Chapter 4. That's not what I wanted! (2)
Chapter 4. That's not what I wanted! (2)
Whether I should call it fortunate or not, it took a while for those two to bring the Saintess back.
It wasn't like they had contacted the Kingdom first to summon the Saintess; they had rushed over there to call her themselves. It would probably take at least two weeks to get back, right?
In that case, I was just going to do what I needed to do in the meantime.
The first thing I did was visit the orphanage that I... no, that my money was managing.
Actually, I didn't really have any intention of receiving help from the Saintess, but it wouldn't be good to get on her bad side, would it?
I recall the Saintess of this world was a commoner. That's probably why she hit it off with the Hero, who had somehow managed to climb from a commoner's position to the very top. They say they leaned on each other's shoulders to overcome the checks and balances thrown at them by nobles from all over.
That means Erna, who is also a commoner and was suddenly grabbed by the collar and dragged up to a high position, might also get along with the Saintess.
Yes, I'd like them to get as close as possible. That would make it easier for her to reach the position of Hero later. At the very least, please become a candidate.
The orphanage I arrived at while thinking those thoughts—
"......It seems it was definitely worth the money."
"It really is, Rosalyn-nim."
Frida said with a bright smile at my mutterings.
That's right.
To be honest, it looked far from flashy. It was still a wooden building, and it had been built purely for practicality.
However, the building looked very, very neat on the outside. Honestly, it's better than most commoner houses. Well, it was newly built, so I suppose that's to be expected.
It had been six months and two weeks since Monk Arno left, so building something like this was certainly doable.
It seems they didn't tear down the original building either, but repaired it in their own way and kept using it. They're probably using it for storing various materials rather than as a place for people to live.
When I got off the carriage, middle-aged women who were doing volunteer work... no, working for a proper salary, came rushing out of the building.
Most of them were widows who had lost their husbands. Even in a peaceful era, the danger of death always exists. Poor people can't freely receive things like the Church's holy power. This was also one of the 'welfare' programs I had come up with.
"Your Grace!"
The person approaching quickly with a beaming face was the monastery director. Since he was the one who got promoted after Arno left, he could be considered someone who benefited from my instructions. Perhaps that's why he welcomed me with an incredibly bright expression every time I visited, which I didn't really like.
Come to think of it, they'll be appointing a new Parish Deputy soon. Wouldn't they pick someone from here rather than having one dispatched from the diocese? Just like Monk Arno did.
......Is he hoping to become the Parish Deputy, not just end as the monastery director? If he's capable enough, I should write him a letter of recommendation to the Bishop. Of course, I'll have my underlings do the investigation.
"Have you been well?"
"Of course, Your Grace. You have no idea how much more affluent life has become here thanks to you."
The orphanage building had grown, and the clothes the children wore were neat. I also consistently sent people to manage the latrines to keep them as clean as possible, and while I was at it, I donated plenty of money to the monastery and the churches within the territory. There might be some gentlemen who pocket the money instead of sending it all to the center, but as long as it runs properly, I'm willing to turn a blind eye to that extent. That's just how noble society is.
"Your Grace! Your Grace!"
"Children, that's rude!"
The children came swarming out. Honestly, there was still a bit of a smell, but it wasn't enough to make me gag like last time.
Did the number increase? Probably. Of course it would. If no kids die along the way, the number is bound to increase. There were no children who were about to become adults yet.
"It's fine."
I said that and waved my hand. The women who were trying to restrain the children froze, looking a bit flustered.
I looked down quietly at the child who had run up in front of me. It was still a short little brat. Just like last time, they were holding a wildflower in their hand.
Good. At least this level of smell is bearable.
Let's hire more staff in the future to wash them more thoroughly. It would be nice to have teachers or people like that, too.
"It's pretty."
I accepted the flower the child gave me. And this time, too, I handed the flower to Frida. Come to think of it, what happened to that flower from last time? I can't remember. Of course, since it's been over six months, there's no way it would still be alive.
"Do you like living here?"
"Yes, I like it!"
The child said with a bright smile.
"I don't go hungry here, and I have lots of friends!"
Is that so.
Friends.
My eyes narrowed for no reason. At least I covered my mouth with my fan.
Well, there's no need to talk about whether I had many friends or not in my past life here. As long as there's no bullying or anything like that inside. Even if there is, it's fine as long as it's not too severe. After all, it wouldn't be easy to find a school without a single outcast. In a world like this, no one would say anything even if children's rights were a bit infringed upon. They'd be grateful just for this much.
I was about to turn back to the monastery director, but I made eye contact with Frida. Frida was looking at me and the young child with an expectant gaze.
And, for some reason I really don't know, the young child in front of me was also looking at me with sparkling eyes.
"......."
What.
Why.
What.
Do you want me to pat your head or something?
No, now that I think about it, that's really all it looks like.
I glanced at Frida, then slowly reached out my hand. And as I was about to pat the child's head— I raised my fingertips slightly and moved them in a gentle rubbing motion. It was a strange posture, neither patting nor poking the head, but Frida smiled contentedly.
......Is it right for a Duke to be walking on eggshells around a maid? Something seems wrong.
Besides, hair oil got on my fingertips, which felt absolutely disgusting. Good. When I go back, I'll buy even more supplies for the kids to wash with and send them over.
If I kept patting here, I felt like other children would come and stick their heads out, so I quickly pulled my fingers away and turned to look at the monastery director. The monastery director was making a similar contented expression to Frida's. At least Frida is a beauty by default, so it didn't feel too bad, but for some reason, seeing an elderly man making this expression is a bit... off.
"A high-ranking person will be visiting the Duchy."
I said in a tone that kept a bit of distance.
"A high-ranking person... you say?"
"A high-ranking person from the Church. I can't say who it is yet."
Since I said that, it seems he understood right away. Yes, even so, he's a monastery director, so he should have at least this much sense.
"It seems it will take about two weeks, so I would like you to make sure to clean up this area in the meantime."
"Understood. I will do my best."
"You never know, right? You might end up filling the vacant position. Or perhaps you might go to an even better place."
"......I will stake my life on it."
Yes, that's how it should be. It's a Duke's order, so shouldn't he stake his life on cleaning, too?
"The children should also be groomed more thoroughly... hmm."
I tilted my head.
"No, grooming them too obviously would be too noticeable."
"I will make sure they are washed more thoroughly. I will also make sure to educate them on manners more strictly."
"That's exactly it."
I nodded. Good. He's a much easier person to deal with than Arno. As expected, you can only communicate well with someone who wants something.
It might look like I'm only paying attention to the monastery, but I've been consistently visiting other churches as well. Lately, there's even a rumor going around that I'm devout, so that should be enough.
.......
That should be enough, right? I really hope so.
*
Some time later.
Just as I had roughly expected, two weeks passed, and a precious guest arrived in the Duchy.
Naturally, rumors spread like wildfire from the moment they crossed the border from the Kingdom into the Duchy. It seems everyone doesn't quite know yet if it's the real Saintess or not, but they say a high-ranking person from the Church has arrived.
I thought she would stop and stay in a few places along the way, but the Saintess said she would come straight to the Duke's direct territory.
If you travel quickly, it takes about a day to get here. The roads within the Duchy are quite well-maintained, after all.
I had hoped the Barons along the way would hold her up a bit, but whether they trust me or don't want to take on a bomb themselves, they didn't stop her at all and let her pass through like a free pass.
And—
"Your Grace."
The appearance of the Saintess, who had run in a straight line toward me without paying any attention to her surroundings like that, was— how should I put it.
She was a 'Saintess'.
Sparkling blonde hair, and white skin that looked like it could never be tanned by the sun. And a lithe figure. Even though the white nun's habit completely covered her body, the outline of her figure was clearly visible.
...Is she really a commoner? She was a beauty to the point where I seriously thought that.
In other words, it feels like she's a set with Erna. Especially since Erna's beauty falls just a tiny bit short. Good. Let's treat these two as a set from now on. At least while the Saintess is staying here.
"I welcome your visit."
I said softly and held out my hand.
The Saintess does not kneel. I didn't like that, but what could I do? She's practically a representative of the Church.
The Saintess seemed to hesitate for a moment, then slowly reached out and lightly took my hand—
"Hot-hot-hot-hot-hot!?"
As soon as the Saintess's hand touched me, I was so startled that I jumped back.
Silence.
Everyone around, including the Saintess, looked at me with wide eyes.
Oh.
Well.
That was a perfect reaction to get myself executed, yeah.