ATP 07

Chapter 7

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[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ subtly glances at the host.]

Huh? A god is glancing at me? Why?

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ confesses that it feels responsible for the fact that the host didn’t live a full life and was dragged into the afterlife.]

“Ah.”

Right, that issue…

The gods of the Administration Bureau had, under the guise of public works, created national disasters just to prevent me from dying naturally. It was only fair that I protested this negligent homicide.

“That’s exactly it. So, what actually happened? Could you explain the circumstances?”

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ admits that it created a system to extract the soul of a suitable host, but due to a bug, it targeted not only the deceased but also the living.]

…So my death gets labeled as a bug accident.

“But even gods make mistakes, huh? Huh… kind of refreshing to see.”

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ flinches and argues that if it had created the system itself, it would have been perfect, but it was made by a clumsy rookie god, so flaws existed.]

I puffed my cheeks in annoyance at the excuse.

“Still, as a senior, you bear responsibility.”

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ winces and mutters that this is true.]

[It then changes tone, claiming that if the ‘Eye that Watches All Chaos’ had properly QA’ed the system, this never would have happened, and it demands that the troublemaker be summoned.]

[‘The Eye that Watches All Chaos’ shrinks back, trying to hide its presence.]

“Yeah… okay. I think I get the gist of it…”

I exhaled a long, weary sigh. It was frustrating and infuriating to have my ordinary life wiped away, but I didn’t feel the urge to confront a god with all my energy. Life had been lonely, exhausting, and harsh enough to make losing my previous life only mildly tragic.

If I had been reincarnated not into a stifling revenge story but into a high-fantasy story about raising a child, I’d probably be bowing in gratitude right now.

Even though I was friendly, this was still a god. And considering I’d been reincarnated into an S-rank survival story, picking a fight with a god interested in me would only be foolish.

I let the resentment settle and instead probed with a reasonable request.

“Then… as compensation for the bug—or rather, as part of taking responsibility—could you let me complete a thousand-day prayer quest?”

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ says that an instant quest completion is not approved yet, and even if it’s updated later, it would cost astronomical resources.]

I had expected that negative answer, but another detail caught my attention: the host support system seems to receive periodic updates.

[It explains that divine power, which normally requires half a day of devoted prayer each day for ten years to awaken, would be granted in just a thousand days.]

Hmm, the god’s attitude is firm. I might as well ask for additional bug compensation.

“Then… after awakening divine power, can you make me incredibly strong? I want to be strong enough to at least challenge the ultimate mastermind.”

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ rests its chin on its hand and gazes at you intently.]

It seemed to be considering it. That’s probably a bit too much privilege.

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ makes a decision.]

[It says that to become strong enough not to be harmed, the host must designate it as their primary deity and pray diligently.]

“Of course. After all, you created the world I was reincarnated into, didn’t you? You’re the creator—this makes sense.”

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ flashes its eyes as if asking whether I just agreed.]

“Yes.”

Its reaction seemed a little intense, but I just nodded calmly.

[‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ is delighted: you have now become its first disciple, and it cannot revoke this.]

Huh? That’s how it works?

A message appeared, slightly surprising.

[<System> You have become the ‘First Disciple’ of ‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ and now receive ‘The Favor of The Word that Builds Worlds’ and ‘The Patronage of The Word that Builds Worlds’.]

[<System> Your actions have sparked the faith of ‘The Word that Builds Worlds’ across the continent of Serentra.]

[<Status> ‘Favor of The Word that Builds Worlds’: Your vessel overflows with grace, allowing you to wield advanced divine power. Currently, you can exercise divine power at a cardinal-level standard. Applies from the moment of awakening.]

[<Status> ‘Patronage of The Word that Builds Worlds’: Your divine skills are boosted by ten levels. Applies only to ultimate skills, starting from the awakening of divine power.]

‘Wow!’

It felt like receiving a two-year-and-nine-month fixed deposit for free.

At that moment…

[‘The Architect of the Tower of Trials’ jumps in surprise, calling out to the director: “What’s going on here?”]

[‘The Eye that Watches All Chaos’ sneaks out and informs the director of a neighboring district.]

[‘The Scales that Judge Souls’ rushes over, trembling at the thought of the developer establishing a cult before them.]

Hmm… something big seems to have happened, though I’m not sure what.

Anyway, it was wise not to pick a fight with a god. Feeling that more benefits could be gained in the future, I clasped my hands together and exclaimed,

“I believe in you, Word!”

✠

As soon as I left the chapel, I went straight to the kitchen.

Following Chef Feisha’s instructions, I prepared breakfast for the picky count’s family, quickly improving my cooking skills. Between breakfast and lunch prep, Nelly gave me lessons on tea service.

Since tea-making is considered a subcategory of cooking, my skill was already proficient. Isella focused instead on proper etiquette and the manners required when serving nobles.

As part of the training, I practiced sitting gracefully and sipping tea elegantly.

It could have been boring, but a more entertaining scene unfolded right in front of me.

“Nelly, that’s your eighth measuring mistake with the tea leaves. Are you unable to read the scale? Should I start teaching you numbers first?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then why can’t you do it? Even younger Aleth can manage. Being a tea-serving maid isn’t just about delicate hands—you have to be sharp and attentive. If you can’t handle this, quit immediately.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Isella’s gentle tone carried a sting, and Nelly’s eyes brimmed with tears. She glanced at me secretly, full of determination—like she was thinking, I’ll tell my mom on you!

I wasn’t scared at all.

After the lesson, I returned to preparing lunch. Even after the other servants went to rest, I stayed in the kitchen with Feisha’s permission to try making a “sweet fruit dish.”

This should be enough to level up.

I decided to make apple soup.

Thinly sliced red apples were boiled in water with white wine and a pinch of salt, then drizzled with olive oil. The result: a translucent red soup, beautifully balanced in flavor.

It was simple to prepare and quickly finished. I plated the soup on a white dish and began searching for Feisha for the tasting.

To my surprise, the alchemist—well, I suppose I can’t call him “alchemist” forever—was there too.

He seemed to have come looking for me but had been stopped by Feisha and Isella. Approaching to serve them all together, I overheard their conversation about my future.

“Just in time, Mr. Rodeline. Thank you for the soap. I wanted to discuss Aleth—she has talent in cooking, and I want to help her grow.”

“Eh? But our child is an alchemy prodigy! By the way, that soap was actually made by our daughter, amazing, right? I’d like to train her properly…”

“What are you talking about? When serving tea to nobles, it’s about finding a suitable match. I’ll ensure Aleth reaches a duke’s house, leave her with me.”

Ah… so she’s being recommended as a tea-serving maid to a duke’s household. In a high-fantasy romance story, that would have been her path.

And my father, too?

From what I gathered, his visit aimed to persuade me gently to learn alchemy. I welcomed it—this was the perfect time to soak up everything I could during my tutorial period.

As their conversation drew to a close, I joined in:

“Feisha, Isella, Father, please try the dish I made.”

“Hm? Apple soup, huh?”

“Yes, Feisha.”

They each took a spoonful. Even though I trusted the system, my heart raced presenting my first dish—I had never been good at cooking in my previous life.

After savoring the soup, Feisha turned to Father with a proud expression.

“See, Mr. Rodeline? Aleth has talent in cooking!”

“B-but our child is an alchemist…”

“You’re wrong. Aleth made a dessert to accompany tea. She’s clearly destined for a duke’s house.”

While they bickered, a delightful message appeared.

[<System> Congratulations! You’ve gained enough proficiency to level up. Cooking Lv.3 awakened! You can now use: ‘Food Insight,’ ‘Perfectly Cook Any Meat,’ ‘Delightful Confections & Pastries,’ ‘Create Any Fresh Salad,’ and ‘Nutrient-Rich Stews & Soups.’]

Level 3 made it feel like I could truly start cooking properly.

Not only that—my apple soup was immediately selected to be served as a dessert to the countess that very day.