Chapter 92 - The Reason for Wanting to Protect

Chapter 92: The Reason for Wanting to Protect

— Sirius —

“Your Archbishop will also follow you soon.” (Sirius)

“Wait—!?” (Vagle)

After squeezing Vagle’s hand that protruded the knife, I pointed the other hand toward his belly and released [Shotgun].

The shot that was released from my fingertips easily penetrated through his belly. It made a big hole and the view of other side was seen through it.

I didn’t really want to shoot his belly, but I wanted to deal with him in the same way as the masked believer who tried to let him escape, and I thought that it was good idea to see Vagle like that.

Incidentally, the reason for aiming at the belly of the masked believer was to eliminate the root of suicide bombing, which was the magic formation that directly drawn on his belly, with [Shotgun].

After that, Vagle, who was staring at his hollowed body, slowly fell down on his back.

“Ha…haha…” (Vagle)

“Goodbye, one who can see Spirits.” (Sirius)

I collected the robe that Vagle wore and the Mithril Knife. After escaping from the hole, I drew an Earth attribute magic formation on the ground. I dug the hole by using a magic stone because I was in a hurry, but actually, it was enough just to do it by drawing a magic formation on the ground.

And then, the magic formation was activated and it covered the hole, which left Vagle inside. When I properly disguised it, the surroundings returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

“If you want to tell a lie, you should do it better than that.” (Sirius)

Although he said that he wanted to be my disciple, I could tell by looking that it was only a temporary measure. For example, no matter how hard he said that he wanted to be my disciple, that kind of guy would stab my back if there was an opening.

It would be fine if I was the only one aimed at, but there was a high possibility that he would give a negative influence to my other disciples. The truth was… because I took that kind of person in my previous life, my other disciples became victims.

I judged that it was regrettable, since he had that ability, but… it was already over.

The troubles with Mira’s Doctrine were not over yet, so let’s quickly rearrange my thoughts.

I searched the surroundings with [Search], and after confirming that there were no conspicuous reactions, other than Hokuto coming here, I let out a deep breath.

“It seems that Hokuto defeated the Fire Wolf. With this, Dolgar’s war potential is rapidly decreasing.” (Sirius)

Since I was planning to return to the town after finding the right time, I was waiting for Hokuto to come soon, but… for some reason, he didn’t come closer and was hiding behind a nearby rock.

“…What’s wrong, Hokuto?” (Sirius)

“Woof…” (Hokuto)

When I instinctively called Hokuto, he showed his face only from the rock and was sadly throbbing.

It didn’t seem that he wanted to hide himself, but he was like a child whom mischief was found out.

“What’s wrong? Come, I won’t be angry. So, come out.” (Sirius)

“…Woof.” (Hokuto)

As I beckoned him while putting up a smile, Hokuto reluctantly appeared from the rock.

And looking at the appearance of Hokuto walking here, I found out the reason why he was hiding.

“…Somehow, you seem to have been in a fierce battle.” (Sirius)

“Woof…” (Hokuto)

Hokuto, who had a shiny white and beautiful fur, now had burn marks because of the flames here and there on his body.

Hokuto was proud of his white fur that I admired, so it couldn’t be helped that he was embarrassed to be in such a state.

As usual, he behaved like a spoiled child, rubbing his nose against my chest. Since his head was now brought down, I gently stroked his head.

“It is true that I am concerned about the burning marks, but you surpassed that Fire Wolf, even though you had a bad compatibility. You should be more proud of yourself.” (Sirius)

“Woof…” (Hokuto)

“No matter what happens to your appearance, Hokuto is my partner. Come here.” (Sirius)

“…Woof!” (Hokuto)

When I spread both hands, Hokuto rubbed his nose while wagging his tail, and I diligently stroked his head.

Hokuto finally settled down after I kept stroking his head awhile. And then, I checked his condition again.

“Hmmm… do you feel pain anywhere?” (Sirius)

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

It looked like he was fine because he shook his head. I had a feeling that the flames of the Fire Wolf had a considerable amount of heat, but as for the Hundred Wolves, they really had sturdy bodies.

I examined the burned part, but it was only at the tip of fur… In other words, only the surface was burnt, and when I pushed through it, the beautiful white fur was steadily returning.

In that case, if I scraped away the burned part, he would be as before, once I washed him with water.

Since Hokuto’s fur was very sturdy, I couldn’t do it with an ordinary knife or blade, but it seemed I could somehow do it with the Mithril Knife.

I explained the situation to Hokuto, and I got his permission to trim the burnt parts.

“Alright, you’ll be like before, just wait. Because you’re the best when you are with beautiful white fur.” (Sirius)

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

We still had things to do, but there was plenty of time, since our turns were way ahead.

In order to easily trim Hokuto, I had him lie down and I harvested the burnt fur with the Mithril Knife.

While I carefully kept doing it by trimming the unburned parts in order to arrange the whole balance, Hokuto was closing his eyes, feeling comfortable.

“Woof…” (Hokuto)

“Well… I wonder if Ashley and others are doing well.” (Sirius)

While thinking about my disciples in action in the town, I continued trimming Hokuto.

—

— Chris —

“Saintess-sama!?” (?)

“Saintess-sama!” (?)

We sneaked into the town, Fonia, and joined the Saintess faction of believers who opposed Dolgar’s way of doing.

Even so, I was wondering how to let Ashley sneak into the town, based on my plan, but I never thought that we would be leaping through the sky and sneak in. It seemed the common sense of the people related to Sensei couldn’t be understood.

And then, when we approached the hideout of the Saintess faction, led by Amanda-san, the believers who saw Ashley’s appearance rushed over, while letting out loud voices.

“Everyone… I’m glad that you’re safe.” (Ashley)

“Same goes to you, Saintess-sama. You are well and safe!” (?)

“Oi, can someone tell our companions!? Saintess-sama has returned!” (?)

Ashley was right, her supporters were not a lot, and there were fewer than ten people here. Perhaps, even with people who already disappeared, I thought that there were not many of them.

However, these people were really longing for Ashley. They were pleased, while letting out tears for her safety.

When the emotional reunion ended, the believers, who finally calmed down, were puzzled, while looking at me and the Senpais.

“Saintess-sama. Did you come together with them?” (?)

“These people are the people who saved me on countless occasions. They are encouraging friends.” (Ashley)

“Wi-will that be alright? If they are Dolgar’s subordinates…” (?)

“There is no such thing. If they are, I will caught by the Archbishop at this time.” (Ashley)

It was natural to suspect us, since we were dressed like adventurers, but the believers conceded due to Ashley’s natural smile and words.

According to the intel sent to the pursuers by Dolgar, securing Ashley was the top priority. It seemed that catching the Saintess faction was to lure her to come out.

In addition to the fact that Reese-san rescued Amanda-san, the believers were convinced when they were given an explanation.

“More importantly, why did you return? The town is too dangerous.” (?)

“…Because I want to fight.” (Ashley)

“““Saintess-sama!?””” (?)

The believers were greatly surprised, due to Ashley proclamation, but that might be natural.

Even if Ashley was being underestimated, she was a pacifist who had avoided things like arguing.

It appeared that she hadn’t even said such words until now. Even Amanda, who heard about it last night, was confused.

“Some of the believers became wealthy and live a comfortable life after becoming the believers of the current Mira’s Doctrine by the Archbishop. But… that is not Mira-sama’s teachings.” (Ashley)

Since Dolgar changed Mira’s Doctrine, the difference in poverty became intense, but it was also true that the lives of the believers had improved.

But, originally, Mira’s Doctrine was about reaching out to people who were in trouble.

“The Mira’s Doctrine that we know is not to make ourselves richer, but to share happiness with everyone. We gathered because of such a Mira’s Doctrine. Didn’t you become a believer because of that?” (Ashley)

Ashley was firm when saying that, but when looking at her from a close distance, it was little, but her body was trembling. Since they were involved because of her selfishness, the feeling of guilt was immeasurable.

Nevertheless, Ashley couldn’t look at the current Mira’s Doctrine, so she decided to rise up.

“I can’t forgive the Archbishop for deviating the teachings. Pope-sama hasn’t returned and now Cardinal-sama has fallen sick… so, we must take action.” (Ashley)

“But, our war capability is lacking, and Dolgar has the Holy Knight with him. There will be many sacrifices if we fight them in this way.” (?)

“The number of allies has increased. Chris-kun. Reus-san. Please.” (Ashley)

As Ashley’s instructed, Reus-san and I arranged the package we had in front of the believers, and they started to notice the real identity of the package.

Then, she told everyone the details of the plan that Sensei told us, and Ashley deeply lowered her head as she told them that Vagle won’t be in the town.

“I can no longer stand watching Mira’s Doctrine being deviated. That’s why, please. Everyone… please lend me your strength!” (Ashley)

The believers were silent awhile because of Ashley’s conduct, but one person, and then another person, and everyone was kneeling before Ashley.

“Please raise your face, Saintess-sama.” (?)

“Yeah, we were here since the beginning because we believe the true Mira’s Doctrine.” (?)

“In addition to that strategy, now it is a good chance because Saintess-sama has returned. Let us be your feet and your hands, Saintess-sama.” (?)

“Everyone… thank you.” (Ashley)

It seemed that there were believers who were devoted to faith because they hadn’t been deceived by Dolgar’s schemes and bribes.

For that reason, it might also be natural for Ashley to think about Mira’s Doctrine.

Like this, we earned the cooperation of the believers in a short time.

The believers split into groups. They held the things we recovered and went to appeal the cooperation of the people who were threatened. They were informed to gather in front of the temple at the designated time.

Since Sensei told to keep our eyes open because there might be traitors amongst the believers who report to Dolgar, even if the information was leaked, they would be attacked before they could make any preparations. In short, Sensei thoroughly emphasized that quickness was important.

There were many things that needed to be done, but we couldn’t go out, since our faces were known, and it was dangerous.

Similarly, Reese-san and the conspicuous Elf, Fia-san also would not go out. They would remain together with us in the hideout of the Saintess faction.

Incidentally, since Emilia-san and Reus-san had the ability to escape in the case of emergencies, they went out as escorts for the believers, while wearing a hood.

The time to proceed with the strategy was in the early afternoon.

I was waiting, while continuing the work that Sensei asked me to do, but since Ashley wasn’t calm and anxious, Fia-san tapped my shoulder.

“Look, it’s your turn.” (Fia)

“Since our side is all good, please stay next to Ashley.” (Reese)

I was pushed from behind by Reese-san. As I anxiously sat next to Ashley, I let out my voice.

“Ashley, are you alright?” (Chris)

“…Yes, I’m alright. Everyone is doing their best, so there is no way I can complain.” (Ashley)

“You don’t look fine at all. Ashley. Try to relax a little bit, and calm down. If not, you will collapse before heading to the temple.” (Chris)

“Aah…” (Ashley)

I instinctively stroke Ashley’s head while trying to show bravery.

While Ashley was surprised with a reddened face, she put up a smile. As I aware what I unconsciously did just now, I pulled my hand in panic.

“So-sorry! I unintentionally…” (Chris)

“It’s fine. Thanks to that, I became a bit calm. Uhmm, did you use to say that to your sister?” (Ashley)

“…Yeah. She was similar to you, just now. She was a child who liked to pretend to be tough…” (Chris)

I had a sister.

She was similar to the current Ashley, since she would desperately pretend to be tough.

“Even though she was hungry, she pretended that she was not. She was in self-denial, and I wonder how many times I stroked her head and said it…” (Chris)

I was born in a poor family, and I was desperately protecting the only sister I had after I lost my parents.

I worked and went out of a town to collect medicinal herbs, while knowing the danger, and sell them… I thought of dying so many times while earning money.

But my sister was affected by an illness. I wasn’t only having trouble finding things to eat, I couldn’t even afford to buy the medication.

And then, my sister was…

[Onii-chan… later… for my sake… please keep on living.] (Chris’ Sister)

At the end of those words… my sister took her last breath.

I lost my sister and I totally became hopeless, but it wasn’t easy to die after being told to live by her will.

However, I was captured by a slave merchant by a mistake… and I was bought by Gadd-san.

And then, I recovered the hope to live while in contact with Gadd-san. I met Sensei, and…

“I am… like Chris-kun’s sister, right?” (Ashley)

“…Yeah.” (Chris)

When I found Ashley being chased by pursuers in a port town… I saw an illusion that my sister was alive again.

That wasn’t it. I chased after her while thinking so, and when I noticed it, I jumped out to save Ashley.

I was convinced that she wasn’t my sister when I heard her name, but her face, pretending to be tough while saying that she didn’t want to get me involved, overlapped with my sister’s… and I couldn’t leave her alone.

Even if I betrayed Gadd-san, who was my benefactor, I wanted to protect her.

“If that’s the case, you can think of me as your sister. I want to do something for Chris, who is my benefactor.” (Ashley)

“That… I want you to wait for a bit.” (Chris)

Although Ashley said that while smiling, it looked like a bit of lonely smile.

…I had no plan to be insensitive until that degree.

Besides, now…

“It’s true that I am worry about you because you resemble my sister, but now, it’s not like that. Because Ashley is… I…” (Chris)

“Chris-kun…” (Ashley)

It was awkward, but as for me trying my best for Ashley’s sake…

“Sa-saintess-sama is…” (?)

“Ooh… finally…” (?)

“I will not approve!” (?)

At that time, the believers who left were coming back, and I noticed that we had become the center of everyone’s attention.

Some were watching with pleasure, and since there were some who were watching with strict eyes, like a parent, perhaps the believers thought of Ashley as their cute granddaughter. That made me think that their loyalty was because of that reason.

“I-I also… about Chris-kun…” (Ashley)

“Wait, Ashley!? Look around!” (Chris)

Ashley, who regained herself, was flustered with a reddened face, but I thought that her tension already became loosened.

Sometimes, a girl couldn’t see things around them, but… I liked Ashley that way.

Although I was about to confess, let’s stop for now. I thought that I wanted to tell her again after everything was over.

“So difficult, huh…?” (Reese)

“The greater the obstacle, the love will burn more and more, I think.” (Fia)

“Good luck you two.” (Emilia)

“If you are Aniki’s disciple, don’t give up, Chris.” (Reus)

I rearranged my readiness while receiving the Senpais’ warm encouragement.

Thus, as the believers returned back, the preparation to gain allies was completed.

Although the tension faded away, according to Sensei, he said that with moderate tension, it could make me flexibly look over the actual scene.

Calming myself, the only thing I needed to do was… proceed in order to protect Ashley.

“Mira-sama never wants a sacrifice. Same goes to the companions of Mira’s Doctrine, please don’t do the impossible.” (Ashley)

“Leave it to us. Saintess-sama too, please be safe.” (?)

“Well then, everyone… let’s go!” (Ashley)

“““Yes!””” (?)

Finally, the morale was raised by Ashley’s declaration, and then, we left the hideout.

—

Those who would infiltrate inside the temple were Ashley, me and Sensei’s disciples, the four Senpais.

Several believers were trying to come along, but perhaps it was because of Dolgar’s surroundings, they were put together to be the guards.

If we were going to fight such an opponent, believers who had no fighting experience would become obstacles, so only a select few came with us. But since Emilia-san and Reus-san’s strength were seen, they were forcibly consented.

Naturally, they opposed Ashley going for the infiltration, but they consented because she knew the details of the temple’s innermost areas and she requested to directly talk with Dolgar.

It won’t be weird if I was removed from the team, since I wasn’t strong enough due to insufficient training, but somehow the Senpais gave me permission.

“Sirius-sama said to bring Chris in order to make him learn a lot of things.” (Emilia)

“Besides, isn’t it necessary to have a knight to protect the Saintess?” (Reese)

“Please firmly protect Ashley, alright?” (Fia)

“Since I’m going to defeat enemies from the front, Chris just needs to think about Ashley and follow me.” (Reus)

There were reliable Senpais.

I was aware that it was no good to rely on them too much, but since it was a fact that I didn’t have enough strength, I judged that it was better to obey them for now.

—

[Come out, Dolgar!] (?)

[What you are doing is not the real Mira’s Doctrine!?] (?)

[Do you think that Saintess-sama is a traitor!?] (?)

Currently, there were nearly 100 believers led by Amanda-san gathered in front of Mira’s Temple.

The main objective was to direct the eyes inside of the temple towards the loud voices on the outside. Hence, it was to make us easily infiltrate inside the temple.

In other words, I judged that those who were not involved with Dolgar would come out, and that would reduce unnecessary injuries and sacrifices in the battle against his guards.

[What are you doing!? Don’t you think it is rude to Mira-sama if when you make noise at such a place!?] (?)

[That’s our line. You guys twisted Mira’s Doctrine, and that made Mira-sama mourn!] (?)

[There is no such thing. That was an oracle from Mira-sama!] (?)

The believers of the Saintess faction and Dolgar faction were facing each other outside of the temple. While they were arguing, we passed through a secret path leading to the inside of the temple, led by Ashley.

While walking through a small cave passage with chilly air, Ashley explained about the place.

“This is an off-limits area, except for me, Pope-sama and Cardinal-sama.” (Ashley)

“Will it be fine for us to go through?” (Emilia)

“Well, like crossing the walls of the town, I can also infiltrate the courtyard by using my wind, you know?” (Fia)

“Pope-sama told me to use it without hesitation in case of an emergency. And I think that is now.” (Ashley)

“Well, he must have some personal experiences, huh? Since Aniki is going for trip to learn something like that, I feel a bit sorry.” (Reus)

After going through the cave awhile, we went into a large space and there was a big lake that filled most of it.

I didn’t really understand much about Gods or any of such matters, but it was clearly a place with divinity and it wouldn’t feel weird to call it a sanctuary.

“This is a sacred spring which is said to be the place where Mira-sama took a bath. Let me tell you ahead. Please don’t enter the lake.” (Ashley)

“Amazing. Such a thing…” (Reese)

“It’s really a beautiful place. If we are not in a hurry, I would like to watch it for a while.” (Fia)

“I wanted to come together with Sirius-sama.” (Emilia)

“When all of this is over, I will ask Cardinal-sama to allow it. Aah, the door heading to the inside of the temple is here.” (Ashley)

I wanted to see it a little bit more, but now it was the matter of Mira’s Doctrine.

We continued walking again, led by Ashley, and she looked back when we arrived at the front of a small door with a handle.

“It is the center of the temple from here on. We will come out to a room for prayers. Emilia-san, I will depend on you after that.” (Ashley)

“Yes, please leave it to me. First of all, let’s proceed with our main objective, which is to secure the Cardinal.” (Emilia)

Among us, Emilia, who would be the most responsible, took out a map of the inside of the temple in order to confirm the strategy.

Ashley, who confirmed the map, pointed at it to mark the current position.

“Uhmm… This is the place for prayers. And Cardinal-sama’s room… is here.” (Ashley)

“When Sirius-sama entered the temple yesterday, I heard from him that there was a weak reaction around here. I think that the Cardinal is here and there is no mistake about it.” (Emilia)

“It is a bit far, but we’re going from the front, right, Nee-chan?” (Reus)

“Yes, we are. Since speed is important, don’t you lose the voices of us or Ashley when you move forward. Later, I will give instructions by looking at the situation, so let’s get ready and do this.” (Emilia)

Actually, Fia-san probably should be the one managing the operation, since she was the oldest, but she refused because she was a newbie under Sensei’s wing after traveling alone for a long time.

Since she seemed to be one of those who naturally supported others from behind, she would quietly watch at the place where she could see everyone.

“Chris, Ashley. Do you understand what you have to do?” (Emilia)

“Yes. With your directions, I will follow everyone.” (Ashley)

“I will protect Ashley.” (Chris)

“Alright. It’s no good to force yourself, you know? Well, we depend on you, Reus.” (Emilia)

“Leave it to me!” (Reus)

And then, we rushed into the temple, led by Reus.

—

“Here I come!” (Reus)

“En-enemy—…Guhaa!?” (?)

“How did they—… Guoohh!?” (?)

There was no one in the prayer room, but as soon as we left the room, we found guards equipped with armor. However, Reus-san stunned them by hitting them with his sword.

“What is that noise!?” (?)

“Kuhh, there are intruders!” (?)

“Oh Water… [Aqua Shot].” (Reese)

“It’s my turn… [Air Shot].” (Fia)

The guards, who came because of the noise, were blown away by Reese-san and Fia-san’s spells. They crashed into the walls and couldn’t move any more.

There were also guards who didn’t get hit by the spells, since they were some distance away, but they were all prevented with the spells of those two… especially Reese-san’s water.

Apart from water balls(1) and wind blades that disappeared when they hit, the rocks were covered with water. They were using a delicate way to drop them on the floor after disabling the guards, and that made me worried about their mana.

“Reese, do you want to skip over for a bit?” (Fia)

“It’s alright. Since these children will come from the sanctuary if I ask for them, I almost never get exhausted.” (Reese)

“They came!? That’s amazing…” (Fia)

“Damn it! Hurry up, tell Archbishop-sama!” (?)

I couldn’t hear their conversation well because of the enemies’ voices, but it seemed that there were no problems from the looks of those two.

It was frustrating because the Senpais were doing most of of the work, but all I could do was protect Ashley.

Although they didn’t die, Ashley was watching heartbreaking moment as a group of guards got defeated, so I grasped her hand.

“This is not your fault. And don’t leave my side!” (Chris)

“…Yeah!” (Ashley)

“Haa!” (?)

When I looked up, due to the voice that I suddenly heard, a believer jumped off, with a knife in his hand, from the colonnade of the upper floor.

I instinctively protected Ashley’s back, but my sword swing was delayed in exchanged. It seemed that the opponent’s knife would stab me first.

“Got you!” (?)

“You’re too careless!” (Emilia)

“Uhh!?” (?)

However, faster than him, Emilia attacked from the side, together with the force of the wind, and she kicked the opponent.

Furthermore, Emilia landed on the floor and threw throwing knives at the same time, but the opponent easily repelled them.

“Your agility is good, but your knife-throwing skills are still no good.” (?)

“It seems that you are not an ordinary guard. From that surprise attack… are you a person from the ‘other side’ whom Dolgar hired?” (Emilia)

“Well, if you want to hear it, you can do it after defeating me. With that degree of knife-throwing, don’t think that you can defeat me with a lame spell.” (?) (Recheck)

In addition to the knives, Emilia also released balls of wind, but the spells unleashed were slow. They only had the speed that could finally reach the opponent during the middle of the conversation.

“No, if I know that there are people like you, it’s sufficient if I don’t have to listen to you. And, I will defeat you with this lame spell, like you have said.” (Emilia)

“You are calm, huh? To suffer from that spell, I would really… gofuhh!?” (?)

The opponent lightly moved his body to avoid it, but the ball of wind suddenly exploded and created a tremendous gust, and the opponent was blown away soon after avoiding it.

“You can’t escape from my [Air Impact] by avoiding it just a little bit, you know? Well, I’m not going to listen to you anymore.” (Emilia)

Emilia, who confirmed the fallen opponent with his white eyes revealed, smiled at me while being wary of the surroundings.

“It’s fine if you protect Ashley, but it’s not alright if you can’t defend yourself.” (Emilia)

“…I have nothing to say in return. More importantly, thank you very much.” (Chris)

“Yes, just a little bit more, so good luck. Everyone, there are also people who are good at surprise attacks. Not only from the top, but please also be careful of your surroundings.” (Emilia)

Although the Senpais had cleared the enemies and there was none around, when I thought about Emilia-san telling us to be cautious, Reus-san knocked down a wooden box nearby with his sword.

“Guhh… Haa!?” (?)

And from the crushed wooden box, a person, who resembled the believer who attacked me earlier, fell down.

Really, what could have possibly happened to the intuition of these people?

“If it was Aniki, he would hide in a better place!” (Reus)

“You’re right. It may not be weird if Sirius suddenly came out from the ground.” (Fia)

“What a coincidence, Fia-san. I was also thinking the same.” (Emilia)

Although I hadn’t hung around them for a long time, I was also convinced when they said that it wouldn’t be weird if Sensei could do that.

—

After that, the guards attacked us several times, but they were all cleared by the hands of the Senpais, and we were smoothly progressing.

In addition, even though the ‘other side’ people were hiding and doing surprise attacks like Emilia-san had mentioned, Reus-san and Emilia-san noticed them beforehand and knocked them out.

“Uhmm… I don’t really understand, but how do you know?” (Chris)

“If you train under Sirius-sama, you’ll understand, even if you don’t like it.” (Emilia)

“If Aniki goes all-out, you won’t even notice when he appears behind you…” (Reus)

Standing behind the opponent and reading their breathing, it seemed to be a synchronization technique that made their presence undetectable. I didn’t feel like I could do it.

“The door behind that corner is Cardinal-sama’s room!” (Ashley)

“Nee-chan, there is someone inside!” (Reus)

“Yes, proceed with caution!” (Emilia)

And when they stepped into the room, there was an Obaa-san sleeping in a bed at a corner of the large room.

She seemed to be a gentle Obaa-san of a considerable age, but her face was thin and seemed pretty weakened.

“Cardinal-sama!” (Ashley)

“Do not move! If you do anymore than that, we won’t know what will happen to her life.” (?)

It was proven that she was the Cardinal based on Ashley’s calling, but now she was about to be struck with a knife by a believer who appeared from behind.

“Dolgar-dono will be here soon. Will you quietly remain until then?” (?)

“Please, wait! If you want a hostage, let me be the hostage instead!” (Ashley)

“Nope. I don’t need a hostage who will move imprudently now.” (?)

Thinking of the weakened Cardinal, Ashley offered herself to be the hostage, but whether the opponent was reading the situation, he didn’t go along with her.

Although Dolgar, who had been driven into a corner, was in hurry to make the Cardinal his hostage, the opponent also might have expected it.

In a situation where they couldn’t make any wrong moves, Emilia-san muttered in a low voice, while secretly moved her hand to the back, and Reus nodded. He pulled out his sword and held it sideways.

“What are you doing? Put that sword away.” (?)

“Say, between your knife and me taking a step forward and swinging this… which do you think is faster?” (Reus)

“Are you looking down on me? Don’t speak nonsense and put that down!” (?)

“I swing this ‘guy’ every day, and I can handle it like my own hand. It is easy to slice only your hand, you know?” (Reus)

“My Wind spells are also quick. I’m not sure about cutting with a windblade… do you want to try it?” (Emilia)

“Pl-please stop! Cardinal-sama is in danger!” (Ashley)

Ashley tried to stop them, but Emilia-san and Reus-san were getting ready without listening to her.

I saw that the opponent was flustered when hearing that it wasn’t a joke, due to the bloodlust unleashed from those two. Emilia took only a step forward, and the moment when the opponent’s gaze slightly deviated because of that movement…

“You guys… aim well.” (Emilia)

“Everyone… please!” (Fia)

Together with Fia-san’s muttering, strong winds wrapped around the knife held by the believer, and it quickly sprung up from his hand.

The knife dropped because of that shock and was repelled by a water ball that Reese shot and it pierced through the wall. The opponent remained, then fainted because he was beaten by Reus-san and Emilia-san.

“If you want to take a hostage, you should have done it with more people.” (Emilia)

“If it was us, we need more than two people!” (Reus)

The Senpais gave a light high-five, while approaching the bed. On the other hand, Ashley and I were staring at them in surprise.

Their actions were coordinated to a terrifying degree, they didn’t even do anything like a conversation.

The Senpais… were really reliable.

“Ashley. This person is actually the Cardinal, right?” (Emilia)

“Y-yes! That’s right. She is so thin… poor her.” (Ashley)

“I wonder if somebody made her drink a poison? Anyway, I will treat her.” (Reese)

Everyone gathered around the bed, and then Reese surrounded the Cardinal with magical water and started with the treatment.

The treatment continued awhile and by the time the water disappeared, a slight redness returned to the Cardinal’s face, which was pale.

“I think Sirius-san will know about this in detail, but it seems that it is impossible to immediately move her, as of right now. But, don’t worry. There’s nothing unusual with her life.” (Reese)

“Really!? Aah… That’s great…” (Ashley)

When the relieved Ashley clasped the Cardinal’s hand, Reus-san suddenly held his sword toward the door.

I also noticed that something was happening, due to that movement. When I stood to protect Ashley, the door opened and several believers rushed into the room.

“…It can’t be. They have fought up to here?” (Dolgar)

“…Archbishop.” (Ashley)

A man wearing a fine gown that appeared he was the Archbishop of the enemies, Dolgar.

—

Extra

At that time, Sirius and Hokuto were…

“…Did I make a small mistake with the scrapping? What do you think, Hokuto?” (Sirius)

“Woof! Woof!” (Hokuto)

“Hmm… You think so, too? It is hard to achieve the whole balance.” (Sirius)

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

“Would you rather have it like a boldly Mohican? It will look awesome if the mane stretches out, I guess.” (Sirius)

“Woof…” (Hokuto)

“Hahaha, it was a joke, you know? You are the best just as you are.” (Sirius)

“Woof!” (Hokuto)

It seemed that they were in a good mood like a pair of lovers.