Game difficulty
is insane.
The deepest part of Morus’s temple.
In the personal lounge next to the research room, Romina, Ridenhall, and Penelope were having tea.
Sip—clack—
Except for the sound of tea being sipped and the teacups being set down, silence filled the room.
There was nothing much to talk about, and all three were thinking about Glen, who was alone with the god Morus.
“Brother… he should be fine, right?”
Romina’s face darkened even more.
“I’m worried. It’s been a while since he just fainted so easily… ah, maybe that’s not it.”
Whenever he fought somewhat strong enemies, it was normal for him to fight a bit, unleash a big move, and then collapse.
This time, he had shown a sight that made them doubt their eyes more than ever, but still, it wasn’t that serious.
The only concern was what that Morus fellow might do.
“Haha… well. Since he defeated a low-level god called Karungod, I guess we don’t need to worry.”
“I think so too. There’s no way a god that gets torn apart could beat Glen, right?”
Romina, taking the teacup to her lips with a haughty expression, suddenly felt someone watching and looked at Penelope.
“…Why?”
Penelope rested her chin in both hands and gazed at Romina and Ridenhall with a pleased look.
“Just… I thought the elder carries such a reliable subordinate.”
“Subordinate…”
Romina’s eyes briefly chilled, but she swallowed the words she was about to say, knowing the connection between Glen and Penelope.
“So… should I understand that as saying we are competent?”
“However you take it doesn’t matter. Either way, from today, I’ll be in the same position as you.”
“Ah.”
Now that she thought about it, she wondered why she had been so uneasy over the past few days.
Then she remembered—Glen had given this woman a test, and promised to take her as a subordinate if she passed.
‘So she’s joining completely?’
Romina, not hearing Glen say anything, could only guess her fate.
‘I think it makes sense to send her back to the Demon King’s army…’
After all, Penelope Ogma, as a demon, could be considered a general in the Demon King’s army.
‘I heard she was pushed to the rear after the last incident, so it’ll be easier to handle her according to Glen’s plans.’
Of course, her abilities as a witch in the previous battle were impressive.
Being the head of the Witch Association, her mind was sharp and she judged quickly what to do.
Unlike Ridenhall, who protected and supported allies, she contributed by weakening enemies, so their roles did not overlap.
‘Still… isn’t it excessive?’
By the time Ridenhall joined, Glen’s party was already complete.
Frontline, rear, sword, magic, and perfectly coordinated teamwork—it was flawless.
Was there really any need to add another member here?
Penelope, as a general in the Demon King’s army, was not someone they needed to pull away from her position for lack of strength.
‘Honestly, I can’t guess what he’ll decide.’
Romina had watched Glen for months since being rescued from the Black Church’s prison, but she could not define him.
He seemed rational, yet sometimes irrational; coldly logical at times, yet at others, more emotionally passionate than anything.
Yet his results always brought the correct answer.
So Romina put aside thoughts about Penelope, assuming Glen would naturally choose the right path.
Just then, the lounge door opened, and Morus and Glen entered.
“Oh. Everyone’s here.”
“Oh, brother. Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s good.”
Romina did not know what Glen had said to Morus, but his expression was quite bright.
Previously, he mentioned needing serious advice from Morus; it seemed he had gotten his answer.
They must have had that conversation while giving up their place.
“You look good. Did you have a fun conversation?”
Glen nodded.
“Fun conversation… well, something like that. So, I’ll need to stay here for a few days.”
“Huh? Stay here for a few days?”
“Yes. I’ll get some help from this fellow.”
Glen said casually, and Morus narrowed his eyes.
“You can say anything to a god… Anyway, there are several spaces in my temple, so stay comfortably.”
The party members still looked puzzled, wondering what Glen and Morus were doing.
Glen watched them quietly for a moment, then looked at Penelope.
“Let’s talk, just the two of us.”
“Yes, elder.”
A sudden one-on-one meeting.
It seemed they were about to decide whether she would join the party or return to the Demon King’s army.
“You all wait here. I’ll talk for a bit.”
“Alright.”
Romina tilted her head as she watched Glen and Penelope leave the lounge with Morus behind.
Somehow, she felt uneasy deep inside.
Whether Penelope joined the party or not didn’t concern her, yet she wished she would go back.
Of course, Romina had some idea why.
She had learned long ago that emotions were easy to manipulate.
Her self-diagnosis: she felt possessiveness toward Glen.
A desire to monopolize the attractive benefactor who had lifted her from her life in hell.
‘It’s not the first time.’
Even with the expressionless attendant who followed Glen, and the saint who actively sought a relationship, Romina had observed them carefully.
She worried they might take her Glen away.
In the end, it was Romina herself who was by Glen’s side.
‘It will be the same this time.’
Would that alluring demon try to steal Glen’s affection from her?
“Hmph…”
She felt exasperated.
Her heart beating for such a trivial emotion felt foolish.
Of course, to Romina, possessiveness was closest to affection.
To want to possess was to love passionately.
Though she had survived countless hardships in a strange land, Romina still did not fully understand her feelings.
‘Just go back to the Demon King’s army. That’s more valuable for you.’
So she silently wished Glen would remain hers alone, thinking this at Penelope’s back.
Unaware that strong possessiveness also meant strong affection.
