The Way to Absolute Dungeon Administration – There Is No Reason To Meet With the Opponent! - Volume 01 Chapter 15: Mass-Produced Saintesses

Volume 01 Chapter 15: Mass-Produced Saintesses

Side: Lulua

When I revealed myself, Elju-sama, Selaria-sama, and Oriel’s eyes widened.

“Lulua-sama!? W-Why are you here!? What happened in Litea Holy Nation!?”

“Wait a second. Lulua, dismissed!? What are those higher-ups thinking!?”

“Lulua-sama, you, dismissed? That’s absurd…”

All three are shocked that I was dismissed as a Saintess.

“Yes, I’m no longer a Saintess. By the higher-ups’ decision, I hold a nominal position in Litea Holy Nation. My dismissal as a Saintess is likely the cause of the assassination attempts on Elju-sama and Selaria-sama, as well as the conflict between Rocheur and Gartz.”

My words silence everyone.

But amidst that, ignoring the mood, the man breaks the silence with a question.

Who is he, really?

“Hmm, I’m starting to get it. Anyway, I’ve got a question… Can Saintesses be mass-produced?”

His rude question freezes the room. Mass-producing Saintesses like livestock or food? Blasphemous.

“Y-Yuki-san!? N-No way!! You can’t say such rude things to Lulua-sama!?”

“Yuki, I can’t let that slide!! Whether it’s Elju-sama or Lulua-sama, they bear the Saintess title, the hope of the people, and you call it mass-production!?”

Elju-sama and Oriel hurriedly turn to the man.

“No, they’re already being mass-produced. There’s at least one more right now, yeah?”

The man called Yuki retorts. True, Saintesses are supposed to be unique, but… there are three of us now…

“…Lulua. Who’s bearing the Saintess title now? Someone from the three great noble families?”

Selaria-sama’s sharp as expected. She loses sight of things when it comes to Elju-sama, but she’s not thoughtless.

“Yes, as Selaria-sama says. The current Saintess is Alshutel-sama, the eldest daughter of the Litelarson family, one of the three great noble families.”

“Tch, that haughty lady? She’s probably clueless, just a convenient puppet.”

“…Yes. She’s not a bad person. She has the qualities of a Saintess and has worked hard to meet them.”

“Hah, qualities, huh? Nice way to put it, Lulua. She’s got potential but doesn’t measure up to a Saintess yet, right?”

“…”

I can only respond with silence. If Alshutel-sama had grown more, this might’ve been prevented… No, I can’t blame others.

I know the truth, so I must act.

“Sorry. I know this lady’s the Saintess of Litea from my adventurer days, but what’re the three great noble families?”

Mauve-san, who’d been listening, chimes in. True, adventurers and foreigners might not know.

“Yes, the three great noble families are distinguished houses that made great contributions when Litea Holy Nation was founded.”

“Litea’s called a religious nation, but those three families actually steer its politics. Saintesses have healing powers but no political skill, so it makes sense.”

Selaria-sama adds to my explanation.

“Got it.”

“It’s about roles. The Saintess unites the masses with charisma and healing, and the three families use that unity to govern. There are exceptions, though.

Lulua’s considered exceptional among past Saintesses. Honestly, she’s far above even Elju, who was directly blessed by Lilishu-sama, as both a Saintess and a politician.”

“That’s right!! Lulua-sama’s my role model, Yuki-san!!”

Elju-sama says, looking at Yuki.

“No, they’re still mass-produced. You said ‘past,’ so it’s like a recommended succession, right? Sorry, we’re off track. Lulua-san, I’ve got a hunch, but can you give the conclusion?”

Right, let’s save Litea’s details for later. This matter isn’t over yet.

“Yes, this incident was planned by Litea Holy Nation to eliminate Elju-sama.”

“W-Me!? Why!?”

“Elju, it’s because you were blessed with the Saintess title by Lilishu-sama.”

Selaria-sama says with a grim look.

“Exactly. It’s largely due to the jealousy of Litea’s higher-ups, but it’s also undesirable for the people’s stability.”

“I hadn’t considered Litea’s scheming until hearing Lulua’s story, but it makes sense. For Litea, which worships Lilishu-sama, Elju becoming a Saintess is a complete embarrassment.”

“Correct. Another Saintess in our nation would be manageable, but in another country…”

“Big problem. The people are probably questioning which is real or even doubting Litea itself. That’s the issue with religious nations—nobody expected Lilishu-sama to descend.”

Selaria-sama’s words make everyone fall silent, processing the information with thoughtful looks.

“So that’s how it happened, and the root of this mess. But we were mostly reacting.”

Yuki breaks the silence.

“Yes… When I heard of this and rushed alone from Litea to this capital, Elju-sama was already missing, and Selaria-sama was kidnapped. I didn’t know what to do. I never imagined Rocheur’s insiders were involved, aiming to assassinate the entire royal family.”

“Got it… Lucky break, meeting Mauve and the others to warn and protect the king.”

“Yeah, never thought the girl getting harassed in town was Litea’s Saintess.”

Mauve-san laughs beside me.

But really, who is this Yuki? In a room with rare big shots, his attitude is unreal.

His next move shocks me even more.

“So, how about coming out? If you’re not here, this kingdom’s done for. King Rocheaur and Princess Aria, right? You’ve confirmed Elju and Selaria are safe.”

“!?”

I’m speechless. Who is this guy!?

“…My apologies. I am Aria Ras Rocheur. My heartfelt thanks for Elju and Selaria.”

“…I am Rocheur VI. Impressive, as expected. I heard the protection plan was your idea.”

“Oneesama!! Father!! I, Elju, am safe!!”

“Oneesama, I’m glad you’re okay. But that shitty old man could’ve died for all I care. Getting betrayed by your own men? Pathetic!! Do you know how much we’ve struggled!?”

Tearful Elju-sama contrasts with Selaria-sama’s scornful glare.

“Wait a sec. I’m clearly the biggest contributor here. All you did was eat, sleep, and wake up, Selaria.”

Yuki snaps back at Selaria-sama.

“I bathed too!!”

“That’s not the point!! Selaria, are you doing this on purpose? You’re sharp sometimes, but the gap’s wild.”

…Arguing with a princess in front of the king!? His nerves are unreal? No, I-I’m flustered!

“Oh, Selaria, found a good man, huh? Not many can talk to you so openly. Just Elju and me, right? …Well, usually you’d beat them up first.”

“Wait!? Oneesama, it’s not like that with him…”

“We’ll question your relationship with Selaria later, but one thing. Who are you? Lulua doesn’t know, Mauve and the others won’t say. I need to know before we discuss the future.”

“Here we go. Elju, Oriel, Selaria, you’re up. My identity…”

He finally reveals himself…

“I’m just a poor, ordinary Dungeon Master caught up in this mess.”

Part of it is a legend said to rival heroes, Demon Kings, and even nations—a walking disaster.

“““EHHHH!?”””

The three’s voices echo through the inn. Even His Majesty yells like that?