That Time I Got Reincarnated as an Underground Labyrinth Manager

The two of them gave a long, frantic explanation.

It was hard to say if anyone believed them.

Regardless, every woman present gave the two men a long, cold look of disdain.

Chishiya looked at them with quiet sympathy.

Shuna walked up behind Chishiya.

She smiled sweetly and began massaging his shoulders.

"Chishiya-sama, we hope you won't pick up habits like that from them."

"Outdoor food is unhealthy. Eating home-cooked meals will help you grow strong and healthy."

Shion, Megumin, and Yunyun all nodded in unison.

First consensus reached.

Ah, I see how it is.

Okay then. Just wait.

If I eat too much, you can't blame me.

Chishiya changed the subject and turned toward Fern.

"Fern, Aqua really is a goddess."

"Is there anything you want to ask her?"

Fern stayed quiet for a moment, then nodded solemnly.

"Miss Aqua, I'd like to ask you something."

Her expression turned serious, completely different from her usual calmness.

Aqua, who had been sulking just moments ago, felt the change in tone.

"Go ahead and ask."

She straightened up and stopped fooling around.

For a brief moment, she actually looked like a real goddess.

"Miss Aqua, I want to ask… does heaven really exist?"

Fern's gaze was firm, but her hands were clenched tightly around the hem of her skirt.

As she spoke, Frieren—who had been lying face-down on the table—sat up.

She turned and looked at Fern.

...She's trembling?

Heaven.

She looked toward the window.

Right. That's their destination.

Fern thought of Heiter.

Does heaven exist?

No one knows.

Even a thousand years ago, most people believed humans simply returned to nothingness after death.

Even now, with the advancement of magical technology, souls couldn't be observed after death. Their existence still couldn't be proven.

But if they really do vanish into nothingness... would that mean the journey was meaningless? That Lord Heiter is gone forever?

She couldn't bear the thought.

And just then—

A pair of hands gently held hers.

Fern blinked.

"Frieren-sama?"

Frieren patted her head softly.

"Yes, Fern. It exists."

"Even if it didn't, we would hope that it does."

Fern looked up. "Why?"

"Because for people who gave everything to live to the end... what waits for them shouldn't be nothingness."

"Wouldn't it be far better for them to enjoy peace and happiness in heaven?"

"Frieren-sama…"

Fern raised her sleeve and wiped her eyes.

"Oh, is Fern crying?"

"No!"

"I just got sand in my eye…"

She didn't say anything more. She just leaned her head against Frieren's shoulder.

Frieren patted her back and gazed out the window.

Heiter... I've been lazy.

But I used your words today.

Back then, I thought it was all nonsense.

Just ten years. It's not even one percent of my life.

And yet it changed everything...

Aqua looked at the two of them and smiled.

"Looks like you don't need an answer from me anymore."

She brought her hands together and began to pray.

A pure white holy light radiated from her body.

Fern slowly looked up and wiped her eyes again.

That's right.

Heaven must exist.

Heiter and the others... they're probably living happily up there.

And when she finally reached her destination, she'd tell him everything that happened.

She'd smile and tell him all their stories along the way.

Fern: "Thank you, Miss Aqua. I don't need an answer anymore."

Aqua: "I already contacted my colleagues in heaven to take care of them."

"Huh?"

The two of them said it at the same time.

Suddenly, the atmosphere froze.

Fern stared blankly.

"Excuse me… what do you mean by contacting your colleagues in heaven?"

Aqua waved with a bright smile.

"Oh, no need to thank me!"

"I just told them that if they happen to run into anyone who knows Miss Fern, be sure to let them know."

"That Ms. Fern has grown into a remarkable magician."

Fern stared at her.

"What… what do you mean?"

"Huh?"

Aqua tilted her head like it was obvious. "I thought you'd already figured it out."

"Yes, heaven really does exist."

Fern: "?"

Frieren: "???"

"But…"

She tapped her chin.

"It's more accurate to call it a retirement home."

"Most of the young souls have already been reincarnated."

"So, basically, heaven is full of old people enjoying their golden years."

Fern and Frieren slowly turned their heads to look at Chishiya.

Both wore expressions of pure disbelief.

What in the world is she even talking about?

(As for why Stark wasn't here—it's because Hakurou had taken him away for extra training.)

Chishiya sighed.

Sorry. The goddess working at our company is amazing in every area—except her brain.

We might not have been on the same wavelength just now.

"…What she said is true."

"Heaven really does exist. I can confirm that."

"But whether the gods of each world can communicate with each other... that's something I'll need her to confirm."

Aqua nodded confidently.

"They're connected."

"Each world has a designated goddess in charge of reincarnation."

"Your world's no exception."

"I'll help you reach out when the time comes. Don't judge me by appearances, I've still got some solid contacts up in the God Realm."

She gave her chest a proud pat.

Fern stood up excitedly... then slumped back down like all her strength had left her.

It really exists?

Oh my god. This is unbelievable.

Does that mean... she could actually see Heiter again?

That's amazing... really amazing…

Frieren rested her chin in her hand, thinking deeply.

I see...

So humans are guided by a goddess when they die?

Does the reincarnation process require rituals?

It must fall under the domain of divine magic.

Totally different from human magical science.

I can't even begin to imagine how it works.

It would be nice if I could study goddess magic directly.

I think Sensei once tried interpreting the Goddess Monument.

If we really do meet again, I should talk to him about it.

(To be continued.)