Chapter 4
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Today, It's This
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“Saintess, are you just gazing at the sky again today?”
The maid who entered the saintess's room said as much. She was speaking to the saintess who had been blankly staring at the sky the day before yesterday, yesterday, and even today.
“Ah, Karin. Thank you for always taking such good care of me. What's for lunch today~?”
The saintess turned with a bright smile toward the entering maid and took the tray.
“Bread and pasta today. But shouldn't you start getting active again by now? It's been quite some time since the Demon God vanished.”
“Even so..., the world now that even the Demon God is gone is perfectly peaceful. All I can do is...”
Probably something like playing the fool. That was what the saintess thought deep down. In a world free of crisis, her role was about that much.
“Hmm... Then at least, wouldn't it be better to have meals with the other priests or at least the Sword Saint? The others feel left out.”
“Hm... Well, I suppose I should dine with the Sword Saint when the time comes. By the way, Karin, you haven't been at the temple long, have you?”
The saintess gave a half-hearted reply, but her eyes sparkled like starlight. Her voice rose too, as if something had piqued her interest.
“Yes, I came in when I became the saintess's exclusive maid, so it's almost been a full month. Why do you ask?”
“No curiosities or anything? I can tell you all about it~”
The maid's face filled with bewilderment and embarrassment at the sudden question. Her superior, who was as high-ranking as a queen, had asked so directly that she racked her brain for an answer.
What could she possibly want? Personal info on the saintess...? Or something about the temple...? With the saintess...
“I'd love to hear stories about you and the Hero. Straight from you, the person involved, Saintess.”
“I knew it! Tales of the Hero's brave deeds~ or his growth story~ something like that~”
Fortunately, it was the right answer from the clever maid. She just didn't know yet what price came with stirring the saintess's enthusiasm.
I heard the news that the other world had summoned the Hero due to the Demon God's growing forces. Even as a low-ranking saintess candidate, that much reached my ears.
Heh. A Hero, huh. So they could bring someone that incredible. But then, is it okay not to go back to where he originally lived?
Various questions sparked my curiosity about the Hero. It happened that I had to go to the imperial palace anyway, so I thought it might be a chance to meet him.
And I met him more easily than expected. A black-haired man blankly staring at the sky.
Jet-black hair that couldn't be found on anyone around here. Contrasting white skin. Distinct features and a sturdy build—he was mysteriously captivating.
The image of the grand figure I'd imagined was just an ordinary person with a face full of worry, nothing more.
That's probably why I felt drawn to him. That's why I naturally approached first.
“Hello, Hero?”
Above all, I couldn't help being captivated by his handsome looks.
That was our first meeting.
“Ansiu. Just call me Ansiu.”
“Arsius...? Arsius, right? Nice name~”
I liked the name more than expected; it didn't feel awkward at all.
“Not Arsius, Ansiu.”
“Yes~ Arsius.”
“No. An. Si. U.”
“Arsius!”
“No, that's not even close. You're doing this on purpose to tease me, right?”
Huh. Is that not the pronunciation? But I'm saying Arsius properly. Does he have bad hearing?
“Am I pronouncing it wrong...?”
“Haa... No. So, what brings you here?”
Saying I came out of mere curiosity might sound a bit much.
“Hmm~ I wondered if you had any questions~ I wanted to help...? Ahem.”
“I've heard most of it explained already, so I'm good.”
“Ah. I see...”
“So, isn't there something only the saintess could teach me? I've still got a lot to learn.”
I lifted my slightly downcast head. The Hero was looking straight at me with a kind smile. His natural consideration felt quite warm.
Even though his own heart must be troubled and complicated, he put others first. What a strange person.
“Of course! Have you ever seen divine power?! I can show you.”
“Not bad. Looking forward to it, Saintess.”
“Yes! Uh, but I'm not the saintess yet! I'm just a candidate~”
“Same difference~ So from now on, be my Saintess.”
He really was a strange person.
"Light, bestow your blessing upon us. Bless"
The light spreading from my hand enveloped me and the Hero. The blessing I soon felt infused vitality into our bodies. Speed quickened, strength surged. Thoughts spun faster too.
“How's that, Hero? Do you feel the blessing? It's the most representative blessing prayer.”
“Whoa..., that's amazing. I really just got stronger?”
Whether it was truly so wondrous, his clenching and unclenching fists, hopping around—it was kind of cute.
“Of course~ That's divine power for you. It's not just for repelling evil energies. Hm, want to try it yourself?”
“Ah..., uh. Hmm... Should I give it a shot?”
The Hero smiled with a subtle expression, as if reluctant to just mimic, then recited the prayer.
"Light, bestow your blessing upon us... Bless"
With eyes closed, his serious expression—rarely shown—chanted the prayer softly, resonating gently. The power in his voice spread outward.
“Huh...?”
I hadn't expected success on the first try. But as soon as the final incantation ended, light poured down, infusing ample vitality—not quite matching mine, but sufficient.
“Hero...? How did you do it, right on the first...?”
I stammered in shock. It was that unbelievable. No one at the temple had ever succeeded instantly just from explanation and demonstration.
“Ahaha... It just worked when I did it...?”
Watching him laugh dazedly, I thought, That's why he's the Hero.
“You were so cool back then. Who else could draw out divine power in one go?”
“Yeah... But Saintess, it's already 9 p.m....”
“I wonder how he's living now. Probably still out there saving people. That's the kind of person he was. Ah..., I really miss him.”
“Feed me.”
I scratched my belly and said it. Like I had a disease where I'd die without a hearty morning meal, I stated it firmly.
“Hey! I have to go to work! If you don't do anything, make your own food!”
“I've done it plenty for ten years; not in the mood. Ahh, feed me.”
For some reason, no one in our party could cook. It was solely my job. Even though I was the Hero. Ah, that still sounds weird thinking about it now.
“Then order delivery. Don't you have the Delivery Clan app?”
“No, I don't even have a phone to begin with.”
“Oh.”
I'm just a freeloading bug at my little sister's place, without a penny to my name. A parasite, plain and simple.
I flashed Sihyun a bright smile with those thoughts, and she scowled.
“Haa... Fine, I'll order delivery before I head out. And I'll pick up a phone after work today, so give me your ID.”
“Sure.”
“Then stay put and watch the house. Got it?”
“Got it~”
Sihyun threw on her outer clothes, grabbed her bag, and headed out the front door.
“I can still hear that? I'm still here?”
Bam—
She slammed the door so hard. Being a freeloading big brother is so pitiful.
Yeah, I'll eat, shit, sleep, and live well. What's pitiful about that?
After Sihyun left, I came out to the living room. I thought about gaming but remembered I'd played until dawn and dropped the idea. Excess is as bad as deficiency, after all.
Where's the remote?
Sprawled on the sofa, I looked around and spotted it on the side table. I naturally reached out toward the remote.
“Wingardium Leviosa~”
I caught the flying remote and turned on the TV. Telekinesis was the most-used ability in Pretoria. Using swords mainly, I always wanted a sword of will. Sometimes you gotta put in effort for the romance.
"Special sale, folks~ We were shocked too. This at such a low price? It's insane.... That's how much! An unbeatable price our customers will agree on."
Beep—
"Crab here, crab there~ Crabs everywhere! Even out of season, let's find out why we can indulge in this crab feast..."
Beep—
"This week's Music Bank, the long-awaited number one is...!"
Beep—
Ten years later, this unchanged vibe is pure nostalgia.
Still, wanting something more contemporary, I kept flipping channels. Also curious about how the world was spinning these days.
"Cherry blossoms heralding spring are dancing in the wind~ Why not join the Hunter Association's 10th Anniversary Hunter History Festival, held to celebrate this beautiful day!"
Found it. Entertainment. Today's fun.
Today, it's this.