Couga had delivered the oracle of Ashlan to the Land of Serpents and returned to the Holy Land. After traveling long distances twice, even he seemed a bit tired. As Couga drank a glass of water in his private chamber, "Quite an interesting woman, wasn’t she?" said a man’s voice, causing Couga to look around the room in surprise. There was a man sitting elegantly with his legs crossed on a chair. No one had entered the room through the door. The man appeared to be a young human with short golden hair, but his true nature was not human. More importantly, there was only one man who would enter Couga's private chamber so boldly. "You jest," Couga bowed his head toward the man. "Surely you didn't want to show off your mistress?" Couga narrowed his eyes, slightly exasperated. "Mistress? Her? Ha ha ha," the man laughed. "She was even wearing a divine stone, and I could feel the divine aura emanating from her. You seem to be quite fond of her." "She’s not my mistress. She’s a mistress of Harold and the others." "Harold and the others?" "She seems to have a natural affinity for gods. It’s probably because of her excellent skill with the harp, though I’ve never heard her play. Did you hear it? Was it as great as they say?" "I'm at a loss for words, but if I were a customer who paid to hear her harp, I might want my money back," Couga said, beating around the bush. "Really? Is she that bad?" "Not terrible, but she was genuinely struggling. I actually felt sorry for her. And wasn't that divine stone given to her by the Great God?" "Yes, it was. For a certain reason. Did Marika mention anything to you? That queen is actually a woman who went to the underworld and returned. Since then, she’s had quite a tough time, being targeted by them. Despite appearances, she seems to have some deep worries she can’t talk about. I want you to meet with her occasionally and guide her heart. It’s not like I can keep meeting with a single human all the time." "You want me to do it? She didn’t seem troubled at all." "No, she’s apparently dealing with a lot. Considering the experiences she’s had, it’s only natural. I want you to meet with her once a month and give her some advice." "What?" Couga didn't seem eager. "That often? Why not ask Marika? She seems to know her." "I want you to do it. Say something clever and meet with her." "Understood." The god disguised as a human said, "Then I’m counting on you," and left. (It was just a cover, wasn’t it? Do I really have to go there once a month? I’m busy enough as it is. But if the Great God insists, that queen must have some serious concerns. It’s a hassle, but it can’t be helped.) Couga thought to himself.
