Extra Story: Mariel’s Resolve

Lady Kaoru has left...

But there was nothing that could be done to prevent this. She has fulfilled her duty here and departed to take on her next task to destroy the enemies of the Goddess. I could never attempt to make Lady Kaoru stay here just for my sake when she was on her way to save so many others. She was the one who had saved me from being deceived into marrying my uncle Aragorn after he murdered my family, after all.

Lady Kaoru is a Goddess herself, not an Angel, as the world believes, and the only ones who know of this fact, other than her five companions, were my household and Baron Dorivell, who seemed to be somewhat aware of it after being saved by her, though he hasn’t said so in any official capacity.

Not only did she save me at the cost of revealing such an important secret, she once again saved me when those with power sought to put me on a pedestal as the beloved child of the Goddess and take advantage of me. Even though I should have handled these incidents personally...

Normally, the Goddess will only bring salvation once. Once the Goddess departs after helping someone, it’s up to them to seize happiness. But I... I am still able to continue using this ability to talk to animals.

...I won! No, that wasn’t right. This wasn’t about winning or losing.

In any case, my position and safety were secured thanks to the precautions Lady Kaoru had taken afterward. Those who heard about a “little incident” at a certain count’s household and in the royal palace wouldn’t dare demand I provide proof of being the beloved child of the Goddess. Those events may have been concealed from the common people, but they were well known among aristocrats and royalty. After all, since there was a possibility that one idiot’s folly could destroy the entire country, it would have been pointless to worry about the king losing face.

And everyone would surely think that the Goddess’s power is not something one should seek to use, but rather is something to avoid in order to prevent one’s own ruin. That certainly wasn’t incorrect. Lady Kaoru has clearly said she would show no mercy to anyone who means her or her loved ones harm...and she said to me, “Of course, you’re one of those people who are dear to me, Mariel!”

Kyaaaaaa~!!! Haah... Haah...

But setting that aside. The Goddess of this world is, of course, Lady Celestine. She is our protector and has warned us of great catastrophes and defended us from impurities. ...She may not be one who minds the details, and doesn’t seem to think too much about each individual human, b-but she can be considered a benevolent goddess. Yes, I think so...

But Lady Kaoru, a Goddess who descended to this world from another realm, has shown her mercy and brought salvation to a lowly girl like me, even though I surely must have looked like a pathetic wretch among lower beings. The Goddess of this world, Lady Celestine, sometimes saved humans on a whim, but was completely uninterested in individual humans, so at times, she would mass murde— I mean, deal with them somewhat harshly.

Comparatively, Lady Kaoru reaches out her hand to those who struggle as living creatures desperately trying to survive. Since I was no divinity but a mere human girl, I wished to— no, had to become bold and benevolent like Lady Kaoru, so I could at least protect and love those around me, such as my retainers and residents of my domain. This was my duty and my own way to express gratitude as someone who was saved by the Goddess.

Yes, I will be just like Lady Kaoru!

And just like Lady Kaoru, I would have a little girl like Layette, a gallant young woman like Lady Francette, and a handsome gentleman like Sir Roland serving me...

...Hehe. Hehehe. Heheheheh...

“My lady...” The butler spoke with a frown, eyebrows furrowed.

This butler was a trustworthy man who had served my family since my father’s generation. He was a truly loyal retainer who didn’t fear saying difficult things or giving words of caution out of fear of upsetting his master. And whenever he spoke with that expression, he was always about to mention something that was difficult to say. I had to make sure to listen well.

“Yes, what is it?”

The butler pieced together his words carefully as if truly struggling to get them out.

“...Has the look in your eyes gotten harsher as of late, my lady?”

What? Huh? Whaaat?

“G...”

“‘G,’ my lady?”

“Gyaaaaaaaaagh!!!”

I...I didn’t want to be like her in that regard!!!

I-In any case, the Goddess of the other world, Lady Kaoru, had given me her favor and the ability to speak to animals, and I would use it to protect and advance my people and domain to live up to her expectations! In order to do that, I would overcome, crush, and trample any hardship or ordeal...

I’ll do it! I, Mariel, will surely see it through!

So that one day, when I see Lady Kaoru again, I can stand tall and proud. Whether that will be in this world or the heavenly realm where goddesses reside...