episode_0017

“Ugh…”

Quietly opening my eyes to the sharp pain coursing through my body.

What met my eyes were the dark night sky, the collapsed companions, and Kotas grilling meat in front of the blazing fire, humming contentedly.

Though it was a peaceful atmosphere I hadn’t felt in a while, I first checked my physical condition.

Since you never know when or what might happen.

After assessing my body by feeling around, I roughly estimated the damage.

There were minor burns, some muscle stiffness, but nothing major hindering movement.

…The injuries seemed too light for falling from a great height; how did they save me to feel this light?

As if questioning Kotas with my gaze, he sensed my stare, paused his grilling, and grinned at me.

“You’ve woken up, new comrade.”

“…I’m alive, right?”

“Haha, of course you are. Did you think I’d throw you down like that without a second thought?”

“Well… you did promise to make a special dish, so you must have thought about it before tossing me.”

Having witnessed the protagonist’s adventures in novels multiple times, I didn’t bother asking about the rescue method.

They probably used some crazy method to save me.

I shook my head and started stretching.

Crack!

The refreshing sound of bones cracking.

Unwinding my tense muscles, I grabbed a skewer of grilled meat, and Kotas, eyes gleaming, asked me,

“So, when will you treat us to that special dish?”

“Are you more curious about that than our companions’ condition?”

“Of course. My reason for living revolves solely around gourmet delights. Therefore, food is more important than companions.”

With a mouthful of skewered meat, he continued excitedly,

“Indeed, witch, I have many questions about you. However, more than anything, I wonder what ‘special dish’ you’ll serve.”

“You’ll have to wait a bit. I need quite a few ingredients.”

“Well, as long as you keep your promise. I, an orc, am more patient than any other orc.”

Smiling warmly, Kotas picked up the next skewer.

Chewing on the meat while facing him, the others began to wake up one by one.

“Praise the Goddess, we owe you a debt of gratitude for your grace.”

“Ha – ha, you’re alive after all! But… why is my sturdy body in pieces? Why half…? Aaargh!”

“Phew, thought you were dead without even a farewell, so this is somewhat fortunate.”

“No muscles mean wounds. Training is necessary…”

Perhaps still disoriented from just waking up, the companions muttered to themselves, gazing at the sky.

Kotas clapped loudly to rouse them and then handed them the skewers he had been grilling.

“I know you’re still disoriented from just waking up, but please eat. You must be weak from hunger.”

“What about the elves? Did we shake off their pursuit completely?”

“I don’t know. We incapacitated them, so it will take time, but judging by their determination, they’ll surely come after us from Dalsurim.”

“Not great news.”

Taking a bite of the skewer he held, Kotas chuckled and looked at me.

“It’s fine, we have a witch. No matter what wicked schemes the elves devise, she’ll find a way to handle it.”

“I’m not your guide, am I? And why do you trust me so much?”

“You turned the impossible into possible, didn’t you? So, where to next?”

“Don’t ask me. I have no intention of traveling with you.”

The temporary alliance with the protagonist’s group was solely to escape Dalsurim.

Fate led us into this situation, and we needed them to escape.

Having escaped and now free, there was no reason for the protagonist to get involved with the group.

“Have I gone crazy? Going through all sorts of troubles and hardships?”

I will live as comfortably as possible while researching a way to return to Earth!

Joining this wild and adventurous journey is the last thing I want to do!

Although I shook my head in refusal of the companionship offer, Kal still extended a waterskin towards me with a cheerful smile on his face.

“How about this then? Since you said you’re heading west, let’s just travel together until we reach there. We also have business to attend to there.”

“Um…”

“It’s safer to travel together than alone, right? If you don’t like it, there’s nothing we can do.”

His words made me ponder.

Yeah, maybe I could just go with them to the west and part ways there?

If I end up meeting bandits or a horde of monsters while traveling alone, things could really go south.

…Whether captured by bandits or monsters, the endings would be quite similar, wouldn’t they?

After much contemplation, I accepted the waterskin Kal offered and nodded my head.

“Alright, then just until we reach the west.”

“Okay, I’ll escort you safely. Well then, please take care during our short yet long journey, Miss Witch.”

With a bright smile, Kal turned his gaze away from me and directed a question at the priestess who was now nibbling on meat like a hamster.

“Priestess, what are you going to do? It seems a bit difficult for you to return to where you originally were.”

“Ugh…”

“Let’s go together for now. Let’s deal with that later, okay?”

Kal, who quickly welcomed even the priestess as a companion, started talking energetically.

Under the warm fire and lively atmosphere, the night of the grand escape passed.

—–

“Teresa, High Priestess.”

In the quiet sanctuary, the High Priestess, who was quietly gazing at the statue of the goddess, slowly turned her head at the voice calling her.

“Oh, Sister Lorian. What brings you to this old man at such a late hour?”

“I’ve come for a reason that you probably know better, High Priestess.”

“Well, foolish me doesn’t know why Sister has come. Could you enlighten me on the reason for your visit?”

As Tyir’s leisurely voice echoed through the sanctuary, the young priest approached the High Priestess with widened eyes.

“I heard that you’ve imposed a trial on Sister Alaine.”

“Ah, yes, that’s true. But why do you mention that to me, Sister Lorian?”

“Why? Isn’t that an injustice! You know better than anyone how dangerous the Southern Great Forest is…”

“So, what’s the problem with that?”

“What?”

Taken aback by the sudden interruption from the High Priestess, Lorian was left flustered.

Looking at her, Teresa, the High Priestess, with a gentle smile, continued the conversation.

“I mentioned it to Sister Alaine as well. A saint is someone who rises after overcoming trials, however impossible they may seem.”

“…Of course, I understand that overcoming impossible trials is near impossible. However, a saint must surpass even those impossible trials. How can one be called a saint if they cannot overcome trials?”

Slowly opening her closed eyes, Teresa, the High Priestess, carefully tied a symbol of candidacy around Lorian who had approached her.

“Do you think it’s harsh? Well, you thought it was a trial. But, isn’t it the same for Sister Lorian, who has faced an almost impossible trial?”

“At least, the Northern Snow Mountains are…”

“You’re saying amusing things. Even if you came here in such a battered state, what difficulty are you talking about?”

Tsk tsk.

Looking at Lorian with a knowing gaze, the High Priestess opened her mouth while stroking her head.

“Unfortunately, it’s too late to worry. You must have heard the rumors about a witch living in Dae Sulin, right? Moreover, this time, the truth of those rumors was revealed as twenty Paladins were summoned back to Dae Sulin.”

“…Wait, if the Paladins have returned, what about Alain… no, the sister? What happened to her?”

“Sadly, she didn’t return. According to a Paladin’s testimony, it seems she either perished in the ordeal or was aiding the witch by her side.”

Clang –

Before the conversation could finish, a chilling sound echoed through the chapel.

The High Priest looked at Lorian with a surprised expression, but she cut him off sharply, asking, “Is that a credible testimony?”

“Do you know what you’re saying, Sister Lorian?”

“Yes, but I’ve heard it was an extreme situation. Even the strongest of Paladins can see illusions under endless torment.”

Kneeling slowly, Lorian requested another trial from the High Priest.

“I will undergo the trial. I will witness the truth with my own eyes and if Alain has truly become a servant of the witch, I will bring down the hammer of judgment. Please grant me permission.”

“Well, this is getting interesting. Seems like you have a rough idea of where things stand.”

“…”

“Haha, just kidding. Yes, it’s part of the duties of an Inquisitor and a Paladin. Advancing it a bit shouldn’t be an issue.”

With a compassionate smile, High Priest Teresa accepted Lorian’s request.

“I will support the Inquisitor and the Paladins. However, make sure to definitively eliminate the witch and the heretic. If you’re unsure, even now…”

“I’ll rest for a day and depart tomorrow.”

“You’re quite determined. Very well, may the Goddess’ protection be with you.”

“…May the Goddess’ blessing be with you.”

Having received permission, Lorian left the High Priest behind and walked out of the chapel towards her lodging, muttering quietly as she took something out of her pocket.

“To the west, huh…”

She chuckled softly and whispered, “Just wait a little longer, Alain. This Lorian will come to meet you soon…♡”