Chapter 44: The Eldritch Godness and Her Parents

Though I had run away from home, I was still attending the academy from Felix’s residence.

"Lady Iris... Your parents are here."

Naturally, my parents had no trouble finding me.

"This is a problem. My father and mother have come to the academy."

I explained the situation to Felix, Klaus, Elizabeth, and Professor Matthias in the student council room. My parents had arrived.

"Come to think of it, are these parents of yours your biological ones?"

Klaus posed the question—a fair one.

"Yes. As far as I know, I am their child."

"But you're an Eldritch Godness who's existed for over 1,500 years, correct? Were you... reborn?"

Ah, that point. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure myself.

"I might have a hypothesis."

Elizabeth was the one who offered an explanation.

"It may be a form of summoning through... reproductive means. There are records of heretical deities and summoned beings brought into this world through such methods. A grotesque ritual, using human flesh as a substitute for a magic circle."

"So instead of a normal child being born...?"

"Precisely."

Everyone recoiled in horror at what my parents had done. I was a little disturbed too.

"L-Let’s drop this topic for now! More importantly, my parents are here—what should we do?"

If this conversation continued, I’d be treated like a monster again. Best to steer it back on track!

"Even if they’re part of a despicable cult, legally, we have no grounds to refuse them. Lady Iris is still the daughter of the Lauenstein family, and her parents have the right to take her home."

"But if she goes back, she’ll become a sacrifice for that cult. Isn’t there anything we can do, Klaus?"

"Hold on, Felix. Let me think."

Felix pressed the issue while Klaus considered.

"If we had concrete evidence of a crime, we could refuse. Alternatively, if Lady Iris were a witness in an investigation, the Imperial Guards could place her under protection. Lady Iris, can you provide any information about the cult?"

After a pause, Klaus turned to me.

"I know the location of one of their hideouts... but that’s about it."

"Understood. Then we’ll request protective custody from the Imperial Guards. That should prevent them from taking you."

"Thank you, Lord Klaus. But... I’d still like to see my parents."

Klaus really is reliable—no wonder he’s aiming to be a politician. Still, I felt I owed my parents a conversation.

"...You have something to say to them?"

"Yes, Lord Felix. They are my parents, after all."

"...You’re right. Family should be treated with respect..."

Even if they were cultists, the fact remained that they’d raised me. I couldn’t just cast them aside—that would make me ungrateful.

"Then, if you’ll excuse me."

I left to meet my parents, making my way through the academy grounds.

My parents had been escorted to the academy’s reception room.

"Iris. So this is where you’ve been."

Father wore his usual "gentleman" mask for outsiders, not his fanatical believer face. Ahh, he’s so good at blending in. What a perfect disguise~.

"We’ve been worried. Come home soon."

Mother, too, spoke as if there were nothing suspicious about them at all.

"Father, Mother. First, let me thank you for raising me until now. I’m truly grateful. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to enjoy my school life, make friends, and find happiness."

My parents fell silent at my words.

"But if you care about my future happiness—if you have even a shred of respect for me as your Eldritch Godness—then please, stop interfering."

"Iris… no, Illith! You are our—"

"Yes, I am your child. But above all, I am the Eldritch Godness you worship. Since when do devotees dictate their Godness’s will? I understand your goals, but you must respect my choices."

I cut Father off before he could slip into cultist rambling.

"If and when I choose to grant humanity new wisdom, it will be my decision. I may have children someday, or I may use another method. There are paths beyond bloodline purity."

"Ooooh… Iris—no, Illith! Are you saying we are still too foolish to receive your true knowledge? That we must remain as dull, fleshy creatures?!"

"Exactly. I will decide everything. As your Eldritch Godness, my word is absolute. If you are truly faithful devotees and seekers, then obey me."

I made my demand clear.

"I see, I see… We were still too ignorant to comprehend our Godness’s will. Then we shall wait, Iris—no, Illith! Until the day you grant us higher wisdom, until you open our minds… Heeheeheehee!"

"Yes. To seek god is our sacred duty. And if that is so, then we must study why now is not the time. To understand Eldritch Godness’s heart, will, and motives—that, too, is the role of the devout… Fufufufu~"

Oh? Looks like they’ve accepted it!

"I shall order the brethren of the Starless Wisdom Cult not to lay a hand on you. They will obey your will. None among our ranks would dare defy the words of god."

Success! The cult will back off!

"But dissent may arise outside the cult."

"Outside…?"

"The Witch Association."

Mother’s words were brief.

Right. There are two cults.

"The witches of the Association will never heed an Eldritch Godness’s words. They are seekers before they are devotees—and greed drives them. They would steal even from divinity to elevate themselves."

Ughhh! So Claudia and her group won’t listen to me OR my parents? Give me a break~! Spare me the trouble~!

"Fear not, our beloved Iris—no, Illith. We shall protect you. The Rosenkreuz Society is useless. We are the ones who serve god, who will one day receive her wisdom… Kihihihi!"

"Thank you, Father. But I still can’t return home yet."

"It matters not. Distance and time mean nothing to a higher being like you. Such numbers are meaningless… Heehee!"

Father’s fanatical grin abruptly smoothed back into his gentlemanly facade.

"But do return someday. Your home will always be waiting."

"Of course. I won’t forget."

And so, the discussion ended with the Starless Wisdom Cult agreeing to cooperate with me.

This could’ve gone much worse—what if they’d turned hostile? Feels like we’re closer to a happy ending!

Let’s just hope I’m not deluding myself.

……………………