The Capital of Gallia (4)
Ashtain rubbed his chin as he asked, “How about this place? Seems fine to me.”
Aria examined the interior carefully and nodded. “I like it. What about you, Azazel?”
Azazel tapped her cheekbones a few times before striking a crooked pose. “Hmm, I’d give it a passing grade?”
It was the moment the three of them unanimously decided on their lodging. Their actions were swift. They immediately rented a room, reached it, and quickly unpacked the few belongings they had. For reference, all three were staying in the same room.
Why were they sharing one room? The explanation was rather comical. It had come about because of Aria’s high demand.
When Ashtain entered the inn, he had ordered two rooms from the staff—one for himself and Aria, the other for Azazel. Azazel had fiercely resisted. Was he planning to monopolize Sister Aria? Ashtain had replied in his usual blunt way: she’s my woman, so what’s the problem with me monopolizing her? Those words had been more than enough to earn Azazel’s resentment.
This is unfair! I want to stay with Sister Aria too! Besides, Ashtain’s intentions are obviously shady! He definitely booked the same room so he could do all sorts of filthy, lewd things with her…
Aria hadn’t waited to hear more. She had clamped her hand over Azazel’s mouth. Her intuition was frighteningly sharp—perhaps becoming a mage hadn’t been for show after all. Though, to be precise, it wasn’t Ashtain who had wanted it; Aria herself had been the one to ask.
For a while now, Aria had been enduring rather unsatisfying nights because she was mindful of Azazel’s presence. But if there were two rooms? Then there would be no one to worry about while she spent a passionate night with Ashtain. She would be tormented and made to cry all night long, but her body had grown feverish from the lack of proper intimacy lately. So, for the very personal reason of wanting to be toyed with a little more by Ashtain’s massive cock, she had begged him.
The Hero couldn’t possibly refuse the Saintess who, blushing with embarrassment, pleaded that she wanted him. How could any man—Hero or not—turn down such a request?
That had been the backstory. Yet Azazel’s outburst had begun to derail the plan.
“I’m sleeping with Sister Aria too! We’re using the same room!”
It was a shameless cry, utterly devoid of shame. Ashtain had sent Aria a look that said, What now?
Aria had felt utterly wretched. She was on the verge of hating Azazel. Did you really have to interfere this much?
“F-fine… we’ll use the same room.”
She hadn’t shed any tears, but her expression was the very picture of weeping as she spoke, as if vomiting blood. While Azazel beamed with joy, Aria sank into gloom.
At this point, should I just go all out even if Azazel is watching?
The wild fantasy that would have made Ashtain faint in horror fortunately remained just that—a fantasy. In any case, thanks to that little incident, the three of them ended up sharing one room.
Ashtain and Azazel stood at the door.
“……Then I’ll head out. Stay here and behave yourself, Aria.”
“Let’s go to the night market later, Sister!”
“Be careful, both of you.”
With a click, the two left and the door closed. Aria lowered her right hand, which had been waving like a pendulum. After securing their inn, the Hero’s party had split up. Specifically, Ashtain had left to make contact with his connections at the royal palace, and Azazel had said she would visit the Magic Tower since she was in Gallia after so long. That left Aria—who had relatively little to do—alone in the inn.
The room was quite luxurious, but so spacious that it felt hollow with only one person inside. Well, we did rent a triple room.
Aria sat in a chair and pictured Ashtain, who had just left. Whenever she had nothing to do or felt bored, she often thought of him and indulged in all sorts of fantasies. If Azazel had been there, she would have scolded her for spacing out. But what can I do when it feels so good?
Lost in sweet daydreams about Ashtain, Aria drank the fruit beverage on the table and started to stand—only to stop. What was she going to do once she stood up?
She pondered the fundamental question. She had moved because sitting still made her restless. Really? Wasn’t it because being alone made her anxious?
She shook her head vigorously from side to side, trying to dispel the unpleasant thought. An inner voice she had long forgotten began to speak again. Was it because neither Ashtain nor Azazel was here that such trivial thoughts kept multiplying?
This won’t do. It was precious free time she had finally obtained. Wouldn’t it be a shame to spend such a valuable moment wallowing in self-pity? What would be good for lifting her mood?
The Saintess thought it over carefully. She opened the window in the room and looked outside. The bustling capital of Gallia, with its constant flow of people, came into view at a glance. It was an incredibly exotic sight.
Watching the cityscape from outside might be nice.
Unlike how she had grown accustomed to Magdalena, Gallia was, in a sense, the first proper city Aria had encountered. In truth, to her—who had only been in this world for a few years—the city felt no different from a foreign country. How could she not feel excited by such a view?
Ain told me not to move an inch until he returns, but… I’m so bored.
No matter how you looked at it, wasn’t this treatment a bit too harsh? Even a child left by the water wouldn’t be worried about this much. Strictly speaking, she was an adult too.
It was the moment a small spark of rebellion ignited in Aria’s heart. Rebellion was like a fire that fed on dry leaves—its potential for expansion was enormous.
I can at least take care of myself. Besides, this is a city with excellent public security. What could possibly happen?
Her reasoning was perfectly logical. As the capital of the nation, its security was on a completely different level from other cities. However, there was one thing Aria had overlooked: her own striking appearance.
Yes. Her beauty was far too conspicuous. Excessively so.
The clear weather and splendid city combined to create a beautiful scene. Aria was walking down a wide avenue like any ordinary person. Thanks to the stamina she had built up while living with Ashtain, she didn’t tire immediately. For someone who used to pant after the slightest movement, it was remarkable progress.
……But still.
She told herself it was just her imagination. That she had simply become overly sensitive. That it was nothing but self-consciousness. But before long, she realized it was none of those things.
Many people were looking at her. Even though she was only walking around near the inn, their gazes were fixed on her. Men and women, young and old alike. For what reason?
Is it because of the holy robe I’m wearing?
No. It was impossible for a mere nun’s habit to draw this much attention. ……Then.
It wasn’t as if she had no idea. When she looked down, even wrapped in the robe, her voluptuous breasts proudly announced her presence. It must be this body that was drawing their eyes.
Ain never stares so blatantly, so I didn’t realize…
It was embarrassing. She didn’t want others to see her. She only wanted Ain to look at her.
Maybe I should just go back.
The excitement she had felt at the unfamiliar scenery lasted only a moment. The elated emotions evaporated and disappeared. She had never particularly enjoyed going out anyway; she had only stepped outside to change her mood. Wandering around alone without Ashtain or Azazel was neither fun nor relaxing—it was simply exhausting.
Aria decided to return to the inn and began walking back. That is, until someone suddenly grabbed her arm.
Aria, who had a strong aversion to rough male hands, flinched and looked at the person. It was a man with golden hair that sparkled like sunlight and blue eyes as clear as a lake—the two features suited him perfectly.
“W-who are you?”
“Are you a member of the clergy?”
The oppressive weight beneath his low voice made her skin prickle with goosebumps. “……As you can see?”
At Aria’s wary response, the man quickly released her arm. Then he apologized in a refined tone.
“I apologize for my rudeness. I was in a hurry. Could you please follow me quietly without causing a scene?”
Aria rubbed her reddened wrist as she observed the blond, blue-eyed man. Judging by his old-fashioned attire, he appeared to be the son of at least a fairly prestigious family. The only thing that bothered her was the faint scent of blood clinging to him. It was so subtle that she would never have noticed if she hadn’t grown used to the smell of blood while living with Ashtain. It gave off a dangerous vibe. He was practically radiating an aura that said getting involved with him would bring nothing but trouble.
“What if I refuse?”
He wore a desperate expression and bowed his head. “……I beg you. I’ll even kneel if I must. There is an injured person.”
Suspicious. Extremely suspicious. Yet the word “injured” caught in her mind. “An injured person?”
“……Their condition is critical.”
Aria looked straight into the man’s eyes. His golden irises did not avoid her gaze. It didn’t seem like he was lying. But there were many questions. Why her, of all people? Because she was wearing a holy robe? On what basis was he trusting her with someone who was hurt? Were there no other clergy members in this vast capital? Moreover, from his perspective, Aria was an unverified cleric.
Aria stood at a crossroads of choice. It could be a trap. It could be a lie. Neither Ain nor Azazel was with her. No one would blame her if she refused or turned away. No one except herself.
The original Saintess, upon hearing that someone was injured, would have moved without hesitation or reluctance. But Aria was different. She was calculating, worldly, and not particularly altruistic. She only wanted to protect Ashtain. She only wanted to help him.
But.
Hadn’t she once thought that she wanted to stand proudly by Ashtain’s side?
Aria let out a sigh. “Honestly, it feels suspicious and I don’t like it.”
“……I see.”
The man lowered his head. “However, if I turn my back on an injured person for that reason, I won’t be able to face anyone with a clear conscience.”
“……?”
“That’s why I’m going. Because I want to be able to face that person without shame. Please lead the way quickly.”
At Aria’s resolute words, the blond man let out a hollow laugh. “That’s quite a splendid argument.”