How the Cult Saves the World

It's been three days of us staying in the mansion. At first, I thought of this as a light-hearted vacation, a chance for sightseeing and relaxation. But today, I had to train with my grandmother during the day.

'I'm dying.'

My mind and body were so tired I didn't want to do anything. I finished a quick meal and collapsed onto the bed. Of course, lying down didn't mean I was completely resting. Even now, my head was buzzing with complicated thoughts.

'How do I make my grandmother a believer?'

Last night's conversation with her left me worrying that I might be a nuisance.

But even so, I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. Even if she kept refusing, I truly wanted to save her.

Somehow, I had to make her a believer.

'The question is, how?'

If it were someone else, not my grandmother, I wouldn't have to think this hard. I could use the leader's uniform or play the title option that was fan service---winks, waves, even finger hearts. But...

'No way. I'm not using those tricks on my family.'

The same went for my mother and Sevenus. It just felt repulsive. Besides, fan service wasn't foolproof. It wasn't a guaranteed way to turn Helena Holden into a believer.

'So...is there really no way out?'

As I wrestled with this seemingly unsolvable problem-

Knock, knock.

The bedroom door opened.

"Levi, are you sleeping?"

The person who stepped in was Sevenus, looking as polished as ever.

"No, I'm awake."

I sat up from my sprawled position and looked at him. Over the past few days, I'd only seen him during meals.

I'd heard he was learning work from our grandmother, who was mentoring him on her duties. Since Mother was busy, this was the first time in a while that he'd come to spend time with her while learning the ropes.

"You look exhausted."

Sevenus noticed my gaunt face and looked worried.

"Yeah. I guess the training earlier was a bit tough."

Come to think of it, my grandmother managed to train me while also teaching Sevenus her work. How was she so physically fit?

While I thought about these trivial things, Sevenus sat down in a nearby chair.

"But I heard from Grandmother that you're improving quickly. Just hang in there a little longer---it'll be over soon."

I blinked at him. Why was he here at this hour?

"Brother, what brings you here? Do you need something?"

I barely managed to stifle a yawn as I asked. Sevenus, however, grew slightly serious.

"Well... Levi, I just wanted to ask you something."

"Yes? Go ahead."

"What is the doctrine of the Kyros Church?"

I was a little taken aback. Was Sevenus asking about the Kyros Church? Did I hear that right? I couldn't believe it, but Kyros reacted before I could.

-Oh, no way! Your brother's finally interested in me!

'Aay, no way.'

That couldn't be true. I told Kyros firmly and spoke up.

"The God of Beauty, Kyros, is equal and kind to everyone. The doctrine teaches that 'all life is precious'. And that Kyros is always with the believers of the Kyros Church."

I smiled warmly, the same way I did when speaking to other believers. After the short sermon, Sevenus nodded slowly, as though coming to a decision.

"I see. So there's no discrimination within the Kyros Church?"

"Huh? Discrimination?"

"Yes, Levi, you're my brother and part of the proud Holden bloodline. But in the Church, you're just a priest. Isn't that right?"

Ah, is he worried about me after all? But I thought I gave him a lot of confidence.

I shook my head, trying to suppress a bitter smile.

"Not at all. The Kyros Church does not discriminate against anyone."

"Yes, that's good. I...I was just curious about where you're staying, Levi."

Sevenus said this and then abruptly stood up. What was that about? Was that really all he had to say? And why did he suddenly stutter?

"Well, anyway, have a good sleepl. I'll head out now."

"Oh, yes. Good night, Brother."

Sevenus piqued my curiosity, quickly greeted me and left the room. His behavior was oddly strange.

-I'm telling you, I'm right, child! Your brother is definitely interested in me!

'...I don't think that's what it is.'

Knowing Sevenus, who never expects much from others---let alone from a god---it seemed like making him a believer would be an uphill battle.

I shook my head and got up. My body and mind were worn out, but my thoughts were swirling too much to rest.

Instead of lying back down, I set up a portal in the corner of the room. Kyros chimed in.

-Hey, it's late! Where are you going?

'Oh, just somewhere that'll help me clear my head.'

I replied to Kyros and thought of the Temple of Rovel. As I stepped through the portal, the familiar view of the high priest's office came into sight.

'When your mind is cluttered with thoughts, there's no better remedy than sitting quietly in a temple.'

The temple at night had a special charm---quiet, serene, and deeply connected to nature. Standing in the high priest's office, I gazed out at the view and opened my inventory.

After some thought, I put on my cognitive dissonance glasses, donned my leader's uniform, and stepped out.

-Wow, you look amazing! That uniform makes you even more dazzling.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Really?"

-Definitely! Maybe it's your smooth skin, but white suits you so well. You look incredibly good in the priest's uniform and glasses.

I couldn't help but smile at Kyros's praise.

'Of course, I do. It's all thanks to you, Lord Kyros.'

-Oh, is that so?

After this brief exchange, I arrived on the first floor of the temple.

"Huh? Leader?"

I ran into Alphius, who was walking down the hallway with documents in hand.

"Alphi, how have you been?"

As soon as he saw me, Alphius's face lit up. He smiled brightly and ran toward me.

"Yes! How have you been, Leader?"

"I've been doing great, of course."

I smiled as I gently ruffled his hair. Children are always so endearing.

"Oh, right!"

Alphius's eyes widened as if he'd just remembered something. He quickly covered his small mouth with one hand and whispered softly.

I chuckled at how cute he looked, and his whispering continued.

"Come to think of it, a knight from the Holden family has been visiting the temple these past few days."

I was surprised by his words. A knight from the Holden family? Visiting the temple?

"...Really? Who?"

"He's a handsome man...I don't know his name."

There were quite a few handsome knights in the Holden family. I patted Alphius's slightly drooping shoulders.

"Got it. Thanks for letting me know."

"Oh, he's probably in the prayer room right now. You should be able to see him if you go."

"Alright, Alphi."

I patted his head once more and walked away. Originally, my plan had been to sit quietly in the temple garden to clear my thoughts, but now I was curious.

Without hesitation, I headed straight for the prayer room.

It was already early morning, and the temple was silent, with no believers moving about. But, a faint light seeped out from the prayer room.

Someone might be praying diligently, so I decided not to enter right away and instead went close to the window. From there, I could peek inside and wait until they were done with their prayer before going in.

Through the window, I spotted a single believer. His short golden hair and green eyes were instantly recognizable.

'...Fanatic?'

It was the guy who had treated me like a savage back at Holden's. Sure, he was handsome---if you judged purely by his face.

But since when did he become a believer?

As I tried to make sense of it, Kyros chimed in.

-Ah, I heard that child's prayer recently.

'Oh, really?'

-Yes, it's been around a week.

This was unexpected. I never thought Fanatic would end up as a Kyros believer.

As I stood there thinking, Fanatic suddenly looked directly at me, locking eyes.

'Oops.'

Was I wearing my glasses properly? I instinctively reached up to adjust them and confirmed they were in place.

I let out a small sigh of relief. But in the next moment, Fanatic disappeared. Just a few seconds later---

"L-L-L-L-Leader?!"

I turned toward the voice and saw Fanatic running toward me, his hair disheveled.

"Oh, hello. I am Fanatic, a knight of the Holden family."

He stopped in front of me, bowed deeply, and greeted me. I was taken aback for a moment by how different he seemed from the unruly figure I remembered at the mansion, but I didn't let it show.

With a kind smile, I returned the greeting.

"Nice to meet you, Brother."

Still, I had to admit he looked good even in casual clothes---clearly, he wasn't a knight for nothing.

While I was indulging in these idle thoughts, Fanatic began rambling nervously.

"I-I-I-I... Thank you for saving me from Sercion! I've wanted to thank you ever since, but I could never find the chance. That's why I've been visiting the Temple often, but it was so hard to meet you."

He scratched the back of his neck, visibly flustered, and avoided making eye contact.

"Oh, I see. I've been busy with many things... Still, I'm glad you came to see me."

I spoke calmly, maintaining my smile. At this, Fanatic's eyes teared up, like a fan meeting their idol for the first time.

'...Huh?'

Then he sobbed.

"L-Leader, thank you so much. You helped me and the other knights back then, and even saved our Master Sevenus. I was captivated by your great power and beauty at the time, and I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I came to believe in Kyros because of that."

It felt strange to receive such heartfelt gratitude from Fanatic. Hearing him speak not only of power, but also of beauty, was...unexpected.

If even someone as narcissistic as Fanatic could admit it, then the power of Kyros, the God of Beauty, must indeed be immense.

Though slightly embarrassed, I couldn't help but smile at his words.

"Ah, I see, Brother. I'm also very happy to have you as part of the Kyros Church."

An increase in followers was always a good thing, and I responded with a commercial smile.

"Ah... By the way, Leader, you truly are beautiful. There aren't many people more beautiful than me, but even among them, you are one of a kind."

This guy... Stop it already.

"Oh, uh, thank you."

I smiled because it was so embarrassing. But then, Fanatic said something peculiar.

"I see now why there's 'WLL Club'."