CH 83

It was a rather plausible story with complicated logic. Now that the frame was built, it was easier to keep going. “The Dark Knights alone can’t close all those dungeons. That’s why I intend on hiding the truth about the captain’s mana the best I can. The current situation of competition between expedition corps’ is best for humanity.”

“Is that why you kept it secret to the elite members including myself?”

I nodded. “Because the fewer who know, the better.”

“Even so, what you are doing is so easy to misunderstand. Fortunately, I was the one who noticed…”

That I agreed with. Had it been anyone other than August who saw me exit Mayer’s bedroom, the rumors would have spiraled out of control. I let out a sigh. “Honestly, Reverend August, I wouldn’t have told you about this if you didn’t mistake the captain for having a sadistic kink. I’m already being misunderstood as being in a relationship with him. Well, that’s why I’ve been sneaking around: to give no more fodder for gossip.”

The last bit was true, at least, and I believed it would add sincerity to my statement. The suspicion on August’s face gradually faded and he nodded. “No choice but to understand since you say so. But I still cannot get rid of one question. How in the world did the bruises on your body come about, Sister?”

“Mm… There’s an enormous amount of mana slumbering inside His Excellency. It’s not easy to control, which is why he loses his senses sometimes.”

“Loses his senses? Do you mean he goes insane?” August looked at me in astonishment. I probably would have gotten a less intense reaction by stepping on a landmine and then calmly saying hello in the morning. The look on his face was screaming that I was practically taking selfies right next to a wild bear. This priest was definitely misunderstanding something again!

I hurriedly corrected myself. “He just gets delirious due to the pain of unblocking his mana circuit! Not going crazy!”

Only then did August seem relieved. “You startled me there.”

The man sure did like jumping to conclusions. With a tsk, I added, “If the captain went mad, I wouldn’t have even been able to walk out of there. His bedroom would’ve become my grave.”

“I understand. Then, just what does His Excellency do in his delirious state to give you such bruises?” August asked.

“We just bumped into each other.”

“But…”

“You know how strong the captain is, and that isn’t all he has. His body’s so tough. I end up getting bruised with just a slight bump. I only got them trying to support him so he didn’t collapse.”

I wasn’t being completely truthful, but it wasn’t entirely a lie either. I could never tell the truth in its entirety. What would I say? That Mayer kisses me when his suffering reaches its peak? That I end up bruised all over once I’m done enduring him desperately clinging to me? Whatever I said would be misleading. I knew how my explanation would be received.

Of course, August didn’t seem convinced by my words. His lips twitched as if he was eager to refute, but I insisted that nothing else had happened. In the end, he had no choice but to stand down without asking any more questions. Having given up trying to grasp the truth, he sighed. “But for you to be hurt like this every time… Does His Excellency know you are being injured?”

“Of course he doesn’t. I said he gets delirious.”

“Still, you could tell him afterward, no?”

“That I can’t. Is it really necessary to add to the captain’s worries?”

“Sister.” August frowned.

“There’s not much left to do anyhow. Opening a mana circuit is a delicate task and the mental state has a significant impact too. I don’t want to bother him for nothing,” I explained, being adamant about this. I had tried so hard to hide these injuries and get away from Mayer. August’s suggestion was practically telling me to turn those efforts into nothing.

Despite my resistance, though, the priest was as persistent as he was faithful. “Then at least tell him after you are done. You must. His Excellency must know of your noble sacrifice, Sister.”

“It’s nothing so grand.” Strictly speaking, I had sacrificed the innocence of my lips, but since I wasn’t completely clean in this, I had decided to call it quits. Not wanting to call on unnecessary trouble, I smiled and added, “I suppose you could call it suffering. My injuries are already healed, so would there be a need to reveal it to the captain?”

Finally realizing I was trying to bury the truth, August’s face filled with shock.