Chapter 94

“Honestly, I have no idea why the Dwarves are researching the Gate.”

The reason is pretty simple. The Gnomes have Gates that they don’t have.

The Gnomes are openly trading with other worlds and acquiring all kinds of things, while the Dwarves can’t do that.

I’m not sure exactly what the Dwarves are trying to achieve by opening the Gate.

However, I’m certain of one thing.

Sometimes, religion becomes more dogmatic over time. Even if it doesn’t become completely dogmatic, some parts of it can become non-negotiable.

If we talk about the Church, it’s about the beings they believe to be gods. And the words said by those beings, and the words chosen by those beings.

Denying that means from that moment on, you’re a heretic, and if you actively try to refute those words, you might even face extinction.

Massacres justified by religion are already overflowing in the world. Fortunately, in this fantasy world, it’s a bit less, but that wasn’t the case in the world I lived in.

The Dwarves don’t know our world.

And that Gate emerged right in the heart of our world, in Seoul.

The beings that crossed over were all armed individuals. They were already dead, but that makes it even more suspicious. Is there a reason to arm the undead again? It seems more plausible that they were armed and waiting before dying.

I can’t be sure, but I can certainly be doubtful. Of course, it was a sensitive topic to bring up in this place.

“The Princess has exceptional magic power compared to other Dwarves. Dwarves simply don’t use magic power by releasing it. They draw delicate circuits, and those circuits intertwine to create a great function. Therefore, the more magic power someone has in their body, the better magic they can perform.”

“…….”

The Princess pondered for a moment before setting down the cup she was holding.

“So, that means it’s not just intel, but a prophecy? Is that what the ‘God’ you believe in has told you directly?”

Of course, it’s absolutely not true.

What I provided was merely an opinion I analyzed based on information I found in novels.

They worship beings saying that the power to create Gates is divine.

And they think they should conquer all worlds with that power.

In their eyes, the Dwarven Princess could be an excellent ‘tool.’ So to speak, a walking magic device.

…Yeah.

The reason for creating such a ‘magic device’ was explained in just one way in the novels. To create Gates in this world.

I can’t be sure whether a magic device can only be created by someone’s power or if it can occur naturally, but one thing is certain—it can be created.

“…….”

The Princess brushed her face.

“Are you planning to create a Gate to step into our world?”

“……Even if I say no, I’m sure you already suspect otherwise. Those who follow a religion tend to think that way.”

That was a somewhat interesting statement.

“Does that mean you’re not sure?”

“I’m not a fool who worships power as if it’s a god.”

Oh.

Ria beside me frowned slightly, but I was rather intrigued by the Princess’s words.

Does that mean there’s room for negotiation with the Princess?

“What kind of work is your ‘religion’ trying to undertake?”

“Well, it seems your god hasn’t told you that.”

While it seemed somewhat mocking, I didn’t really mind. Because the truth is, it never has.

“Are you by any chance planning an invasion or a crusade?”

“…….”

Snap.

The Princess covered her forehead with her hand and gazed up at the ceiling.

If she did have a god, she would have surely said something like “Oh, my God,” right there.

*

“I just wanted to mention that I’m on the side aimed at preventing war. Honestly, it’s quite troublesome for me to be exposed like this.”

Indeed.

Once the possibility of war arises, there would be those on our side who would proactively want to act.

No, that’s a normal response. Even if they don’t send armies pouring over the border blindly, they’d certainly be preparing artillery and redeploying troops, glaring at the enemies.

“It seems the Princess is skeptical about the chances of winning.”

“More than being skeptical, it’s because I’m scared since I have no idea what the enemy’s strength is. I can’t tell if we’ll win or lose.”

The Princess sighed deeply before pouring herself another drink and taking a shot.

Her face had slightly flushed. She didn’t exactly seem drunk, though.

Alcohol might help forget all rudeness.

Looking at how the Princess’s attitude was slightly loosening up, it seems that the Dwarves’ saying about the dangers of getting drunk isn’t universal.

“At least one good thing is that our priests are very cautious of you. Some are even fearful.”

“Because of my power?”

“Yes, thanks to your power. I actually want to thank you for that. In normal circumstances, I shouldn’t have to express such gratitude.”

The Princess raised her cup.

“Then, do you trust me?”

“……Well, I’m not really someone who worships power itself. I can’t be sure whether the being you follow is truly a god or just power. Even if it is such a being, who’s to say it’s for our sake?”

Wow.

Every word I spoke seemed to stimulate my inner thoughts.

Of course, the Princess was half-heartedly flinging those words around. If she’d been a diplomat from our world, she would have welcomed me with open arms; if she were from a stricter Church faction, they would have definitely been offended.

I wasn’t any of those, but at the same time, it intrigued me.

To be honest, I worried that she might be stiff like the Church, ready to shout heresy the moment I uttered anything incorrect, making things incredibly complicated.

“So, how about the King? Is he on the side preparing for war, or is he someone who wishes to live peacefully?”

“Whichever it is, he definitely supports the creation of Gates.”

The Princess answered somewhat neutrally.

“Regardless of whether we go to war or not, we have to be wary of the Gnomes. Additionally, the reason we cannot trade is also that we can’t transport the equipment into the Gnome territory and dump it into the Gate.”

“…….”

I thought for a moment before speaking.

“Then how do you feel about the talk that you might get kidnapped?”

With that, the Princess seemed to ponder for a moment, closing her mouth before saying,

“……I’m scared. Whether you meant that as a threat or were genuinely worried. I doubt the final objective would be anything for the Dwarves.”

“…….”

Mentioning the Princess’s end didn’t sit well with me. It felt like I was stepping dangerously close to making an emotional threat.

But.

“It could very well be for the Dwarves. After all, your safety brings them hope.”

That was all I managed to reply.

The Princess stared at me intently.

“And I’m not against the Dwarves creating Gates.”

“If that’s the case…?”

“The technology to create those Gates is something I need too.”

More precisely, it’s something Glaria needs.

I still can’t tell what exactly those beings wishing to create Gates are aiming to do, but it’s incredibly unsettling that they can do things we can’t.

If they can create Gates, couldn’t they also know far better ways to close them than we do?

“Are you suggesting I hand over the technology? As in, at the cost of my life?”

“No, it means I’m seeking to establish a mutual exchange. If I can help resolve an issue for the Dwarves, then I hope they would be able to help me when I need it.”

“…….”

The Princess looked at me once more, as if regarding me as a strange being.

*

“Are you okay with that?”

I asked Ria as we came out after the meeting with the Princess.

“What?”

“……Your power.”

Ria opened her mouth as if a bit worried.

“Your power is something everyone covets. You may say you want the Princess’s power, but still, you definitely can’t use your power politically. And also, come on, you set a task for someone who’s worried about you like it’s a test.”

“…….”

“Isn’t it better to be compensated for your strength? You’re just giving without receiving—”

“Ria.”

I gently placed my hand on Ria’s shoulder.

“…….”

At my words, Ria immediately fell silent.

“I won’t say it’s okay anymore.”

I spoke as softly as I could.

“Instead, let’s say thank you. Thank you for worrying about me, Ria.”

“Uh, okay.”

Ria seemed a bit dazed as she answered, not expecting that response from me.

“Then, you won’t trust me?”

“…….”

“If I thought I couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t even start.”

“……Come on. What am I supposed to say to that?”

“You just have to say that you trust me.”

Ria laughed out loud in disbelief.

I shrugged and confidently turned around.

And as I walked on, I said,

“Then, shall we go see what the Princess truly desires? I mean, it’s only natural that she wouldn’t believe it without proving my power.”

*

“…….”

And then, I met the Dwarven priest.

And I—

“……So, are you regretting it a bit?”

“……Please don’t make me speak. My head hurts.”

“Surely you should take the money, right?”

“Ugh.”

As I listened to Ria teasing him, I cradled my head in my hands.

No way.

What kind of religious temple is located in some corner of a mine?