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 declaration.

A thick, heavy 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 vanished into hiding, appearing terrified of even being privy to the details.

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

It was evident that these individuals were the most loyal of all Aestum’s followers. They lingered nearby, hoping there might be some way they could assist their deity.

Even the kraken remained among the group, though the divine messenger clearly looked agitated by the turn of events.

As Aestum’s messenger, the kraken shared a profound bond with the deity. This suggested it possessed far deeper knowledge than the average worshiper.

Judging by the kraken’s expression, the situation between it and Aestum had become incredibly strained.

It appeared as though Aestum was attempting to coerce the kraken into speaking on its behalf to dissuade me.

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

It wasn't as if I lacked other sources of information.

After all, this conflict involved two opposing parties.

Technically, there were three sides if one counted the sea witches, but that path was difficult. The original sea witches involved in the ancient history had long since passed away. As for the current generation, they had not inherited the complete, unvarnished truth.

Even if they possessed that knowledge, they couldn't truly represent the voices of their ancestors.

Consequently, my only remaining option was to interrogate the other party involved in the dispute.

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

This time, the kraken failed to mask its shock as it blurted out, "Where are we going?"

"We are returning to the capital of the Merman Empire," I replied, my calm tone suggesting nothing was out of the ordinary.

Upon hearing this, the kraken initially seemed to be analyzing my hidden motives. Eventually, however, it appeared to accept that I had no other secret schemes in mind.

The departure would have been seamless if not for Aestum's intervention.

"Wait, what are you planning to do?" Aestum suddenly demanded.

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

Aestum lapsed into silence, yet the kraken’s facial expressions betrayed a silent communication occurring between them.

Because the kraken served as Aestum’s messenger, an undeniable link existed between them. In this moment, Aestum was exploiting that connection, pressuring the kraken to block my path.

Nevertheless, I had no intention of backing down simply because Aestum was trying to intimidate me.

The fear I once harbored for the gods had long since withered away...

"Let’s go," I repeated, my voice growing more authoritative.

Seeing the kraken still wavering, I added, "Are you not currently under contract to me? Do you intend to disobey my orders?"

The kraken’s expression turned even more pained at those words.

Ultimately, it moved to my side, despite the obvious efforts Aestum was making to prevent it.

"Can you not simply let this matter rest?" Aestum suddenly pleaded.

"I don't believe you would go to such lengths without a significant reason. I might have considered dropping it if it didn't involve the people I care about, but we are talking about my in-laws. I cannot retreat now," I stated with absolute firmness.

Aestum remained silent, but the erratic flickering of the blue light was a clear manifestation of its inner turmoil.

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

"Do not dawdle. Move at your full speed," I commanded when I realized the kraken was intentionally slowing down.

Instead of accelerating, the kraken hesitated and asked, "Can you really not move past this? Forcing the truth will benefit no one."

"Then you tell me the truth."

"I honestly do not know what you are referring to," the kraken answered firmly.

I could sense that the kraken was being truthful.

Its attempts to hinder me weren't born of hidden knowledge, but rather its blind Cultivation of faith in Aestum.

Regardless, that wasn't enough to change my mind.

"Just move."

Forced into a corner, the kraken had to obey my command despite its reluctance. It understood that I would find a way to the capital with or without its help.

Once we arrived back at the Merman Empire’s capital, Ariel and the others rushed to meet me.

"Where did you disappear to so suddenly?"

Having heard rumors regarding the sea witches, they were understandably anxious about my actions.

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

They looked at me with increasing bewilderment, but my grim expression kept them from interfering.

That didn't stop them from trailing behind me, however, as they were desperate to understand what was unfolding.