Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1959: Talking to the gods (2)

"You really won’t tell me anything?" I inquired, my voice remaining level after Aestum made that firm declaration.

A heavy, suffocating tension permeated the air following my question.

The local inhabitants had gathered to witness the commotion, but they retreated instantly upon overhearing the nature of our conversation.

Most of them fled into hiding, appearing terrified of even accidentally learning the details of our dispute.

Only a handful stayed behind, driven by their unwavering devotion to Aestum.

These appeared to be the most steadfast of Aestum's followers, lingering solely to provide whatever assistance their deity might require.

The kraken remained among this small group, though it was obvious that even the divine messenger felt a deep sense of unease.

As Aestum’s messenger, the kraken surely possessed a more profound bond with the deity than the average believer. This implied it likely understood much more about the situation than the others.

Judging by the kraken’s expression, an incredibly awkward dynamic was playing out between it and Aestum.

It seemed as though Aestum was silently pressuring the kraken to intervene and talk me out of my current course of action.

However, since Aestum refused to provide the answers I sought...

It wasn't as if there weren't other sources I could interrogate.

There were two primary parties involved in this conflict, after all.

Technically, there were three if one counted the sea witches, but that path was complicated by the fact that the original witches involved had perished long ago. The current generation of sea witches had not inherited the complete history of these events.

Even if they possessed that knowledge, they lacked the authority to speak for their ancestors.

Consequently, my only option was to confront the other side of the dispute.

"Let’s go," I abruptly commanded the kraken.

This time, the kraken failed to mask its shock, asking, "Where are we going?"

"We are returning to the capital of the Merman Empire," I replied, my calm tone suggesting everything was perfectly normal.

Upon hearing this, the kraken initially seemed to be analyzing my motives. Eventually, it appeared to accept that I had no hidden agenda for the moment.

The departure would have been seamless if not for Aestum’s interference.

"Wait, what is your plan?" Aestum suddenly demanded.

"Are you finally going to give me an answer?" I countered.

Aestum lapsed into silence, but the kraken’s face betrayed a silent, invisible exchange occurring between them.

Given their connection as deity and messenger, there was no doubt Aestum was exploiting that link to coerce the kraken into stopping me.

Nevertheless, I had no intention of backing down simply because Aestum was applying pressure.

After all, the reverence and fear I once felt toward the gods had vanished long ago.

"Let’s move," I said, my voice growing more authoritative.

Seeing the kraken’s continued hesitation, I added, "Are you not currently bound by a contract to me? Do you intend to disobey my orders?"

An even more pained expression crossed the kraken’s features at my words.

Ultimately, it moved to my side, despite Aestum’s clear attempts to forbid it.

"Can you not just let this matter rest?" Aestum asked suddenly.

"I don't believe you would go to these lengths without a significant reason. I might have walked away if this didn't involve people I care about, but these are my in-laws. I cannot retreat now," I stated with absolute resolve.

Aestum offered no verbal reply, but the erratic flickering of the blue light was a clear indicator of the deity's agitation.

In the end, I mounted the kraken and we set off toward the Merman Empire’s capital.

"Stop stalling. Move at your full speed," I commanded when I noticed the kraken was intentionally slowing our pace.

Instead of accelerating, the kraken asked, "Can you really not let this go? Forcing the truth will benefit no one."

"Then you tell me the truth."

"I truly do not know what you are referring to," the kraken insisted firmly.

I could sense that the kraken wasn't being deceptive.

While it tried to obstruct me, it wasn't because it held the secret; it was acting purely out of blind faith in Aestum.

Even so, that wouldn't be enough to deter me.

"Just go."

Ultimately, the kraken was forced to obey my command despite its reluctance. It realized that I would find my way there with or without its help.

When we arrived back at the capital of the Merman Empire, Ariel and the others rushed to meet me.

"Where did you disappear to so suddenly?"

Having heard rumors of the incident with the sea witches, they were understandably anxious about my actions.

I brushed past them, simply stating, "I am going to the temple."

They looked at me with increasing confusion, but the sheer gravity of my expression prevented them from interfering.

That didn't stop them from following close behind, however, eager to see what I intended to do.