Rewinding time slightly, Marie had been listening to Erne's explanation in a stupor alongside her father, Baron Rich. Honestly, while she heard the words, the situation felt so far removed from reality that she struggled to process it all.
Naturally, Marie wasn't the only one in a state of confusion. While having a territory’s divine protection bolstered offered immense benefits, it was effectively a declaration to the world that the Rich Baron House shared an exceptionally deep bond with the Gods. Considering the political headaches this would cause, the Baron felt like burying his head in his hands.
However, this wasn't a suggestion; it was a settled matter. It was a gesture of goodwill from the God Realm—specifically from the Supreme God Life—and the option to refuse simply didn't exist. It wasn't just that mortals couldn't say "no" to the Gods; even if they could, doing so would surely lead to the Baron being ostracized by other nobles for "slighting the divine." The outcome would have been the same regardless.
"The designated area on this map is acceptable, I assume? By strengthening my divine protection over this range, your harvest yields and overall productivity should see a significant rise."
"Y-Ye-Yes... That is perfectly fine."
For the moment, as long as one set aside the social and political ramifications, this was undeniably a net gain for the Rich Baron House.
Even now, they had a slight surplus of Ripples, but both Marie and the Baron could foresee that sales were about to skyrocket. From that perspective, an increased harvest was a blessing... though a large part of them still wished they didn't have to think about the future at all.
"Oh, and while it isn't technically part of my divine protection... it seems the Earth God has also offered her cooperation. She intends to personally modify the soil within the area I’ve blessed. However, since this isn't a permanent enchantment, the soil quality won't be magically sustained forever. Please keep in mind that the condition of the earth may change over time depending on the environment."
"H-H-H-Highness—ma'am!"
What truly saved Marie in that moment was her father's presence. Since he was the head of the house, it fell to him to handle the direct negotiations with Erne. Marie was deeply relieved she wasn't the one in the hot seat.
Watching her father's humble, almost apologetic demeanor, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of gratitude that she wasn't the family's heir.
After they hashed out the finer points—such as the specific timing for the empowerment—the discussion finally wound down. At that point, Erne turned her attention toward Marie.
"...On another note, Marie-san, I see you haven't received a blessing of the God Race yet?"
"Ah, n-no. I... I'm so sorry. W-We didn't quite have the financial leeway..."
"Oh, please, I'm not scolding you. It isn't mandatory, after all. However, it wouldn't do for you—a friend of Miyama-san—to fall ill. Since the blessings bestowed by the Gods, including low-ranking Gods, provide protection against disease, I shall grant you a Temporary Blessing myself."
"Huh?"
"I-In that case, let us pay the standard fee..."
Marie stared blankly at Erne as she made the offer, while Baron Rich instinctively reached for his coin purse. Erne, however, simply shook her head.
"No. It would be beneath my dignity to accept payment after making the offer myself. I require no money. Marie-san, I bestow upon you the Blessing of Fertility."
"Ah! T-Thank you so very much. I-I am truly honored!"
"Henceforth, I shall waive the fee for your Temporary Blessing. When the new year comes, please feel free to join the others who visit to receive their blessings."
Marie once again felt the terrifying weight of being Kaito's friend. Swept along by the current of events, the pair finally concluded their visit to the temple. Both emerged into the sunlight looking utterly spent.
Originally, they had planned to head straight to a clothing store to buy Marie a formal dress, just as they'd discussed on the journey here. However, as they left the temple, they noticed a lavish carriage parked nearby.
"...Is that from the Hamilton Marquis House?"
The Baron tilted his head, recognizing the family crest. At the same time, a maid waiting by the carriage approached the two of them. She bowed deeply and spoke.
"The Master has expressed a desire to speak with you regarding recent events and the path forward."
"A-Ah, I see. I was hoping to consult Marquis Hamilton sooner rather than later, so this is quite timely."
It seemed the Marquis had been monitoring their invitation to the temple and had sent a ride to intercept them. Since the situation was already spiraling beyond the Baron's meager experience, he was more than happy to seek the Marquis's counsel.
Then, he glanced over at Marie. Seeing how she was visibly drained from the tension of the audience with Erne, his fatherly instincts kicked in.
"...Actually, I must apologize. My daughter is quite tired, so I will attend the meeting alone. Marie, I'll go speak with Marquis Hamilton. Why don't you go ahead and buy your dress on the street with the noble boutiques? Here is some money."
"I-I understand. Thank you, Father."
"In that case, we shall drop you off at the shopping district in the carriage. Shall we also arrange for guards to escort you?"
"Ah, no, I usually don't have guards with me, so I'll be fine."
The Rich Baron House lacked the wealth to hire personal security for everyone. Aside from the eldest son and daughter, the younger children had all been trained well enough to defend themselves. Marie was more than capable of handling herself, or at the very least, running away if trouble arose.
Besides, the district they were visiting was lined with high-end shops and was famously safe.
"All right then, Marie. I'll send a message via Hummingbird once the meeting is over. If you finish shopping early, go to a cafe and treat yourself to some sweets. I'm giving you plenty of money, so enjoy yourself and don't worry about the cost."
"Father... thank you."
And so, Marie was left to browse the high-end shopping district on her own.
Serious-senpai: "I see. A fatherly gesture to spare his daughter further stress... It’s beautiful, really. Touching. But the irony is that he’s just released his daughter into the capital—a city where a 'Stomach Pain Monster' with a '100% Accidental Encounter Rate with Acquaintances' is currently wandering about."