Good and Evil (2)
Just moments ago, these people had been screaming and fleeing from monsters. Now they were drunk on joy, praising me to the heavens. It was utterly ridiculous.
"Saintess, are your feet hurting? Shall I carry you?"
"No, I'm fine. You all must be more exhausted."
"Ooh... How can she be so merciful!"
"... Lord, we thank you. You haven't abandoned us."
Whether I'd been sent to abandon them or not, the god they believed in sure as hell hadn't sent me. I swallowed those words and plastered on the kindest, most benevolent smile in the world.
As we walked, the village came into view. Or rather, a small town—somewhere between a village and a city in size.
The mercenary leading the way shouted back.
"Saintess! The village is in sight!"
"Thank goodness. Everyone must be worn out. We can rest there."
"This is all thanks to the Saintess's blessing!"
The refugees erupted in cheers. Meanwhile, Adelaide trudged silently at the rear, burdened with luggage.
These NPCs she had risked her life to protect were now singing the praises of her mortal enemy. And to top it off, she was playing pack mule for that enemy. Her guts must be churning, rotting from the inside out.
I lowered my voice and spoke to her.
"Loosen up that scowl. The NPCs might get the wrong idea."
"..."
"What good is the Saintess's squire with a face like that?"
"... Shut your mouth."
"Tsk, watch your tongue. Looks like our vice-captain still hasn't grasped the situation. Forgot who saved those NPCs' sorry asses?"
"... You chased off the monsters. I won't deny that."
"Right. And you just stood there trembling, useless as tits on a bull."
"That's...!"
"Useless knight. Know your place and act like it."
Blood trickled from Adelaide's lips.
What a shame. If we were alone, I'd have wiped it up with my finger for a taste.
I lightly tapped her lip and added,
"You'll hurt yourself. Take care of that body."
"Don't touch me."
"So prickly."
I chuckled and strode ahead.
At the village entrance, guards on watch leveled their spears, faces tense.
"Halt! Who are you?"
"How rude! Do you know who this is?"
"It's the Saintess! She drove off the monster wave and saved us!"
"Make way! The Saintess is tired!"
The guards' eyes went wide. I could understand—they had no choice but to panic with dozens of refugees shouting in unison. Plus, my looks apparently matched their image of a saintess perfectly. Their spears slowly lowered.
I stepped forward gracefully and bowed.
"Sorry to startle you. We ended up here while helping people fleeing monsters."
"N-No... You really... beat the monsters...?"
"It was the grace of the gods—my power is feeble. They just need a place to rest."
"Forgive our ignorance! Please, come in. I'll notify the village chief at once!"
The guard stared blankly before hastily straightening up and bowing.
Soon the gates swung wide. Entering amid the refugees' cheers felt pretty damn thrilling.
Suddenly, the guard's gaze lingered on Adelaide trailing behind me.
"But... who's that one in the back?"
Messy hair, sweat-soaked clothes clinging to reveal a hint of skin, and massive loads strapped to her back. She looked every bit the slave or criminal—far from nobility. And with her dark expression...
I feigned hesitation, pausing dramatically.
"Ah... this child is..."
All eyes turned to Adelaide. I saw her clench her fists, head bowed.
I spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear, summoning sad thoughts in my mind.
"...my squire, atoning for a grave sin."
"A-a criminal?"
"Yes. She committed an unforgivable crime but received a chance through divine mercy. She swore to serve me and walk the path of atonement for life."
Contempt filled the villagers' eyes—in an instant.
A noble saintess and her filthy sinner, spared only by that mercy.
"Good lord... To think such an ill omen lurks by the Saintess."
"What sin could make her look like that?"
"Look at her eyes—murderous intent. No ordinary criminal."
The murmurs spread. Adelaide's shoulders trembled faintly. But she kept her mouth shut. So damn obedient.
"Please, don't hate her too much. 'Hate the sin, not the sinner,' as they say. She'll find salvation someday."
"Ooh... Saintess...!"
"Such mercy!"
I felt Adelaide's glare but ignored it lightly, heading to the village center.
Under the village chief's lavish hospitality, I was lodged in the largest, finest mansion—the former lord's villa, now vacant and perfect for esteemed guests.
Dinner was a feast fit for kings. Finally, some real food after so long.
"It's modest, but please eat your fill, Saintess. It's our village's honor."
"Thank you. Such a warm welcome leaves me at a loss."
Adelaide, meanwhile, couldn't even sit. She stood in the corner, forced to watch me eat.
The chief ventured cautiously,
"Um... shouldn't the sinner eat too? She's still your squire..."
"No, it's fine. She'd hate it anyway. She's in the midst of a fasting penance."
"Fasting... penance?"
"Yes. Denying the flesh's desires cleanses the soul. A few days without food won't kill her. Right, Adelaide?"
I smiled sweetly at her.
Her eyes flickered. Her stomach growled softly.
But she gritted her teeth and nodded.
"... Yes. That's correct."
"See? It's her choice."
"I see. How could sinners like us grasp the Saintess's profound wisdom."
The chief nodded and backed off.
I savored the meal with exaggerated gestures, a serene smile on my face. I knew zilch about noble etiquette, but neither did these NPCs.
Then I caught Adelaide's eye. Her gaze lingered on the table before darting away.
"Adelaide, come pour me some water?"
"..."
"Please."
Under the villagers' stares, she trudged over. Her hand trembled slightly as she lifted the pitcher.
As she poured, I whispered just loud enough for her.
"Hungry?"
"..."
"Want scraps from the floor? Bark like a dog and maybe I'll consider. Or lick my feet."
"... Don't toy with me."
"Toy? I'm dead serious. I told the chief—you're a sinner. Sinners pay for their meals."
Her grip tightened on the pitcher. She must've wanted to smash my skull.
But she couldn't. The NPCs were watching.
"Thank you. That's enough. Step back."
"... Understood."
Adelaide retreated to her corner. The water tasted especially refreshing as I watched her go.