episode_0135

000

Saint Princess. A mysterious being passed down like a legend in the Royal Capital, a warrior who fights by wielding a hammer that destroys demons and demonstrating holy power.

A girl shining in the darkness, clad in pure white armor and scattering brilliant light with a halo rising above.

Even within the kingdom’s history spanning hundreds of years, those who accurately know their identity are few, and it is said that whenever threats from demons, monsters, demon lords, and demon gods approach the Royal Capital, they suddenly appear in the moonlight and fight them.

However. Why the Royal Capital? Why in the form of a girl? Why do they exist unchanged even through long periods?

As for what their true identity is, no one has a true answer.

Except for the ancient clan that has assisted their battles from the sidelines for a long time.

Orelia Trommelia, as a descendant of that clan living in this era, has been assisting Princess Amelia, chosen as the Saint Princess, since her predecessor—that is, her mother’s generation.

Although Amelia’s mother met an unfortunate end due to a coup plan by relatives, Orelia was prepared to use any means to protect the princess.

Originally, the Saint Princess would subdue the threat, then disappear back into the annals of history, concealing her existence until the next threat appears.

That period could be as short as several decades, or as long as nearly a hundred years.

However, this time, in just a few years, an event requiring the power of the Saint Princess was happening once again within the Royal Capital.

Her mother, who secretly fought to protect the Royal Capital in the war with the Empire.

And Amelia, fighting the demon worshippers in the back alleys that are eating away at the Royal Capital.

However, the current Saint Princess’s power is not complete. Amelia is too young to unleash all of that power.

Therefore, Orelia prepares a shield to protect her.

Until she can be reborn as a true guardian of the Royal Capital and a guardian of humanity, to buy even a little time.

Even if the powers needed for that are users of black magic, the opposite of holy power.

Even if they are magic swordsmen who wield magic swords.

001

“…So. Princess Amelia and your attendants are protecting the Royal Capital from demons.”

Cleon nodded after hearing the story of the circumstances from Orelia. He had heard from Iona that Rubella was fighting the demons of the Royal Capital, but he never imagined there would be such a backstory.

“That’s an interesting story. The Royal Capital is a city built on a ley line, just like the Academy. There is a tradition that a guardian always appears in lands with powerful energy to protect it. Is this one of them…”

Lila seemed to be trying to analyze the legend by approaching it from an academic perspective.

“But if it’s something related to demons, the Order of the Holy Blessing should be at the forefront… Why…”

“The Order hasn’t fully grasped the situation yet, but… there are many untrustworthy aspects to the Order members within the current Royal Capital.”

As if to answer Quon’s question, Orelia opened her mouth. She frowned, as if troubled by the fact that the Order was not exerting its power.

“Princess Amelia was born with a sensitive constitution that makes it easier to perceive malicious magical energy flows than others. Thanks to that, she was able to discover problems that even I hadn’t noticed and was trying to investigate them. Unfortunately, she inherently cannot come into contact with others. Even if I were to pass on the information she discovered to the Order, they would try to find out the truth and origin of the information.”

“The Order always tries to recruit talented individuals who could threaten their position.”

Lila nodded at Orelia’s words, as if understanding.

“That’s right. There would be no problem if the Order was a purely benevolent group. But the assassination of Emelleus III, the previous Pope, a few years ago, is the reason for my distrust of the Order.”

“Ah, assassination…!? It was said that Emelleus ascended naturally…”

Quon could only cover her mouth in surprise and widen her eyes as a different story than what she knew came from Orelia’s mouth.

Emelleus III was a Pope of the Order from a noble family, but he did not discriminate between commoners and nobles. He claimed that anyone could be reformed according to the Order’s doctrines and that any human being could have a good heart. He was an individual who insisted that even the Empire people, except for those who committed extremely unforgivable war crimes, should be forgiven and accepted.

At that time, countless Empire people were saved by his reformation policy, and the Black Magic Clan also unknowingly benefited from it, being able to hide in the Dragon’s Valley, even avoiding the eyes of other kingdom people.

Therefore, within the kingdom, he had great popularity and support comparable to the King, and he was an individual who was evaluated as a role model of a “saint” by followers, or even those who were not followers, as a respectable person.

Many were shocked by his sudden death a few years ago, despite not having any illness. Quon was not yet affiliated with the Order of the Holy Blessing at the time, so she only learned about such a person later.

“The Pope’s assassination is quite a big event. It was covered up, then.”

Of course, it may have been to avoid the confusion of the followers. But the fact that they are hiding the incident from behind and trying to resolve it among themselves is certainly related to trust issues.

And assassination is something that would benefit someone. In this case, if you think easily, it would be a force opposed to the Pope – and by extension, the Order.

It could be evil axes that can be easily thought of by general people, such as heretics or demon worshippers.

“Thanks to that, Esca, Emelleus III’s successor, has been leading the Order as the first female Pope to date. She is also pursuing a reformation policy that seems to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, or rather, develop it even further.”

“If it’s Esca, she was the Saintess who was a companion of the hero Resia, along with Talcheck and Sophia…”

Everyone’s gaze, except for Orelia, naturally turned to Cleon.

“Sorry. I haven’t contacted her since I saw her as a child.”

Cleon answered with a troubled face, and Lila nodded as if she expected it.

“The story has gone a little off track. In any case. Cooperation with the Order seems a bit difficult at the moment. If the kingdom’s soldiers or heroes like Aruru move, it will attract too much attention. Therefore, your power as adventurers is needed.”

Orelia said that while getting up from her seat and approaching where Cleon was.

Then, she placed her hand on his and spoke.

“Please. Cleon. Please, help Amelia…. She is still too young to face the battle with the darkness.”

Orelia was concerned about Amelia’s future and safety, which she had been entrusted with by her friend.

And her powerlessness and guilt for not being able to take her out of her hellish secluded life.

In such a situation, a great danger that threatens the people of the Royal Capital and the kingdom once again.

The private army she organized was certainly powerful, but that alone was not enough to reassure her. The opponents they were facing were that troublesome.

Therefore, the power of Cleon and his group was needed.

Their skills had already been proven through the Elresia’s Intercepting Tree incident and the Academy incident.

In addition, Orelia, who judged that the interests would be aligned if what he was looking for was what she thought, said:

“I heard from Rubella that you are looking for traces of an ancient scholar named Tristmegistus….”

Certainly, Cleon remembered conveying that story when they exchanged their last letters.

“I also know his name. Most of the things among the ancient technologies that are still used today were invented by him. I will help you find his traces in the Royal Capital.”

[…If you have the help of the Duke’s family, the chances are much greater. What are you going to do? Cleon.]

Lila listened to Orelia’s words, made eye contact with Cleon, and spoke to him in her mind.

Cleon closed his mouth as if thinking for a moment, then made eye contact with Sasha and Quon.

Everyone seemed to have their own thoughts and were motivated for this job.

“…I understand. Then, our party will accept your request and help Princess Amelia.”

As Cleon answered, Orelia squeezed Cleon’s hand tightly and smiled.

She had a somewhat relieved expression, and you could tell that she regarded Amelia as her own daughter, almost as much as Aruru.

“Then, let’s pass on the details later through Rubella-”

That was when Orelia was about to say that and return to her seat.

“Is someone here?”

Everyone turned their heads towards the entrance of the dining room at the unfamiliar man’s voice.

There, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed man with a similar physique to Percys was standing.

However, his physique was a little smaller than Percys’, and unlike Percys, who had the feeling of a pure yet seasoned veteran, this one had the impression of a typical nobleman working at a desk.

“Se, Sethos. Why are you here at this hour…”

Orelia said to the man with a flustered look, and the man squinted his eyes and made eye contact with Cleon.

“I came to pick up the documents requested by my brother. But to think that my sister-in-law would call a man to her house…!”

“Uncle!”

As Aruru reacted sensitively, the man called Sethos – that is, Percys’ younger brother – laughed out loud.

“Hahaha! Just kidding, Aruru. There’s no way that would happen to my sister-in-law. Is that so. Was it today that the adventurer who saved our cute niece that my brother was talking about was coming.”

Sethos looked at Cleon with interest and shrugged his shoulders.

“Was it Cleon? It seems our niece was indebted to you. Please take care of me, as you may become family in the future. I am Sethos Trommelia. I am the younger brother of Defense Minister Percys, and a vassal of the kingdom who is in charge of his assistance.”

Sethos strode forward. Approaching Cleon in a dignified manner, he extended his hand.

Cleon looks at him and- feels a sense of déjà vu somewhere.

This face, this appearance. Somewhere. I’ve seen it before-

“Hmm? Why is that? Are you the type of adventurer who doesn’t shake hands with nobles?”

“Ah, no.”

Cleon awkwardly extended his hand and shook hands with him as Sethos looked at him with a question.

“Hahaha! Just kidding, just kidding! None of you know what humor is!”

It was when Cleon was confused by the feeling of the hand shaking violently.

Sethos finished his own greeting and turned his head. He made eye contact with Quon.

Then, the relaxed smile from just now disappeared from his face, and his expression became slightly embarrassed.

“…Setsuna…?”

Of course, it was Quon who reacted to the name that he unconsciously spoke.

“…Why, do you know my grand-aunt?”

Sethos, with a face that was a little unbelievable, came to his senses with a `Ha` and showed the same relaxed expression as before.

“I met her in the Royal Capital a long time ago! It was over 15 years ago!”

“… …”

Quon looked at Sethos and briefly answered `I see` and closed her mouth.

Cleon, who was watching from the side, could tell that some kind of hypothesis was being formed in her head.

“I’m sorry! For disturbing your pleasant meal time. I’ll be on my way, so please enjoy your stay. Ah, of course, this mansion is not my mansion! Hahaha!”

Sethos said that and left the dining room, but Quon still followed his back with her eyes, with a face lost in thought.

In such an awkward atmosphere, Rubella cleared her throat.

“…First of all. It seems that the meal is ready, so I will bring it in.

002

During the meal, Rubella disappeared somewhere.

After Cleon and his group were treated to a lot of high-end dishes that they had never seen before, Sasha was not in her right mind, so they decided to slowly return to their lodgings.

“I didn’t know you could eat sturgeon eggs…”

As Quon watched Sasha muttering as she came outside, she was a little worried that Sasha would become aware of such high-end food ingredients.

“Well. I’ll see you again later. Duchess.”

“Yes. It was fun today. Aruru will also want to see Cleon, so please come anytime.”

As Orelia said that, Aruru smiled and said.

“If you don’t come, I’ll go to you.”

Leaving those two behind, they came out of the mansion’s front gate.

There, Rubella was standing, leaning her back against the wall.

“…Rubella.”

“You’re finally out, Cleon.”

The clothes she was wearing were not her usual servant clothes, but her casual clothes that she had received as a gift from Ruthie when she left Elresia.

The black fedora on her head and the white frilly dress that stood out even at night were enough to make you believe that she was not a servant of a house, but a lady from somewhere in this noble family.

Lila and the rest looked at Rubella for a moment, then looked at each other and nodded.

“Cleon. Give me Galatea and Caliburn.”

As Quon said that, Galatea turned into a human form on her own before Cleon could react.

“I’m sorry, but. I’m not interested in anyone other than Cleon touching me.”

Saying that, she holds Caliburn, who is still asleep, in her hand.

Galatea, who covered her outfit in black to match the gazes of the people around her, looked at Cleon for a moment and walked towards where Lila and Quon were.

“…What?”

“We have a lot of stories to catch up on, so please take your time!”

“That’s right. Well. It’s been a long time since we met. I can give up that much.”

Lila said that and started walking towards the lodgings with the others.

Rubella and Cleon, who were left in that spot, stared at each other in silence for a moment-

“…It seems you’ve become even more popular with the ladies, Cleon.”

The story began with Rubella’s not-so-sarcastic remark.

“Well. We’re doing more than just naked dating….”

“Anyone who hears that would think you’re a weird person.”

“You’re a weird person. Plenty.”

She said that and took a step forward, walking.

“Wait. Where are you going?”

“I wonder. Come along if you want to.”

Cleon stared at Rubella’s back for a moment, then followed her.

The night of the Royal Capital, where the moon had already risen, was quieter than the Academy.

There were still houses with lights on, but most of them were turned off, so it felt like you shouldn’t make any noise while walking on the night road.

“How’s your new job? Have you made a lot of friends?”

“That’s right. They’re as unique as your companions. A job is the same anywhere. At least, it’s better than being a servant of the Woodnocker family in that I can openly relieve stress.”

“I see. That’s good.”

Cleon nodded. Rubella was a person who distrusted humans more than he did. On top of that, she was the type who couldn’t easily be honest. He was worried that she wouldn’t get along with the other servants.

But he didn’t feel that way in her words now.

“…Really?”

But Rubella quietly muttered that.

“…Huh?”

“It’s nothing. I’m just a little worried about you meeting Amelia.”

“Why…. I’m not going to do anything. I heard she’s younger than Sasha.”

“I wonder. I doubt that thing between your legs won’t react when you see Perdia.”

“Perdia is… a bit of a cheat….”

As Cleon slurred, thinking it was a pathetic excuse even to himself, Rubella snorted and raised the corners of her lips.

“So? Where are we going?”

“We’re almost there.”

Before they knew it, they had left the residential area of the noble family, and they arrived at a place that was like the entrance to a back alley.

It was not recommended for the two unarmed people to go any further at this time.

Even if they were empty-handed, it didn’t seem like they would lose to petty thugs.

And the place where Rubella stopped was a bar in such a place. It wasn’t noisy, as if there were no other customers.

Looking at the luxurious sign that said `Shape Shifter`, Cleon briefly thought about his student at the Academy.

“A bar….?”

“Then does it look like an inn? Come on, let’s go in.”

The sound of the bell on the entrance rang.

Looking inside, a silver-haired woman with silver eyes was quietly wiping a cup, and when she saw a guest visiting, she turned her gaze to the entrance.

“Rubella~. What’s going on bringing a man? Oh, is that Cleon you’re always talking about?”

“That’s right. I don’t always talk about him though.”

“…Nice to meet you~ I’m Ssu. I’m the owner of this bar, and I’m like a friend to Rubella.”

“…Cleon. I’m an adventurer.”

This woman, who makes you want to use honorifics for some reason, reached out her hand from her wobbly body and asked to shake Cleon’s hand.

If you naturally accept it, you will feel a sensation as if something is sweeping through your body.

“Hmm- Hee-. Hoo-.”

Ssu made a strange noise, and suddenly collapsed her form in front of her eyes-

When she showed the reconstructed appearance. There was Ssu, who looked like “Leona”, one of the fake identities that Cleon created using Polymorph magic.

However, the only difference was that her eyes were silver.

“That’s unique. You can become a woman yourself. Cleon?”

“I, I do it with magic. More than that, so you really were a shape shifter.”

Showing a smile that Leona would never show, Ssu released her handshake with Cleon and stood in front of the counter, preparing a glass.

“Is it rare? But you’re not as surprised as I thought.”

“I’ve seen it at the Academy….”

As Cleon said that, Ssu widened her eyes and leaned her face toward Cleon.

When Leona’s face came close to his in front of him, he felt strange.

“Academy! Did you happen to meet my daughter? She’s in the Department of Holy Studies-”

“… …I was temporarily a lecturer there until recently. Your daughter is doing well.”

Hearing Cleon’s answer, Ssu’s tension seemed to rise at once, and she asked Cleon about this and that.

Cleon was overwhelmed by Ssu’s momentum, but somehow he managed to answer.

Looking at it from the side, it looked like a very enjoyable conversation between a man and a woman.

Rubella, whose face was shadowed, quietly watched it-

“Ssu.”

“Yeah? Ah, sorry Rubella. I was just talking about myself with a guest here. What can I get for you?”

Rubella expressionlessly raised her finger and pointed to one of the displayed liquors.

“Wasn’t that the strongest liquor in this store?”

“Ah…it is, but…?”

“Give me that one.”