The goddess's capriciousness was dumbfounding once again.
–However, if you complain about this, you will definitely die.
Haruri had such an intuition.
This chilling feeling that made her feel like she was sitting on pins and needles was as if someone was pointing a cannon at her head.
"Uuuu…"
Haruri was almost crying.
She had no choice.
Ishtar's choice was indeed very arbitrary.
But, when she made this choice, she also sincerely believed that Haruri was the right person.
In a way, this was also a kind of trust.
Looking back at the cruelty of this Holy Grail War, Haruri knew that being Ishtar's chief priestess was no easy task.
Whether it was Alcides's ferocity, Gilgamesh's violence, or the cruel killings between mages.
These experiences were deeply engraved in Haruri's mind.
However, more than these.
What impressed her the most was Ishtar, the goddess of beauty who could shine brightly and carry out her will in any situation.
From the beginning, she wanted to come to this Snowfield City to destroy "mystery."
However, before the Holy Grail War even started.
She was accidentally injured by the Berserker who was summoned, and fell into a near-death state. It was Ishtar who saved her life.
–Even if she would be against this world.
–Even if she stood on the opposite side of humanity.
–If my wish can be fulfilled…
Haruri had been prepared to be crushed to pieces from the beginning.
So, her answer could only be one.
"…Thank you for your high expectations, Goddess. My life was saved by you, Goddess. I am willing to accept whatever arrangements you have for me."
"Eh? Is that okay?"
"Hmm…?"
"Is it really okay for me to do whatever I want with you?"
Even Ishtar herself was surprised.
She didn't deny her own beauty.
But, Haruri was clearly not simply blinded by the light of the gods, she gave her answer in a very rational state.
–The nature of the gods is ever-changing.
It can be a natural disaster, or it can be sweet dew.
For humans, the existence of gods is too vast, like ants facing giants.
More than love and gratitude for the gods.
What humans, as small as ants, see first is always that vast fear that transcends humanity.
So, Ishtar herself was surprised that Haruri gave such an answer.
Even in the ancient Uruk of the Age of Gods, when she made such a request, there were few people who could give such a rational reply as Haruri.
"You, could it be that you've given up on yourself? That won't do, wanting to be my chief priestess, but having such a mindset…"
Ishtar placed her hands on Haruri's shoulders.
Her bright, ruby-like eyes seemed to have seen through the foundation of the girl's soul before her.
In an instant, Haruri's delicate body trembled.
A bleak and desolate premonition welled up in her heart.
Ishtar was right.
The reason why Haruri was able to directly agree to take on the position of chief priestess was because she herself had a death wish.
–My life is already in shambles.
–It doesn't matter how much more it collapses.
This was the reason why Haruri could remain rational when facing such a behemoth as a god.
Whether she lived or died, it made no difference to her.
To put it bluntly, it was outrageous.
Even Haruri herself couldn't help but want to mock herself.
–As expected, I'm going to be killed.
–Someone like me actually dared to try to overthrow the entire magical world with my own strength…
–But, to be able to die at the hands of Lady Ishtar…
At this moment, Haruri was gripped by fear, and had already resigned herself to the fact that Ishtar would crush such an outrageous person as herself–
However, the pain did not reach her nerves.
What she felt was warmth.
The goddess of beauty embraced the trembling girl, encompassing even her tattered heart.
The magical power that filled the ancient Age of Gods overflowed.
Not in the form of oppression as before.
But like being held in the arms of her deceased mother again, the warmth made her want to sink into it.
The warm current of magical energy flowed into every corner of her limbs.
"Ah…"
Haruri felt this level of magical power for the first time in her life.
She recognized such a great being for the first time.
That shock, that emotion.
Made her unintentionally wet her face with tears.
Thanking herself for being fortunate enough to be born into this world, and having the opportunity to witness such a vast thing.
"If you want to sacrifice yourself, I don't care. But, since you have to die anyway, why not choose a happier way to die?
If you are demeaning your life with a self-destructive attitude, then such humans are too cheap. I don't want such a worthless life. As property, it's too degrading."
Ishtar spoke eloquently to Haruri.
Her tone was extremely calm.
Haruri originally thought that she would not be afraid, but when she came into contact with this vast power that even Alcides could laugh at, she realized–
She was so small.
"Are you still afraid of me now?"
"…Yes… yes… I'm still… I'm still… afraid. If I could escape, I would even want to… immediately… run away."
Although she subconsciously spoke the truth because of fear.
But, listening to Ishtar's words.
Haruri had emotions other than fear flowing from the bottom of her heart.
Seeing that even her breathing was becoming so difficult, Ishtar comforted her with a smile, and whispered in her ear:
It seems like a good thing, it proves that you are afraid of losing, and it is the best evidence that you still want to live. If I wanted to kill you, I really wouldn't hesitate at all, but… no matter how others deny it, I bless you in this life."
"…You…bless me…?"
"What are you standing here for? You didn't walk such a long way because you were afraid of me, right?"
"I…"