Everyone went quiet. After that, those who were able to comprehend what Salia said, began to groan.
“What foolishness.”
“Would such a thing be allowed?”
“Such idiocy. To give power to a monster.”
It was less a strong objection, and more a condemnation of her foolish choice.
After seeing this reaction, the Goddess of Judgement continued.
“Those of you who are younger may not be aware. But using monsters as pawns to slay Heroes, and furthermore, defeat the Demon King and become the victor, is allowed.”
“Indeed, it would require less power than summoning a Hero. Using evil to destroy evil. It is not unprecedented… However, few have ever attempted it.”
“Yes. It still requires power in order to control a monster. Most would rather call a Hero from another world, as they tend to be more cooperative.”
The elderly dragon god nodded gravely at the goddess’s words. The others seemed to become more satisfied by this, though others still looked skeptical.
“So, Saliashe. What kind of monster did you choose as your pawn?”
Said an elf who had suddenly appeared. The crowd hushed at this.
Indeed, what kind of monster would she have? A goddess who lost her power. The gods all moved in closer in order to hear her answer.
Salia felt a little nervous.
What she would say now would surely cause a stir. It could even result in her being rejected from participation.
However, she could not hide it now. Besides, Yesta already knew.
There was no going back.
“I hereby declare, O Goddess of Judgement, receive my words and grant to him the authority and power.”
“Then tell me his name and race.”
“…His name is Sheto.”
Saliashe took in a deep breath and said quietly.
“The young Kobold. Sheto shall be my subordinate!”
The words spread through the square.
Salia’s words shook the air, and created a heavy silence, as if calling the sleeping world before the creation of heaven and earth.
“Ha-”
Someone’s breath broke the silence.
“Ha, haha…”
Like cracks appearing on an egg shell.
“Ha, hahaha….”
“Heh… Hah, hahaha!”
“Hahahaha!”
“Hehehehehe!”
“Gah-ah-hah-ah!”
“Ha, hahahahaha!”
“Guffa, bbubububu-hohoho!”
“Hya-hah, hya-hya-hya!”
The laughter spread like the plague. Mouths wide open, teeth bared.
“Ko-kobold!? Hahahah!”
“She must have gone mad!”
“I was wondering what she would say, but… Ahaha! This!”
“It is too much. Hohohoho! I cannot stand it. Ahahaha!”
Everyone laughed in mockery or exasperation as Salia stood there.
“Mmm, mmm… No, this is no laughing matter, Saliashe.”
Said the dragon god, who seemed to be on the verge of smiling.
“It is not too late. You can still withdraw. If you require compensation, I could help a little.”
“Saliashe!”
Anger was what silenced the laughter. The gods were hushed at once. And she was now facing her furious older brother.
“Do you know what you are saying!?”
“Obviously.”
“You…you…dunce!”
He shouted while unsheathing his sword and raising it high into the air.
“You are throwing mud on my face with this act! In front of everyone! Exposing your pathetic self, and then making things even worse! You foolish sister!”
“Please put away your sword… Beautiful War God, Judgment Sword of Aesthetics, Zephalis.”
The strange staff moved between as if to separate them, and so he angrily sheathed his blade.
“This is a legitimate contract. Saliashe used her own self as the payment, and is now bound to that Kobold. The power had been bestowed, as well as the right to fight other Heroes.”
“Rediculous! I cannot accept this! It is infuriating!”
Seeing that the commotion had died down, the Goddess of Judgement moved back her staff. What appeared on the other side, was the cold glare of her older brother.
“I will never forgive you for this. All you can do is pray that your little dog does not ever encounter my Hero!”
He said as he stomped loudly away. The other gods looked rather awkward, and they quietly began to scatter.
“This was decided with my own will. But I am still grateful. Thank you.”
The dragon god looked at her as if to say that it was nothing, and then he too silently left. The only one who remained was the Goddess of Judgement, who was still smiling at him.
“Thank you for speaking to my brother.”
“Do not thank me. If the request is legitimate, then there is only one decision I can make.”
With those formalities over, Salia turned her back to the square and ascended the steps.
Just like when she came, her lips were pursed tightly.
Bonus chapter courtesy of ShitaiNoKootoRyuu. Thank you so much! More to come soon!