I cleared the hero exam, beat the scoundrel, and became a hero blessed by many people.
Small birds chirp while traversing under the blue sky of the royal capital.
We're sitting next to each other on the bed, talking about our future plan.
Celica who's wearing a red skirt and a white tunic looks at my face. Her clear blue eyes and swaying blond hair look beautiful.
"Right.... I've thought up many things.... but first I want to hear Celica's opinion."
"Normally speaking, that's what we should do."
After examining Celica's idea for a bit, I say.
"Uu.... Why is it so."
"Eh?"
"I-is such a thing really....!"
"So that was the reason! I thought it was too difficult!"
Celica's thin eyebrows are lowered, she looks sad. Her long blond hair weakly sways.
"Nope, that's not correct. They're very likely cooperating reluctantly because they're being threatened or ordered by their superior. That's why, let's leave the northern region alone for the time being, and endeavor to become a dependable hero whose decision will be followed by people without question."
Celica tilts her head to the side with swaying blond hair.
I put up a finger, and say while posing.
"Y-you're amazing Keika-sama...! To have thought that far! I was naive. It's so wonderful. ...Aah, I'm really glad that Keika-sama is here!"
Celica hugs me with her whole body from the side.
Big round breasts are pushed on me along with her soft body.
The sensation of her breasts deforming is transmitted to me, to the point I'm thinking that she must be doing it on purpose.
Hence, my heart aches.
For now, I have to harden my heart and carry out the plan.
Getting some regions back has a weak impact for becoming a God.
I'll have this whole country knows the name 『Hero Keika』. So do the neighboring countries.
Once every people know my name and feel familiar with me, I'll defeat the demon king.
It's the same here.
Therefore, I have to do one... no, three things huh.
"Thus, first, let's gather some intelligence. There's some places I want to go."
Celica smiled and then she graciously stood up.
First, we went to a church.
That's why I want to meet them and tell them that I'm going to work as a hero--.
Even the Mother Earth Goddess who should be quite powerful had become like that.
That's what I thought.
It has a triangular roof and a stained glass.
It's clear there's a lot of believers.
The air inside is chilly because the building is made of stone.
"This is the the object of worship of God Vanus."
Behind the altar, there's a gallant statue of goddess raising a sword. It has bird-like wings on its back, it's like a sculpture of an angel.
Conversing with our mind, just like when I met Lapisia.
However, I couldn't connect. No matter how many times I tried.
They're either sealed or incapacitated!
Lapisia can be said to be the god's representative, but she's already my believer. Kukuku.
"U-um... Keika-sama? You've had a very evil look on your face, what's the matter?"
"Probably.... Sometimes Keika-sama seems scary."
No no. I can't let Celica lose her belief. I must not betray everyone's trust. I failed in Japan because I didn't take care of my believers, thinking that there's a lot of people anyway.
I gently hold her hand. Intertwining her slender fingers.
"I see.... so it's like that. As expected of Keika-sama."
And then, an old woman suddenly talks to me from the side.
"Aa, good morning. You're really devoted praying here this early."
She ended up thinking it was the work of another god.
Well, this world adopts polytheism, so I will probably get added to the lowest seat once I've piled up achievements.
"Please take care.... Ah, please have this Keika-sama."
Looks like old women in any world carry and share candies.
My rule is to never decline an offering, so accepted hers.
And then I left the church with Celica.
"It was a really popular God."
"Where's the next shrine?"
"No need to go to Rupersia's, let's go to the Sky God's."
My Wafuku's sleeve was pulled when I tried to approach it.
"We're not allowed to eat and drink around the shrine, Keika-sama."
"I-it's fine.... Eating even a few candies takes time doesn't it."
"Then I'll be going alone. It'll be over soon since I'm just checking."
I spat out the candy on Celica's white palm without waiting for her answer.
"You shouldn't waste food right. Then, I'm off."
The shrine looks like a private house inside. There's only two room, each being only able to fit 20 people. There's a small bronze statue in one of those rooms.
Looks like there really is no god. I'll check them all just in case though.
Celica is standing under a tree while looking troubled, "U~."
"Uu... Then how about this candy."
I hold her slender arm and put my face close.
"Eating something you've spat out.... it's dirty."
"Such a thing.... Hyaa!"
I push my lips on her smooth palm. I lick the candy with my tongue.
She was trying to run away, but I grasped her slender wrist tightly as I lick the remaining candy to my heart content.
Her pretty face is red-hot, her eyes are closed.
"Doing this outside.... I-it's embarrassing. Keika-sama."
"I-it's fine already."
"...Yes."
I take her hand so she won't get lost, while thinking just what is it this time.
Celica sighs with her fingers covering her cheeks.
--Yeah, now I can use my power freely!
I'll limit it to something a hero can do at most.
Also, for some reason, Celica who's walking with me looks exhausted.
"Are you tired?"
I got surprised by what she said, I released our hands and patted her head.
"Hauu...."
This princess sure behaves strangely at times, it's cute though. Is what I thought.