Volume 4 Chapter 23 The Saint And The Hero
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I love you.
I was abandoned.
I love you.
I was abandoned.
Yellow petals danced through the air.
Slowly, no matter the circumstances, they drifted silently, powerless to resist the current, scattering gently upon the water’s surface.
I love you. I was abandoned. I love you. I was abandoned.
Relentlessly, mechanically, the words repeated.
As if the sole purpose was to say them aloud, they were spoken to the wildflower whose roots had long since been severed. Because it had caught her eye growing by the roadside, she kept asking whether the world was truly worth saving.
I love you. I was abandoned. I love you. I love you. I love—
’Good evening,’ came a quiet voice.
It wasn’t loud, yet it resonated clearly, like the speech of a girl. And still, it carried a fleeting, fragile quality—one that might disappear at any moment.
”──Saint Cynthia,” the girl said.
There was no need to turn around. No need for words. Even without eyes on her back, she could sense the presence drawing close to her skin.
A sacred aura—one of the same origin as her own, that of a hero. One who brings salvation. A guide.
”I’ve had something I’ve wanted to ask you for a while,” she said, turning around. “I missed the chance to ask back at the imperial castle.”
What entered her gaze was a pale silhouette. In contrast to herself, the girl gave off a delicate impression—as though she’d been born into circumstances ill-suited for someone chosen.
’On that day, when I faced Teekua, I felt like someone was standing right beside me. Was that you?’
It wasn’t a heavy question—just a casual inquiry, a simple curiosity she’d held onto for years.
Cynthia gave a small nod in response. It was as if a weight that had been stuck in her chest for seventeen long years had finally been released.
’──What is needed are five,’ Cynthia said, without opening her mouth.
Her body stood straight, her frame slender. The coldness in the air seemed to emanate from her impassive face—a trait likely forged by growing up in a destitute town.
She was human, and yet… just looking at her evoked thoughts of something celestial.
’That is to say: the pursuer. The challenger. The guide. The one who binds. The one who shoots down──’
Anna’s heart gave a small tremble.
Those were the words of the goddess—words known only to the apostles. Words she hadn’t expected to hear again until the day she returned to that place.
Goddess Teekua.
Even now, Anna sometimes wondered if the goddess regretted choosing her as a hero. If it had been her, she thought, she’d never have chosen herself.
”…Do you have any idea who the last one is?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
Cynthia didn’t flinch, but Anna sensed a vague unease.
The goddess might issue commands, but she rarely gave specifics. Even Cynthia, it seemed, was at the mercy of divine whims. That realization gave rise to a quiet sense of camaraderie.
’I do not have any information,’ Cynthia replied simply.
Anna didn’t press further. There was nothing in Cynthia’s expression to suggest emotion, and yet—disappointment hung in the air like a chill. That unblinking gaze cut into her, as though passing judgment.
”…Isn’t she one of my companions? Especially Tiet──”
’Tiet-Tiet is,’ Cynthia interrupted, her tone unchanged. ‘But the other two are different.’
Anna’s eyes widened slightly at the way she’d said it—Tiet-Tiet.
She’d understood from the earlier question that Cynthia had met Tiet around the same time she herself had. If that was the case, then Cynthia’s real age must also be around seventeen—just like Anna.
Cynthia was short and slender, and her underdeveloped physique made her look even younger than Tiet. That explained why she had the air of an older sister. But still… she wouldn’t refer to someone with whom she shared only a shallow connection with such familiarity.
It suggested that the two of them—Cynthia and Tiet—must have spent a meaningful amount of time together while traveling with Klock. Enough time, at least, to build a genuine relationship.
”…So. By the way, why did you come here?” Anna pressed, shifting to her true reason for coming. “I was starting to think you’d abandoned your role… but that’s not it, right? I still don’t understand what it is you’re after. Even back during that first kidnapping incident—you got caught on purpose, didn’t you?”
Tiet had gone for a short walk, taking a break after keeping her company for a while. Hermine and Oriana were off somewhere in town. Now that it was just the two of them, she finally had a chance to ask what she’d been holding back.
’I only acted to protect something important,’ Cynthia said. ‘If you were me, you would have done the same.’
Their eyes met briefly, then Cynthia lowered hers.
Anna couldn’t grasp her intent, but she understood one thing: she was being treated differently than Tiet. Cynthia didn’t seem to think well of her.
”…Did I do something to make you dislike me?” Anna asked. “I would’ve liked to have a good relationship with you.”
Her words were earnest as she gazed directly at Cynthia—who moved with the grace of a doll, every motion precise and unconfused. Anna stared into those golden eyes, calm and cool, as though unmoved by anything in this world.
It was a delicate question. She could’ve pretended not to notice and let it pass, but she didn’t want to run from it. Not now. After all, those were her true feelings. The chosen five mattered, and above all, she longed to be friends with someone who treated her as an equal, even with the burdens of being a hero.
That’s right—Hero Anna wanted to be friends with Saint Cynthia. That’s what she truly wished for.
’I don’t dislike you,’ Cynthia replied at last. ‘It’s just pathetic how you’re dragging him along, neglecting your own role, drifting through a hollow second life with no meaning.’
It felt like she’d been struck with a hammer. The words hit hard—too hard.
Yes, there were times when Anna lacked resolve, when she felt like she had no substance. But even so, the time she’d spent with Tiet and the others was irreplaceable. It had meant something.
She opened her mouth to object—but nothing came out. Her breath caught, and instinctively, she turned her face away.
Cynthia’s foresight was well-known, but this felt deeper—like she was peering not just into Anna’s future, but her very soul.
’I will go to paradise. He will go to the beast country. You will turn your eyes to your own role—and the cost of it. Hurry and go to the empire,’ Cynthia said, as if dismissing her outright.
The words stung. It felt like being thrown out after being scolded, the door shut firmly behind her.
”…I can’t do that,” Anna replied. “I have to see him. I have to talk to him. I’ve made up my mind. Because I am his──”
’Sir Klock has nothing to do with Sylvia,’ Cynthia cut in coldly. ‘His lover was Cianie. You, who abandoned being Cianie, mean nothing to Sir Klock. Stop stalking him already.’
Cianie.
That was the name Tiet had mentioned—Klock’s ex-girlfriend.
She’d heard conflicting stories, sure. But she’d assumed it was all just an excuse to cover up his infidelity. That Cianie had been discarded.
Even though it was a name she’d barely known, a sharp pain pierced her chest.
”What… what are you saying──”
’You said it yourself,’ Cynthia continued. ‘You couldn’t stand being Cianie. That was your own wish. You wanted a new life, not the hero’s role. You threw everything away—yet here you are, clinging to the past.’
Crack.
Anna froze.
’He loved Cianie—the dreamer, like a girl out of a fairy tale. He gave everything for her. But you, who abandoned being her, aren’t even his ex-girlfriend. And──’
She didn’t want to hear more.
Her hands twitched, instinctively ready to cover her ears—but Cynthia’s words landed first.
’The truth is, you were discarded. You knew that, didn’t you?’
Those were the words Anna had refused to face.
Her knees buckled slightly, and Cynthia, just outside her line of sight, looked down at her.
She didn’t want to be seen.
That gaze—pitying, maybe even scornful—was unbearable. She averted her eyes, fixing them on the ground.
’I like you,’ Cynthia said suddenly. ‘Even after decades, even if you’re no longer Cianie, I like your creepy obsession. So, if you really want to start over──’
Without finishing, she turned and briskly walked away.
When she reached Anna, who knelt and turned her face away in resistance, she extended her hand as if offering an alliance.
’Cling to me,’ she said softly.
The words sounded like a decree from a saint. She explained the reason for her visit. Grasping at Anna’s weakness like bait, she gently stroked her cheek with a hand—
’Then, I will let you start over once more.’
Her voice dropped, sharp and cold like a devil’s.
”When you go to the imperial capital, destroy those guys immediately. At the same time, the ports of the kingdom and the Federation are being attacked, and the enemy’s main force will come to the kingdom—but ignore all that and leave it to Tiet and the others. Once it’s over, hurry back here and chase after him to the Beast Kingdom—”
She gave her orders efficiently, without hesitation. She had known Anna’s conclusion from the start. Everything was in her control. It was clear these instructions had been decided long ago.
’When you pursue Sir Klock’s ship, be careful of attacks from the sea. I don’t know why, but someone seems to be coming specifically to hinder you. You will fail, but don’t worry. Just head there afterward. From now on, you will protect that person.’
”Klock will board the ship tomorrow at noon, so I just need to chase after him and fail once, right? …I don’t really understand, but I’ll do that. But is it okay to leave the kingdom and the Federation alone?”
’Of course, they will fall. The invasion will begin using that land as a foothold.’
Her words felt like a sentence of punishment. She spoke without changing her expression, uttering words uncharacteristic of a saint.
”…Wait. Does that mean I won’t protect the people?”
’You don’t have to worry because Tiet and the others are doing their best. Just think about him. Besides, you know which is more important—Sir Klock or those strangers, right? You can always go back to Sir Klock, so you can abandon humanity without a second thought.’
Anna swallowed hard, eyes wide. She had been told to protect Klock in her place. She had been ordered to abandon the role of a hero and choose Klock instead. It was obvious she had no intention of fulfilling her role as a saint. If she entered into a contract with this woman, there would be no priority on being a hero.
”…Are you going to abandon humanity?”
’…Abandon? My work is already done (T/N: The saint’s ‘work’ here implies her divine mission). Well then, I’ll leave before the sharp-eyed maid finds me. Hermine will head off on her own if left alone. Just take Oriana and Tiet with you. I’m waiting for you.’
”Waiting.” The word revealed just how meticulous the groundwork was. The two must already be aware of the situation. It was not the time for endless talk. They had to head to the Empire soon.
”…Wait. Where are you planning to go?”
She called out to the girl who turned back. For some reason, she felt uneasy about parting ways here. She thought she had to maintain the connection with her.
’The Paradise of Ys.’
For a moment, Anna found it strange. Then, after a beat, she understood. She realized the meaning of what Cynthia—no, Adelina—was trying to convey. The role of the saint had truly come to an end.
* * *
”In the end, I didn’t encounter anyone.”
Klock muttered as he felt the ship sway beneath him, boredom creeping in. In his hand was a small note. He glanced back toward the port, clutching the message that had been left in his open bag.
”That’s a good thing, isn’t it? It’s a pity about Ms. Adelina, though.”
Suzette replied quietly, her hair shimmering blue in the sunlight. Though standing nearby, she kept a respectful distance—perhaps out of consideration. The two looked back at the port with lingering feelings as they left Lusherola. It wasn’t sadness for the town itself. Rather, it was the faint illusion that Adelina might still be somewhere nearby that stirred their emotions. Klock and the others had safely escaped the continent. Except for one person—her.
”Please don’t be too down. She’s probably headed somewhere in the Beast Kingdom. So, a day will come when you can reunite.”
”Not that it matters; it’s just the same as always.”
Klock frowned, staring grimly at the port. He cast a rare glance at the maid, who was unusually concerned and silent without her usual sharp tongue. He sighed, tucked the small note into his chest pocket, and bid farewell to the continent.
I admire you.
I admire you.
I have been watching you all along.
I dreamed of being by your side since the day I was born.
I have lived to spend time with you.
I knew that only you could make me happy.
As long as I could see you, I could endure any pain.
No matter how coldly I was treated, I knew I would be loved in the end.
I am waiting for your arrival in paradise, together with my daughter. From your one and only, Adelina.
Notes:
• Anna – The legendary Hero, chosen to defeat the Demon Lord. Her past life is Sylvia Croce. She is described as a heavenly being with overwhelming skill and a merciless attitude.
• Goddess Teekua – The deity who saved Sylvia after her death and granted her rebirth as a hero.
• Tiet – A companion and friend of Anna. A holy knight from the royal capital. She wears light armor and carries a shield adorned with a dragon holding a sword, indicating her affiliation with the National Military Police. She is concerned about Anna’s well-being and tries to support her emotionally.
• Hermine – Daughter of the Emperor of the Second Empire of Dusselhelm. A companion and friend of Anna. The mage. She is pragmatic and encourages Anna to focus on her duties as a hero rather than her personal revenge.
• Oriana – A Princess. A companion who assists in explaining the situation to the kingdom. She is supportive and helps Anna navigate her responsibilities. Her appearance is slender, with dark hair and sharp features.
• Sylvia – The hero who accuses Klock of abandoning her in her past life. She was reborn as Anna after dying in a fire and holds a grudge against Klock.
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Adelina – The slave girl.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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