It's a cathedral. ......?

　He drops his chewing tobacco to the floor and rolls his eyes with his mouth half open.

　Cathedral. It is a religious organization under the direct control of the king of this country, Garleist, and most of the people in Garleist belong to the Cathedral Church. The name "Cathedral" has become so common that the original name of the religion, the Cathedral Church, has become quite rusty.

　Of course, I am one of them, but I don't remember any particular god helping me. I've heard in the taverns that they're an extraterritorial organization under the king's direct control that collects money.

"Yes, the cathedral. I didn't know this, but I'm supposed to have a background in magic. Well, they said it was for my education. That's good. I think I'd be happier than being bought by some rich guy in a small town.

　After finishing the bandage, Arueno spoke quickly. At first glance, he seemed to be boasting, but at the same time, he seemed to be stifling his anxiety.

　My head is still confused and I can't work. The cathedral. That, of course, would be the most favorable conditions for an undertaking. He wouldn't be subjected to the same physical and mental abuse as the other recipients.

　But it's still strange. The cathedral has almost as much authority as the high nobility, and it has direct jurisdiction. Why would such an organization suddenly surround an orphanage with children?

"...... Alueno's magical background is quite unique. His Eminence, the High Priest, is very concerned about him. I don't know much about the inner workings, but I'm sure he won't blame you.

　Mr. Nines said, adding to Alueno's words with a slight downcast look in his eyes.

　Alueno looked at me, his face flinching in dismay.

You can be happier than that. Your childhood friend is going to the cathedral. You can be as excited as you want.

...... I'd be happy if it was normal. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　You'll be able to see the golden eyes staring at you, and speak out. I didn't intend to do that, but my voice sounded quizzical and suspicious.

　Mr. Nines gave a slight snort and laughed.

You sound suspicious. Of course I'm not a good guy, but I'm not a bad guy who's going to let a bunch of little kids down.

　Mr. Nines sat down in his chair, his slitted eyes twinkling. The expression on his face is the same as it was in normal times, but somehow elusive. Yes, it's always been that way. It's hard to tell where the joke is and where it's serious. But that doesn't mean I don't trust him. I've got some strange contacts. But he doesn't tell us what it is. A mysterious and elusive person. That was the woman named Nines.

"Yes, that's right. That's right, Lugis. I'm the one who talked to the church. But ...... even I didn't know we'd be surrounded by the cathedral itself. I didn't know this was possible.

　I nodded my head in agreement.

　The word "cathedral" meant two things, the first being the Holy See itself. The other is the stronghold that exists directly under the Cathedral. The other is the headquarters of the Cathedral.

"Cathedral? Does this mean that Alueno is going to the far north?

"The far north" is an exaggeration. Just think of it as a little bridal training. Yes, I don't mind!

　Before Mr. Nines could answer, Alueno ate his words.

　His fingertips trembled as he picked up his dropped chewing tobacco. As he chewed his cheek, his brain reeled.

　Oh, my God. Just when you think you've found the love of your life, he's gone far away to the north. And if it's a cathedral, it's not so easy to meet her. Really, the best you can do is to exchange letters. Then there's no doubt we'll meet in person next. On the journey to salvation.

　No. No. Just not that. If we do, it'll be the same thing over and over. The man. That man who calls himself the savior will take everything from you. I can't accept that. I've come back here to make sure that doesn't happen again.

　Tightening my lips. My eyes tighten. My body is tense, but my mind is searching for possible solutions.

...... Well, that's surprising. I'm surprised you look so serious, Lugis. You can take it a lot easier than that, you know.



　Or do you miss me," added Alueno teasingly.

Of course. If you didn't, you wouldn't look like this.

　Arueno replied while holding his neck.

　Arueno smiled in surprise, a mixture of sadness and happiness. I hope I'm not imagining that there was some happiness in there.

　Her white cheeks were slightly flushed.

...... Yes, I don't mind, Lugis, I like you too. You'll be a great adventurer then.

"Yes, that's the best thing.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

This country rewards adventurers for their achievements. There is the case of Permiris, an adventurer who was baptized into the cathedral. The more successful you are as an adventurer, the easier it will be for you to meet Alueno.

　That's easy for you to say. The adventurer's world is no different from a cesspool. To make it there is like grasping a star in the sky. In the meantime, people lose their lives and fall as many times as they can. It's a profession that requires more than just skill to succeed, it requires the help of the goddess of fate and the times.

　Standing up on the spot, I moved my shoulder lightly and pulled it as before. No more pain.

"Here you go, Alueno.

　From his pocket, he tosses a bag of confectionary to Alueno. She's upset, but scoops it up on her chest.

"You like that, don't you? The reward for this one is gone with that and this one.

　She smiled a toothy grin as she flicked her chewing tobacco. Arueno laughed as well.

"You're such an idiot, you always have been. Thank you, I'll take my time. Are you staying the night?

　Mr. Nines seemed to be in the mood, and pointed to a room in the back, saying that there was a bed available. But that's not going to happen. Well, now that I've heard the story, I can't just dwell on the past.

"No. I'm sorry, but I gotta get back. Look, I... I've got to make it as an adventurer. Watch me next time, Alueno. Maybe you'll be a knight.

　He said clearly with a throaty laugh.

　Alueno's eyes widened for a moment, and he looked confused, but somewhat relieved, before opening his mouth.

"Well, that's a relief. I'll be waiting for you, Lugis. You can give this to your future knight.

　A thin finger touches your wrist and a pale red handkerchief is wrapped around it. I believe this was Alueno's favorite. I remember that he had cherished it like a treasure since he was a child.

　Perhaps noticing my puzzled gaze, Arueno nodded his head after wrapping the handkerchief.

It's okay. I don't even know if I can bring my personal belongings over there.

　Besides..." she added. She added.

"Hmm. A lady lends a handkerchief to a knight, the knight wears it, fights with it, and returns it to the lady alive. Isn't that the usual way of chivalric romance?　You can keep it by your side as my replacement.

　I don't care.

Oh, no. You're a real piece of work, you know that?

　As I walked down the street, I couldn't help but smile when I saw the handkerchief on his wrist. It may sound silly, but I can't help but feel the presence of Alueno there.

　I didn't have any ambitions to become a great adventurer just because I went back to the past. After all, I am still me. Just because I have knowledge doesn't make me a genius. A rat can't become a beautiful cat.

　But now is not the time to whine about it. It has to be. To see Alueno again, to prevent the same future from repeating itself.

　With these new aspirations in mind, I open the door to the tavern.

"Oh, Ruugis. ......

　The master, who rarely speaks to me, called out to me. He scratched his chin, looking up at you as quickly as he could.

"You have a visitor: ......

　As if following the master's finger, I looked at the place he was pointing to.

　A fine table in the back of the store. There was Kalia Vadnick with a distorted and intimidating smile that looked like a thin horizontal line had been cut across her face.

　With renewed determination, I may die here.