Chapter 25: She’s Not a Saint…!?
“Um… I would prefer to remain stationed in the infirmary.”
At my answer, the young lord’s lips curve upward, while Adolphus’s brow furrows.
“…I would like to hear your reasoning.”
“There are a few reasons. First, the defense force members also risk injury fighting magical beasts, don’t they? If so, I think it’s better that my location be clear in case holy magic is needed.”
If a defense force member suffers a grave injury and urgently requires healing magic, and I happen to be out accompanying the subjugation corps, they might not be able to find me in time.
If everyone knows I’m in the infirmary, neither the defense force nor the subjugation corps will be inconvenienced.
“…Hmm. That is a fair point…”
“And the subjugation corps goes out to the forest from early morning until evening, correct? I work at the tavern until early afternoon, so it would be difficult for me to accompany them.”
“You… work at a tavern?”
Adolphus’s eyes widen in shock.
It must be hard for him to imagine a former princess working in a dining hall.
“With all due respect.”
The one who interjects, pushing up his round glasses with a finger, is Adolphus’s secretary.
(Oh! Nathaniel!)
I secretly perk up at the appearance of a character straight from the novel.
Nathaniel—Adolphus’s right-hand man and close friend—is the cool, calculating type. Silver long hair, round glasses, and, if removed, devastatingly handsome. A truly unfair combination.
He looks at me with the same unreadable, composed expression I remember.
“Holy magic is an exceedingly rare power. Should it not take precedence over tavern work?”
“…I understand that argument.”
I knew someone would say it eventually.
The young lord permits me to juggle both roles, so no one has voiced open opposition until now.
But surely others think the same as Nathaniel.
“Every profession has dignity” might pass in modern Japan, but in a rigid class society, such ideals would likely be dismissed.
And holy magic is extraordinary.
To prioritize it above all else is not unreasonable.
So from another perspective, my feelings may well seem selfish.
“…I understand what you’re saying. But to me, my work at the tavern is just as important as my work as a saint.”
Serving delicious food.
Filling empty stomachs.
Seeing people smile and say, “That was wonderful.”
Perhaps it seems trivial compared to saving lives.
But I want to treasure those small accumulations of happiness.
Maybe that’s because I see Lowell eat heartily and grow stronger every day.
And the Lycoris Tavern—
It took me in when I had nothing.
It is precious to me.
I feel fulfilled there.
And now that business is growing, leaving would burden Dan and Hanna.
I shift my gaze from Nathaniel to Adolphus, meeting his deep blue eyes head-on.
He is a noble.
Perhaps it is difficult for him to understand.
But I will not back down easily.
“You may think me selfish, but I ask that you allow me to continue both roles.”
“But—”
Nathaniel tries to speak again, but Adolphus raises a hand to stop him.
“…Very well. If that is your wish, I will respect it.”
“Thank you, General Duar!”
I beam in relief.
Why is he suddenly clutching his mouth and groaning faintly?
“Of course, in emergencies, I will prioritize my duties as a saint! Though… the subjugation corps already has a saint, so perhaps I won’t even be needed.”
That was another reason I intended to remain in the infirmary.
Liliana is accompanying the subjugation corps.
Surely that balances things.
But Adolphus and Nathaniel exchange puzzled looks.
“…Forgive me. I do not understand. What do you mean by saying the subjugation corps has a saint?”
Now it’s my turn to look confused.
“Well, of course I mean Miss Liliana… She’s a saint as well, isn’t she?”
“No. Lady Liliana is not a saint.”
“…Huh?”
I turn to Liliana in shock.
She gives a slightly stiff smile and nods.
Wait—really?
She’s not a saint?
“Yes, I am water-attribute. I cannot use holy magic. I’m not sure why you would think otherwise, Miss Rosy…”
“…Ah.”
Her perfectly reasonable question makes me freeze.
I can’t exactly say, “Because that’s how it was in the novel.”
“W-well… your beautiful golden hair made me wonder if perhaps you were royalty…”
“Golden hair is common among royalty, yes, but she is not royal. She is from a baronial family.”
“I… see… My apologies. It appears I misunderstood.”
I scramble to cover my mistake.
(Wait. Wait a second. If Liliana hasn’t awakened to holy magic yet… then she and Adolphus haven’t reached their happy ending?)
Which means—
As the meeting continues around me, a dreadful premonition spreads through my veins.
Cold sweat trickles down my back.