52 52 · Spirits, we cannot overlook those in need

"As you may know, we, spirits, have lived apart from other species since ancient times."

This is something others know, not just me…

"In the last three (...) thousand (...) years, I have lived and built settlements in a forest. Of course, we keep our boundaries closed so that no one can come in."

"Is that forest close to here?

"Yes, the carriage won't take three days. Just in case, please don't say anything else about this."

And Philip put up only one index finger in front of his mouth.

Still... 3,000 years.

It's called "here recently," and spirits are as large as ever.

Philip continued.

"I have lived in peace and security until now. But... about six months ago. There's a settlement in the woods, and things are starting to go wrong."

"Weird?"

"Yes, all of a sudden, the forest began to be covered with air."

Philip's expression darkened as if it were spicy.

"From what you look like, it doesn't seem like you're being too shy."

"Exactly. We spirits are a species that values air and water above all else. Both of them have become cloudy due to this annoyance. This has led to the emergence of sick spirits and powerful monsters in the woods."

"I see. I can feel it in your heart. You may be stupid, but you've done everything you can to get rid of your nerves."

Shake your neck vertically, Philip.

"The power of our spirits alone cannot eliminate our distractions. So we decided to ask the humans for help."

"Why humans?

"Virgin... because you were there."

And Philip looked at me.

"Something similar happened 200 years ago, but thanks to the help of the Virgin, I was able to relieve my distraction. But only 200 years ago, I heard that the relationship between the Virgin and the Spirit was relatively good. Sometimes the Virgin also visited the village of the Spirit. Compared to that... things have changed a lot now."

Sometimes... How free was the Virgin 200 years ago?

No, that may be the norm.

Situations like mine may have been special!

I was a little envious of the Virgin 200 years ago.

"I never jumped out of the village. Since the Virgin had lived in the kingdom for 200 years, she must have been there and went to the kingdom. But...."

"Wait a minute, please. When did you go to the Kingdom?

"I think it was a couple of months ago."

Two or three months ago...

When I was still in the kingdom.

If such a troubled Spirit King came, he would have tried to help me right away.

I haven't heard any such reports.

"I have an estimate, but what happened?

"I've been paid in advance.

Spirit King? No kid like you would do that! Tell the idiot to rest. Then the Virgin is busy. He says he doesn't want to see a kid like you!

... and... The blonde told me. "

"... do you know his name?

"I think he did say Claude."

Bingo!

Prince Claude is the only one who says that!

Most of the time, they just went to listen to us with a message from the gatekeeper.

At that rate, you wanted to spread yelling and dissipate stress.

"I was desperate. I can't even see the Virgin...."

"Wow, I didn't say that! I didn't even hear the story. Believe me!

"Of course. At that time, I thought," The Virgin has also changed... ", but I met today and changed my mind. You are as beautiful and kind as you were 200 years ago."

Not like the Virgin 200 years ago and me now. Well, you don't have to penetrate either way.

"Nevertheless, you can't just leave. Hearing from somewhere about a good healer, I think I've arrived in Lynch Giham...?

Now Nigel asks a question from behind.

Philip answered his question.

After that, I can't help but keep searching for a few months... even if I'm worn out.

"Exactly. I didn't expect much, but I didn't expect the Virgin to be here. I beg you again, Madonna. And His Highness the Prince of this country. Can you help us? Of course, I will return the favor."

And Philip lowered his head again.

I understand.

Originally, it is a matter of careful scrutiny. The opponent is the Spirit King. It's a matter of country and country.

But it's also true that you can't say that either.

In the meantime, other spirits will be suffering in his village.

Nigel.

"Yeah."

Look at Nigel and make eye contact with me.

It seems that he shares my opinion.

Then you don't have to worry.

"I see. I will soon help you as a saint."

When I say that, Philip says, "Oh, really?" and raised his face,

"Ah, thank you! I was prepared to take time until I made my decision, but I didn't expect you to make that decision so soon...! The spirits in the village rejoice."

and grabbed my hands tightly.

"--Eh!"

I didn't realize it because I thought it was a child, but when I heard it was much older than me, the story was different.

Hidden by its long forehair, Philip is quite beautiful.

No matter how much you look like a child, you'll be confused if you get so close to handsome.

"Come on, don't worry about it. There is a saying in this country:" Help the people in need. "We can't just leave you here."

That said, I strayed from him.

Because if you keep staring at me, I'm kind of illuminated.

"Well, there's also the word 'good' for 'hurry up'. Shall we go now?

"Ha, yes!

"And then...."

I cough with a cohon and say:

"You don't have to be. You are the Spirit King, and the first way to talk is enough."

"What are you saying? Such an attitude towards the Virgin who might save us....."

"There's no such thing as the Virgin! It has the name Eliane, so please call it that."

I'm not used to being treated very politely.

Philip was worried at first, but eventually.

"... I see. Then it's the Virgin... not Elaine. Thank you very much."

"Yes, I understand."

I smile.

Yeah. I like them better.

"Elaine, I'm coming with you. I can't let you do anything by yourself."

"Of course. Thank you very much."

Nigel is fit to protect the goddess.

If I were with him, I'd be able to cut through the monster on the way.

"Once again, Philip. Thank you very much."

"Oh, again, thank you very much."

And Philip stared straight into my eyes and thanked me.