Chapter 35
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: Downpour - 4
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Yeah. I have to get out of here.
But... how?
My resolve was firm, but I had no clear plan. I was still bound by the Ennesic Order, and I couldn't even step outside without at least one priest accompanying me. Of course, no kindly priest would extend such courtesy to that rag of a woman.
...
No, maybe there was one.
Romir. The name of the priest who had coincidentally skipped the service for the same reason as me came to mind. An Ennesic Order priest feeling unwell? It was absurd nonsense. And for his condition to worsen on the same day as mine was no mere coincidence. He'd probably gone through something similar. Yet he hadn't reported Luca's presence to the Order, which meant he must have been blackmailed or had some weakness exploited. That's likely how Luca had pinpointed my location and come to rescue me.
So, how much did Romir know? He probably had no idea about the exact nature of my relationship with Luca. Just that we were connected somehow. I couldn't be certain, but it was highly unlikely Luca had shared much with a guy like that.
Which meant there was plenty I could use to my advantage.
I looked around. My body was still soaked in blood, and going out like this would definitely raise suspicions. Fortunately, the clothes I'd discarded in the corner were relatively clean. I wiped the blood from my face using that man's clothes, then slipped into my own. Slowly, I opened the door.
"Huuu..."
Luckily, no followers were waiting outside. They must have cleared the schedule for that imperial administrator. Hoping I wouldn't run into anyone, I quickened my pace.
But of course, things couldn't go that smoothly.
The moment I turned the corner, the hallway was packed with priests and followers. Soon, the priest who had spoken to me earnestly earlier approached.
"...What is it, Saintess? What brings you all the way here?"
"..."
Without a word, I shoved his shoulder and pushed past. I had no time to spare glances for any man but Luca. Stunned by my sudden change in demeanor, they didn't dare block my path. I flung open the door to the confessional.
And locked eyes with a priest wearing a deeply flustered expression. The moment I saw him, I called his name.
"Romir."
"Y-Yes...?!"
I clung to him almost like a kiss. Grabbing his hair, I pulled his head down and whispered in his ear.
"You. You met him yesterday, didn't you?"
"...!"
I didn't need his answer; his trembling breath told me the truth. Romir stammered in panic.
"H-How did you...?"
"I heard it straight from him. I'm disappointed. For an Ennesic Order priest to cave to such a pathetic threat and endanger the Saintess. Truly disappointing."
"B-But I had no choice..."
"No excuses. Want to end up in worse shape?"
At my menacing tone, fear flickered in his eyes. Priests looking at me like this—for yesterday, it would have been unimaginable. I pressed my nails into his shoulder and whispered.
"Shall we talk outside? No good discussing this here, right?"
"I-I..."
Romir hesitated, bowing his head. But I could sense he'd submit soon enough. As I smiled thinly in satisfaction, heavy footsteps thudded from behind.
"This damn...!"
The approaching priest cleared his throat, then gritted his teeth.
"Saintess. What brings you here? Weren't you in confession?"
"Correct."
"Then why did you come out?"
"I want some fresh air."
"Do you know it's raining outside?"
"Doesn't matter. I'm going out."
"Hah..."
He squeezed his eyes shut and sighed deeply. Glancing up, I saw a guard had sidled up beside him. Soon, a voice laced with veiled threat advised me.
"Just go back in. Don't cause trouble."
"Haha..."
The guard reached for my arm. But I just smiled faintly at him.
Then I yanked the sword from his waist and swung it high overhead.
"Argh!"
The priest's forehead split open, blood dripping down. I stared at him a moment, then bellowed at the top of my lungs.
"Who do you think you are, giving me orders?! I'm the Hero who vanquished the Demon King and the Saintess chosen by the Ennesic Goddess! How dare you command me?!"
"A-Agh...!"
"Act cocky again, and I'll gouge out those eyes."
With the blade tip at his face, his arrogance vanished, replaced by terror in his eyes. Stunned by the sudden turn, he was utterly rattled. I smirked at the sight.
"Alright then. I'll step out, so wait here. Romir. You'll escort me, of course?"
"P-Pardon? Ah... Yes, of course, Saintess. It's an honor."
"Good. Follow me."
I flashed a bright smile and strode toward the chapel door with light steps. Not just the followers, but even the priests and guards didn't dare follow as I crossed the long corridor through the chapel. The sword gripped tightly in my hand felt strangely reassuring. Confirming Romir hurrying after me with an umbrella, I flung open the chapel doors with all my might.
Shwaaaaa...
Fresh air filled my lungs alongside the refreshing sound of rain. I wanted to feel the cold raindrops directly, but an umbrella soon sheltered my head. Smiling broadly, I took one step at a time.
The sudden downpour had emptied the streets. Even if anyone were out, no one could recognize the Saintess through this torrent. Humming under the umbrella, I suddenly turned back.
"Hey, Romir. What's hurting?"
"It's... a rather indecent story."
"It's fine. Tell me."
As I tapped his foot with the sword, he swallowed hard and answered.
"D-During confession... a girl bit my balls. So it's a bit..."
"Luca cut them off, huh. Figures."
"Ah..."
"Why lie? Thought you could fool me?"
"No, it's not...!"
As the blade neared his throat, he stammered excuses.
"H-He ordered me to say that. And he did come with a girl..."
"...With a girl?"
A chill ran through my veins. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Yes. Some... young girl. Pretending to be father and daughter."
"Oh. A little girl, then."
"Yes..."
A kid, huh. Could be. I shrugged and prodded his neck with the sword.
"So? Did he say where he was going? You must know."
"No! He... He didn't say. Just told me to wait. I don't know anything, Saintess. Really."
"...You know nothing, huh."
He said it like it was a badge of honor. Idiot. I thought for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"By the way, why'd he cut your balls off? Luca wouldn't do that without reason. He's kind, like an angel. You must have done something wrong first. Right?"
"No, I..."
"Look me in the eye and say it. You did nothing?"
I grabbed his collar and pulled his face close. Sweat poured down his throat. Romir hesitated, then confessed the truth.
"Actually... I did try to touch that little girl. But you know! I didn't know, and if I'd realized she was connected to you, Saintess, I never would have..."
"I see."
I cut him off mid-sentence and slowly lowered the sword. For a moment, hope flashed across his face. Staring at him, I smiled sweetly.
"You committed a sin too."
"Pardon?"
"So you need punishment, don't you?"
"I-!"
Before he could finish, I swung the sword with all my might. Infused with mana after so long, my arm cleaved through a mere priest's neck effortlessly. Blood sprayed between the umbrella and rain, and his filthy head tumbled into the mud.
Roll...
Thud.
...
Shwaaaaa...
"Ha..."
I exhaled softly. Using mana after so long, blue smoke mingled with my breath. Gazing at it happily, I tilted my head to the sky.
Cold raindrops pelted my face. The merciless drumming on my skin brought a smile instead. Rain touching my skin after nearly five years reminded me I was alive. I felt like bursting into laughter.
But I couldn't. Because I was a sinner. I stepped forward and lifted another sinner's head. This would be a gift for Luca—a token of reflection for today's sins.
"Haa... ha..."
Lifting my gaze, the vast world filled my eyes. The old me would have despaired at finding Luca, but now was different. I felt I could do anything. Just as our love triumphed over years, fate would guide me now.
I prayed to the heavens. O Ennesic Goddess, grant clear sight to this servant who devoted her body to you. Grant me the power to find him.
Unlike my past hypocritical prayers, this one brimmed with sincerity. I poured my heart into it.
Then, as if by miracle, a scent pierced the air and invaded my nose.
Sniffing deeper, I wrinkled my nose involuntarily. An intensely foul, repulsive smell. Yet somehow familiar.
"This is..."
At first, I couldn't place it. But like a trance, I followed the scent, and as I delved deeper into the city, it grew stronger. Was it Luca's scent? It repulsed me too much for that. Yet a strong hunch told me following it would lead to him. To confirm, I spoke aloud.
"Follow this scent... and I'll find Luca."
It rang true without fail. Thanking the Ennesic Goddess, I kicked off the ground and dashed away.
Sweat, rain, and blood from the head I carried splashed my face. My heart pounded, body heated, breath ragged to my throat. Suddenly, I recalled my first day at the academy, brimming with anticipation. Expecting to be loved by all. Running hand-in-hand with Luca. When everything was pure.
Perhaps now, I was running back through time.
"Kyaaack!"
Was I truly returning to the past? Children's screams echoed in my ears. They sounded like joyful cheers. Smiling, I ran toward them.
"Stop!"
But then a voice tore through the air. Panting, I slowed my steps.
"Haa... haa..."
"...Fuck."
Obscured by the downpour, the figure spat a curse. Then cried out a name with all their might.
"Luca!"
Luca.
Luca.
Luca.
The name echoed in my mind. Was this angel before me guiding me to him? Soon, with a crash, someone burst from the shadows. Seeing them, my arms went slack.
The moment our eyes met, Romir's head slipped from my grasp.
Roll...
Thud.
My prepared gift tapped his foot. He glanced at the head, then lifted his gaze to me. Chest heaving with deep breaths, he slowly called my name.
"...Sera."
Shwaaaaa...
The rain washed away lingering thoughts from my mind. Clasping my hands like a bride, I approached him slowly. A jealous raindrop fell into my eye, tracing my cheek, but I ignored it.
Finally, through the raging downpour, his face came into view. Barely containing overflowing emotions, I called his name in a trembling voice.
"Luca."