The Saintess's Axe and Lingering Doubts
The woman sitting across from me stayed silent for a long while. With her face veiled, I couldn't read her expression or even guess at her thoughts. Behind her, I could see a massive axe hanging on the wall. Not just the axe—various blades that looked ominously sharp gleamed from their hooks.
What the hell? A warning that she'd chop me if I stepped out of line? Come to think of it, wasn't this job perfect for torture? No matter what she did, as long as it wasn't fatal, her holy power could heal it clean without a trace...
Nah, it can't be that bad. Why would someone I just met today have it out for me like that? And this was a temple, right? Not as pure white as the building itself, sure, but there had to be some common sense here.
Still, staring at those blades made me uneasy for no reason. Especially not knowing what the person across from me was thinking.
My throat felt parched, so I gulped down the drink on the table. It was something lukewarm and weird... milk. It felt like ages since I'd last had any.
As I sipped in silence, I felt eyes on me from beyond the veil.
...If you brought me here, at least say something.
Just as my tension from the sudden events started to ease, the woman lifted her veil. Dark brown hair cascaded out, glossy and well-cared-for. And crimson eyes—drawing dangerously close.
With conviction on her face. My own hazy memories sharpened, and I realized who she was. One of the people who'd come looking for me at the academy alongside Veronica.
"Looks like I wasn't mistaken after all."
"...W-what do you mean?"
"..."
Before I could bite my tongue, the woman—no, Claire—grabbed my hand and pressed her other to her mouth. Warm light flowed out, and the pain in my tongue vanished.
Her holy power was still as impressive as ever.
"I can definitely sense that man's presence..."
"Th-that man... you mean...?"
Claire stood, effortlessly lifting the axe with one hand. A chill ran down my spine.
"...Who else? Don't you know better than anyone?"
With those words, crunch! The axe slammed into the table. Its edge stood sharp and blue, proving it was no mere decoration.
Claire yanked it free and continued.
"What are you, really? Some new monster? Did you devour that man and steal his essence?"
Her ruby eyes, glowing with menace, scanned me head to toe. Like she was deciding where to cleave first to make me spill the truth.
I shook my head frantically.
"It's not like that!"
"Lies. That man has no family like you."
My shock at her background check evaporated as I glanced at the axe by my feet.
"...Maybe I should just chop a bit to loosen your tongue?"
"N-no, wait!"
Claire paused, axe raised high, as if willing to hear me out.
"Y-you just used holy power on me, right? So... I'm not a monster, yeah?"
"...Now that you mention it."
She nodded faintly and lowered the axe—only to hoist it sky-high again. Her face said oh crap.
"Some monsters can even take holy power."
"Then wouldn't it have marched right into the temple demanding you kill it?"
"...Gutsy one, aren't you."
Despite her words, Claire set the axe down. I sighed inwardly in relief.
Why is she acting like this? Back at the academy, she wasn't this unhinged... was she?
Claire stroked the axe blade slowly and asked.
"So, what are you, then?"
I hesitated, then opened my mouth—
"Try claiming you're his disciple, and I'll lop off an arm. The presence I sense from you isn't something you can brush off like that."
"...It's Astarote Asha herself."
"Herself?"
Claire dragged the axe closer with one hand and groped my chest. Her fingers slithered under my clothes like a snake.
"Wh-what are you doing?!"
Ignoring me, she slid her hand down to my crotch, bold and unhesitating. Then tilted her head.
"You're a woman?"
"It's... complicated to explain."
"Try me."
As she fiddled with the axe haft, I gave her a quick rundown of what happened.
...Of course, skipping the part about why I'd come here.
Claire listened intently, brow twitching, then scoffed in disbelief.
"Ridiculous. Logically, alchemy can't change a person's gender."
Yeah, tell me about it. I'm just as baffled...So can you put down the axe and talk?
I saw her pout—the same face she made when discussing treatments. I couldn't help but chuckle, earning a fierce glare.
I flinched and looked away. Claire muttered softly.
"...I've been so restless lately... and yeah, this doesn't sit right."
She stowed the axe on the wall. Did she believe me? But her voice was curt.
"You don't seem like a monster... but I don't fully trust you yet."
"...Fair enough, it's a tough story to swallow."
Claire scratched her brown hair, crossed her arms thoughtfully, then approached. I stepped back at the sudden closeness; she smirked.
"What were your plans after this?"
"...Stay the night at Veronica's workshop, then head to my master's place. So... my companions are waiting. Can I go now?"
Not exactly a joyful reunion after all this time.
Before the thought finished, Claire replied casually.
"Forget the workshop. Stay here tonight. I'll watch you all day to confirm you're really Astarote Asha—and not a monster."
"What?"
"Why? Got a problem?"
Her glance at the axe made me shake my head vigorously.
Seemingly pleased with my compliance, she grabbed my wrist.
"I'll explain to your companions. Come on."
"...What are you gonna tell them?"
"Don't worry. Just follow."
Trailing Claire to what looked like a reception room, I saw Cecil munching cookies and Claudia sipping tea.
...While I was getting roughed up, they were chilling. Good to know. Not that I was mad.
"Sha'a-nim!"
Cecil rushed over, mouth full, hugging me tight. As I stroked her head, Claire watched oddly and announced I'd be staying the night.
Strangely, Claudia nodded like she got it—expected even. Their chat felt almost cozy by the end.
Claudia stood and approached.
"Didn't know you knew the Saintess. I'll handle things with Veronica, so relax."
"...Huh?"
Claire cut in.
"She wasn't one back then, so you wouldn't have known."
"I see."
Wait—Saintess?!
While I floundered hugging Cecil, the deal was sealed: I'd stay at the temple.
I couldn't even protest properly when Cecil piped up.
"Can't Cecil stay with Sha'a-nim too?"
Atta girl, Cecil!
Claire knelt to Cecil's eye level and smiled gently.
"Sorry, Cecil. I'd love to, but not tonight. I'll make sure next time—just bear with me for today?"
"Mmm... okay..."
Her soft, soothing tone melted Cecil too. No escape now.
Soon, only Claire and I remained.
Honestly, I doubted a day together would erase her suspicions... but whatever. I needed rest anyway.
...Even if the reasons were terrifying.
Anyway. Claire glanced at my wrist, grabbed it, and led me off. Past the axe room to a bedroom.
She rummaged in the wardrobe and handed me clothes. A nun's habit.
"...Why this?"
"We're together all day. Civilian clothes would look weird."
Even this? I sighed.
"...Fine. Give me a sec to change—can you step out?"
"Why?"
"To change clothes...?"
Claire's tone was firm.
"I said we're together all day."
"..."
Even the bathroom? I glared; she eyed the wall blades.
"...Got it."
Just wanna get my old body back ASAP.
As I stripped, her gaze licked over every inch. Naked, I felt the chill. The habit felt... legless. Too much bare skin, even for mobility.
But Claire wore similar, so no complaining.
She approached, gently fixing my hair. Careful, despite her earlier menace.
Done, she opened the door.
...Thus began my day at the temple.