Tying Up Loose Ends
The Light Sword's gaze always feels like it's boring straight through you. It's unpleasant. Like she's not even looking at Olivia, but at something else entirely. I want to call it bullshit that she's the Emperor's friend, but watching how the Emperor struts around naked in the palace, it might actually be true.
"You said she's a saintess."
"Yes."
"Was that lightning a saintess's miracle as well?"
"Ah. That, I—"
I almost said "magic" but shut my mouth. If I called it magic here, I'd be treated as a mage. Being one of the Seven Stars, she wouldn't just brush me off. The real problem comes after. What happens to the Imperial Church? There's supposedly a pope, but let's be honest—the nuns are all combatants. They're the ones raised to make up for the lack of fighting power against the Demon King's army. If I slip away as a mage, the church would collapse in an instant. The Kingdom gets along with the Holy Kingdom, but the Empire doesn't. To keep the Holy Kingdom properly in check, it's better for the Empire's Goddess Church to remain intact. The way to do that is to acknowledge this as the saintess's miracle. That way, the Empire's saintess can perform miracles powerful enough to defeat a Heavenly King, proving she's superior to the saintess of the Hero Party recognized by the Holy Kingdom. In short, the Imperial Church gains a stronger foothold.
"Yes. It was the saintess's miracle."
I said it with tears in my eyes. I can't afford to lose the church right now. At the very least, until I can drag out the next saintess candidate, I have to keep wearing this saintess title.
"It's a lie."
"Pardon?"
The Light Sword pointed at my wrist. "You have a habit of rubbing your wrist when you lie."
"Oh."
Without realizing it, my left hand was massaging my right. Did the original Olivia have this habit?
"That must have been magic."
I can't lie to one of the Seven Stars without reason. I quietly nodded. If I can't make excuses, I might as well admit it honestly and at least get on her good side. It really was better when I was still Noah.
"Yes. It was actually magic."
"You didn't want your abilities exposed. Understood. I'll keep it secret."
"Ah, that's not—"
I can't argue openly. It's not like I can just become a mage now, and because of the saintess position and the plan to strengthen the church, I might end up missing the chance to become one. Maybe I should've just been honest.
"Pector fled in fear of the saintess's appearance. This should be enough."
"Yes. That would be best."
Yeah. Let's go with that. That would be best. What more could I possibly want.
Around the time Olivia and the Light Sword Natalya were liberating Karhem's residents, Seria was in a panic. The Ashtar Knights and Claire had come looking for Olivia.
"No, I'm telling you, Lady Olivia is sleeping!"
Seria pounded her chest in frustration. Of course, her insides were burning. She knew exactly why they'd come.
"A major incident has occurred in Karhem. It's regrettable to disturb the young lady's rest, but we have no choice."
The knights had come because of the incident in Karhem. Scouts reported that most of the demons in Karhem had been slaughtered and a massive lightning bolt had struck the city. Pector's despair could no longer be felt. It was an urgent situation. They didn't know if he'd been struck by lightning and died, but this was a golden opportunity to retake Karhem. Olivia's orders were needed immediately.
"For now, please have the knights withdraw."
When Seria firmly blocked them, Claire decided to dismiss the knights first.
"What do you mean? Time is of the essence."
"I'll wake her myself."
After sending the knights away, Claire carefully approached Seria.
"Hoo. Answer me, Lady Seria."
"Yes?"
"Where did Lady Olivia go?"
She hit the nail on the head. Given Olivia's usual waking time in Atley, she wouldn't be sprawled out sleeping like some thoughtless noble girl when something like this happened. Claire knew that well. That's why she was suspicious.
"Uh, um. She's sleeping inside? So, later—"
"Since when did Lady Seria become Ashtar's maid?"
"Ah. That is—"
I'd overlooked that part. I thought hiding Olivia wouldn't be difficult, but of course there was a trap like this. Claire is Olivia's personal maid. Naturally, protecting Olivia is Claire's job, not Seria's. No wonder she was making such a big deal out of nothing.
'It was because of Claire.'
Thinking she had to block Claire's intrusion, Seria spread her arms wider, but Claire simply swatted her hand away.
"Caring for the young lady at her side is my role."
"Ah, I said no!"
Claire pushed Seria aside and entered the tent. The blanket on the bed was bulged up, but the shape looked suspicious. Feeling uneasy, Claire yanked the blanket off.
"Ah. Um."
Of course, Olivia wasn't there. Only a teddy bear doll painted to look like Olivia remained. Isn't this going too far? Claire's nape burned as she grabbed Seria by the collar.
"Where did Lady Olivia go?"
Killing intent radiated from that gaze. Gulp. Saliva went down Seria's throat heavily. Should I just tell her everything? Claire is an ally, after all. No, still no. The lightning was definitely Olivia's magic. She'll be back soon anyway. If I keep my mouth shut and say I held out, Olivia will be impressed. A shining golden future awaits!
"Uh. That is. Maybe she went to the bathroom?"
"How long were the knights and I standing in front of this tent? Is the young lady building a new bathroom or something?"
"Ah·The young lady does like things clean. She might be making one."
If it's that Olivia, she really might build a new bathroom. But right now, buying time is the priority. If she struck down lightning like that, she should be coming back soon.
"Lady Seria. If you don't speak honestly, I'll demonstrate the Ashtar family's interrogation methods."
Claire pulled leather gloves from her bosom and took out a chain.
"Hiiiiiik!"
"It would be better for your sake if you spoke straight."
"Hiiiiiik!"
Ashtar's shadow loomed over Seria.
We returned to the Ashtar camp. Since Karhem had been liberated, the Ashtar private soldiers would handle securing order and rebuilding.
"The Ashtar military discipline is as fierce as ever."
"Indeed."
I was impressed too. As expected of a house that produces so many officers for the Empire's central army. Not that it's any of my business.
"Oh. The Light Sword and the young lady?"
Claire emerged from the tent dragging the unconscious Seria by the collar. It was Seria's and my tent. Why was Claire coming out? Ah, we got caught. Seria looked like she'd received Ashtar-style torture from Claire. Her haggard face was quite satisfying. Yeah. That's exactly what I wanted. Getting beaten by Claire. Even if Seria understood my words, after causing that kind of incident in Karhem, I never expected her to walk away unscathed.
"Young lady? Where were you?"
Claire rushed over the moment she saw me.
"This audacious young lady went into Karhem alone."
"Young lady!"
Claire's eyes flashed. She looked ready to hit me, so I lowered my head.
"It seems she tried to rescue the prince's party."
"How could she attempt something so dangerous alone."
Seria apparently hadn't said anything.
"At that time, I jumped in and rescued the prince's party, then fought Pector after he noticed late. And a massive lightning bolt struck him."
"Did such a thing happen?"
The Light Sword lied without so much as a twitch in her expression. Besides, what happened to everything we discussed? Why was she suddenly spinning this story? Maybe I should've lied after all.
"Pector seemed to have some objective. After being struck by lightning and injured, he simply retreated. Of course, there was also the matter of his demon army being captured."
The Light Sword caught the demon army while I caught Pector. She wanted to lie that it had been a perfect pincer operation. What's the Light Sword's goal? Strange. There's no reason for her to elevate me. She's not the type to desperately try to look good to me. Because I'm Amelia's friend? No, this woman isn't swayed by emotions like that.
"Is that so?"
"Still, it's impressive. I only captured the demon soldiers. This young lady fought Pector alone."
I couldn't believe she was covering for me like this. Was she trying to make a name for herself here? No. This woman wouldn't lift me up without reason. If there's a possibility, it's probably for Ashtar's sake. Right? I shot the Light Sword a dissatisfied look, and she gave me a wink as if telling me to play along. Seems I was right. This incident had made Ashtar's position ambiguous. First, there had been an assassination attempt on the prince near their territory. They repelled it, but it was perfect fodder for noble gossip. More importantly, Pector's appearance was the biggest problem. Ashtar had only sent knights as escorts during the prince's tour. Meanwhile, they failed to stop Pector's invasion toward Ashtar territory. In the end, the prince was captured by Pector in Karhem. What did that sound like? They hadn't caught Pector early, and Karhem—right next to their territory and under their protection—had fallen to Pector with the prince taken along. It was Ashtar's failure. The way to clean it up was to rescue the prince while splendidly defeating Pector. I had achieved that. Had the Light Sword thought that far ahead? If so, it made sense. She acts crude but has a sharp mind.
"Was the young lady that strong?"
"Hmm. Impressive. Personally, I'd like to take her as a disciple alongside the princess."
"That's a bit—"
I'd rather die than become the Light Sword's disciple. This woman is ridiculously strict. She uses some unpleasant training methods. She pits training soldiers against the barbarian kids she's subjugated. Of course, the soldiers can't beat those rough people who grew up hunting, so they get beaten every time. She repeats the cycle of treating them, teaching swordsmanship, and throwing them back in until they win. It's an incredibly inefficient method. She should at least use the Hourglass of Habel or summon monsters.
"Well, it doesn't matter. Raising a capable disciple could be fun too. But somehow, this Olivia doesn't seem to be it."
The Light Sword patted my head a few times. She'd said something particularly grating. What did she mean by "this Olivia"? This woman is suspicious too. Come to think of it, Seria had said the Seven Stars were dangerous. I really hope that's not the case.
"Anyway, then has Karhem been liberated?"
It was a question from one of the knights preparing for the Karhem recapture operation. The knight order had originally been gearing up to fight Pector's demon army, which was why they'd been conducting joint training with the new army armed with new weapons. Ashtar's forces were rumored to be the strongest among noble armies, but they'd never directly faced a Heavenly King in battle against the Demon King's army. They were even inferior to Libelt's cavalry, famous for their reckless charges. Still, even their joint training with other nobles' private soldiers had produced considerable results, earning them a reputation as elites. They even operated a mage unit. Honestly, I was interested. Ashtar practically controlled the Empire's military. The central army in the capital could basically be considered under Ashtar's command.
"A few buildings collapsed, but Pector was definitely repelled."
"One less thing to worry about."
At that moment, the Hero Party came to mind. Had those guys been treated already? There was also that suspicious woman.
"Wait, that young lady stopped Pector?"
Why, what? Your pride hurt because some noble girl caught the Pector you couldn't? Yeah?