episode_0034

“Ah…”

Seeing Cecilia’s expression instantly harden, I froze in confusion.

What? Did I miss something in the exchange just now?

At least in the last world, I never saw Cecilia bare her emotions like this.

Despite appearances, she rose all the way to the position of Saintess.

The fact that she could at least feign respect toward me—while uncomfortable—proved her self-control.

So I mirrored her, but now she was blatantly scowling at my practiced smile.

She must have decided she didn’t deserve even that courtesy.

But experience never really fades, and soon enough, her expression melted back into a gentle grin.

“Chris, I’ll take things from here.”

“Alright. Take good care of him.”

“Wait. Where are you going? Didn’t you promise to show me around the academy?”

“Cecilia will handle it. She mentioned wanting to see how much you’ve changed, anyway.”

“Are you joking?”

“It’s the truth.”

“Hey.”

I yanked Chris closer, lowering my voice so Cecilia couldn’t hear.

“You are joking, right? I could actually die. A date with Cecilia? Are you insane?”

“Don’t underestimate her. She knows her place. I’ve already warned her not to put you at risk.”

“But still—”

“No. In fact, knowing exactly where she stands will help with future plans, won’t it? Yesterday, we nearly had disaster with Ellie!”

“Well… you’re not wrong.”

Clicking my tongue, I relented.

“Fine, go ahead. Don’t overthink it. Just consider it taming her in advance. Otherwise, you’ll be the one dragged around helplessly.”

“Right.”

Chris peeled away from me and turned to Cecilia.

“All settled. It’s just that this is his first time seeing you like this, so naturally, he’s a bit awkward.”

“That’s perfectly fine. I understand,” Cecilia said lightly. “We’ll be sharing many classes, Eric. I look forward to it.”

“…Likewise,” I muttered.

“Then I’ll be off. Don’t be late, you two~!”

With a wave, Chris walked away.

“Shall we go? The academy is vast. Even with time before afternoon classes, touring essential facilities will take a while.”

“Sure.”

Cecilia extended her hand, but I strode ahead first.

—

“…So this is the training grounds, and over here is the portal hub connecting the academy to other regions.”

“If something happens here, it’d spell disaster, wouldn’t it?”

“Indeed. That’s why security has been tightened starting this year. Until last year, the academy barely paid attention to this place.”

“And why the sudden change now…?”

“The student council, including the vice president, convinced the president of the risks. Thankfully, unlike most students, he listened.”

Oh.

I was quietly impressed. Turns out Chris wasn’t bluffing—they were proactive.

In the last world, security here remained lax until graduation.

It allowed the demonkin to infiltrate once, bypassing treacherous terrain via portals.

I’d wanted to fix it this time—glad they beat me to it.

“And this area—”

Thanks to the smooth flow of conversation, Cecilia gradually grew more talkative.

“The weather’s lovely today.”

“Yeah.”

“…Have you eaten? There are great restaurants nearby. If you’d like—”

“I already had lunch.”

“……”

I had no intention of getting close to her.

Even if I no longer resented the hero’s party, re-entangling myself with them was out of the question.

Between the Trial’s penalties and the fact they were managing fine on their own, I owed them nothing—certainly not martyrdom.

Cecilia seemed to notice my reluctance, her voice tinged with hurt.

“Do you dislike me, Eric?”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s just… You give halfhearted replies and barely look at me. If I’ve upset you, tell me. I’ll fix it!”

Fix it? Not happening. My avoidance stems from what ended last time.

“It’s not that I dislike you.”

“Then—”

“I just don’t think I can ever truly bond with Cecilia Roustal.”

“May I ask why?”

I stretched casually.

Thanks to her explanations, I’d already noted key locations—no harm answering now.

Of course, I could ask if she recalls her actions from past loops (and part of me burned to), but I’m not that stupid.

“Simply put, you’re nothing like me. A Saintess candidate… beloved by all. Even if you seek me out, it’s just pity. I don’t want that kindness.”

A bit harsh, maybe, but anything less wouldn’t shake her off.

For a Saintess, her tenacity was legendary—even within the hero’s party.

“Pity?! That’s not why I’m helping you!”

“No? Then why the special treatment? In front of Chris, you called it ‘keeping an eye on me,’ but there’s no reason to go this far for just another student.”

I pressed further.

“Care to share the real reason?”

“……”

Cecilia hesitated, torn between confession and silence.

But in the end, concern for me won.

“I can’t say.”

“Figures. I’ve met all sorts of people—I know how to read emotions. You want something from me, but I’m not here to be manipulated or pitied. You’d help Chris far more.”

“Chris?”

“Yeah. She puts on a tough front but is softer than she looks. Worried about me even during my worst. I owe her. So help her.”

“Chris…”

Cecilia closed her eyes, lost in thought.

“Miss Cecilia?”

“You say I should help Chris… because she’s part of the future hero’s party?”

“What?”

Her words sent a jolt through me.

What did she just say?

Hero’s party? To my face?!

“Just now… what did you—”

“I asked if it’s because of the hero’s party.”

“I don’t understand.”

Danger.

Instinct screamed that continuing this conversation would entangle me irrevocably.

“Ah! Class is starting soon! I should get going. This chat was… enlightening.”

Thud—

Cecilia seized my wrist before I could flee.

“Relax. We share the next class—I know the way. No need to rush.”

“B-But I—”

“Why avoid me? You already know Chris is part of the hero’s party, don’t you?”

“What?”

“I’m certain. You aren’t insane—you’re the only sane one. Don’t worry, I’m on your side.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You simply chose the wrong method.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

“You plan to destroy the Church, don’t you? The Pope, the high priests—every last one.”

“…Huh?”

Her casual delivery stunned me into silence.

That alone confirmed her suspicions.

“So it’s true…”

What do you mean, ‘true’?

Yes, dismantling the Church was part of my plan.

Left unchecked, the current institution would only hinder humanity.

The Pope, obsessed with power; the high priests vying for his throne; the Inquisitors acting as their hounds.

To devout Cecilia, they must seem like heretics.

But this secret must never leave her lips.

A Saintess conspiring against the Church? Unthinkable.

By all rights, she should pursue this alone.

Yet—

“Why… are you telling me this?”

“Because our goals align. I’ll help you, whatever it takes.”