“How kind of you, Oracle. However, your blessings are unique and powerful. Please take care not to use them too freely, lest you attract unsavory individuals.”
The biggest unsavory individual is standing right in front of me. And not just using my blessings freely—he’s abusing them.
I lowered my gaze as a silent response and turned my head as if I’d lost interest.
The motion caused another sharp pain in my temple, so I rubbed it lightly with my fingers.
Hurry up and leave. Surely, he wasn’t about to demand a second ritual today? I’d probably pass out if that happened.
Even though I hadn’t yet changed out of my revealing ceremonial outfit, I had absolutely no energy or willpower for another ritual. He should take the hint.
“Oracle, it seems there have been intruders attempting to break into the mansion recently. For your safety, please use this.”
…Seriously?
…Is he an idiot?
Or does he think I’m an idiot? Or maybe he’s mocking the so-called heavenly realm he claims I came from?
“…What is that?”
I recognized the object presented to me.
I’d never seen one in real life, but I’d seen similar things on TV.
“This is a protective magical device crafted by a master artisan.”
Yeah, right. Doubt.
It wasn’t for protection—it was for restraint.
The item, made of silver, was unnecessarily extravagant, adorned with gaudy jewels and intricate carvings. A thin chain, likely meant to connect it to some part of the room, completed its design.
It was unmistakably a shackle. Judging by its size, it was probably intended as an anklet rather than a bracelet.
“…Are you telling me to wear chains?”
I glared at the snake-man, maintaining the dignified tone he himself had trained me to use.
For someone who had spent over half a year skillfully keeping me hidden while leveraging my blessings for his gain, this was an astonishingly idiotic move. The thought of being held captive by someone so clueless filled me with frustration.
“N-no! Of course not! This is the safest protective magical device in this world. The fact that it resembles restraints from your world is… truly an unfortunate coincidence…”
Oh, really? So, does that mean all the kings, nobles, and high-ranking officials in this world are also chained up for protection?
If you’re going to lie, at least come up with a better excuse.
A sharp pain throbbed in my temple.
Please, just leave already. My head was starting to hurt in earnest.
“I will not wear such a thing. Leave.”
“But—”
The pain spread from my temple to my entire head.
It felt like something was clashing violently inside my skull, an impossible pain striking again and again.
“Are you trying to treat me like a dog or beast?”
Oh no. That was going to make things worse.
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