After the War (5)
The morning of the second day after Monster Season ended. Winter's chill still wrapped around our bodies, but Tianis Academy basked in a relaxed atmosphere. With all worries gone, it was only natural. I matched the mood, enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Of course, I wasn't alone.
"Kyle! I brought breakfast!"
"We brought your favorites."
Rana and Elraim arrived with breakfast. Ever since yesterday, we'd been eating meals together. And it wasn't just the two of them.
"Saintess, have you been keeping a good eye on Kyle?"
"Yes, I've been watching him closely."
Estella, who'd been chattering away at my side just moments ago, answered with a grin. To sum up the situation briefly: even though I was fully recovered, I was banned from going out. Rana and my sister had blocked me with fierce determination. They worried I'd pull some stunt outside and come back injured again. So from yesterday, I'd been staying in the infirmary with them—and sleeping here too. If I had to go out, I'd leave the saintess behind as a watchdog.
"Thank you, Saintess."
"No need. It's only natural to help."
Estella responded to Rana's thanks with a bright smile. Rana's charm worked even on the saintess, who was close to the gods. In just one day, the two had grown close. Elraim was a bit more reserved, probably due to the saintess's unique status. And so, the four of us started eating.
About halfway through the meal...
"Hyungnim! Good morning!"
"We've arrived, hyungnim."
Evan and Veil showed up. They were carrying armfuls of stuff too. From a glance, it was mostly food, with poultices and bottles peeking out from the bundles.
"What'd you bring all that for?"
"Oh, this? Gifts from downstairs."
"They sent them out of concern for your condition, hyungnim."
Apparently, the first floor of the Student Council Hall was piled high with aid supplies. With the monster war over, nations were sending reconstruction aid. The Empire wasn't short on cash, but pride and face demanded it from allied countries. And among them were gifts specifically for me. The rumor had spread that the reserve saint, me, was injured. Damn, rumors travel fast.
Not that it wouldn't—it's weirder if they didn't spread. With representatives and support troops from every nation witnessing me get hurt and collapse, it'd be odd if word didn't get back. They were using this chance to curry favor and catch my eye. I had no interest in that crap, but I accepted anyway.
"Oh, there's stuff for you too, Saintess. Here."
Evan set down part of the load next to Estella. As expected of a saintess—her spotlight was on another level. If this much arrived in a day, tomorrow it'd be double.
"Thanks for bringing it."
"Haha, it's nothing for my benefactor."
With two more joining the four, we were six in total. The infirmary buzzed with energy in an instant. Of course, I found it annoying. We finished eating with Evan and Veil in the mix. Then Evan asked,
"Oh, hyungnim. How do you raise a wolf? Ramon's just been sleeping, so I haven't fed him yet, but when he wakes up, what should I give him? Meat, right?"
"You even named him already."
"Can't just call him 'wolf,' can I?"
I solved Evan's dilemma easily. It wasn't worth fretting over.
"Leave him be, and he'll hunt on his own. He's a demigod at heart, so no need to baby him. Technically, he's way above you—just play with him now and then. His body's like a pup's, so he needs time to adjust."
"Hyungnim... that kinda hurts."
Tsk tsk. I clicked my tongue inwardly. How incredible was it for a life to gain divinity? He was clueless, that's why he said that. Anyway, once conversation flowed, everyone chimed in. The infirmary filled with chatter.
"Really? Have you been there, Saintess?"
"Yes, the World Tree has invited me a few times. If you visit Justia later, I'll show you around."
"Thanks, Saintess!"
And then the door burst open as someone else barged in.
"Evan, you here...? Ah, there you are."
It was Elena. Naturally, she'd come for Evan. Spotting him, she turned to Estella.
"Lady Estella, you're here too."
"Elena, good morning."
The two greeted each other warmly, then exchanged hellos with the rest. The infirmary grew even livelier. No problem so far. Seven people in a spacious room wasn't cramped. The issue? They were all top talents and celebrities. That drew visitors in droves.
"Elena, they need support—can you coordinate?"
"Student Evan, we need to investigate the boss monster briefly..."
"Veil, got a sec?"
Hatan, professors, students—all piling in. Leaving them here would make it chaos.
"Stop hanging around. You're making it noisy."
"Ahaha, sorry for bothering you while resting. Let's go, Elena."
"I'll return after finishing up, hyungnim."
Evan and Veil bowed and left. Elena curtsied and followed. Things quieted a bit... or so I thought.
"Knight Captain! Monsters are stirring in the nearby village. We need support ASAP...!"
"Rana, you here? If you have time, help this old man out."
One of sister's knights arrived, and Ratral came looking for his granddaughter. Rana and Elraim glanced at me.
"Go. Can't keep you cooped up forever."
Even post-war, there was tons to handle. No point holding them back.
"We'll be back. Young master... stay put."
Elraim said it with steel in her voice, like she'd lock me down if I budged.
"I'll head out too, Kyle! And Saintess!"
Rana left with Elraim, shutting the door behind her.
"Keep Kyle from running off."
"Leave it to me."
"Yeah! I trust you, Saintess!"
Finally, Rana met my eyes. Her glare screamed don't even think about it. A bit intimidating—I looked away. Then they were gone. Alone with the saintess. Estella smiled.
"I noticed yesterday, but you're really loved, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Hey! Don't brush me off!"
"What answer do you want then?"
"Not that one, at least. Why are you so mean?"
"Told you. Rotten roots from being a scumbag."
"Ughhh..."
At a loss, Estella just glared. But I didn't stop.
"I'll lend you The Saint and Saintess Conduct Guide later. Read it—it explains how we should act and speak in public. It'll help."
"Not reading."
"Seriously, you always like this?"
"......"
I ignored her.
"Don't ignore me!"
Estella plastered herself to my side and silently protested. But certain parts were too big, pressing against my arm.
"Hey, back off."
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"Think I'm clueless after two days? Big mistake."
Estella had been a saintess since 14, weathered every storm. She knew her weapons. Just look at how she acted in public—exploiting her killer looks without being overt. Doing it now with me? Obviously because I'm the saint.
"What, embarrassed over some boob contact? Weren't you a womanizer? Rumors say you bang anything that moves."
"Bullshit rumors."
Kyle Arden was a scumbag, sure, but not that kind. The novel confirmed it via Veil's description.
"And who's embarrassed? Cut the crap and snap out of it."
Alone, she was letting loose with nonsense.
"What crap? I'm fine. Oh, speaking of—"
Bang!
As Estella started talking, the infirmary door flew open without warning. I glanced over. Fiery red hair and eyes—the woman who'd tormented me, Cloi. Standing there, arms full like Evan and Veil.
"Senpai~ I brought something nice for you... "
Spotting me and Estella, Cloi's grip slackened.
Thud.
Stuff dropped from her hands. She stared at me, voice low.
"Senpai. Who's this bitch?"
Her eyes flicked over, fuming. Rage dripped from her tone.
"Hey, first—"
"Hello. I'm Estella. Nice to meet you."
Whether oblivious or intentional, Estella cut in. From what I knew, definitely the latter.
"Ha! Senpai, even for you, this is too much."
Cloi looked pissed, incredulous. She ignored Estella completely and pressed on.
"I get Rana-unnie—she's your childhood friend. You two have history. But."
"Excuse me—"
"Shut it. Can't you see I'm talking to senpai?"
Cloi snapped, cursing her off.
"......"
Estella froze, not expecting the venom.
Cloi kept going.
"But this bitch? Keeping filth like her around? No way."
"Hey, watch your—"
"And I went all the way to the eastern sea for senpai, hunted down the best stuff, busted my ass—and you ditch me to flirt with trash like her?"
Cloi was raging, beyond reason. Not her usual self—my words wouldn't reach. How to rein her in...
"Calling a saintess filthy."
Estella interjected with a benevolent saintess smile.
"How saintly are you to say that? Care to show? Oh, no need. I've seen plenty."
"I said butt out!"
"Sorry, but saints protect saintesses. Blocking scum like you is my job."
Estella clung tighter, soft curves enveloping my arm more than before.
"Get off senpai!"
Cloi lunged to pry us apart. But Estella, blessed by gods, wasn't easy prey. She unleashed holy power against Cloi.
"Haa..."
The infirmary turned into a battlefield in seconds. I sighed at the sight. Cloi and Estella—personalities that could never mix, even before settings. Their clash was inevitable.
"...Sigh."
Once they started, stopping them was near impossible. All I could do was...
"Get off!"
"Ehh, no way~"
...wait quietly for a savior to sort this mess.
"Um, Saintess..."
And then, my rescuer appeared.
"...need some help. Could you assist...?"
The world was still worth living in.