How the Cult Saves the World

On the shores of Kettin Island, a large rock stood as a solitary sentinel. Hidden behind it, survivors had stashed away a boat, a contingency for the day the monsters would draw their last breath.

I would have preferred to install a portal here, the quickest and easiest escape. But that option was off the table. Portals were reserved for the privileged few, and revealing such information on a mere quest would be a costly mistake, difficult to recover from.

Nonetheless, I boarded the boat with the survivors, a vessel spacious enough for a dozen. No one asked them to, but such was their eagerness to leave that they all scrambled to take up the oars. I saw no need to dissuade them from their voluntary labor.

"Let's row in unison,"

I suggested.

"Yes, someone please lead the chant."

"Understood."

With the anticipation of reaching land soon, everyone rowed vigorously. And since I was their savior, they insisted I shouldn't labor, sparing me an oar.

Everything was going smoothly, save for one issue.

'Hmm...'

When would we arrive?

Having barely eaten during our stay on Kettin, the survivors' rowing lacked strength. I considered taking an oar myself, but then another idea struck me.

I opened my inventory and retrieved a healing potion. Not one of my own making with the 'Healing' skill, but an emergency potion crafted following an alchemist's recipe.

This alone should restore the survivors' stamina enough to row.

"Take one each," 

I offered, distributing the potions according to the headcount.

"Leader, what is this?" 

They asked, surprised by the unexpected gift.

With a soft smile, I explained, 

"It's a healing potion made by alchemists. It should restore your strength to some extent."

"A healing potion? You're giving us such an expensive item for free?"

"Of course. You've all worked hard."

"Incredible. Not only did you rescue us, but you're also giving us costly healing potions!"

They drank in awe. Though not as potent as my skill-crafted potions, the alchemists' recipe still had significant efficacy. The effects on their vitality were immediate.

"I feel rejuvenated!"

"Thank you, Leader!"

Soon, the survivors regained their energy and resumed rowing.

The boat initially wobbled as they adjusted to their newfound strength, but it wasn't long before we were moving at a much faster pace.

"It doesn't feel strenuous at all...!"

"Was it the Kyros Church? What kind of religion generously hands out such expensive potions...?"

"Our leader is amazing, isn't he? So strong and compassionate! All thanks to the grace of Kyros!"

The chatter among the astonished survivors was led by the disciple who first sought Kyros's aid. His tales lifted not only my spirits but also Kyros'.

---Ha ha! What a delightful young man.

Listening to Kyros' pleased laughter, I covertly observed the Prince and his escort. Our gazes met occasionally. It was clear he was pretending not to listen to the discussions about the Kyros Church.

'If this continues...'

We might just establish a temple in Merilseus.

I couldn't help but let a grin spread across my face.

* * * * *

Thanks to the healing potions, we swiftly reached Habis Island.

There were no boats left to Seus Village today, but we managed to get help from a skilled navigator among the villagers.

"These people came from Kettin? Oh, their poor state... Let me help!"

Hearing we had rescued survivors from Kettin, he volunteered to assist us.

By dusk, we finally arrived at the Seus Village harbor, which was quiet as the day faded.

"Well done, everyone,"

I greeted them as the boat docked. The survivors approached me.

"We're truly grateful, Leader!"

"Thank you for saving us."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"It's nothing. Please, hurry back to your families. They're waiting for you."

I bid each survivor farewell, sending them off. Afterward, I planned to rest myself, feeling the fatigue from the long swim.

As the survivors departed, only the Prince of Merilseus and his escort remained.

"Aren't you two leaving?" 

I asked with a smile. The Prince approached me hesitantly.

"Um... well..."

"Yes, what is it, brother?"

"I am Versha of Merilseus."

"And I am Leviathan."

As if prompting an introduction, I shared my name, prompting the Prince's escort to frown and chide me.

"This is the Prince of Merilseus. Show some respect."

"Federick! It's fine. This person saved us," 

The prince interjected.

"Nevertheless, Your Highness..."

"Federick, stop embarrassing me here. Prepare to return to the Palace. I wish to speak with our benefactor."

"Understood."

Ultimately, the escort Federick complied with Prince Versha's command, stealing glances at me as he retreated. Did I look like I would devour the Prince?

Meanwhile, Kyros, who had been quietly observing, let out a small exclamation of surprise.

---Astonishing. A prince was on that island.

'Indeed. I thought he was just another noble.'

His attire had hinted at nobility from the start. Yet, I never expected the Prince of Merilseus to appear in this quest, even if it was a hidden route.

"Thank you, Leviathan. For saving me."

"It's nothing."

Unlike his commanding tone with Federick, Prince Versha seemed timid, struggling to speak.

"Your Highness, do you have something to say...?"

Perhaps his gratitude would translate into a handsome reward.

For such a reward, I could endure a bit of frustration.

"I wish to take you to the Palace. To meet my Father, the King. We want to repay your kindness."

At last, the words I had been waiting for. I smiled subtly.

"Understood."

* * * * *

Thanks to Prince Versha's guard, Federick, who quickly arranged a carriage, we were able to arrive at the Merilseus Palace before nightfall.

In fact, when the carriage reached the Palace gates, there was quite a stir among the guards.

I learned the reason directly from Prince Versha himself.

"Actually, I'm a runaway."

About two weeks ago, this reckless Prince left a letter and ran away, wanting to see the world.

One day, wanting to see the sea, he took only one guard with him and ended up visiting Ketin Island, where, unfortunately, a kraken appeared, trapping them.

---What a brave child.

"I'm not sure if this is bravery or just foolishness."

Anyway, news of Versha's return must have spread, for as soon as our carriage stopped in front of the grand Palace, I witnessed King Merilseus come out barefoot to greet him.

"Ah, Father!"

"Versha! Where on earth have you been! And what's with this appearance!"

The middle-aged King, his hair completely white, embraced Versha and wept bitterly. As I watched their tearful reunion with indifference, a woman with an aura similar to Versha's approached from the King's side and caught my eye.

"Who might you be?"

"Ah, I am..."

Just as I was about to introduce myself, Versha stepped out of the King's embrace and spoke instead.

"This person is my savior. They rescued me when I was thought to be dead."

Versha then explained everything that had happened. During the story, the King sighed, cried, and finally, took my hand.

"Truly, I'm so grateful. You saved my son. We've been secretly searching for Versha's whereabouts to no avail, and I've been terribly worried. Thank you so much."

"It's nothing, Your Majesty."

"Ah, we shouldn't be doing this here. Let's go inside. We shall enjoy a feast together."

King Merilseus took my hand and led me into the Palace.

'Things are going smoothly.'

* * * * *

I salivated at the sight of the various seafood neatly arranged on the long dining table. Buttered and spiced grilled lobster, raw oysters, grilled shrimp, and more. The abundance of seafood was too much to take my eyes off.

---I want to eat so much!

"Be patient."

I firmly told Kyros and picked up my fork. Then the King, sitting nearby, handed me a lobster.

"Eat up, Leviathan."

"Ah, yes. Thank you."

In the short time I had learned that King Merilseus dearly loved his children. And he also cared greatly for his people, so he was very grateful when he heard that I had slain the Kraken.

Apparently, for nearly two weeks, the Merilseus Kingdom had suffered great losses because the Kraken that appeared in the Kettin waters had disrupted trade with several island nations.

Perhaps that's why King Merilseus looked at me with such satisfaction. Not only had I saved his son, but I had also restored their ability to trade.

"Leviathan."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I quickly chewed and swallowed the tender lobster meat and responded. Then King Merilseus looked at me with gentle eyes and said,

"How would you feel about forming a bond with one of my children?"

I almost choked on the lobster in my mouth.

What kind of sudden proposal is this? And one of his children?

I looked across at the Prince and Princess sitting opposite me.

Prince Versha and his twin sister, Princess Alisha. These were the only children of King Merilseus.

So, he was asking if I would consider marrying one of them. But if you exclude Prince Versha, there was really only one choice.

Meanwhile, Kyros seemed to find my predicament amusing and asked me with a hearty laugh,

---Oh, this is interesting. What do you think, child?

'I don't find it amusing at all.'

Of course, I'm well aware that this world is based on the medieval era, but still, isn't this an outdated way of thinking? Deciding on a child's marriage just because you're their parent?

"I'm fine, Your Majesty."

I promptly and cleanly declined his offer.

"Hmm, is that so? But you might change your mind later."

The King seemed unable to let go of the idea.

"No, really, I'm fine. Besides, I've devoted myself to religion. Therefore, I cannot marry."

I had a plausible excuse.

---No, child. I would be fine with you taking a partner.

'I don't want to.'

---Well, if that's the case, there's nothing to be done...

I was too busy trying to stay alive to even think about marriage, let alone a marriage based on one-sided intentions. I couldn't accept it. In fact, I disliked it very much.

"Ah, right. I'm sorry. In my joy, I wanted to bring you into the royal family."

"I appreciate the thought, Your Majesty."

Of course, I didn't reveal my true feelings to the King. After all, he was the King of Merilseus. There was no need to create a rift after having gained the title of a benefactor.

It was a relief that I managed to defuse the situation before it escalated further. It seemed that Versha was slightly disappointed, but I chose to ignore it.

Instead of explaining anything further to the royals, I pretended not to notice and stuffed a grilled shrimp into my mouth.

'Ah, this is really delicious.'

Delicious seafood was everywhere. I'd have to brag about this to Zain later. As I smiled at the thought, the King spoke up again.

"Still, I would like to reward you. If you don't want to become part of the royal family... then I must grant you whatever you wish."

Finally, the King said what I had been hoping to hear, not some pointless talk of a political marriage.

I cleared my throat quietly.

"Speak freely if there's something you desire."

Smiling at King Merilseus, I finally made my true wish known.

"I would like to establish a Temple of Kyros within Merilseus."