this salt you're talking about later, but, we're on a mission...
Croix - I don't mind at all. It's nice to meet you, Otouto's wives.
Kinou - Kyou... What do we do? This girl has some giant titties.
Kyou - Don't be rude. Rub them for her.
Kathryn - Rubbing them would be ruder than anything... I'm glad Ise isn't perverted like you two though...
Issei body twitched hearing Kathryn words because he was a super pervert just like them before...
He smiled wryly to himself and decided to tell them about his past later on.
Barro - A request from the Witches of the Round Table themselves? It would be awfully disrespectful not to listen.
Riche - Barro sounds okay with it, but his face looks a little tense...
Ramius - They're Witches. Even <Zero Knights> couldn't do much to challenge them.
Kyou - Well, Ise is even stronger than us both though.
Barro - ...
Barro body stiffens hearing that but soon he bitterly smiled to himself because even now he still doesn't know just how strong Issei is. And the more he knows about him the more mysterious he is to him, and from the twins said he's even stronger than them both...
Issei - Hmm...
Kyou - It'll be fine. Just think of it as a honeymoon and enjoy our company.
Riche - There's plenty of space on the ship, so what's the problem?
Kinou - We're forbidden by QD from engaging in combat, but we're at least allowed to defend ourselves, so don't worry about us. And this is also a perfect opportunity for you all to train because the monsters at the sea are quite strong after all.
Kyou - Kinou's right.
Ramius and co. also nodded to themselves because this is indeed a good opportunity to train themselves because they need real combat experience not just training against a dummy.
They all already checked their level from the level up shop and they all have already reached LV.54 at this point, Issei used the coupon he got from the shop and his level went up from 67 into 75. Well not that surprising because the monsters and Outlaws he killed so far is too weak to make his level go higher than that.
Issei smiled gently towards them after seeing their determination on getting stronger, but his smile is almost like a finisher for the nuns and Silent as well. Some of them are having a nosebleed and they hastily excuse themselves to return to their own room.
And for comparison sake, Barro and Acheval Level are around 80.
Issei - If you insist, then. Glad to have you around.
Silent - Is everything settled? In that case, could you go to the Kadomatsu on Fervor Island first?
Issei - Fervor... That's where the Sugarcube factory was...
Silent - The magivision crew and I will be taking a ship provided by Humpty.
Croix eyes shined hearing that there will be only Issei's party on board their ship because that means he can get her dose of Otoutonium soon.
Issei - Are they broadcasting there too?
Silent - Of course. This is a major event for the church. They saw to it that this was all prepared in advance.
Issei - I see.
Silent - Please depart as soon as you're ready.
Saint Silent gave a proper bow to the group, then rushed off alongside the film crew like she's running from something.
On her room at the ship, Silent hastily masturbate herself because she's really at her limit back there. The same goes for some of the nuns at the monastery.
Issei - Alright, so the Kadomatsu on Fervor Island...
The group began preparing to take on the wedding ritual.
Along the way to Fervor Island, Croix instantly glued herself to Issei the moment they're on board. She keeps humming happily.
Issei just watched Ramius's party fought all the monsters that got on board their ship.
Every monster who come close to his position and Croix are killed instantly, Kyou and Kinou are preparing the table for their snacks time.
Barro felt like they're on a picnic rather than a mission as of now because there isn't any tension at all during their trip until he finally just give up on caring and got into a relaxing mood as well. Not like he needs to be on alert when Issei is right beside Croix the whole time which is the safest place in this whole world if he might add.
...
Gurigura - Wow... What a crowd!
What the party saw on Fervor Island was a massive swarm of tourists.
Trendy Girl - That must be the ruins of the Sugarcubes Factory they're rebuilding.
Lively Salesman - Who wants some local Humpty pudding?!
Kid - Mom, where's Mother Eve?
Kathryn - Hey, how's security supposed to work when they let all these tourists in?
Gurigura - You have to pass a strict inspection at the harbor. As long as they're prevented from bringing anything dangerous in, I think it's okay.
Croix - Eheheh, this looks like a lot of fun.
Ramius - They're all here for an event based around you, Princess Croix...
Riche - Ise, let's head to the Kadomatsu before anyone notices my sister.
Issei - Alright.
The party pushed through the bustling crowd on their way to the Kadomatsu.