The Grill-Wielding Saintess of the Dead

Chapter 131: Abyss 1

Menelapie was a hero, but also the monarch and Empress who led the great nation of the Human Empire.

Of course, she didn’t want to leave Shia’s side, her friend and family, even for a moment, but she couldn’t abandon her duties as Empress.

The vast territory, numerous populations, and conflicts between various races were all contained within the framework of the Empire, so no matter how much she didn’t want to, she was forced to participate in the Great Chamber meetings to manage and run the nation.

The lives entrusted to her, and the responsibilities she bore, were never light.

“The next agenda item. Due to a famine in Dongorchi, the wheat harvest will likely be reduced compared to previous years.”

‘…I miss Shia…’

What could she be doing right now?

By now, she’d probably be just waking up, rubbing her eyes, and asking the Imperial chef for breakfast.

Although she had the body of the Saintess of the Dead, which didn’t require sleep, Shia had always particularly loved sleeping.

She enjoyed sleeping with others, whether it was with Menelapie or Teresa, or even taking a peaceful nap under the warm sunlight, feeling the breeze of the peace she had created after defeating the Demon King.

While she hated being buried under piles of documents or doing any tedious work, if someone needed her blessings or the presence of the Saintess, she would go to anyone, anywhere.

If there were those who were sick, those who sought the Saintess’ help, Shia would travel even to the outskirts of the world, beyond the Empire, to heal them.

However… ever since her hunger attacks began, Shia hadn’t wanted to leave the Imperial Palace.

In the past, Teresa, like a wildcat, would tag along, and they would go on outings to scenic spots, but now…

It had become a difficult thing to do.

No one knew when or where Shia’s hunger attacks would start…

“How much of a decrease in harvest are we expecting?”

“We can’t yet predict the exact amount of the harvest, but…”

“The Imperial Arcanum Tower estimates a reduction of 30 to 40%.”

Even in the midst of it all, the numerous officials were deliberating over the matters of each territory, waiting for the final approvals from Menelapie to guide the country.

The Empire’s political system was structured in such a way that, even after the long war with the Demon King, it could function to some extent without an Emperor, but now, over forty years since the Demon King’s death, Menelapie remained the supreme ruler and administrative leader of the Empire.

From then until now, Menelapie had to manage and oversee both major and minor matters that decided the fates and lives of countless people.

“Could we not send wizards from the Arcanum Tower who are capable of manipulating the weather to make it rain?”

“Oh, then perhaps we can make it rain in Dongorchi and somehow prevent the famine…”

“And who will pay the Arcanum Tower for their services?”

“Uh, well…”

Alright, focus.

This is work time.

“Aside from the payment, agriculture doesn’t work by simply making it rain. Even if it rains now, it won’t increase the current harvest. Moreover, other regions, deprived of rain clouds, would suffer damage as well.”

“Hmm, I thought it was a good idea…”

“Weather manipulation doesn’t create something from nothing.”

“Dongorchi will not be taxed this year.”

Several officials overseeing the region cleared their throats at the Empress’ words.

These were the inspectors, lords, and nobles who had been allocated land in the region.

Of course, no one dared embezzle taxes or tamper with military supplies in front of the ageless and undefeated hero and strongest human, Empress Menelapie.

Still, the reason many nobles insisted on collecting taxes despite the famine was that reduced taxes would naturally lower the funds available to manage the estates.

“Your Majesty, may I speak, as Mergite, Chief Treasurer of the Eastern Region?”

“Granted.”

“Your Majesty, I apologize, but if taxes are exempted in Dongorchi due to the famine, we would need to recover the deficit by increasing the tax rate in the eastern regions. This would likely result in an increase of at least 20% in the tax rate for the nearby areas of Hao, Soteil, Weilon, and Melgitac.”

“What is the current tax recovery rate in those regions?”

“Unlike Dongorchi, these areas are not primarily agricultural, but the effects of the famine are not insignificant. With a decrease in yield, trade in the area has also diminished, and merchants have shifted their capital to the southern regions. As of now, except for the port city of Weilon, these areas will struggle to pay their taxes.”

“What about the Imperial Treasury lending Dongorchi the taxes? The interest can be allocated from the surplus harvests of next year or the year after.”

“Understood. If necessary, we will handle it as a long-term debt with interest rates adjusted.”

“Have Sehera from the Imperial Treasury handle the detailed tax adjustments.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Next agenda item.”

And just as Menelapie flipped to the next document following the meeting leader’s announcement…

Boom!!!

“…….”

“Ugh……”

“Ahk…”

“Khrr…”

Suddenly, the Great Chamber shook as if hit by an earthquake, but it was not a mere tremor.

It was a palpable killing intent.

The intensity of it made everyone in the room tremble, as if the very air around them had solidified.

It wasn’t just any killing intent.

This was the lethal aura of Menelapie Hailam, one of the strongest humans alongside the Saintess of the Dead, so potent that it manifested as a physical shimmer, visible to the naked eye.

If anyone present were weak-hearted, they might have fainted on the spot, but all those here had steeled themselves, biting their lips as they silently endured the overwhelming aura.

[Who dares?]

Menelapie, exuding an aura laden with killing intent, raised the document in front of her for all the officials to see.

On that document, the words ‘Proposal to Depose the Saintess’ were written.

[In this Empire where I live and breathe, where I have ruled with my own eyes wide open, who dares suggest the deposition of my dearest friend, the Saintess of the Dead, to whom humanity owes its very salvation?]

All of humanity knew.

The three individuals who saved this world and humankind from the Demon King and led them to victory.

Hero and Empress Menelapie Hailam.

Saintess of the Dead, Shia.

Doll Witch and Dark Witch, Teresa Katrin.

Though countless humans and non-humans helped, and many sacrifices and unseen efforts were made, it remained unchanged that these three were the main figures who saved the world from the Demon King.

And now, what?

[How dare they, how dare they, how dare they… What? What did they say?]

Depose the Saintess?

[Ah, could it be that a generational shift has occurred?]

Fine, let me try to think generously for a moment.

[It’s been 44 years since my friend and I defeated the Demon King… Yes, in that time, perhaps new generations have been born who do not know how humanity achieved victory… who do not know the history, despite all the efforts I put into education and child welfare. Maybe, yes, perhaps…]

Yes, it must be due to a lack of proper education.

Perhaps there are those whose sense of history has become warped, who have failed to understand the significance of our victory over the Demon King and are now questioning our existence, denying the very beings who saved them, both me and the Saintess of the Dead?

Who dares?

To propose such an absurd thing…!!!

Though Menelapie’s anger was already akin to a volcanic eruption, she restrained herself as much as possible.

Perhaps there had been a mistake in the drafting of the agenda, or maybe a remnant of the Demon King’s forces or some traitor had intentionally concocted this to provoke her.

[Fine… You there, answer me.]

“K-Kkhrr…”

“Ugh…”

[Who is it?]

“………”

Menelapie’s killing intent only intensified.

[Why is no one answering?]

[Do you take me for a fool?]

[Have I been so lenient, ruling the Empire with such mercy, that you now dare to test me, thinking you can get away with it? Thinking that, because of my age, you could attempt to usurp the throne?]

[Today, I am not so merciful. So speak up.]

[Who dares?]

The killing intent, which had made it difficult for those present to even breathe, now began to take the form of golden roses blooming around her, rising from her aura, and it became increasingly hard for the officials to even stand on their own two feet.

“Your M-Majesty… I b-beg for permission to speak…!”

At the sound of someone’s voice, barely squeezed out, Menelapie withdrew her killing intent.

Fine, if I’m going to kill them, I can do it anytime.

Let’s hear the explanation first.

When Menelapie finally suppressed her killing intent, the officials gasped for air and slowly got to their feet.

“Granted.”

“I am Rosaria of the Imperial Rose Order…”

The Imperial Rose Order.

For Shia.

Centered around Shia.

The Imperial religion established to honor and serve the Saintess of the Dead.

Technically, the Empire did not enforce any state religion or religious practice, but the most popular belief among the people of the Empire was that of the Rose Order, which revered Saintess Shia.

However, it was not a politically powerful organization; there was no pope or hierarchy beyond a few appointed saints and leaders of branches of the order.

All other believers were treated equally.

“You are the second Saintess of the Rose Order. I remember your blessing from Shia.”

The first Saintess, of course, was Shia.

“I am honored that you remember me, Your Majesty…”

“Yes, Saintess Rosaria. Do you know who dared to propose such a brazen and blasphemous suggestion?”

“…..Yes.”

“Then speak. My patience is thin today.”

“………”

At Menelapie’s words, Rosaria hesitated, bowing her head before she finally spoke.

“It was… my proposal…”

Bang!

“K-Khhk!?”

Really now?

In an instant, Menelapie, who had been seated at the highest position in the Great Chamber, closed the distance between herself and Rosaria, grabbing her by the neck.

Lifting her with one hand, Menelapie’s killing intent surged once again, and with just a little more force, the second Saintess of the Rose Order would meet her end.

“Today, I am not patient. There must be a very good reason for you to bring forth this… no, this disgusting suggestion.”

“K-Khh… I… am honored, Your Majesty…”

“Ah, is that it? Do you think that if Shia disappears, you can take over the entire Rose Order?

Would you demand the rights to govern the Empire, along with administrative and autonomous powers, relying on the support of numerous believers and the public?

Or perhaps you wished to extort taxes from the people under the guise of donations?”

Yes, if Shia were gone, you’d certainly gain a lot.

“……The Saintess, she…khhk…said it…”

“What?”

At those words, Menelapie’s grip on Rosaria weakened.

“The Saintess of the Dead… Lady Shia… she said… that she no longer… qualifies as a Saintess… She asked… to be… let go…”

“………………”

Menelapie shook her head in disbelief.

But the Saintess of the Rose Order never speaks lies.

Someone blessed by Shia, especially one who has risen to the position of Saintess, can never speak falsehoods.

Menelapie knew this, and her trembling hand slowly released its grip on Rosaria.

“…I too, as the second Saintess, have served Lady Shia for over twenty years.

But… Your Majesty. You are the sun of this Empire.

Countless citizens, believers, and the human race rely on you…”

“……………”

“You must make… a decision.”

A decision.

Menelapie knew best what that word meant.

The matter of Shia’s hunger attacks had already become widely known among the higher-ups.

Anyone who dared to slander or use that fact for mockery had long been obliterated by the hands of the Dark Witch or Menelapie herself, but even Menelapie and Teresa, who were closest to Shia, knew.

Shia’s hunger attacks were only a matter of time now.

Everyone knew.

They knew what the Saintess of the Dead meant to Emperor Menelapie and how she had saved humanity.

However… everyone also knew that the situation was approaching its limit.

Teresa had isolated herself for a month, trying desperately to find a way to solve Shia’s hunger attacks.

During that month, Shia had experienced no fewer than thirteen hunger attacks.

No one knew when another attack might occur.

“…..Today’s Imperial Council is hereby adjourned.”

“…As you command.”

“The proposal will be suspended until I give further orders. No one is to touch it.”

“””””Understood.””””””

There must be a way.

There has to be…

A way…

○○○○

“Menelapie~”

As she strolled through the Great Hall, Shia called out the name of the closest person to her, forcing a smile.

Oh, she’s not here.

“Hello, hello~ Good work~”

“Good evening, Lady Saintess.”

“Greetings, Lady Saintess.”

As the maids and attendants passed by, they all bowed politely to Shia, but…

She could sense the hints of unease, pity, and even a touch of fear beneath their respectful gestures.

Yes, they must be afraid.

Afraid that a hunger attack could strike at any moment.

Afraid that she might lose control and devour someone innocent during one of her attacks.

Of course they’d be scared.

“………”

Feeling a bitter taste in her mouth as the attendants quickly hurried past her, Shia headed toward Menelapie’s office.

At this hour, Menelapie would usually be finishing her work and come to find her, but today, she was running unusually late.

Eating alone always felt too gloomy, so she had hoped they could share a meal together…

After wandering around the Imperial Palace for a while, Shia stopped, feeling the chill of the evening breeze.

“…Is it winter already…”

She sighed softly, looking up at the high, clear sky, and feeling the cold wind brush against her.

Autumn was passing, and winter was returning once more.

In the past, winter would have filled her with happy thoughts.

She used to imagine rolling Teresa’s sleeping body into the snow as a prank.

And then, to make up for it, she would take her to the hot springs.

The hot springs that Menelapie, Teresa, and I would go to together were probably already prepared for this year as well.

Though we haven’t been able to go since my hunger attacks started… still, they would have prepared it just in case.

There’s nothing quite like eating boiled wyvern eggs in the hot springs…

“Menelapie?”

Shia passed by the guards, who bowed their heads to her, and opened the door to the familiar office.

But Menelapie wasn’t there, only the faint warmth lingering from someone who had been there not long ago.

Strangely, it felt as if Menelapie was playing hide-and-seek with her today, as she couldn’t find her anywhere.

And then… Shia noticed a black-printed document lying on Menelapie’s desk.

A black document.

It was an order classified as top secret, one of the most confidential documents in existence.

What’s this?

The last time such a document was used, if Shia remembered correctly, was during the war against the Demon King, or shortly after their victory, when they had to deal with the rebels and rogue monsters that had emerged across the continent.

‘But why is it here now…’

And as Shia opened the black document and read its contents, she felt the strength drain from her body.

[Order to Import Death Row Inmates]

– All death row inmates and heinous criminals, including both humans and non-humans, will be transported to the Empire.

– Agreement signed with the Eastern Desert (Dust Elves), Sinnhaker (Glamour Dwarves), and the Magic Kingdom of Poitra…

Death row inmates are not resources.

Even if they are heinous criminals, bringing such people into the Empire is something that would never ordinarily happen.

While it’s not uncommon for criminals who committed crimes abroad to be extradited to their home countries, transporting death row inmates and criminals as if they were resources is unprecedented.

Yes, this…

Death row inmates are resources.

Resources for Shia.

To feed the Saintess of the Dead.

A temporary solution to suppress her hunger attacks…

“……………”

Shia continued to read through the other documents.

[Special Operations Division – Conflict Inducement]

– According to the orders of Her Majesty, the relations between the local lords of the Northern Highlands are deteriorating.

– We anticipate that the war will be successfully provoked.

– Awaiting further orders from Her Majesty.

– Corpses resulting from the war will be secretly secured by Imperial Arcanum Tower wizards posing as civilian support…

“…I see.”

Menelapie is willing to go this far for me.

Yes, I’m happy.

I’m happy.

Menelapie is thinking too much about me.

I really live a blessed life…

“But, this isn’t right…”

I want to save people.

I want to perform miracles.

I want to give hope.

I want to offer salvation.

That’s why I’ve lived as the Saintess of the Dead.

“First, it’ll be criminals, death row inmates, corpses… What will come next?”

Hardened criminals.

And then minor offenders.

If that’s still not enough… innocent people from foreign lands.

Non-humans, or even creating pretexts for invasions…

“Menelapie… that’s not right…”

Shia realized.

“I no longer have… a place here.”

My place…

My life… is no longer here.

○○○○○

“Shia! Shia, Shia!!!”

And a week later…

The Saintess of the Dead, Shia, suddenly disappeared.

Empress Menelapie, shocked, ordered all available forces and personnel to search for her.

The Imperial Palace was thrown into chaos, for the first time since the war with the Demon King, as the emergency was declared.

“Where have you gone… where… where…!”

“Your Majesty! Captain Isilate of the 3rd Guard reporting!”

“Have you found her!?”

“Not yet, but… there’s something you need to see.”

“Where is it?”

“It’s at the large plane tree in the backyard of Your Majesty’s palace.”

At the words transmitted via magic communication, Menelapie immediately stood up and rushed toward her palace.

The plane tree.

The massive plane tree that had guarded the palace for centuries was like a meeting place for Shia, Menelapie, and Teresa.

Since Menelapie, as the Empress, was often overwhelmed with work and Shia usually had plenty of free time, they would often meet under the plane tree if Shia, Menelapie, or Teresa wanted to get together.

Sometimes, if Shia fell asleep under the warm sunlight while waiting, Menelapie or Teresa would team up to play small pranks on her, and sometimes they would all nap together.

It was also the place where Menelapie first held Shia in her arms.

Arriving at that long-cherished place, Menelapie saw words carved in holy power.

Words that no one else could see… only Menelapie and Teresa could understand them.

[I’ll wait. In the Abyss.]

The Abyss.

The place where the Saintess of the Dead had defeated the Demon King.

The endless darkness beneath the collapsed Demon King’s castle.

Many mages and those who possessed holy power had studied it, but to this day, its true nature remained unknown.

And now, Shia was waiting there…

○○○

Within moments, Menelapie arrived at the Abyss, located in what was once known as the land of demons, a blackened earth.

She desperately searched for Shia.

She felt a faint trace of holy power in the distance.

And the familiar scent and presence of Shia.

Menelapie had never forgotten it, not for a moment.

“You’ve come.”

“Sh-Shia…”

In front of the Abyss, Shia stood, wearing a fragile smile.

“L-Let’s go back. What are you doing here? The palace chef made a delicious soup… so let’s go…”

At those words, Shia closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Why are you doing this…?”

“It’s okay.”

“…What do you mean, it’s okay? Shia, aren’t you hungry? Let’s go back. Hmm? So, let’s…”

But Shia shook her head again, and with a sorrowful voice, she spoke.

“Menelapie, I saw the orders… in your office.”

“Th-That’s…! No, it’s a misunderstanding, Shia. I just…!”

“I know what you were going to say. I know you’re doing it for me. I know you haven’t crossed the line yet.”

But that line…

Someday, you will cross it.

“After the death row inmates, it’ll be prisoners. Then minor offenders. And after that… orphans, or people whose deaths wouldn’t raise suspicion…”

“I, I…”

“Or maybe, the bodies of soldiers who die in wars between humans…”

“……”

“And one day, I’ll be… eating people… without hesitation.”

There was no denying it.

Shia could see through lies.

She knew that Menelapie might—no, would—sacrifice all of humanity to save her.

“Do you remember, Menelapie?”

“…..”

“We met to save people. We held hands to save lives.”

“……….I know.”

“But this isn’t right.”

“Then…”

At that moment, Menelapie exploded with emotions she had kept suppressed until now.

“Then can I just sit by while my dearest friend suffers like this!? How can I, how can I…! How can I do nothing!? The Dark Witch has disappeared, claiming she’ll find a way to save you. But you, you’re only getting worse! Do you know how powerless I feel, unable to do anything!? What kind of strongest Empress am I? What kind of undefeated hero? Every day, I realize how utterly powerless and incompetent I am for not being able to save my friend!”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay! It’s not okay at all!”

“It’ll never happen again.”

“…What?”

But as Shia opened her eyes again, black tears of blood flowed from them.

“I know my body best, Menelapie.”

Ah…

The precursor to another hunger attack…

“This is probably… my last attack. To regain my sanity again, I’d have to kill someone. I’d have to eat someone…”

“N-No, don’t…”

“Hehe… I told Teresa I’d wait for her, but I can’t keep that promise… So, Menelapie, can I ask you for one last favor?”

No. No.

Shia, please don’t ask me anything…

“Tell Teresa I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise. And when I lose my mind this time…”

“No. No. No… Shia, please…”

“Please… kill me.”

I’m sorry. I’m really sorry…

I can only ask this of you.

So…

“Please, Menelapie.”

Drip, drip, drip, drip, drip…

Before I could swallow my sorrow…

Before I could say no…

Before I could beg…

The cruel and merciless you disappeared.

[Khh, khhhh…hhhhh….]

Your sanity vanished.

And in its place, only a ravenous monster remained.

[Kya, ha…haa…haa….]

“…………………..I understand.”

With that, Menelapie drew her sword.

To grant her friend’s final request.

And to plunge the blade into her own heart.