Volume 2 - CH 8

The Southern Brigade arrived safely at the frontier city of Ixendahl after three weeks of travel.

The outer walls of the city were clearly visible from the road over the hills.

Black smoke was rising from everywhere all over the city.

It was the smoke from burning demon coal.

The rugged exterior walls protecting the city from demons and the black smoke rising from the city – the members of the brigade were fascinated by the appearance of the city, which was completely different from the royal capital.

“We’re here,” “Oh, so this is Ixendahl,” and so on, as they looked at the frontier city below them and congratulated each other on their long journey. They also praised Hirune’s achievements, saying, “Long live the Great Saint Hirune.”

Hirune’s wards were set up at important points along the road, making the trip more comfortable than it had been in recent years.

On the other hand, the Great Saint Hirune was yawning loudly in the carriage, unaware that she was being thanked by …… everyone.

“Ahhhh …… ahhhh.”

(It was a long, short ride, but we got there so fast. ……)

Hirune, who was laying on Holly’s lap, looked up at the ceiling of the carriage in a daze. 

“Hey, how long are you going to sleep?”

Holly shook Hirune’s shoulder.

“I like the elasticity, it’s different from Jeanne’s. It’s also kind of sticky, like a glutinous mochi. So, one more hour, please.”

“Please don’t compare people’s thighs.”

Squinting her big hanging eyes, Holly pulled Hirune’s cheeks.

“Hohi no Futo Hoho ih sofu. Fuhafuhadefu” (The Holly futton is so flexible and soft. It makes me sleepy)

“Are you trying to say I’m meaty ?! It’s strawberry bread’s fault for being so delicious.”

“Hohi is Fuhinbo de Fuhe”(Holly’s a foody huh)

“You’re noisy. you, you.”

“Hihai, Hihaidefu”( I’m sorry, I’m sorry).

The saint pulled the Great Saint’s cheek rather seriously.

Jeanne, the maid, was giggling.

It was peaceful in the carriage.

After a while of offense and defense on Holly’s knees, there was a knock on the carriage window.

With a quick movement, Holly pulled her hands back and chanted a scripture to heal Hirune’s cheeks. With a twinkle of stardust, the pain receded from Hirune’s cheek. She then helped her up and leaned her back against the cushion. It was quick work.

“Okay.”

Holly gave Jeanne a look.

Jeanne opened the window at Holly’s signal.

“Yes, what can I do for you?”

“I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation. I’m Jeremy, Commander of the Southern Brigade.”

The handsome knight commander bowed from his horse.

Jeanne also returned the bow.

“I’ve come to give my report to the Great Saint Hirune.”

“Please wait a moment.”

When Jeanne turned around, Hirune got up and peeked out of the window.

“I greet  the Great Saint Hirune–“

Jeremy, the leader of the group, made the holy seal.

Hirune smiled back and glanced at Jeremy’s thighs. His feet rested in the stirrups. His thighs were muscular.

(That knee pillow looks hard. Rejected.)

Hirune was judging without permission.

“Hirune-sama, Thank you for your long journey. Thanks to your blessings, we were able to complete the journey without losing anyone, and I came here to express our gratitude”.

“I think it was because of your soldiers that everyone was able to travel with peace of mind. Thank you very much.”

“I’m at a loss for words, ma’am.”

Jeremy, the leader of the group, bowed respectfully.

The smiling Hirune was an incarnation of the goddess Sophia herself. Her jewel-like blue eyes, long eyelashes, and dainty lips were in a small arc.

Jeremy made the holy seal again at the sight of Hirune’s divinity.

(A Bed, a bed, a bed! I can finally sleep in a proper bed. I’m also looking forward to the food in the south~. My Church … … my own church…)

You can’t see the inside of the Great Saint’s brain, but I assure you that’s what she was thinking.

Jeremy, the unaware Commander, showed his white teeth and raised one hand.

“Please take a look, Hirune-sama. The city you see below is the frontier city of Ixendahl.”

“It’s a big city, isn’t it?”

“Yes. It’s an important center for the kingdom.”

Hirune turned her blue eyes forward.

Jeanne and Holly also looked out from the opposite window.

(We’re surrounded by thick walls. The air is heavy …… and there’s a lot of smoke. I think it’s a city that minted iron or silver?)

As she listened to the rattling and clacking of the brigade’s footsteps, Hirune stared at Ixendahl.

(The miasma may be close too ……)

Hirune closed her eyes and used her holy magic to detect it.

Stardust glittered in the air, and information entered Hirune’s mind.

(The miasma is coming pretty close ……. No wonder they’re sending a bunch of saints here.)

When Hirune opened her eyes, Jeremy, the leader who had been quietly watching the situation, made the holy seal.

“How does it look?”

“It’s a land overflowing with miasma.”

“Yes, ……. We’ve been assigned by the king to be stationed in the frontier cities. We will protect and assure the safety of the city. Please Don’t worry.”

“Yes, sir. I’m counting on you.”

“Ha! leave it to me!”

The leader of the group, Jeremy, saluted and smiled.

“The people of the frontier cities are waiting for you, Hirune-sama. I hope you will show yourself to them first, so that they may admire your majesty and find hope for tomorrow.”

“Very well. I’ll be happy to do so.”

(For the sake of a good night’s sleep, let’s try to do this in moderation ……!)

When Hirune replied, Commander Jeremy reverently made the holy seal and maneuvered the horse’s reins, returning back to the front.

The frontier city of Ixendahl – also known as the city of iron and smoke.

It was the kingdom’s largest undeveloped land, with abundant ore and fertile soil that attracts people all the time.

No one knew how the “City of Iron and Smoke” would be transformed by Hirune’s arrival.