For a moment, I felt the deep anger and resignation towards the gods in Ashton’s sarcastic words.

‘Honestly, I have my doubts about whether the gods in this world truly exist.’
There is a papal office in the capital, and temples are scattered throughout the empire, but their influence is not strong. If there were truly gods, the emperor and the pope would have engaged in fierce power struggles, just like the history in the world I lived in. However, in this country, the power of the imperial family far surpassed that of the temples.

When it was mentioned that the imperial family was in great danger, one could tell by the pope’s reaction alone. Uncomfortable with the revelation of a painful past, I hesitated before responding.

“…I’m not that favored by the gods. It’s more like a contractual relationship.”

“A contractual relationship?”

“Think of it as a business partnership. I’m like a mercenary. Everyone is amazed that I was chosen by the gods, but the reality is this. I’m someone who can act on behalf of the gods, who can’t directly interfere in this world. It’s just a fancy way of packaging it as receiving the gods’ love.”

‘If this is what divine favor is, then I don’t need it…’

Ugh. Such words, in the form of jokes from Zero and the fabricated me, only made my skin crawl.

With the forced mission of saving the world, I wanted to reject the lies and go my own way.

‘Assigned to the agency responsible for the possessed, a new department appears in the divine realm, and Zero, the person in charge, is assigned to me. It doesn’t make much sense.’

The god likely managing this world is probably the given Ardel.

But if that’s the case, why was I assigned Zero instead of Ardel? Even if Zero is a probationary god, it might be uncomfortable for him if his influence extends to the area managed by another god.

Though it was just speculation on my part, if this were true… there might be a connection between the evil intentions of Ardel, who seems to want to sweep away this world, and the fact that he was newly assigned to manage this world.

A god who hates humans and wants to destroy their world. It’s a common theme in myths and scriptures on Earth.

‘Surely, the god who ruled this world turned out to be the final boss. I really hope that’s not the case.’

How can an ordinary human like me fight against a god? It’s like trying to break a rock with an egg.

As I unfolded the wings of a dark imagination, Ashton asked me a question.

“Is it just a business-like partner relationship between you and the god?”

“If you don’t believe me, ask Zero. He might put on a different tone and posture for others, but you’ll get the same answer.”

Shrugging my shoulders in response, for some reason, Ashton’s face brightened.

“…I see. Thanks for answering.”

“You’re welcome.”
The reddish eyes, like red agate, grew distant once again. As the beautifully sparkling eyes receded, there was a somewhat regretful feeling.

I thought Ashton would just leave the office, but he turned around and gave me a piece of advice.

“Oh, by the way, the ham and cheese sandwich that Lina brought was made with my recommendation to the chef.”

“…For His Highness?”

“Yeah. You need to eat food with rich protein and fiber to fill your stomach so that you can come out to the training ground with energetic steps again.”

“Ugh.”

‘Whether he’s His Highness the Crown Prince or a fitness trainer from hell, I don’t know!’

I should have realized from the time we laughed and trained together. Ashton is not an ordinary guy!

When I expressed my disgust, Ashton chuckled like a mischievous boy.

He laughed with his eye corners neatly folding like a crescent moon, making him look like a warm, ordinary young man rather than an unfortunate crown prince.

“We won’t tolerate starving. The types and intensity of training that the Duke can handle will increase as you eat well.”

“…I get it. I’ll eat, I’ll eat. I did plan to eat from the beginning because it looks delicious.”

In response to the ongoing banter, I quickly stuffed the ham and cheese sandwich into my mouth. I told myself not to say anything more since I claimed I wouldn’t touch it in the first place!

Taking a bite, the fresh cucumber, lettuce, onions, and thickly sliced ham harmonized perfectly with the sweet sauce.

‘It’s delicious…’

After eating, hunger rushed in.

Hastily shoving the sandwich into my mouth until both cheeks bulged, Ashton smiled with satisfaction, like parents watching their child eat well.

“You eat well.”

“Yeah…”

“Also, drop the honorifics. I want to be called by name as a Duke. Just call me Ashton comfortably.”

“Gulp!”

I almost spit out a lump of sandwich with sauce that nearly stuck to the noble face of His Highness, the Second Crown Prince.