Chapter 53: A Visit from the Old Elf, Potimas
Inside the bustling town, every resident wore a smile of pure happiness. The streets were filled with the heavy traffic of horses and carriages, and pedestrians moved in a never-ending stream.
"Step right up, take a look! Divine Beast Lord plushies! A one-to-one recreation of the Divine Beast Lord!"
"Don't pass it by, don't miss out~"
"Divine Beast clothes, Divine Beast bags, Divine Beast cookies—we have it all!"
The vendors lining the streets shouted enthusiastically, using the "Divine Beast Lord" as a brand to sell their wares. This had led to a massive improvement in the economy of the entire County of Keren.
The "Divine Beast" phenomenon continued to escalate, gradually spreading to the surrounding territories. The pilgrims coming to worship became more numerous and extravagant; even kingdom nobles traveled thousands of miles just for a glimpse of the Divine Beast Lord. The line of pilgrims stretched all the way from the deep mountain shrine to the city gates—a spectacle so grand it left people speechless.
For a time, the entire country praised this miracle that had fallen from the heavens. Not only had it resolved the disease crisis in the county, but it had also brought about a golden age of prosperity.
"Ah... what a holy posture..."
Shirazawa lay sprawled in front of the offering table, lazily munching on an apple. He didn't understand how his "slacking off" pose could look holy to anyone, yet it drew worship from so many. There were even famous painters sketching him to hang on walls; he had effectively become the iconic image of the County of Keren.
Shiro secretly stifled a laugh and hid one of the sketches, planning to hang it in her room later. That would definitely be fun. *Shirazawa's dark history, hehehe...*
...
Meanwhile, at the Count's estate.
"Dear~ the Divine Beast Lord is as energetic as ever today."
The Countess, having just returned from worship at the shrine, looked gratified, a kind smile playing at the corners of her eyes and lips.
"Mmh..."
Count Keren sat by the window, looking down at the official documents in his hand, speaking absentmindedly. The Countess walked over and followed his gaze. "What's wrong? Something on your mind?"
Keren put down his pen and leaned back against his chair with a sigh. "The Kingdom of Ohts has sent envoys to protest, demanding that we hand over the Nightmare of the Labyrinth. They even claim that ownership of the monsters belongs to them."
The Countess furrowed her brows, a hint of anger appearing on her beautiful face. "That's absurd. How can anyone 'own' a monster!"
"That may be so..." Geren shook his head, his expression grim. "But the Ohts fortress in the labyrinth was destroyed by those two spider monsters—the Nightmare of the Labyrinth. They claim they must be brought back to their country to face punishment. They're just using it as an excuse!"
The Countess was indignant. "The Divine Beast Lord does not belong to any country; its ownership belongs to the Goddess!"
Keren rubbed his temples. "I know. Although I tried my best to persuade them, their 'interest is not in the wine'—they are dead set on taking them back."
"I won't agree, Dear. You surely won't allow them to snatch the Divine Beast Lord away, right?" the Countess asked, looking up.
Keren gave a bitter nod. "Don't worry, I'll find a way to resolve this." Faced with his wife's expectant and persistent gaze, Keren ultimately conceded.
*Knock, knock!*
"Master, guests from the Elf race have arrived to visit." The butler knocked on the door and reported respectfully.
*The Elves?* Keren raised an eyebrow. *What are the Elves doing here? Is it also for the Nightmare of the Labyrinth?*
"Show them in," Keren ordered.
A moment later, a blond man with long ears, dressed in a white and green robe, stepped into the room.
"I am the Patriarch of the Elves, Potimas. I hope the Count does not mind my unannounced visit today." Potimas apologized politely to Keren.
Keren was startled upon hearing this and hurriedly rose to greet him. He hadn't expected the Patriarch himself to visit; this was a complete surprise!
"Not at all, not at all! Having the Patriarch visit makes my humble home shine with glory!" Keren said politely. "May I ask what brings you here?"
As he spoke, Keren gestured for the guest to take a seat. Potimas didn't stand on ceremony, sitting down while leaning on his magic staff.
"I came this time to see the Divine Beast Lord who has been the talk of the town lately." Potimas paused, his eyes flickering strangely as he looked at the cute baby girl beside the Countess. He continued, "Your daughter is truly lovely. Might I ask her name?"
The Countess smiled gently. "Sophia."
Potimas nodded and leaned in slightly. "So her name is Sophia..."
In her cradle, Sophia blinked her charming ruby-like eyes. Looking at the elegant and seemingly easy-going Elf man, she felt an inexplicable sense of oppression in her heart.
*So those two spiders were sent by Ariel to protect you... She really is thorough.*
*It seems she has also realized the existence of reincarnators?* Potimas thought to himself, a dark, obscure glint flashing in the depths of his eyes.
"Well, today's visit has been a success. I shall take my leave now; I will come to trouble you again next time." Potimas stood up and bid farewell to the Geren couple.
After seeing the guest out, the husband and wife both frowned. There was something odd about the Elves coming to look for the Divine Beast.
Sophia felt terrible at the moment. Her intuition told her that this Elf definitely harbored ill intentions. But since she couldn't speak, there was nothing she could do but watch him leave.
Actually, she couldn't say she could do *nothing*—she could still cry.
"Waaaaah—!"
A crisp, loud cry rang out in the quiet room, startling the couple.
"What's wrong, little baby? Are you hungry?" The Countess spoke anxiously, quickly coming to the cradle to pick up the child. The little girl was wailing, and upon seeing her mother, she sobbed aggrievedly.
"Oh, there, there. I'll get you something good to eat," the mother coaxed.
*Uh... that's not what I meant.*
"Waaaah—mph..."
...
"Pervert! H-monster! Lust-demon! Jerk! ...You're still looking!"
"Ouch, ouch, ouch..."
"Let go! I was clearly looking at Potimas, alright?"
Inside the shrine, Shirazawa crouched on the ground, holding his ears with an innocent expression. He didn't understand how the once gentle and cute Shiro had become so fierce and violent.
Shiro stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "From now on, I'm in charge of scouting. You just focus on being your 'Holy Man'."
"Oh," Shirazawa muttered, hanging his head.
*Man, you say don't look, so I don't look? Do I, Shirazawa, have no dignity? Sigh... when can I finally turn into a human? A spider's life is so boring...*
...
Just as the two were bickering, a commotion broke out among the crowd in front of the shrine.
A pot-bellied, short, fat man—acting haughty and surrounded by guards—forcibly pushed aside the neatly queued citizens and stepped forward.
"Are you two the ones they call the Nightmare of the Labyrinth?"
The pudgy man looked down his nose at the two spiders. "To think the fortress was destroyed by two bugs. Unbelievable."
*Who is this guy?*
The two spiders were filled with "Black Man Question Mark" memes.
"Well, whatever. It doesn't matter. Feel honored; from now on, the Kingdom of Ohts will be taking care of you." He spoke with an air of command that made one's blood boil.
"Inexcusable! How dare you disrespect the Divine Beast Lord!"
"Devout believers, grab your tools!"
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