Episode 93: Townsperson A and the Villainess Go to Give Their Thanks

The next day, Ana and I headed to the Valley of the Flying Dragons and arrived at the Temple of Wind.

"A-Allen-san, h-hello. Ah, I see your... t-the mate-girl is doing well too."

As soon as I touched down the Vytol Custom in the snow-covered plaza in front of the temple, Jerome-kun came scurrying out to meet us.

"Long time no see! Wait, where’s Melissa-chan?"

"Ah, um, she’s... she’s inside."

"Then let’s head in. Come on, Ana."

"Right."

Following Jerome-kun’s lead, we stepped inside the temple. Once we were through the doors, the air was unexpectedly warm, a sharp contrast to the biting cold outside.

"Oh, welcome, Allen-san. Your mate-girl looks much better, doesn't she? I'm glad."

Inside, Melissa-chan was curled up on a massive bed of grass. She didn’t move her body, only turning her neck to look at us.

"Yeah, thanks to you two. Ana’s fully recovered, so we came to give you an update and say thanks."

"I see. How polite of you."

"The feeling is mutual. It’s thanks to you and Jerome-kun that I was able to save Ana at all. Truly, thank you."

"Don't mention it. We never forget a debt. We were just returning the favor."

"T-That’s right, Allen-san. It was all because of what you did for us."

"Even so, I'm grateful. Also, let me introduce her properly. This is my fiancée, Anastasia. We’re planning to get married next autumn."

I ushered Ana forward. She took the cue and performed a perfectly composed, elegant curtsy.

"My name is Anastasia Kleiner von Ramslett, Allen’s fiancée. Please accept my sincerest apologies for my inability to greet you properly during our previous encounter. Melissa-sama, Jerome-sama—I have been told that you both assisted in my rescue from the Empire, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply sorry for the delay in expressing my gratitu—"

"That’s a bit long, don't you think? Um, is it okay if I just call you Ana-chan? As long as Allen-san’s mate is safe, that’s all that matters. We didn't really do anything that special."

"Melissa-san..."

"But, well, let me tell you one thing. If you ever decide to raze that 'Imperial Capital' place to the ground, you'd better let us know first. I won't forgive you if you go and destroy it behind our backs."

"Eh? What?"

Jerome-kun gave a series of vigorous nods in agreement.

"Melissa-chan, we don't actually have a plan like that right now. I already killed the two main ringleaders. Though, it's not like I've forgiven the rest of them."

"Is that so? Well, whatever. I wouldn't be able to go right now anyway."

"Why not?"

"We’re going to become a papa and mama before you two."

When Melissa-chan said that, she shifted her curled-up body slightly. There, nestled beneath her, was a large white egg.

I see. Melissa hasn't just been lounging around; she’s been incubating that egg this entire time.

"Congratulations, Melissa-chan, Jerome-kun."

"Congratulations to you both," Ana added.

"Fufu, thank you. And Ana-chan, you can drop the stiff way of talking, you know? Just speak normally. You don't need honorifics for me or Jerry, either."

"Oh?"

"I think it’s a good idea," I told her. "Melissa-chan did offer."

"I... I see. Very well. Then Melissa, Jerome—it's a pleasure to be here."

"Fufu. Likewise."

With that settled, Melissa-chan returned to her position, settling back down to keep the egg warm.

"U-Um, would you allow me to offer the two of you a Blessing?" Ana asked. "A lot has happened recently and... well, it’s a bit embarrassing to say, but I’ve become the Ice Saint."

From what I understood, a Blessing was one of the abilities granted to the Ice Saint. It wasn't a source of overwhelming power like the blessing from that perverted god; rather, it was more of a protective charm. It was said to promote healthy growth and provide a bit of protection against life-threatening illnesses.

Neither Ana nor I fully understood the mechanics of it yet, so I figured we’d have to look into it eventually.

"Oh? Is that so? Good for you. But if you’re offering, could you give it to our little one instead? Jerry and I already have the Divine Protection of the God of Wind, so we’re fine. If we ask for too much, we’ll just be asking for divine punishment."

Melissa-chan’s response to the offer was characteristically casual.

"Y-Yeah. I think so too. Please, give it to the baby."

"But..."

"Well, if that’s the case, we’ll just have to come back once the baby is born. Right, Ana?"

"I... yes, I suppose so."

Ana backed down, though she still looked a little reluctant.

"Also, I brought plenty of beef as a thank-you gift. I imagine this is a pretty demanding time for you, right?"

I reached into my Magic Bag and pulled out the massive stash of beef I’d packed.

"Ah! Thank you! Allen-san, you’re the best!"

Melissa-chan didn't hesitate for a second, happily devouring the beef with gusto.

"Oh? Jerry, aren't you eating? If you don't want any, I'm going to finish it all."

"I-Is it really okay?"

"Allen-san brought this for both of us, didn't he? Why wouldn't it be okay?"

"T-Thank you for the food!"

Jerome-kun wagged his tail with joy and joined Melissa-chan, the two of them happily sharing the meat.

By the way, after that, I went to return the Staff of Guidance and took the opportunity to thank the pervert god as well. He put on his usual polite act, saying things like, "I see. Then I shall look forward to the child’s birth."

I have to admit, seeing Ana turn bright red when she heard that was pretty cute.