Chapter 421: Proof of Existence (9)
Chapter 421: Proof of Existence (9)
"Don't you think you're being a bit much?"
The Saintess’s bedroom was spacious and cozy. The mere fact that a room of this size existed within the orphanage created a sense of dissonance.
The furniture wasn't extravagant, but it was tasteful. The tea table set between the Saintess and me was the same.
The fragrant scent of tea tickled my nose.
It probably wasn't an expensive blend, but it didn't feel cheap either. The way the Saintess treated me always had this exquisite balance.
Somewhere between luxury and courtesy.
She was a woman who remained faithful to her duties as a cleric while being a perfect hostess to her guests. Seeing as even the orphanage she grew up in followed these principles, it might have been a strict rule she had learned since childhood.
To avoid criticism from anyone, a sense of balance was vital.
In my eyes, the Saintess’s true strength lay in this aspect. Her political ability to navigate the fine line between justification and practical interest was almost instinctive.
Of course, I was the exception to that rule.
Even now, the Saintess was making her emotions blatantly obvious. Every time her cold gaze pricked at me, my eyes drifted toward the side.
Calling me "too much"—it was a painful point to concede.
I cleared my throat with a dry cough and feigned ignorance.
"I'm not sure what you mean..."
"Try that one more time. I’ll really get angry."
You're already angry.
I wanted to retort, but the Saintess held all the cards in this situation. In the end, I couldn't withstand her icy silence.
"Yes, I was in the wrong."
"And what exactly did you do wrong?"
It was a question I had heard somewhere before.
A memory of something Reto once told me surfaced. I think it was meant to be serious advice.
—Ian, a woman’s heart is a complex thing... Even if you say you're sorry, their anger doesn't just vanish. Do you know what you do then?
—I'm not interested.
—Just listen, you brat.
I felt a deep sense of gratitude for that blossoming memory. At the time, I thought Reto was just being annoying again, but as I lived on, I realized there were few things more important than this.
He had told me:
—She’ll ask you what you did wrong. She’s angry, but she’s also embarrassed to say it herself... because it feels silly to be mad over something so small.
So, what did he say to do in that situation?
After desperately racking my brain for a few seconds, I managed to pull out an answer.
"I... I'm sorry for making you feel neglected..."
"Exactly!"
The Saintess couldn't hold it back anymore and slammed her hand on the table.
I, who had been about to recite a more specific list of my crimes, froze in shock. Unable to contain her frustration, she kept tapping the table with her palm as she spoke.
"Why, why does the group keep growing on its own?! I can understand your younger sister. But a childhood friend, and that bitchy little puppy who hits on you so openly... I even heard you two were hugging and making a scene while I wasn't around!"
As the scolding continued, a heavy groan escaped my lips.
To be honest, I had been a bit much. I had essentially treated the Saintess like a spare piece of luggage.
It seemed she was quite hurt by that treatment. The way she kept tapping the table in frustration looked like a baby bird fluttering its wings, which was actually quite cute.
Of course, I wasn't brave enough to say that out loud.
A bead of cold sweat rolled down my spine.
"Are you a fool? Are you that dense?! When a woman asks to go down to her hometown with just the two of you, don't you know what that means?!"
"I apologize, Saintess. But there were unavoidable circumstances regarding that..."
"I don't care!"
"Hmph!" The Saintess snorted and whipped her head away.
The way she closed her eyes and puffed out her cheeks was performative yet lovely. She was making it as obvious as possible that she was sulking.
She wanted me to coax her.
I understood the intent, but as someone with zero experience in comforting women, it was a difficult request.
With Senior Elsie, I just had to pat her head; with Ria, a kiss on the cheek sufficed; and with Celine, we usually just joked around until the mood lifted.
What would the Saintess like?
Sexual harassment?
It was an incredibly rude thought, but I was surprised by the realization that it might actually be an effective strategy.
Meanwhile, the Saintess continued her "I'm sulking" act. She would steal glances at me, but the moment our eyes met, she would invariably let out a huff.
"Hmph!"
She really is like a child at times.
Finally, I spoke with a bitter smile.
"Then, shall I grant you a wish?"
"...A wish?"
Fortunately, there was a reaction.
The Saintess hummed thoughtfully, sinking into contemplation. Yet, she still seemed hesitant.
She looked unsure if she should let me off the hook so easily.
It was time to push a bit harder.
"Yes. You've helped me so much lately... I should at least grant you a wish."
"Well, I suppose that's true, but..."
The Saintess was giving in while pretending not to. It was a signal that she was ready to stop being angry.
I followed up immediately.
"I was quite rude today, after all. Let's go somewhere nice next time."
At that, the Saintess made various humming noises, pretending to be deep in thought.
It was purely an act, and I already knew what her answer would be.
I intentionally put on a somewhat pitiful smile.
It didn't take long for the desired response to come back.
"...Fine."
Her tone sounded as if she were granting me mercy, but I decided not to mind. I could clearly feel her effort to hide her joy.
As proof, a smug smile played on her lips. A faint hum began to leak into her voice.
"Then take me somewhere nice next time. Just the two of us, somewhere where no one will disturb us."
It was a very modest wish.
In fact, it was the kind of thing most men would consider a lifelong dream—spending private time alone with the Saintess.
I had no reason to refuse.
Naturally, words of agreement flowed from my mouth.
"Of course."
"Just the two of us."
The Saintess emphasized it again, as if she were still anxious.
"And it has to be a place where no one, absolutely no one, can interfere. No one barging in with a kitchen knife, and no enemy ambushes under the cover of night."
The requests were oddly specific. I had to stifle a dry laugh as I listened to her examples.
"Common sense dictates that no one would go to a place like that."
Of course, the Saintess’s reaction remained skeptical.
It didn't take long for me to clear my throat and look away. The Saintess, who had been watching me with dissatisfied eyes until then, eventually swallowed a sigh.
It seemed a question had just occurred to her.
I looked at her curiously. Her hesitation didn't last long, and she asked me cautiously.
"Is something going on lately?"
"Something"—well, there was plenty.
The mere existence of the "traitor" mentioned in the letter was enough to make my hair stand on end. Not to mention the word "family" had been brought up alongside it.
I could think of more than one or two suspects right off the top of my head.
Despite that, I couldn't easily open up to the Saintess. It wasn't because I didn't trust her, but because the image of her taking care of the children came to mind.
She looked happy. Was there a need to shatter that happiness so soon?
As I hesitated, the Saintess became even more observant.
"Take this morning, for example. You weren't originally such a rude person..."
In the end, I sighed and shook my head.
It was information I would have to reveal eventually. There was no harm in consulting her early.
The real problem lay elsewhere.
"I think there is a traitor among us."
"...? Yes, we are all precious comrades."
"According to the letter, an incident will occur at the orphanage."
"The orphanage does have good facilities. It wasn't like this before, but I suppose it's thanks to the Holy Kingdom's attention."
The conversation was sliding past its mark. Since there was no point of intersection, nothing I said seemed to matter.
It was a phenomenon I had experienced once before, a long time ago.
Only I can read the contents of the letters from the future. Even if I try to divulge that information, the moment it reaches the other person, it turns into a completely different story.
After several attempts, I confirmed this unchanging fact once again.
Facing the Saintess’s puzzled expression, there was only one piece of information I could successfully convey.
"A letter has arrived."
Information of this level didn't get distorted. It was a similar context to when I consulted Reto in the past.
Seeing the Saintess’s expression turn grave, I added a few more words.
"You know, don't you? When the future personality reveals itself."
"Doesn't that happen when you drink a lot?"
"...Not necessarily."
The brief pause was because I couldn't exactly say no.
Since I had to lose consciousness for the future personality to emerge, and the primary method for that was drinking.
It was then that an ominous shadow crossed the Saintess’s face.
Compared to when she was caring for the orphans, it was a grim fracture.
"Then, could it be that here...?"
"I'm not sure yet. I'm investigating."
Unlike the contents of the letter, there were no restrictions on sharing information I had discovered through my own investigation. Furthermore, once these clues gathered into a stage of rational inference, I could even speak of the core details mentioned in the letter.
This meant it wasn't time to talk about a "traitor" just yet. But it also meant that I would have to tell her eventually.
For now, gathering information was more important. I asked in a much more serious tone.
"So, there's something I'm curious about... Have you ever heard of a 'merchant guild'?"
"A merchant guild?"
"I heard they visit the orphanage often. According to one of the children, they frequently take kids away."
The Saintess narrowed her eyes, lost in thought for a moment. But only for a moment; the information I had been hoping for flowed from her lips.
"The orphanage has a partner merchant guild. They not only deliver supplies regularly but also mediate the adoption of the children. Since we're located in such a remote area..."
"Is it a guild that specializes in that kind of work?"
"No, I heard that's not the case. However, the guilds of the Holy Kingdom usually engage in one or two social contribution activities, even if just for show. Their main business is likely..."
Tap, tap. Her slender index finger tapped the table, making a charming sound.
"The Demonic Beast Industry."
Yes, that's it.
The moment I heard the Saintess’s words, I felt like clapping.
*
The next day, I boarded a carriage with Ria. Since Ria also dealt with Demonic Beast corpses, I judged that contact would be easier with her.
Unaware of the circumstances, Ria was excited about the trip with just the two of us.
"Hmph, I guess you're finally starting to pay attention to your sister?"
She acted coy on the outside, of course.
But she couldn't hide her swelling excitement. Her slightly flushed cheeks revealed her anticipation.
I gave her a bitter smile and apologized.
"Sorry I haven't been able to look after you much lately. But for the next few days, it'll be just the two of us..."
It was then that an unexpected voice drifted in from the driver's seat.
"Is it comfortable enough inside?"
"Brother!"
Ria was so startled by the sudden baritone voice that she physically jumped. Her hunched shoulders, trembling eyes, and the way she quickly burrowed into my arms spoke volumes of her shock.
I was surprised too, but Ria's reaction was so dramatic that it actually helped me stay calm.
By the way, don't people usually call for their "mom" when they're startled? Uniquely, Ria was calling for me.
Either way, Ria was thoroughly spooked.
As her older brother, I had no choice but to take the lead. I immediately poked my head out the window.
At the front of the galloping carriage, I saw a familiar silhouette.
Brown hair and blue eyes.
I could only let out a dumbfounded voice.
"...Mr. Reynold?"
"I happened to have business in that direction as well... I'll be in your care for the next few days, nephew-in-law."
I couldn't bring myself to say it, but a single thought surged up to my throat.
Why are you the one coming out here?