Chapter 26 – Priestess Sisters / Under the Starry Sky – Part B

 

“We actually received many attacks along the way here. And it is clear that the intention of the mastermind behind those attacks is simply to prevent Luche from receiving her baptism ceremony…… So taking that point, the chance of the mastermind preparing something in this village where the baptism would be held is quite high when you think about it……”

“…… So that is the case. There is indeed someone who antagonizes the princess…… We also don’t want to think of it in a bad way but we received a letter filled with threats. The letter is mostly trying to threaten us to not held any baptism ceremony at all for a month or the mastermind behind the letter would erase Ishuaral off from the map”

 

(So they thought that if they didn’t put Luche’s name in the threat they would not get suspected? …… The mastermind is really despicable)

 

If Gurd really ordered the sending of this threat letter then he is a cold-hearted bastard who dares to even take the life of his citizen hostage. And all of it is just to hinder Luche from receiving her baptism.

But we are still missing definite evidence. My deduction is not strong enough as a piece of evidence and it is impossible to impeach Gurd…… Brute-forcing the case would be just like how the word says, forcing ways with power.

 

“…… But even so, we could not delay Luche’s baptism ceremony. If we really delay her ceremony then at that time, Luche’s life would be continuously targeted with assassination. And then, even if you obey the enemy’s threat and delay the ceremony for a month, as long as Luche lives, the enemy would continuously threaten Ishuaral…… or rather, you guys in actuality”

“…… That is correct. So we have made our own resolution. After safely finishing Princess Luche’s baptism ceremony, no matter what kind of fate would befall upon us, we will just be resigned to it and accept it. In the matter of violence, the Goddess should not be willing…..”

 

(…… I will never let that happen. I will never tolerate it happening……!)

 

If the enemy really executes their threat then those innocent villagers who do not wish for war to happen would end up dead. And Fam said that they will accept it willingly because of their religion……

If that were really to happen then even if Luche successfully received the baptism ceremony, she would still feel guilty for the villagers. Moreover, people who do not deserve to die would die nonetheless.

—- Why would they just accept their terrible fate like this? Inside of me, I found the answer to that question right away.

 

“…… You accept your fate because even if you try to resist, you don’t have any power to do so. Fam-san should be thinking that the enemy is such a powerhouse like that…… am I right, Fam-san?”

“…… That is correct”

“If you have a suspect in mind then please tell us. We will not tell anyone where we get the information. If you decided to stay silent and accept your fate…… would everyone in the village accept your decision? Am I wrong in thinking about the case in this way……?”

“Hiroto……”

 

Of course, saying such unsuitable things as an 8 years old boy would make me look like a conceited brat. But I just can’t let this matter rest.

I don’t come here just to stay silent and listen. On top of that, I……

 

“Moreover…… Aira-san is always trembling in fear over there”

“!!!…… Guh”

 

Aira-san who stands beside Fam-san all this while hasn’t been saying anything so far and the reason is…… because she has turned pale from fear. She still has the intent to perform her role as a priest but she is still crushed down by fear, being unable to find her courage to fight it back. Well, it is only natural for her to be that way. Even when I said that she is older than me by a few years, she still is counted as a little girl after all.

“Fam-san, you actually don’t want to die too right? No matter how high the position of the one behind this threat is, no matter how powerful that person is, it does not mean that they could just kill innocent people on a whim. Even if Fam-san actually wishes to sacrifice yourself for the greater good, I will definitely not let that happen…… And I will still do it even if you guys think of me as just a super meddlesome person”

 

Persuading other people is actually a very energy-consuming act. I never imagined it would be this tiring.

This is, after all, the thing that I avoided the most in my previous life —- [scolding].

Scolding me in my previous life who had given up living a ‘normal’ life with words so I could live a ‘normal’ life is something beyond ridiculous. It could be said that I am someone who knows a lot about this matter.

 

“…… The enemy is Duke Gurd. And this village is also inside his dukedom…… If you guys were to ignore the threat and do the baptism ceremony regardless, you guys would have to pay a price that is too great. Even so, you guys still have the intention to sacrifice your lives for Luche. Is that what you guys are thinking……?”

“…… Duke Gurd is a…… wonderful person. For Ishua’s temple’s smooth operation, he had given us a lot of donation……”

 

Against Fam-san who tries to make excuses for Gurd, Filianess-san immediately interrupts her. Her face that I could see from the side is extremely stern. The sharp glint in her eyes could make anyone who saw it have gooseflesh.

 

“That is because Gurd also needs the baptism ceremony soon himself in order to have his son getting the recognition to enter the royal family. That boy would be the same age as Luche in another year……”

 

Fam-san is silenced. Aira-san seems to be at her limit as she hangs her head down. Her face is ghastly pale.

 

“Since the inception of the royal family and the four duke houses, the king would always come from the west duke house’s bloodline…… How could someone try to take the throne by the means of bloodshed……!?”

 

That is Aira-san talking. It seems that the two sisters had also realized who the one hiding behind the threat addressed to them.

My hand that rested on top of Filianess-san’s lap is being gripped a tad bit stronger. She seems to be trying to hold something back before but it seems that the situation has broken her patience as she said this.

 

“Treating the subject’s life as nothing just in order to fulfill one’s own greed…… Is that how royalty is supposed to act? …… This is not something a person who stands above others should do……!”

 

(…… If the enemy even willing to go that far just so they could reach a higher position…… then they are already stepping out of the line that should not be crossed in my opinion)

 

I silently strengthen my determination. I feel like I found the reason why I got reincarnated to this place and also found the things that I want to do from now on.

I want to become the king no matter the cost. That feeling is not something I could not understand either. Having the ambition to get a higher place in society…… is indeed the wish of most normal people. I also felt disappointed when I lost the guild battle competition for real back then. And when I finally achieved the top, the feeling of omnipotence and exhilaration is just too addicting.

—- But, the enemy is actually treating the lives of Fam-san and everyone else in the village as betting chips and that is unforgivable.

I will protect Luche. And I will also protect Fam and Aira…… no, everyone in this village. Normally, the scale would be so great that any other person would give up even before trying because they would be facing a big army with their small and weak numbers. But I might have a chance if I were to use that forbidden technique—-

 

(It will be hard to start. I might also just brute-forcing my way but…… It is indeed a blessing to get Mikoto-san as an ally at this moment)

 

“Fam-san…… no, Ms. Head Priest, even after the completion of Luche’s baptism ceremony, I will stay back in the village to protect the people here. That’s why, please don’t give up”

“…… That is not acceptable. Please return immediately to the capital city to escort the princess after the ceremony is over”

“Fam-san, earlier you said that you have some worries, right? …… I suppose that you actually already accept the fate of death even before that but I will make it so that your worry will only end just like any other [anxiety]. I will make sure that Ishuaral continues to be a peaceful village. You might not believe the words of a kid like me but you should be able to believe Filianess-san at least, right?”

 

Fam-san, and also Aira-san are lifting their faces to look at Filianess-san’s face. Aira-san’s cheek is lined with numerous tear marks and her eyes are swollen red…… The scene would be heartbreaking for everyone to see.

 

“…… This boy is not just any normal boy. Even the thing that lurks close to Mizell…… Hiroto, could I talk about that matter to them?”

“Yes, of course, you can. I think it would be better for Fam-san and Aira to hear it from you, Filianess-san”

 

After Filianess-san confirms my intention, she starts telling the two about my story after a moment of pause.

 

“…… I don’t know how he managed to do it but Hiroto was able to defeat a dragon that took a nest close by to Mizell. This boy is not a normal boy. I am called the holy knight because I could learn the divine sword art but Hiroto, at such a young age could also learn that skill…… His prowess in wielding the ax would even make an adult knight look weak. He is even familiar with spirit magic. Moreover…… he even has a giant slime as his pet. That slime absolutely obeys his order and also has terrifying combat power. With just me, my two subordinate, and Hiroto, it is possible to beat a single knight brigade by ourselves”

 

Filianess-san said that in a serious tone and of course she is not lying in the slightest but Fam-san and Aira-san could not believe it immediately and kept alternating their gaze between Fillianess-san and me.

That was all a fact but still, having Filianess-san told others about my past attainment still makes me feel embarrassed. It is the first time I heard Filianess-san’s assessment that we could fight head-on with one knight brigade but I also feel that it is not too exaggerating either. After all, Filianess-san could drive back all the knights disguised as bandits that attacked us along the way without getting hurt just by herself.

Moreover, I, Fillianess-san, Marle-san, and Mikoto-san fighting prowess all belong to the same standard in rough estimation. I won’t declare myself as the strongest but from just pure ability points that are shown in the status menu, I am at the top. When counting the buff received from skills then Marle-san is abnormally strong physically. Her minus point is that she can’t cast any spell. So she is placed behind me, Filianess-san, and Mikoto-san who could use ninjutsu.

Added to that fighting power, we also have Aletta-san whose role is the healer of the team. With the presence of strong fighters such as Filianess-san and Marle-san close by, her growth is also positively influenced. Her combat medic skill has passed level 70 now and she has even learned healing magic.

Even when we face a 1000 man team of knights, beating them back is by no means impossible. Fam-san might not easily believe our words but I could see that at least Aira-san regains some light of hope in the depth of her eyes that once drowned in despair.

 

“…… Fam-dono, Aira-dono, please believe in our strength. Even if the enemy showed their full power and tried to erase this village, I will never let them do things as they please. We have accompanied Luche thus far to protect her…… but it doesn’t mean that we will ignore other things once the baptism ceremony is completed. Protecting everything that my eyes could see is exactly what a holy knight is”

“…… Aaa…… Why…… Why did you have to say that……”

“Fam-oneesama…… hic, Our village…… hic, could probably avoid destruction……!”

 

Aira-san clings onto Fam-san’s body. While gently patting her little sister’s back, Fam-san’s eyes are also flooded with tears. She then wipes her own tears and moves her gaze on us. Her eyes are clear from doubt. The burden of entrusting one’s own wishes is hidden in those eyes.

 

“…… In our village, besides the guards that we hire to protect the temple, there is no other person capable of fighting. But I and my little sister know a bit about healing magic. We can also shave off the enemies’ morale by singing our holy hymn”

“No, it would be better if you leave the matters about fighting to us…… I assume that they would not dare to destroy the temple so they might just besiege the village. They might be planning to kidnap or even directly kill Luche in the chaos that happened from the siege…… I don’t want to read the enemy too deeply but the enemy’s threat to erase the village seems to be because they just want to erase the eyewitness here. Now that we already know what the enemy is aiming for, then it would be easier for us to think of a countermeasure. When we are proceeding with the ceremony, we have to gather everyone in the village together. And then we will meet the enemy outside the village. The enemy is probably tried to ambush Luche on the road at dawn tomorrow as they already have the intelligence about the route she would take”

 

If at that time everyone in the village had already evacuated into the temple then harm would not be able to reach them I hope. Fam-san and Aira-san nod together listening to Filianess-san’s plan.

 

“We have a watchtower in the village where we can get a clear vision on the road leading to the village. Would that be of use for you……?”

“Aa, that’s a great help. Can you please let me see it later?”

 

After giving a positive reply to Fam-san’s suggestion, she gives a nod back. And then Aira-san also continues with her question.

 

“What should we do to ensure the safety of the princess? Where should we ask her to stay?”

“I think it would be enough by just having Marle and Aletta follow her. Marle might not be able to cast any magic but in terms of pure fighting power with only a weapon, I might not even be able to beat her. Aletta is for insurance when unwanted things happen. She excels in the art of healing”

“I see. Then we will be waiting in the temple. Together with the guards, we will keep our alert and getting ready to battle anytime just in case”

 

Fam-san who had once given up on the situation and accepted her fate of death seems to have a change of heart after seeing her little sister’s tears. Older sister needs to be strong, eh?.

 

“…… If we were to ignore the threat, then we would not be able to live here any longer. If we leave the temple behind then we would not be able to perform our clerical duty anymore…… and that has the same meaning as death for us in the clergy. But if there’s a chance for us to continue living here then I would definitely cling on to it…… Holy knight-sama, Hiroto-sama, from the deepest part of my heart, please protect us”

“Of course. And with you saying it directly to us, we won’t feel any hesitation in helping you…… I will definitely protect everyone and I am a man of my word. I will try my best to protect my promise, please be at ease”

“Of course…… But I have to admit that I am really surprised. I know that it might sound rude but when I saw Filianess-sama bringing a boy along here, I thought that the boy must have been making a tantrum in order to follow Filianess-sama here…… Please forgive me for thinking such a rude thought”

 

Aira-san is lowering her head in apology. Fam-san then followed to lower her head to me. I just wave my hand to them making the gesture for them that there is no need for apologies.

 

“N-no, you don’t have to apologize. It is normal to think that way after seeing my appearances. Nobody would look at me and said that I am a strong person normally”

“To be frank, even now we still could not believe that Hiroto-sama is someone strong until we witness it with our own eyes…… I wonder, does Hiroto-sama have experience in killing a person……?”

“In one of the deepest techniques in the divine sword art, there is a technique to wield the blade without killing the opponent. Hiroto had acquired that skill in his early training phase so he had never actually killed another person yet. But of course, in this kind of battle that is close to a war, the enemies would come at us with the intention to kill. If it really comes to that……”

 

I might have to actually kill another human with my own hands…… Still……

 

“…… I know that it would be difficult, but I don’t wish for Fam-san, Aira-san, and the other villagers to be burdened with guilt from us killing other people in order to protect them. As long as no overly strong enemy appears, I am confident that I can beat them up with [Mercy]. That’s why you don’t have to worry. The villagers of Ishuaral could continue to keep on living in peace as it has been until now, and also in the future”

“…… Hiroto-sama is very kind……”

“Aira……?”

 

The way Aira-san looks at me seems to change…… Ha-have I did it again? …… I think I am getting too passionate with my fervent speech.

I don’t have any intention to act cool but how could I know that even with my appearance as an 8-year-old boy, I could still steal the favorability of a girl that I meet for the first time? No, this might not be the actual case. It is not good to be overly conscious about this.

 

“If you don’t mind, could you please introduce yourself again to us……?”

“We-well…… My name is Hiroto Siegrid by the way”

“…… Siegrid-sama…… You are still very young yet you already look very heroic…… I bet that your honored father and mother are also the same kind of heroic person like you, right?”

 

Daddy Ricardo and mommy Remilia are indeed people with a great heroic aura like Aira-san said. As someone who is very proud of their parent, I feel very happy when my parents are praised like that.