I looked up from the capital city of Borvat, pulling on the reins of my horse.

　The road was rough, probably due to the march of the demon army, but it was large enough to accommodate several horses. At the end of the road, the combined forces of the Garristo and heraldry should be sitting. It seemed that they had already marched quite close to the capital.

　I'm sure they've finished their march pretty close to the capital..." Her lips quirked up as she glanced sideways at Kalia's flowing silver hair.

"You didn't have to say anything so strongly, did you? It's okay, I'm just a messenger. This is how we're going to discuss it anyway.

　He spilled the words, recalling the scene with Mastighios in the council chamber. Kalia's words were more pointed than they would have been in peacetime, even in another country.

　He clutched the reins and exhaled with an exaggerated sigh.

That's why you're no good. You have no self-awareness. Formality is the most important thing in these things.

　I stand corrected. After all, he's always been harsh and poisonous with his words. I wish he would learn to speak more softly.

"This Mastighios man is more powerful than you think, Lugis. The position of general in any country is not one that can be attained merely by bravery.

　You're right," Kalia said to Fialaat, who was holding the reins on the other side of me.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.

...... Well... He's not a bad person, but he's not just a good person either. Maybe he wanted to show his relationship with Borvat by making you his emissary. I didn't mind, though.

　When Fialaat said that with a blank face, I saw Kalia's gaze intensify for a moment.

　I'll show you my relationship with Borvat. I'm not so dull that I can't understand what that means now. I'm well aware of my current position.

　But isn't it cruel to ask me to pay attention to every single action even if I am told so? This is why I hate the existence of politics and aristocracy.

　They have been insinuating things for generations, and they try to find meaning in the slightest actions of others.

　Poor people like me have no such conventions. What you say and what you do is all that matters.

　At the same time that I sighed, my eyes involuntarily wavered. The scene in front of me seemed to have blurred somehow.

　Suddenly, I thought. If what I said and what I did was all that mattered, what could I have done for Alueno?

　Looking back, I haven't seen Alueno for a long time now. The last time I saw her was at the Great Temple in Flimsulat, when I caught a glimpse of her through Althea, who had borrowed Alueno's form. If that's the case, I can say that I haven't actually seen or talked to her since that day at the orphanage.

　That was several years ago.

　I tightened my grip on the reins. His eyes narrowed involuntarily.

　--I wonder if Alueno remembers me.

　Although I had promised to come for her eventually, Arueno had risen to the position of the High Priestess herself.

　Before that, she must have had many encounters and many feelings.

　I have a bad feeling in my stomach. What if she had forgotten about me long ago and was enjoying her life as a saint?

　I don't know what I'd do. Shall I really try to live like a hero?

　Now that my surroundings, myself, and even this body have changed. The only thing holding me to the past is Alueno.

　The tent of the Garristo and the Monstrance Army is coming into view. I'll be there in less than ten minutes.


　◇◆◆


　The Cathedral. A place that is sacred, pure, and only the truly religious are allowed to enter.

　It's a place that's covered in snow all year round, but no demons ever come near it. People call it God's miracle.

　The innermost. In the sanctuary prepared for the saints, God smiled. A demonic smile that attracts, charms, and corrupts. She said, as if she were speaking to the only one.

"Vriligant is dead. This is no longer a matter of your intervention alone, Oufru.

　The shadow that had once answered was no longer here. The shadow that once answered is no longer here now, disappearing for a while as if it were planning something. But it doesn't matter if he's here or not. If you ask him what he did, I bet he'll say he didn't do anything.

Of course not. Because he's Lugis. Yes, that's fine.

　In his heart, Alueno, the owner of the Eucharistic body, said laughingly on his behalf. It's as if he's the one who's more devout than Althea.

　She was definitely a saint, because she could smile so innocently and still believe that she was the only one who could save him. She was a wonderfully holy being.

"Alueno. You only see one person now and then. I suppose that's what makes you a saint.

"I'm flattered, I suppose. But isn't that what it means to love someone?



　As always, Althea's voice is joyful, yet she acts as if there is no emotion at all in her voice.

　She opens the door that leads from the sanctuary to the outside world. Through a slightly longer corridor, there was another door. The idea was to keep the saint as far away from the lowly world as possible.

　Althea opened the door again, a quiet expression on her face. There were four figures kneeling there as if to show their allegiance.

　All of them were heroic heroes who were willing to give their lives to the saint. Those whom the saint recognized as her guardians. Althea calls out as if singing.

"Lift up your heads. The gods have recognized you as guardians. After the ordination ceremony, four of you will be officially appointed as guardians.

　With these words, one by one, they slowly raised their heads. With these words, one by one, they slowly raised their heads. Everyone turned their gaze to the saint, their eyes glowing with a brilliant light.

"...... How are you feeling, my Master? You don't look so good.

"Stop it, Garrus. I did not appoint you to be my guardian to harden you.

　Garrus Gargantua, the first of the knights of the temple, was the first to raise his head and say so. A look of almost self-mockery appeared on his face at the saint's words, and he moved his lips once more. The canine teeth were visible in his mouth.

I'm glad to hear it, saint. It's not in my nature to straighten my collar.

　Garrus no longer called Alueno a diva. He officially called her a saint.

　It's a gift to be able to do that and still maintain a normal demeanor.

"But Garrus. How dare you speak to a saint like that? You should have a natural respect for her. Regardless of what the saint has said.

　Apostle Zilir-Hano said, his pale blue head of hair and eyes twinkling beside Garrus. The color of her eyes, which suggested fanaticism, held something that would overwhelm an opponent just by looking into them.

　Faith and more faith. That's exactly what fills her. That's why she makes you feel a kind of godliness.

You? What do you think, Valerie Brightnes?

　Silver-rimmed blue. Valerie the Watcher was the last one to raise her head. She was the last one to raise her head. She had a piercing gaze that seemed to pierce through everything she saw. Zmir's fanatical eyes were also entwined with Valery's.

　They stared at each other for a moment, and then Valerie opened her mouth as if she were jumping away from him.

I don't care what the saint says. Is it your faith to quarrel with meanness?

　With those words, Zyruel did not speak a word. He just stared at Valerie with a quiet expression.

　The saint finally interrupted him.

Don't do this. There is no need for discord. From now on, you will be protectors and heroes.

　The saint's eyes turned to look at the blond knight. He didn't speak, but he was looking straight at the saint. The saint called out his name.

She called out the names: "Herdt-Stanley, Garrus-Gargantua, Valery-Brightness, Zirr-Hano. The saint and her guardians are here. We are now ready to perform our feat.

　After a beat, the saint said. Everyone was waiting for her to say that.

We will destroy the great demon Zebraeliris and the demons, demons, and false heroes that swarm the land. Know that you are the true hope of this world.

　The four of them readied their armor and attire and offered them to the saint, vowing their loyalty and absolute success.

　Here were the heroes chosen by talent, blood, and fate.

"I swear to you, I will do it. Saint Alueno.

　Herd-Stanley said with a twinkle in his golden eyes, acting as if he was speaking for justice.