Becoming an Accidental God in a New World

I opened my shop late today because of my morning walk. That turned out to be the right decision because the traffic seemed non-existent today.

Due to Duchess Isabella's sudden visit, most people were busy attending to her and trying to earn her favor.

So only those who needed something urgent came to my shop today… until the person behind the slow traffic showed up at my shop.

The doorbell's ringing told me that someone entered, but when I looked up, my eyes met Duchess Isabella Lilly.

The older lady always looked regal and had good posture… or that was what I thought. But her current self looked even more majestic.

Her dress had too many layers and folds, and it looked like it weighed a ton as well. And then there were the duchess's shoes with heels that added a whole inch to her already tall height.

The fact that she was able to walk in all that and not show a hint of annoyance on her face was far beyond any feat of magic.

"Shopkeeper, it's an honor to meet you once more. I hope you are not burdened by my visit."

The duchess asked as she placed her fan on one of the tables lying around. The table let out a sound of something breaking under the weight of that fan.

Whether it was because the duchess noticed that or because she just wanted her fan back, she pulled her fan open and gave a look to the people outside my window.

A small crowd had gathered, all looking at the duchess and me to see what gossip they could get from us.

Unfortunately for them, they were not going to find much here.

"The honor is mine, Duchess Isabella, to have you visit me. Please, allow me to offer you and your guards a seat."

I gestured for her to follow me, and her guards gave me a suspicious look.

There was only one guard I remembered seeing with her before, but now she had about a dozen. And no one looked happy to see me interacting with the duchess.

'Wow-! If looks could kill, then I would be dead by now. Unfortunately for all these people, I am not someone easy to kill.'

Despite the guards giving me hateful glances, I just smiled and had them seated on the sofa.

The duchess had the main seat all to herself while everyone else sat on the other sofa to show her respect.

"So, what brought you here, Duchess?"

I asked, only to immediately get a dozen guards taking out their swords.

The reaction felt a little overboard, and my heart skipped a beat. But I pretended I did not notice.

"Halt-! You all, get out of here. I need to talk to the shopkeeper alone."

The duchess quickly snapped at the guards, and they looked devastated. They gave me an ugly look before their leader addressed the duchess.

"You know we cannot do that, Duchess. We need to follow the rules…"

The guard captain told the duchess, only to be shocked still once he saw her impassive face. She was clearly telling him she cared for none of his lies or words.

"And… that is your problem to handle, right? Fine, you all can stay here if you want to. But I cannot guarantee your life once you hear this information."

The guards looked taken aback, and the one who came with the duchess last time quickly stood up first.

"We understand, Duchess. We shall follow your will."

He told the duchess and signaled for the other guards to follow him out. The others left with an annoyed look on their faces, and I knew that I was not safe.

The duchess just gave her people an annoyed look before she turned toward me with an almost apologetic smile on her face.

"Please forgive my guards, shopkeeper. They are a little… overprotective of me. And now that they are gone, I can tell you what I came here to tell you."

The duchess pushed herself to sit straight, and she looked much more regal this way.

I felt eager to hear what she had to tell me as well since it sounded important. Once the duchess made sure no one else was around, she opened her mouth.

"Shopkeeper, I need you to accompany me to the far territory of Goddess Helia's main temple. According to the high priest, the prophecy Goddess Helia left for them told them that their 'prophesied' soul will be born soon, and she gave detailed instructions."

It sounded interesting, and the duchess continued.

"But three people were born on the same day, same time, and the same place, causing a problem. The temple raised them until they were twelve, but they want to get rid of the extra two to not cause any panic. I offered to take them in. However, I would like you to come with me to check up on them."

The duchess was making high demands of me.

Not only would I have to travel to another place, but the journey itself would likely be uncomfortable.

At the same time, her words made me curious and reminded me of the message from the claw machine I got.

"Duchess, are two of the three twins?"

I asked, and the duchess's eyes widened in shock.

"How did you… never mind, of course you knew that, shopkeeper. You are right. Since the prophecy only talked about one soul, the high priest and other people under Goddess Helia likely will push the twins out. I would like for you to offer them protection since you are a neutral party."

The duchess told me, and I felt a little scared.

I did not want to leave my shop. But the fact that the claw machine told me to go made me want to do so.

Besides, Goddess Helia was called by the duchess the goddess of prophecies, and the claw machine often told the future.

I wondered if there was a connection and if I could find more about what fate points were if I went to check on the situation.

"Alright. If you give me some time to prepare, then I will accompany you. Ah, but I won't be alone. I have a companion with me as well."

I told the duchess, and she looked surprised by my words.

"A companion—?"

She asked, and I nodded before I snapped my fingers.

Fenrir wasted no time rushing into my room, and it was a miracle he stayed away for as long as he did.

The duchess looked shocked to see a dire wolf pup, and she gave me a glance.

"Shopkeeper… are you sure you should keep something so dangerous close to you? You might get hurt… no, never mind. I am just being foolish. Please forget that I said something."

The duchess caught herself, but her words triggered Fenrir.

"Tsk, how dare she speak like that. I am not going to hurt my master. Just what do you think you are saying? Master, this fay is not a good person. You should not associate with her."

Fenrir spoke, but the duchess likely could not understand him, causing her to look even more worried.

It seemed I had no choice but to mediate once more.