Chapter 407: The Dust Settles
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 407: The Dust Settles
"Hey brother, got a light? Mind if I borrow one?"
"..."
Kans’s lip twitched.
Looking at the buffoon in front of him, the veins on the back of the hand gripping his chainsword bulged.
But before Kans could decide whether to kick this wretched creature away or actually "lend him a light" with his alchemical flamethrower, his expression suddenly shifted.
The Pink Bear’s expression also changed drastically.
It was as if he had heard something. The furry hand holding the cigar trembled slightly as he stiffly turned his head.
Behind him stood countless monsters.
The creatures that had just been dispersed by the falling rain of Holy Light were gathering once more. Even though their deformed bodies were still sizzling and emitting a foul stench from the light's erosion, they craned their necks. Countless crimson, grotesque eyes stared fixedly at the Pink Bear.
They looked like long-starved beasts that had finally laid eyes on fresh, tender meat.
These monsters, usually devoid of reason and driven by madness, were now moving with a terrifying, singular focus.
"Holy crap..."
The Pink Bear was so terrified he dropped his cigar. Shaking, he stammered:
"Everyone, stay calm! I swear to heaven, I have zero interest in that mother of yours who’s still lugging a kid around. I don't read those kinds of lewd booklets, and there’s no way I’d have her photo books or anything like that!
"...Logically speaking, I couldn't have offended your God of Abundance, right? Wait, why are you looking at me even more fiercely now? Could you guys try to be a bit more friendly? If you think I’m insulting your Great Lord by saying she has no charm... is it too late for me to change my preferences? I guess I’m not entirely opposed to mature women..."
"Roar!"
The monsters' simple brains seemed unable to comprehend the Pink Bear’s sincerity. A primal instinct of desire quickly overcame their fear of the Holy Light, and they lunged at him like a surging black tide.
But before they could reach him, the Pink Bear had already wiggled his backside and expertly bolted. He moved with such speed that even Kans, mounted on his Great Steel Horse, couldn't hope to catch him.
"..."
Kans silently gripped his chainsword, falling into hesitation once again.
Thanks to the Pink Bear’s "baiting," the pressure on them had lessened significantly. From a tactical standpoint, even though he still didn't know what that thing was, the bear seemed to be on their side. By all rights, he should offer assistance.
However, he really didn't want to admit that a thing cracking lewd jokes about an Evil God while slapping its butt to taunt the pursuing monsters was actually their ally...
It was an insult to the glory of a Temple Knight.
"Who is that...?"
Kans couldn't help but whisper to his deputy, wondering where on earth the Church had found such an appalling "talent."
"I believe I’ve seen him by Her Highness the Saintess’s side," the deputy whispered back.
"Could it be a pet kept by Her Highness?"
Kans secretly wondered when the Saintess’s taste had become so...
"He’s not a pet."
Suddenly, a gentle voice drifted over like a spring breeze. Kans’s powerful frame stiffened. He hurriedly dismounted, and all the knights followed suit, kneeling respectfully on one knee. They pressed their hands to their chests in salute toward the white-clad figure that had appeared out of nowhere.
"Your Highness the Saintess."
"Rise."
The Saintess nodded slightly, signaling the knights to stand. She then turned to watch the ridiculous figure leading a horde of monsters on a chase.
"He isn't a pet," she continued. "Though I’m loath to admit it, he is, for the most part, human."
"Then... who exactly is he?"
"He is my knight."
A complicated smile played at the corners of the Saintess’s lips.
"Or rather, he used to be."
"A knight?"
Kans was stunned. He found it impossible to associate the vulgar, wretched thing he had just seen with the word "knight"—a title representing bravery, loyalty, and fearlessness.
However, the Saintess said no more, and Kans naturally didn't dare to press further.
"For Your Highness to come here personally, could it be...?"
"It’s nothing major," the Saintess said casually. "You all should withdraw first."
"Wha—"
Kans, who had been waiting for orders, snapped his head up, a burning fire in his eyes. "Why?"
"There is no 'why.' You should withdraw."
"But we still have the strength to fight!"
Kans said in a low voice, "Please allow us to fight alongside you, Your Highness! The Goddess’s glory does not permit us to retreat!"
"The Goddess’s glory is not meant for you to throw your lives away needlessly."
The Saintess looked at him, her expression and words remaining as gentle as ever.
"Besides, Knight Commander Kans, you have already disobeyed orders, haven't you?"
"I..."
Kans’s momentum faltered.
It was true. The orders from above were merely to hold the position. Taking the initiative to charge was already a violation of those orders.
But as a knight serving the Goddess and the Saintess, how could he stand by in silence while these monsters defiled the sacred ground before his eyes?
"Your Highness..."
Knight Commander Kans made one last plea. "The Choir does not seem to be with you. Your person is precious and delicate, the focus of billions of believers. Please allow your subordinates to protect you personally."
"There is no need."
The Saintess shook her head gently. "You needn't worry about my safety."
"But why...?"
Kans looked at the Saintess in confusion. He suddenly pointed at the Pink Bear, who was currently running for his life in the distance, and said sharply:
"Does Your Highness truly believe he can protect you? That man..."
"Kans."
The Saintess suddenly addressed him by name. Though the gentle smile remained on her lips, Kans felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine.
"This is my command."
"...Yes."
Kans finally lowered his head, the fire in his eyes extinguished.
"I obey the sacred decree."
Soon, the sound of hooves rose again. Kans sat atop his Great Steel Horse, taking one last look at the Saintess, who appeared so fragile and delicate amidst the surrounding carnage.
This time, however, he said nothing more. He snapped the reins and led his troop back.
"Sir."
The deputy pulled up beside him. "What are our next steps?"
Every man in the unit was still covered in blood, but thanks to the Saintess’s grace, their strength had been largely restored, and they were fit for combat again.
"Next steps?"
Kans glanced toward the distance, his eyelids drooping as he gave a light chuckle.
"We obey orders, of course. Everyone, get some rest."
Kans spurred his Great Steel Horse toward the defensive steel array at the rear.
"This is Kans Rhode, Knight Commander of the Holy Sword Knights, ID 3907. My current unit has sustained heavy damage from a monster ambush. I am requesting a rotation to the rear for temporary rest and reorganization."
*
"You should have kept him here."
After Kans left, Head Nun Lin stepped out from the shadows.
"This is a battlefield. I may not be able to ensure your absolute safety."
"I told you, there’s no need."
The Saintess shook her head gently. "I don't need anyone to protect me right now."
"But you..."
"But I am the Saintess?"
The Saintess interrupted Lin, looking into her eyes with a light smile.
"I won't be for much longer, Lin. The selection for the new Saintess has been settled. You will soon have someone new to serve."
A crystal floated quietly in the Saintess’s hand, emitting an indescribable, glass-like radiance.
The Saintess let out a soft sigh. "I never expected that the one to become the Saintess in the end... would be you."