[Achievement Unlocked:
"Became the Acting Voice of the Goddess of the Church of Hervesta."]
[Title Unlocked:
"Acting Voice of the Goddess"
Effect: "Faithful believers of the Goddess of Harvest will feel a natural sense of goodwill and reverence toward you. The stronger their faith, the more pronounced the effect."
(Note: This effect is only active while the title is equipped.)]
Ron opened his system panel and saw that next to his current titles — [Novice Magic Newbie], [Cautious Warrior: Beginner], and [Chosen of the Harvest Goddess] — a new badge had appeared: [Acting Voice of the Goddess].
"Boosting goodwill and respect, huh…" Ron's lips twitched. "When did you turn into a cheap dating sim system? This doesn't fit your style at all."
Despite his inner complaints, he still decided to equip the title to test its effect.
After all, the Chosen of the Harvest Goddess's passive skill was still on cooldown, so there was no harm in switching things up for now.
But… the effect didn't seem all that obvious?
At least, Sister Sylvie didn't show any noticeable reaction. Neither did the six nuns behind him.
Ron re-read the description:
"Believers of the Harvest Goddess will feel a natural sense of goodwill and reverence toward you. The stronger their faith, the more pronounced the effect."
He was already the Chosen of the Goddess. Even without the badge, devout followers would probably still show him respect, right?
So… what was the point of this badge?
Ron stood there with a blank expression.
Just then, Sister Sylvie leaned in slightly and softly whispered, "Lord Ron, the ceremony has concluded. Please return to the rear chamber via the side entrance."
Ron nodded and stepped off the altar, heading toward the side door.
It was only then that he noticed—Sylvie's tone just now seemed… gentler?
Previously, although she had always treated him with formal respect, there was a kind of calm distance in her voice, reminding one that their relationship was strictly professional.
But that last sentence had felt like a warm breeze brushing past his ear, gentle and soothing.
Ron nodded inwardly. So that's what this title actually does…
After the ceremony ended, the crowd of worshippers in the plaza remained for a long time, reluctant to leave.
The nobles and dignitaries who had come to witness the ceremony moved to the rear hall to offer Ron their congratulations—and express their interest in the flower shop's plants.
It wasn't until after 2 p.m. that the crowd in the plaza finally dispersed.
Throughout that time, Ron and the Archbishop took turns seeing off their important guests. When they had a brief moment to themselves, Ron took the opportunity to ask about the belt.
"This is Hervesta's Belt of Life, one of the sacred artifacts of the Church," Archbishop Ulysses explained. "It provides incredibly strong passive defense."
"Given the recent assassination attempt on you, the Church unanimously decided that you should be entrusted with it."
Ron was stunned. He hadn't expected the Church to be this generous.
"A treasure like this would benefit the Church more if it stayed in the hands of a high-ranking elder, right? I'm just a Tier-2 Mage—there's no way I can unleash its full potential." Ron paused for a moment and then voiced his concern.
Ulysses smiled faintly and explained:
"The belt's protection is passive. The purer the wearer's faith in the Goddess, the stronger the defensive shield it triggers when under attack."
"So within the entire Church, there's no one more suited to wear it than you, our Chosen One."
…???
That's exactly why I'm the worst person to give this to!
Ron nearly rolled his eyes into the back of his head, but couldn't bring himself to reject the gift.
How could he possibly say "Actually, I don't even believe in the Goddess…"?
No one would believe that anyway.
"And, if you wear the Belt of Life long-term, it will gradually enhance your physical condition. Some of your internal organs will receive strengthening as well." Ulysses looked at him with a faint smile and added meaningfully, "Especially… those in your lower back region."
Ron went silent for a moment, then patted the belt at his waist. "In that case, I'll humbly accept."
After all the guests were seen off, Ron thanked the Archbishop once more, then said farewell to the nuns, bishops, priests, and missionaries. He left with Nora and returned to the flower shop.
"Thanks for all your help today," he said with a smile as they walked in. He gently pinched Nora's cheek.
"Wasn't that much trouble…" Nora tilted her face upward and stood on tiptoes, making it easier for her boss to reach. "Princess Mia and Edith helped with the introductions, too. I didn't really do anything…"
"Haha, come on. Be more confident." Ron chuckled and gave her a light flick on the forehead. "With how cute you are, people will definitely be more inclined to buy."
"No, I'm not~" Nora covered her forehead and stepped back, lowering her head with a shy voice.
"Some visitors will probably be dropping by soon," Ron said as he headed upstairs. "If they're just making small purchases, you can handle it. But if anyone wants to place a bulk order, send them up to the study."
"Got it, Boss, ~"
Nora didn't have to wait long.
Sure enough, visitors began arriving soon after, looking to buy Nether Orchids and Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemums.
Most of them had faith in the Archbishop's words but still decided to start with small purchases—bringing the plants back to observe their effects before committing.
Some had close ties with the Royal Capital Magic Academy and made inquiries in advance. After confirming the plants' real benefits, they opted to place large orders.
Many of the factions attending the ceremony had never heard of Ron's Wonderful Flower Shop before. Or if they had, they considered it just another conversation topic.
Now that they'd seen the three magical plants up close and personally felt their effects, it was no surprise that many came knocking.
Especially the Nether Orchid and Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum — their sales surged that afternoon!
Major powers such as the Dwarven Kingdom, the Elven Tribes, and the Gnome Race all signed bulk purchase agreements with the shop.
The two other major religious factions in the Human Empire, along with various noble representatives, also reached business deals with Ron.
By the end of the day, the combined total of advance deposits and Nora's retail sales easily pushed Ron's earnings past the 50,000-gold mark!
His wealth value officially hit 100,000+.
Just then, the system's voice chimed in his ear:
[Daily Task] — [Increase Flower Shop Sales]
✅ Task Completed!
🎉 "Congratulations, Host. Reward has been added to your [Inventory]."
Ron opened his [Inventory], absorbed the [Puppet Tree Cultivation Method], and sighed.
His main quest — selling 5,000 Scalevines — had only reached 2,700/5,000. Still nearly halfway to go.
It seemed that the Scalevine's defensive benefits were still too situational. Plus, since it wasn't a consumable, it didn't sell as well as the other two.
At this point, the most popular plant in the shop turned out to be the most expensive one: the Crimson-Gold Chrysanthemum, followed by the Nether Orchid, with Scalevine trailing in last.
If he wanted to complete the main quest, he'd probably have to grind for a few more months.
Ron set aside those thoughts and opened the [Puppet Tree Seed] in his inventory.