Chapter 96: The Rebirth of Fonia

“…Thank you for waiting.” (??)

Late night… in the punishment chamber under the temple, a heavy voice was let out by a middle-aged man.

The one that was put in here was only Dolgar, but since he lost everything because of the words of the Messenger, there wasn’t even a single word coming from him since the time he was being confined in the punishment chamber. He continued to be dumbfounded while sitting with empty eyes.

But now, he had returned to sanity and stood before the locked door.

“Aren’t you a bit too late?” (Dolgar)

“I’m sorry. It took me a bit to infiltrate.” (??)

“Hmmph, it’s fine. Goodness… although this made them off-guard, it was troublesome to pretend to have lost my sanity. But, this is the end.” (Dolgar)

The key of the punishment chamber was opened by the hand of a man wearing a mask who infiltrated to the punishment chamber, and from there, a slightly thin Dolgar came out from the inside. Apparently, he was given minimum food and water as punishment.

Of course, Dolgar was not allowed to leave from this place.

This was clearly a jailbreak.

And by the guidance of the man, Dolgar wasn’t discovered by anyone and escaped the temple.

The man progressed forward on a path with less people because the security of the current Mira’s Doctrine was getting loose due to the return of the Pope.

The man and Dolgar, who covered his face with a hooded robe he had prepared, were heading outside the town, but they were stopped by the gate guard before they got out.

It was inevitable, since the time was late at night, but Dolgar managed to get out of the town with an innocent face and the negotiations of that man.

He continued walking along the road that was lit by the shining moonlight, but Dolgar, who wasn’t good at exercise, soon came to the limits of his stamina and sat down.

“Haa… haa… damn, I am hungry and have no energy. Oi, do you have any food?” (Dolgar)

“It’s just emergency rations, but this is it.” (??)

Dolgar received a bag with dried meat and bread inside from the man and smiled when he saw wine.

“Well, shall I endure with these? Everything is without taste, but it is good with the wine.” (Dolgar)

“It’s fine if you want to drink, but I have a question. Which way are we heading now?” (??)

“There is a lodge in the southwest that’s used for emergencies and it has money stored inside. First off, we will go there, and we will leave this continent before doing the arrangements. Don’t worry, I’ll pay your additional fee after we reach it.” (Dolgar)

“Well, are you going to escape like this? Don’t you, Dolgar-sama, hate the fact that you are seen with such eyes by Mira’s Doctrine?” (??)

“Yes, of course. But, I will take care of the arrangements while the situation is cooling down.” (Dolgar)

Dolgar, who felt good after a long time, didn’t notice that the conversation was being induced and he continued talking.

“In that town, the overwhelming deterrent, Vagle, is already no more. If I hire mercenaries with the money I earned, it is not hard to gain control in one go. Or maybe it is good to contact the bandits who are planning to attack this town.” (Dolgar)

“What are you going to do with the group that has beastkin among them? I heard a rumor, that elites from the ‘other side’ could barely do anything…” (??)

“I wasn’t sure how it was leaked out, but… they were certainly strong. But, they are not going to stay in Fonia forever. It is only a matter of time until they are gone.” (Dolgar)

“…I understand. Let’s quickly move on. I will go ahead first, but we are already outside the town. There is a knife in the bag, so please arm yourself, Dolgar-sama.” (??)

“Hmm… sure.” (Dolgar)

And then, the man, who confirmed that the knife was taken out of the bag, held Dolgar’s hand, which was holding the knife…

“What… guhh!?” (Dolgar)

He twisted his wrist and pierced the knife into Dolgar’s chest as if he was committing suicide.

He pushed the hand faster than Dolgar’s reaction, and the man got away from Dolgar when the blade of the knife was half-buried.

“Gaahh… you be-betray—…” (Dolgar)

“I(1) don’t remember being on your side.” (??)

“Wha!? You, why are you… here?” (Dolgar)

As I replied, I removed my mask and exposed my true face, and Dolgar had a startled expression.(2)

“I thought that you might have a backup plan, and it is as I expected.” (Sirius)

He was supposed to continue pretending being broken in the punishment chamber, and escape by the guidance of those whom he hired in preparation for something. By the way, the man that was hired was originally a thug from the Underworld, and it was a person who had nothing to do with Mira’s Doctrine.

I noticed the reaction of an intruder through [Search] and started moving at the same time. I made him lose consciousness, and changed places before appearing before Dolgar. The real person was tied up and thrown into another punishment chamber.

“A-ahhh… you…” (Dogar)

“I would not have done this if you hadn’t thought about getting revenge, and quietly moved to another continent.” (Sirius)

The reason why I changed places and expressively took him outside, was to listen to his real intentions. There were other reasons, but this was the only one for Dolgar.

I stabbed him without hesitation after listening to his real intentions, which I had expected; but if he hadn’t thought about revenge, I would have made him lose consciousness, and returned him to the punishment chamber.

Dolgar might have escaped if I didn’t change places and didn’t do anything, but actually, it wasn’t like that.

The other reason why I aimed for Dolgar was…

“…How about coming out?” (Sirius)

“…When did you notice?” (??)

Because it wasn’t just me.

The one that appeared from a tree nearby was the attendant of the Pope, the former Holy Knight Jii-san. He wasn’t dressed like an adventurer, like he was during the daytime; instead, he was dressed in an attire that was almost completely black, which could easily blend in the dark night.

Yeah… even if I didn’t do anything, even if I turned a blind eye, this Jii-san would probably deal with Dolgar.

“Well, you continuously followed me from the temple. It was a splendid tailing, since your presence often disappeared.” (Sirius)

“You noticed until that point, huh? You, too. The ability to bring Dolgar this far in this short amount of time is praiseworthy.” (Former Holy Knight)

“Thank you very much. Leaving that matter aside, are you going to arrest me because I took this man out?” (Sirius)

“I guess so. On that standpoint, I should arrest you, but… I have another job right now.” (Former Holy Knight)

As the Jii-san said so, he was walking towards Dolgar, who was struggling to pull out the knife stuck in his chest, and looked into his face.

“Aahh… guuhh… H-help me! That man tried to kill me…” (Dolgar)

“Hmm, I have confirmed that you are stabbing the knife into yourself.” (Former Holy Knight)

“What… did… you… say…?” (Dolgar)

“Did you choose to kill yourself because of the guilt? I heard that your heart was broken in the punishment chamber, so this is a possible ending.” (Former Holy Knight)

“Guhuuh… don’t make fun of me, bastard!” (Dolgar)

Dolgar was furious while vomiting blood from his mouth, but the Jii-san indifferently looked down on him.

“Fun? Do you think that you can live after doing those things until such an extent? Besides, I must pluck the sprout of revenge early.” (Former Holy Knight)

“That’s… not… it…” (Dolgar)

“Whomever becomes the enemy of the Pope… I will eliminate them.” (Former Holy Knight)

And then, when the Jii-san pushed the knife with his palm, as if to hit him, the blade easily penetrated Dolgar’s heart.

Even if Dolgar extended his hand for help, he fell down onto the ground with his hand reaching out towards the sky, and never moved again.

After the Jii-san confirmed the death of Dolgar, he turned his eyes with vigilance towards me, but since I couldn’t feel any bloodlust, I didn’t think that he was planning to fight.

“Now… I would like to say that next is your turn, but Dolgar will be found like this in the punishment chamber. However, your crime of deliberately taking him out is still there.” (Former Holy Knight)

“Hmm, is it possible for him to be found like this in the punishment chamber?” (Sirius)

Dolgar, who was put in the punishment chamber, was broken by the feeling of guilt and he didn’t eat enough.

A man came to help him without anyone realizing it. He handed over a bag with food and Dolgar killed himself with a knife, which was put inside the bag.

By chance, the Jii-san came to look at his condition, and he knocked the intruder unconscious while confirming that Dolgar was killed in the punishment chamber… that was probably what he would say.

The Jii-san nodded with a bitter smile at the scenario I mentioned.

“Heh… did you induce him to do that so it would be like this? You are very attentive… you even targeted the moment he grabbed the knife.” (Former Holy Knight)

“There is also my insistence, but when someone’s being killed, not only the image of Mira’s Doctrine, won’t the Pope and Ashley feel sad?” (Sirius)

“You understand that well. I was also wondering about how to get rid of him, but let’s say that this could save me the work for the time being.” (Former Holy Knight)

In order to make this to be seen as a suicide, it was good enough if I stabbed the knife while making him hold it after he died.

However, since there was also a method of making the target commit suicide in my previous life, I copied that method… well, my insistence came out for a bit.

“It’s just that… it wasn’t necessary to bring him here, to such a place. If there is a reason, I would like to hear it.” (Former Holy Knight)

“By letting Dolgar escape from the temple, I could hear Dolgar’s real intentions when he was off-guard, and I also wanted to know your ability.” (Sirius)

“My ability?” (Former Holy Knight)

“Yes. I was convinced that I could see the other side of you from your ability and appearance. It might be unpleasant when someone young says that, but…” (Sirius)

From the fact that he was traveling alone with the Pope, who didn’t have fighting capabilities, I thought that his skill was sufficient.

I kept losing sight of him many times along the way. And from his calm demeanor, even though he was a former ally of Dolgar, I understood that even if this Jii-san was from the ‘other side’, he had considerable abilities.

The figure that didn’t mind doing the dirty work for the Pope more than anything was probably the ideal image of Chris protecting Ashley.

As a Senior of the Holy Knights, which Chris aimed for from now on, I thought that he would be a better Shishou than me. Since the eyes that saw not only the Pope but also the Cardinal and Ashley were gentle, there was no problem with his personality.

That’s why I…

“If it is you, I feel relieved to leave him in your care. Please take care of Chris.” (Sirius)

I deeply bowed, and entrusted Chris to the Jii-san.

Since Chris had decided this on his own, I suppose that this was incongruous to say such a thing.

If I had to say this, it was probably a bit too much to regard us as teacher and student, since the relationship between Chris and I was short.

“I see… so you were called ‘Sensei’ by Chris?” (Former Holy Knight)

Although it was short, Chris called me ‘Sensei’ and yearned for me. Even when I wasn’t there, he kept training and upheld my teachings.

I responded to such a Chris by giving him training for a short time, but since he had found a new goal and Shishou, this would be as far as I go as his Sensei.

That was why, even if he thought that I was Chris’ Sensei until the end, I wanted to properly tell, in words, the entrusted party.

When I raised my head after conveying those words, the old man was looking at my eyes with a serious face.

“…What are you? When I think whether you are a greenhorn adventurer, you seem to have a calmness and ability that don’t correspond with your age. To me, you already look like a farsighted middle-aged man.” (Former Holy Knight)

“That has been often said to me. Although I am just living a peculiar life, I am just an adventurer who aims to be an educator.” (Sirius)

I didn’t think that he would believe it, but it couldn’t be helped, since that was a fact. Regardless of the memories of my previous life, I was an individual called ‘Sirius’.

As I expected, whether the old man was suspicious, the confrontation between him and I continued awhile, and a stalemate situation, like reaching out to our weapons, continued several times.

When I was thinking that it would be easier to have a battle at least once… the Jii-san let go of his vigilance, after lightly breathing out, and deeply nodded.

“…Understood. I will be responsible for bringing Chris up, and I will make him a fine Holy Knight to protect Ashley. Even if you didn’t tell me, that was what I planned to do from the beginning.” (Former Holy Knight)

“Thank you very much. And since Chris already has no family, I would like you to be like his parent.” (Sirius)

“Hmmm. My wife and I weren’t blessed with a child. Since I think that I am getting a new child after Ashley, you can be rest assured.” (Former Holy Knight)

Later on, the fact about the Jii-san’s family was known, and apparently, the Cardinal was his wife. To add it further, it seemed that she was the Pope’s sister. It’s probably justifiable that he clearly wanted to deal with Dolgar, after what happened with his wife.

And the Jii-san wasn’t only a brother-in-law, he also completely longed for the Pope and pledged allegiance to him. It was a considerably complex family, but as for me, I wasn’t worried about betrayal.

“Well then, let’s go back. It will be troublesome if another believer notices that Dolgar is not there.” (Former Holy Knight)

“Aah, sure.” (Sirius)

I wrapped Dolgar’s body with the blanket I brought, but when I tried to carry him like baggage, the old man stretched out his hand from the side and took him from me.

“Let me carry him. He was originally a believer of Mira’s Doctrine.” (Former Holy Knight)

“Thank you very much.” (Sirius)

“No need to say thanks. More importantly, you don’t have to be that polite. You should speak normally.” (Former Holy Knight)

“I am way younger than you, to be like that…” (Sirius)

“I am not a fool who judges by age or appearance. I don’t want to be spoken with such politeness by a strong man who completely read my movements.” (Sirius)

Although the standoff earlier was seen as nothing but glaring from a bystander’s view, an advanced battle was unfolding while we were guessing each other’s abilities. Since an initial response was key when one’s own abilities reached a certain level, it would be a battle between experts.

In this case, since I had an opportunity to observe the Jii-san, who stopped to stab Dolgar, it wasn’t difficult to guess his secret.

By guessing his secret, I could seal his movements before he even tried to take an initial response.

“Goodness, it is my first time having all my initial responses blocked. The world is wide, isn’t it?” (Former Holy Knight)

Since he held a flexible mind that allowed him to accept his own defeat, regardless of age difference, I thought that I could entrust Chris to this person.

We finished all our errands in this way, and we left the place in the dark night.

Although it was already in the late night, it was suspicious when we carried Dolgar’s dead body.

If we tried to enter the town as we were, we would definitely be stopped by the gate guard. By going through a secret passage that the Jii-san knew, we could enter the town with innocent looks.

Proceeding through the same alley as when I got out, we came back to the temple without being found by anyone, and we decided to split up before reaching the punishment chamber.

“The incident this time would have gotten dangerous if it wasn’t for you guys. I thought that I was going to be busy with unnecessary blood spills by sweeping and killing the people involved, but you saved me a lot for this to end peacefully. The matter of Dolgar has been taken care of, and I really appreciate your help.” (Former Holy Knight)

“You don’t have to mind it that much. I only acted in retaliation, since my disciple was kidnapped.” (Sirius)

“Oh, well. Since the Pope and Ashley have expressed their gratitudes, I am not going to say anything more. Well then… it’s my job after this. You can take a rest.” (Former Holy Knight)

“Yeah. Do your best.” (Sirius)

“Heh… that’s for sure.” (Former Holy Knight)

Since it was his decision, sorry for saying something boorish.

Finally, after seeing a gentle smile on the Jii-san’s face, I went back to my room.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)

—

It was during the next morning that the news about Dolgar killing himself in the punishment chamber spread.

It was roughly as I expected, but the difference was that the man who I changed places with encountered Jii-san, and since he was swept up, I guessed that things had been taken care of, right?

He was the perpetrator of the incident involving Mira’s Doctrine, so the majority of believers reacted as if it was justified, but there were a lot who took pride of the teachings, and thought that it might have been his salvation.

As expected, the Pope and Ashley were sad when they knew the fact, but the Jii-san told them that when Dolgar was thinking of Mira-sama, he could no longer bear his guilty conscience.

“Really? Even though he was drowning in greed… his mind really was thinking of Mira-sama…” (Ashley)

“Yes, Dolgar was just a bit off the right track. Let’s keep on learning from this tragedy to prevent such a thing from happening again.” (Pope)

“If Ashley is depressed, won’t other believers become uneasy? I will always support you from the back, so let’s move forward.” (Chris)

“…Yeah… you’re right. As a Saintess, I must be firm.” (Ashley)

It seemed that Chris was supporting Ashley as her Senior.

Unlike the Pope and the Jii-san, they were man and woman, so they would probably have a lot of difficulties.

However, it was up to them to clear their own way from now on. It was a mutual love, and I hoped that they both could find their own way and grow up.

—

Since the Pope had returned, Mira’s Doctrine would be alright. And since Chris had found a new Shishou, there was almost no reason for me to be here.

I decided to start the trip soon, so, together with my disciples, we visited Chris and Ashley and told them that we would leave Fonia.

“You are going to leave already!? We haven’t returned the favor for helping us.” (Ashley)

“We have been allowed to see the Ceremony and you have taken care of us during our stay. Besides, we are adventurers. We will come again when Chris has become a splendid Holy Knight.” (Sirius)

“Sensei…” (Chris)

While Ashley was looking lonely, Chris looked sadder, and looked like he was about to cry at any time.

“Don’t make such a face. From now on, look at that person as your Shishou, and get stronger.” (Sirius)

“Yeah… right. But, the fact that Sirius-san is my Sensei will never change. Who decided that I should only give my respects to only one person?” (Chris)

“Aren’t you going to say something?” (Sirius)

At that time, Chris declared that he would become the junior of the Jii-san and become a Holy Knight, he apologized with a momentum that could pave a way for me.

Although he did it with a momentum, he noticed that he was being rude when I said that he would train under Jii-san and disregard me as his Sensei.

It was certainly rude to decide without discussing it, but there seemed to be no problems with the attitude of Ashley and Jii-san. More than anything… without being forced by anyone, I would not oppose if Chris chose his own path.

That’s why I didn’t mind about it… and I pushed his back.

After that, Chris gradually regained his mood after I talked with the Jii-san several times, and there was also a gift, which I was told was a common courtesy.

That’s right, if he had time to feel troubled or feel guilty, he better get stronger.

Since I was more than happy if he showed me a grown appearance.

—

Two days later, we were gathering in front of the temple before leaving Fonia.

After the preparations for the trip were finished, all we had to do was to bid farewell, but… there were many people gathered in front of the temple, including believers and people in the town.

Of course, the Pope and the Cardinal were there, and some people were coming because the Saintess was also there, but there were also some coming purely for us.

There were those who became our friends when we were helping rebuild the buildings burned by Vagle, those who adored Reese for treating the injured, and some beastkin also came to worship Hokuto.

“For ordinary travelers to gather this many people…” (Sirius)

“That is a proof that people longed for you all. Please… come again.” (Ashley)

“We still haven’t return the favor, alright? We will give you a big welcome when you visit next time.” (Pope)

“Yes, I’m looking forward to that.” (Sirius)

After Ashley and Pope, we shook hands and said goodbye to the others, and on the side, Chris was surrounded by my disciples.

“You are also Sirius-sama’s disciple, and you received training from him. I think that there will be many things from now on, but please try not to shame yourself.” (Emilia)

“If you’re going to be a Holy Knight, I will be the second strongest. Work hard!” (Reus)

“You must not overdo it. Do not make Ashley-chan cry.” (Reese)

“When I think about it, you are my Senpai in regards of being Sirius’ disciple. Work hard so that you don’t show a bad part to your junior.” (Fia)

“Everyone… thank you.” (Chris)

While tears were floating at the edge of the eyes, Chris was receiving encouragement from his Senpais, one after another.

Lastly, Chris came to me. He then looked at me after deeply bowing.

“…I’ll do my best!” (Chris)

“Aah, do it like you have no regrets.” (Sirius)

Since I have told the matter that needed to be told, there was no need to speak any longer.

When I extended my hand, Chris firmly grasped it.

“…” (Sirius)

“…” (Former Holy Knight)

And when I looked at the Jii-san who stood by the Pope, I made a smile when he nodded as if to say to leave things to him.

As the farewell ended in this way, we got on our carriage and set out.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)

—

The carriage moved until the figures of Ashley and Chris, who kept waving their hands, were no longer seen. I let out a small breath after we got outside the town.

It was only a few days, but fighting a magician who could see Spirits, and pretending to be the Messenger of God… I thought that they were considerably packed days.

When I sat on the coach, while indulging in such a thought, Emilia offered some tea and sat next to me.

“Here you go, Sirius-sama. It is rare for you to be absent-minded. Is there something wrong?” (Emilia)

“No. It’s just a noisy stay that was more than I expected…” (Sirius)

“I see. It was certainly intense, but we gained a lot of things.” (Emilia)

“Yeah. We gained valuable experiences, and more than anything, Reese grew up in a big way.” (Sirius)

When I looked back, Reese, who was sitting at the back of the carriage while leisurely enjoying the scenery, noticed our gazes and turned her face around.

“Hmm? what is it?” (Reese)

“No, we’re talking about how Reese has grown up. By the way… are they still following you?” (Sirius)

“Well… yes. Even if we have gone outside the town, they are still following me.” (Reese)

Earlier, when my disciples passed through the sanctuary to infiltrate the temple of Mira’s Doctrine, Reese told me that because there were Water Spirits from the sanctuary’s lake that wanted to follow her, it seemed that there were several of them that came along.

Although it seemed like a normal story, for Reese and Fia, who lived together with Spirits, they thought that this was quite abnormal.

Depending on the situation of the place, a Spirit was basically an uncontrolled and whimsical existence which didn’t stay in one place.

Spirit Magic was a request for cooperation from nearby Spirits and they would lend a hand, even if there was some distance, but it seemed that there were none that followed them everywhere like the ones with Reese.

As the Spirits came like puppies chasing after their owner, thanks to them, it didn’t only make it easier for Reese to cast spells, it also made the invocation become much faster.

Since they were Water Spirits from the sanctuary, I thought that they would go home after we left the town, but… the result was what Reese had said.

“Say, will it be alright if you guys don’t go home? Your favorite place is over there, isn’t it?” (Reese)

“If they have followed until here, why don’t you let them do whatever they like? After all, Reese is not the only person adored by the Spirits.” (Sirius)

“Why don’t you also imitate that, Fia-ane?” (Reus)

“I understood when comparing them to Reese, but it looks like the attribute of the Spirits are different. The Wind Spirits are everywhere and they will lend their strength, but because they are whimsical and don’t like to be bond, they won’t follow.” (Fia)

Apparently, she tried a couple of times, but the Wind Spirits didn’t follow like what was presently happening with Reese.

Based on the incident this time, there were significant differences based on the attribute of the Spirits, and since a strong point could also become a weakness, they understood that overconfidence was no good.

However, I knew a bad example, which was Vagle, so those two, who were my family and my lovers, were going to be alright. To begin with, I wouldn’t let them be.

Let’s try not to neglect a small amount of information exchange if there was something we could do as countermeasures.

—

As a side story, while staying in Fonia, I had been guided once to the sanctuary of Mira’s Doctrine.

It was a very divine place, but when I looked around with [Search], I instinctively put myself on guard because there was an enormous mana that I felt from the lake.

I didn’t feel like a bad presence, but I was certain that within that lake… it was where Mira was lurking.

And since that lake contained a dense amount of mana, if one fell inside, the dense mana would erode the body, and it would result in death when it went beyond a tolerable range.

Anyway, I told my disciples and Ashley not to get too close to the lake, so that they wouldn’t fall into it.

—

The carriage departed from Fonia and continued on the main road, before we reached a fork in the road.

We stopped the carriage for a break, and when I checked the place on the map, Reus, who was ready to run for training, came in front of me.

“Aniki, which way are we going?” (Reus)

“It’s going to be… East. We will go to a town that’s several days from here.” (Sirius)

Since this was a sightseeing trip, we were going to go around the whole continent, but… it wasn’t a rushed trip.

I won’t use any shortcuts more than necessary, and I would slowly go through the main roads.

After the break, we broke into running groups for training and got on the carriage. And then, we started moving.

“Well then, shall we start? If there is something, report immediately.” (Sirius)

“““Yes.””” (Emilia/Reese/Reus)

“Yes, I’ll be careful.” (Fia)

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

As the carriage advanced while receiving the calm sunshine and wind, our trip continued…

—

— Ashley —

Several days have passed after Sirius-sama and the others took off.

Since the return of the Pope, I also became able to concentrate on my duties. I was working hard every day, while aiming to be a splendid Saintess.

But I thought that Chris-kun was the one who was working harder than me.

Although Ojii-chan wasn’t my real family, he was a Jii-san that I could depend on, and Chris-kun was being forged with ways to fight and attitude by the former Holy Knight.

Because of that, it was lonely when Chris wasn’t next to me, but when he collapsed, Ojii-chan called me to nurse him. I was sorry for Chris-kun, but I was glad that I could be near him, even if I had to nurse him.

—

“How about these, Saintess-sama? They are the goods from the Galgan Company, they are products that satisfy everyone.” (??)

“Hmm… well…” (Ashley)

On one day, Chris-kun’s benefactor, a merchant called Gadd-san, came to the temple, and asked me this.

To discover new products, it seemed that he was looking around to decide whether to build a branch store, and he came to the temple to discuss with the ‘face’ of the town, Mira’s Doctrine.

I tried to apologize, since I snatched Chris-kun from him, and I told him that it was impossible, while asking for Chris-kun to be present during the negotiations.

Even though I apologized, I was confused because Gadd-san kept talking without minding my feelings, and then… Chris-kun, who didn’t know that Gadd-san was in the room because he was training, entered the room.

“Ashley. The training is over, so…” (Chris)

“Is that you, Chris?” (Gadd)

“…Gadd-san.” (Chris)

They were solidified for a while, and Chris-kun, in particular, was completely ‘shrinking’…

“Excellent. If it is you, you’ll understand the merit of the store’s products, right? If you are free, please help us negotiate.” (Gadd)

“Eh?” (Chris)

The smiling Gadd-san overbearingly asked Chris-kun to sit down. He, then, brought out some products and handed them over.

“What’s wrong? Whether these goods are necessary for the temple, you would understand, since you have experience with my store.” (Gadd)

“But I… betrayed Gadd-san…” (Chris)

“I said ‘Get out’, but I didn’t said anything about being betrayed. Whatever the reason is, if you are here, it seems that it was a smooth negotiation. Hey, tell everyone the truth about the good quality of our store’s products.” (Gadd)

Gadd-san kept talking to Chris-kun with a face of a merchant, even when Chris-kun was confused.

“By the way, have you become a believer of Mira’s Doctrine?” (Gadd)

“I-I am not a believer, I am training to become a Holy Knight.” (Chris)

“Hoo, it looks like it is a high-level position. With this, it can be a good connection then.” (Gadd)

“Hmm… I’m not sure if it can be done, and that is…” (Chris)

“Are you a fool? Isn’t that concluded because it has the right quality? And you know that our products are not low-quality merchandise that would make you feel guilty when it is bought, right!?” (Gadd) (Recheck)

“That has… been already ingrained in this body.” (Chris)

“If it is so, then act on it. This is a magic tool that will help you during the hot season…” (Gadd)

“Yes! This is a magic tool that develops wind with a small amount of mana, but I think that it will be more useful for drying washed clothes.” (Chris)

He said that the connection could be done, but I felt the kindness of a parent from the eyes that instructed Chris to explain about the item.

Gadd-san wasn’t really angry. He seemed rather pleased with Chris’ growth.

I had taken Chris-kun away from such a big-hearted person.

But… now I need Chris-kun.

That was why I would like to say to Gadd-san, who guided my precious person, not only an apology, but also words of gratitude.

“Hmmm… Gadd-san.” (Ashley)

“Yes? What is it, Saintess-sama?” (Gadd)

“It is about Chris-kun… I wanted to say sorry. And thank you very much.” (Ashley)

“…That is what he decided for himself. There is no need for Saintess-sama to say such things.” (Gadd)

Even so… Thank you very much.” (Ashley)

“Yes, I will entrust this child to you.” (Gadd)

I deeply lowered my head to Gadd, who replied with a smile.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation)

—

After that, the negotiations continued for a while, and it turned into small talk when it was concluded.

It seemed that small talk was also necessary for a merchant, but now I just wanted to know their circumstances, and I was relieved after getting to know about them.

“You were really lucky… since you coincidentally met Danna.” (Gadd)

“Yes, we were safe because we met Sensei.” (Chris)

“Besides, Mira-sama and the advent of the Messenger… this is truly a town where God has descended. If the rumor spreads, many people are likely to gather, and it is likely to be the seed of business.” (Gadd)

“You are still the same, Gadd-san.” (Chris)

“I am a merchant, after all. Come to think of it, Danna was also involved in various things, right? Unexpectedly, the real identity of the Messenger was Danna, isn’t it? If it was Danna, it won’t go beyond common sense if he caused such a commotion, right?” (Gadd)

“Eh!? That is…” (Chris)

Chris was started to get panic when I heard that Messenger-sama was Sirius-sama, but I…

“You’re right, if it is that person, it wouldn’t be strange to call him the Messenger.” (Ashley)

“Ooh, it looks like Saintess-sama understands the splendor of Danna! I am also able to make a profit thanks to Danna, and I am forever in his debt, hahaha!” (Gadd)

“A-Ashley. You…” (Chris)

“Hehe… that’s a secret.” (Ashley)

I was overwhelmed by the intimidation unleashed as soon as he descended, but while seeing the figure who was very strict when asking questions… I remembered the scolding when I first met Sirius-sama.

The kindness that I felt within the strictness, and it was because I was completely covered with his presence.

I didn’t confirm it, and I didn’t dare to open my mouth at that time.

When I settled down, I thought that it was terrible to arbitrarily pretend to be the Messenger of Mira-sama, but fortunately, rather than blaming him, Mira-sama didn’t say anything at all. However, since I felt that Mira-sama was gently smiling, I thought that She surely recognized him.

When I thought that… my heart naturally calmed down, so I decided to think that Sirius-sama was a real Messenger-sama.

Besides, it wasn’t just me and Chris-kun, the figure that guided and watched over Emilia-san and Reese-san was fit to be called ‘Messenger-sama’.

Therefore, I prayed.

May the trip of Messenger-sama be a path of happiness.

And may Mira-sama blessed them…

—

Extra

NG Scene ※It is largely different from the characters in the story.

After Ashley and the Pope, we shook hands and said goodbye to the others, and on the side, Chris was surrounded by my disciples.

“Eh, you only have this much?” (Emilia)

“Hehehe, my partner wants to have a sip of blood!” (Reus)

“There is nothing that you don’t have, right? Come, please fly!” (Fia)

“Oh, what is that sound now? Show me what’s in your pocket.” (Emilia)

“Woof!” (Hokuto) (Translation… If you don’t do it quickly, my forefoot will roar.)

“If-if this is a-a dream, let me wake up soon!” (Chris)

—

Hokuto’s Teachings

※It is not a Kanji conversion mistake. Since this is an extra, it has nothing to do with the main story. (Author)(3)

Just before leaving Fonia, Hokuto loudly howled towards the beastkin who worshipped Hundred Wolves.

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

“““Yes.””” (??)

“…Reus. I have a bad feeling, so will you translate Hokuto’s words?” (Sirius)

“Uhmm… ‘From now on, for the sake of protecting the town which my Master’… I mean Aniki ‘is involved in, you need to work hard’…” (Reus)

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

“““Understood, Hundred Wolves-sama!””” (??)

“’If I am your God, Aniki is even a better God. When I see you next time, instead of me—’…” (Reus)

“Hey, Hokuto!” (Sirius)

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

“““Hundred Wolves-sama!?””” (??)

“Hmm… ‘I think that is the right thing to do! So, please forgive me’… eh, Aniki!? Hokuto-san!? Are you playing tag!? Let me join too!” (Reus)

There was only one thing in Hokuto’s Teachings (temporary).

It was for the sake of his Master.

Even if he was being chased by his Master (+ junior), he wouldn’t stop moving for the sake of his Master.