The Monarch Effect

Chapter 14: Benevolence

Chapter 14

What would Jesus do? No, seriously, what would he do in this situation? I'm at a total loss.

Even in this cold, dimly lit grey room, I feel strangely warm and at ease. It's hard to explain, but there's this glow of goodness and holiness washing over me... but there's a slight touch of... superiority?

I'm not exactly a spiritual person, but... it's scary how much an aura can influence people. And I know I'm not crazy because I can literally see the aura in front of me!

The source of that glow is the next guest of honor. Her golden, gentle gaze falls upon me even if she doesn't have any pupils. She has an ornate white dress with yellow gems inside. There's no wind in here, but her long blonde hair somehow gently floats.

"Pleasure to meet thee, human~," The woman says as she gently places a hand on her chest over her heart. She lowers her shoulders and slightly tilts her head, all with the same smile and gaze. "To what do I call thee?"

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. My heart thumps loudly as my mind scrambles.

... I should've listened to Cruz. Apparently, this woman was quite cooperative when turning herself in. Way too cooperative. Cruz is definitely worried about her intentions but is probably confident that I- or rather Varialax can deal with any shenanigans...

I just hope we don't have assassination attempt two.

"M-Monarch. My name is Monarch." I say with a slightly shaky voice.

"A monarch?" The woman gasp as she brings her hand up to her mouth. "Of what kingdom? Goddess Sephora has ensured all kingdoms and empires know of her presence."

"Oh! N-no, I'm not an actual king," I explain with my hands. "I-it's just my name."

"Ah. I understand." The woman relaxes with her smile. "To think even the names are unique... and your unusual attire would be strange for royalty."

I get that a hoodie and sweatpants aren't exactly the most formal, but she didn't have to do me like that. I open my mouth to retort, but...

"I... literally can't say anything bad about you," I say with my head down.

"Ufufu... what a charming human." She says as she laughs, bringing her hand up to her mouth.

"...You say that like you're not human," I say, probing. I know what she is, but I need confirmation.

"It is, as the humans say, 'obvious,' no?" The woman says to me. "I am a humble angel of the Goddess Sephora." She says with a gleeful tone.

I desperately resist the urge to ask her if it hurt when she fell from heaven, but smited by holy light does not sound like a pleasant way to go.

"Don't have to tell me twice..." I say, chuckling. "Although... I expected you to look a bit... different?"

The angel closes her eyes and smiles at me. She leans forward a bit before a glow shines from her back. Just as quickly as she opens her eyes, two white feathered wings flip out and stretch in all of their glory. A rush of wind hits me as I try to calm down Varialax.

"Does this suffice?" She asks as she puffs out her chest.

"Ok, that's awesome," I say, pointing at her. "But... I meant more like....

I try to phrase my words carefully.

"I thought you would have... maybe four to six wings? Possibly four faces? Perhaps numerous eyes attached to wheels that would be orbiting your-"