A Saint-Like Shadow

"Since this is our first official meeting, it would be best to introduce ourselves. I am the Saintess, Bernice. And this is Ines, the Commander of the Silver Wing Knights."

Bernice sat on the reception sofa, sipping her tea, while Ines stood silently by her side, keeping watch.

"...I am Antony."

Though they were already well aware of each other's identities, they had never met in person. Bernice observed Antony closely before speaking first.

"Aaron Creville... has been executed."

"Aaron... the High Priest...?!"

At the mere mention of that loathsome name, Antony wanted to grit his teeth. However, with the Saintess sitting right in front of him, he suppressed his anger and maintained the utmost politeness.

Aaron Creville was the very man who had framed Antony and exiled him from the Holy Kingdom.

"He is not a man worthy of an honorable title. Before his death, he was stripped of both his priesthood and his noble title. Remarkably... not a single member of the Creville family possessed clean hands. The Creville family no longer exists in this world."

Bernice gently set down her teacup as she delivered these rather chilling words. Listening to her, Antony immediately realized what must have transpired. Yet, there was still an important question left unanswered. Keeping his face devoid of emotion, Antony asked in a calm voice:

"...I see. May I ask what brings you to see me at this late hour? I should be deeply grateful that someone of your stature would personally visit a humble merchant like myself... but I am no longer a citizen of the Holy Kingdom."

"While investigating Aaron, I learned of what transpired between him and you. If only I had noticed sooner... It all occurred before I became the Saintess, so it took far too long for me to uncover the truth. I am truly sorry."

"Please, do not apologize... I always firmly believed that the iron hammer of the Goddess would eventually fall upon Aaron."

"...Furthermore, I heard that your daughter fell critically ill, and that Aaron was actively obstructing her treatment. The moment I received this news, I rushed here from the Holy Kingdom... but fortunately, Emilia appears to be in good health."

"...It is true that Emilia was gravely ill. And it is also true that obtaining treatment was nearly impossible. As we endured each day, praying to the Goddess, we were fortunate ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠enough to cross paths with a benefactor."

With that introduction, Antony began to recount the story of the mysterious blind acupuncturist who wore a bandage over his eyes and wielded silver needles. He spoke of the rare illness known as Mana Exhaustion, and how the blind acupuncturist had cured it without using a single shred of Divine Power.

However, Antony chose not to mention that the man had felt like a 'Saint' to him. Not only was he speaking to the actual Saintess, but he also felt it was likely just his imagination.

"A blind acupuncturist... who did not share his name..." Bernice murmured as Antony finished his tale.

She tilted her head slightly, her silver hair swaying gently. When a woman became a Saintess, she was bestowed with many divine abilities. Although the specific powers varied from one Saintess to another, they all possessed near-infinite Divine Power.

The unique power Bernice had received was the ability to discern lies during a conversation.

The Saintess could detect no falsehood whatsoever in Antony's words. This was not because she doubted him; rather, her power was passive and constantly active, beyond her own control.

"He seemed to be someone who preferred to keep a low profile. I recall having to practically force him to accept the payment, as he insisted on taking very little."

"How intriguing. If it is not too much trouble, would it be alright if I examined Emilia myself? I believe I will only truly be at ease once I have confirmed her condition."

"...It would be an absolute honor to have you examine her, Saintess. She should be asleep in her room by now. Please, follow me."

Guided by Antony, the Saintess walked toward the room where his daughter, Emilia, was sleeping. As they approached, a loud clattering sound echoed from behind the door. Antony immediately pushed it open.

"...Emilia?"

Though the room was dark, Emilia was lying on her bed with her eyes squeezed shut, though she hadn't even bothered to pull up her blanket—a clear sign she had rushed into bed.

"You were eavesdropping, weren't you? Even after I told you to sleep..."

As Antony spoke in a gentle, scolding tone, Emilia, who had been pretending to sleep, suddenly bolted upright and shouted at the top of her lungs:

"The acupuncturist didn't do anything wrong!"

"E-Emilia?" Antony stammered, completely taken aback by his daughter's sudden outburst.

Bernice, however, did not seem to mind. Instead, she stepped forward and gently patted the huffing girl on the shoulder.

"I did not come here to arrest the acupuncturist, sweetie. I was simply curious about the wonderful person who cured you. I wanted to express my gratitude."

As she spoke, the Saintess began to examine Emilia's condition. She was well aware of the illness called Mana Exhaustion. She found it difficult to comprehend how someone could have cured it so flawlessly without using Divine Power. Even as the Saintess, Bernice possessed no knowledge of acupuncture.

"Then... why did you bring a knight with you...? Are you really not here to catch him...? That big brother was super nice..." Emilia asked, glaring suspiciously at Ines, who stood behind Bernice.

"Fret not... It was because of the knight, wasn't it? She is only here to protect me. She doesn't go around catching good people."

"Ahem."

Ines cleared her throat awkwardly at Bernice's words. After all, she was the very person who had decapitated Aaron Creville under Saintess Bernice's orders.

Bernice genuinely enjoyed talking to children. The untainted innocence of youth always brought peace to her heart. Hearing the Saintess's explanation, Emilia's face finally brightened.

"Oh, thank goodness..."

"Emilia, what kind of person was the acupuncturist that made you like him so much? Would you mind telling me?"

"Um... the acupuncturist was... well... a Sa... what was it again? Oh, right! He was like a Saint! Just like the Saint in this fairy tale!"

Emilia struggled to find the word, scratching her eyebrow in deep thought, before grabbing a book from her bedside with both hands. She held it up to Bernice with a bright smile.

The book Emilia held was titled The Saint and the Princess. It was a fairly famous fairy tale about the love between a Saint and a princess, a title Bernice had at least heard of. However, because it was banned in the Holy Kingdom, she had never actually read it.

Sensing the potential trouble, Antony quickly intervened, nervously watching Bernice's reaction.

"Ah... Emilia is still very young, so she doesn't know any better..."

Contrary to Antony's worries, however, there was no sign of displeasure in Bernice's pink eyes. Instead, she offered a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠warm, reassuring smile to the anxious father.

"I understand. Since he cured her, it is only natural that he would seem like a Saint to young Emilia."

"As for the book... she begged me so relentlessly to buy it for her..."

"It is quite alright. We are not in the Holy Kingdom, after all. Did you enjoy the book, Emilia?"

"Yes!"

At Emilia's cheerful reply, Bernice gently stroked her hair. As she did, a soft light began to emanate from the Saintess's hand, cascading down upon Emilia's head like golden stardust.

"Whoa..."

Mesmerized by the beautiful light, Emilia let out a soft gasp of awe. The Saintess had bestowed a 'Blessing' upon her.

"Saintess...?"

"Emilia is in perfect health. This blessing is the only thing I can offer her right now. Though it is late... please accept this as my apology," the Saintess said, answering Antony's unvoiced question before turning back to Emilia with a gentle gaze. "Would you like me to read the fairy tale to you?"

"Really? I'd love that!"

Antony was flustered by Bernice's natural, seamless flow of actions, but since she had ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠volunteered to tuck Emilia in, he had no choice but to quietly step out of the room.

In the room illuminated by a single candle, the Saintess began to read the book aloud in her sweet, melodic voice. Before long, she reached the final pages of the story.

"......"

Emilia was now fast asleep. Bernice knew she should quietly leave the room and speak with Antony, but...

Should a children's fairy tale really end in such a tragic way?

Uncharacteristically, Bernice found herself curious about the rest of the story. Sitting beside the softly breathing Emilia, she read the book to its very end.

Fortunately, it was not a tragedy. Taking pity on the star-crossed lovers, the Goddess Henerys resurrected the Saint, and they lived happily ever after.

I think I understand why this was banned in the Holy Kingdom.

It was not because love or marriage was forbidden for the Apostles of the Goddess, such as Saints and Saintesses. Rather, it was likely banned to prevent the spread of false hope and unfounded beliefs among the populace.

Placing the book gently back by Emilia's bedside, the Saintess quietly slipped out of the room and returned to the living room where Antony and her knight commander were waiting.

"How much have you discussed?"

"I have informed him that the false charges framed by Aaron have been entirely cleared, and that the Holy Kingdom will provide him with proper compensation," Ines replied, rising from her seat as Bernice entered.

Antony, who still wore a somewhat overwhelmed expression, spoke up.

"I truly do not know how to express my gratitude..."

"Antony, the Holy Kingdom does not wish to lose a man of such devout faith. We also highly value your exceptional talents as a merchant. Would you consider returning to the Holy Kingdom?"

"......"

Antony did not answer immediately. Bringing Antony back to the Holy Kingdom was part of Bernice's plan. He was far too valuable a figure to be left in a foreign land.

After a brief pause, Antony took a sip of his tea and spoke.

"I have realized many things since leaving the Holy Kingdom... Though it is my homeland, and my daughter's birthplace, I do not feel a desire to return."

"Is that so..."

"However, I have been closely watching your endeavors, Saintess. Though I may not return to the Holy Kingdom, I wish to fulfill my duty by aiding you. Of course, my aid would be of a material nature, such as financial support..."

"Does that mean..."

"Though it may be a humble contribution, I wish to become your sponsor."

Antony's voice echoed softly in the quiet room.

A sponsor.

Now that Aaron, who had been actively sabotaging Antony's business, was gone, Antony would undoubtedly amass immense wealth once he fully utilized his talents. With his financial backing, Bernice's future activities as the Saintess would be significantly easier.

In the end, the discussion concluded smoothly. The Holy Kingdom promised to compensate Antony for his past grievances, and Antony agreed to become the Saintess's personal sponsor. The source of the funds was entirely clean, and above all, Antony's character was guaranteed, leaving no room for issues.

As they stepped out of Antony's residence, Ines whispered to Bernice.

"With a sponsor of Antony's caliber... it will be of immense help when we begin subjugating the demons in the future."

"Indeed."

Subjugating the demons hiding across the continent was the sacred duty bestowed upon the Saintess, and the will of the Goddess. Before boarding their carriage, Bernice turned to Ines.

"Ines, the blind acupuncturist. Could you gather some information on him?"

"Has he piqued your interest?"

"For someone as experienced as Antony to describe him as mysterious, I cannot help but be curious."

Bernice felt that she would like to have a conversation with this mysterious man at least once.

Before disembarking from the airship, I handed the key to the ultra-luxurious suite back to the manager, as instructed by Director Hubert Graham.

Now that the field trip was over, I had some 'sorting out' to do. The various items I had acquired and my unspent skill points were waiting for me. There was no time to rest.

The very night we returned to the academy, I had to immediately board another carriage. This was because of the most urgent matter at hand: the 'Tears of the Deceased'.

Fortunately, neither Mihail nor the Allied Forces' investigators had made any mention of the gem during my questioning, but keeping it on my person was far too risky. Thus, I was currently on my way to see Deidros, the Gold Dragon posing as a blacksmith.

Before long, Deidros's mansion came into view. I approached the estate while chewing on the horn shell of the 'Dius' that Mihail had given me.

The horn shell tasted incredibly bitter. It wasn't completely repulsive, but it was incredibly tough and difficult to chew. Perhaps I should have ground it into a powder first.

As I stepped forward, I felt the familiar sensation of the barrier surrounding his mansion. Sierra must have sensed it too, as her voice echoed in my mind.

[ Judging by the active barrier, it seems he is still here. ]

"...It seems so."

If he had decided to end his human play, packed up, and polymorphed into someone else, finding him would have been an absolute nightmare. Everything was exactly the same as before, save for one detail: the front door swung open before I could even knock.

Creak.

Deidros stood in the doorway, staring at me blankly.

"...Let me ask you this first. Is it good news, or bad news?"

"For now, it's good news."

At my reply, Deidros's face brightened, and he offered a warm smile as he threw the door wide open.

"At least, it is for me...?" I added as I stepped into the mansion.

Hearing my ominous addition, Deidros tilted his head, his smile faltering. I casually closed the door behind me, then pulled the dark gem from my coat and handed it to the still-confused dragon.

"What is this...?" Deidros muttered, examining the gem closely.

"I didn't make it. I obtained it after killing a Lich in the North."

I quickly explained before Deidros could unleash his draconic wrath upon realizing what the gem was.

"A gem containing an immense amount of life force... The Tears of the Deceased. First Bloodstone, and now this... How is it that you keep stumbling upon dangerous items that most humans wouldn't even see once in their lifetimes?" Deidros remarked, handing the gem back to me.

"Could you explain its exact effects?"

"It grants incredible regenerative abilities. However, that only applies to those who are already dead. If a dragon were to use it, it might extend their lifespan by a few decades. If a human uses it... from what I know, it allows them to cheat death once."

Deidros explained as he uncorked a bottle of liquor on the table. As he poured himself a glass, he suddenly realized my intention.

"Wait... Zeto, don't tell me you plan on using this..."

"...Just in case. Since it's a dangerous item, wearing it as an accessory is out of the question. I was wondering if it could be implanted directly into my body... Is that possible?"

"Implanting the Tears of the Deceased into your body... *Sigh*... You come up with things far more bizarre than I have ever heard of in my hundreds of years of life. Unfortunately, while I have embedded gems into weapons and armor, I have never implanted one into a living body."

"Hmm..."

In the game, players could commission Deidros for all sorts of bizarre tasks. I wasn't sure if it was because he was a dragon or simply because of his vast experience, but I was confident that implanting a gem into a body was well within his capabilities.

As I let out a thoughtful hum, Deidros downed his drink, slammed the glass onto the table, and spoke.

"......I suppose it is possible. However... it will be excruciatingly painful."

At Deidros's prompt agreement, a smile spread across my face.

"I expected as much before coming here."