Dannes, who had been feeling uneasy about the surrounding gazes, soon seemed to make a decision and led me to a secluded spot.
When Dannes kept moving me along with his steps, the surrounding Paladins became greatly puzzled and asked where we were going, but I stepped forward first, worried that Dannes might feel troubled, and told them we were fine.
Then, I clearly stated that I had something brief to discuss and asked them not to follow.
Isn’t this incredibly well-handled on my part?
Anyway, this matter was something I wanted to talk about solely with Dannes, so there was no need for others to follow.
Of course, I like not only Dannes but also the Paladins who are kind to me. Still, after spending a long time together, I couldn’t help but feel more comfortable around Dannes.
Only after reaching a secluded place with no one around did Dannes sigh in relief as he looked around.
“Next time, please don’t approach me like this when other seniors are around…”
“[I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would bother you so much…]”
That was genuinely true.
I thought it would be enough to just casually bring him along to a different spot, but it seemed like the Paladins valued me much more than I had anticipated.
‘Is it because I’m one of the highest leaders in the Holy Kingdom?’
If the Pope is the practical leader, then I am more symbolic. Therefore, they inevitably care more about my safety.
Anyway…
Dannes looked around once more, and then asked me what I wanted to talk about after bringing him here.
Alright, time to get to the main point.
After using Divine Power to thoroughly check if there was anyone nearby eavesdropping on my story, I brought up the topic.
“[The thing is…]”
But then a problem arose.
It was good that I brought Dannes out here, but how could I persuade Dannes?
‘Oh?’
Upon reflection, I realized that I needed a reason to come out here, and I couldn’t simply tell Dannes to follow my orders.
Even though I am the Supreme Leader as the Saint, Dannes is still a Paladin with his own duties. It would be difficult to force him to come along.
Of course, even if I ultimately give the command as the supreme leader, Dannes would have no choice but to follow.
However, I didn’t intend to bring him out this way.
Thus, I needed a plausible excuse that wouldn’t raise any suspicion.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard I thought about it, nothing came to mind.
“Lady Saint?”
When I didn’t say anything after calling him over, Dannes, perplexed, gently called my name in concern.
If I continued like this, even if I brought up the matter later, I could still be under scrutiny.
Was there a reason that Dannes would undoubtedly believe?
‘What reason could there be… Ah!’
A good idea came to me.
Even if he used to be an adventurer, nowadays Dannes devoutly believes in the Goddess.
Moreover, people who follow a religion tend to be weak when it comes to stories related to their deity.
Though the Goddess didn’t speak directly with me, given that this could greatly assist in future Demon King eradication, would she not overlook this much?
‘There is no other way.’
The revelation from the Goddess.
While others might not believe, the people of Valkran would find it hard not to, because it’s the word of the Goddess Herself, chosen Saint speaking.
Who else could you believe, if not Her own words?
“[In fact, I received a revelation from the Goddess.]”
At my words, Dannes’ widened eyes abruptly sharpened, as if he judged this was a revelation the Saint herself spoke of, and thus something to be taken seriously.
It felt strange, hearing him listen so solemnly, as if I had committed some grave offense.
But what could I do?
Currently, this is the only method I have to leave the Academy and farm Temp for Evan’s sake.
Besides, if I really obtain something mystical when I reach the place mentioned in the revelation, they would probably believe it anyway and think, “Oh, the Goddess really has spoken.”
Ultimately, the Goddess’ final objective is to defeat the Demon King. So assisting me in achieving an item that would greatly assist in that mission, even if I lied a little through the revelation…
Would She understand?
I hope She understands…
“[Therefore, there is a place I must go, but the Academy rules say that I must go out with a guardian.]”
The problem is that bringing someone else is not ideal due to certain circumstances.
Considering someone as a friend to bring along, there is only Stella, but Stella cannot accompany me as a guardian, nor do we know someone who could be a guardian for her.
Evan does not have someone who could be called a guardian either, apart from his teacher, and the teacher cannot come right away, so it is not possible to bring him either.
Thus, unless Dannes accompanies me as my guardian, I will never be able to leave the Academy.
Of course, I could wait indefinitely.
I could leave on a vacation or if Evan’s teacher comes to the Academy.
However, that would take too long.
If I acquire it quickly now, I can significantly assist Evan’s growth later.
“[So, I kindly ask… would you come out with me, as a guardian?]”
After saying that, I observed his reaction.
I am not entirely sure if he is someone who will stay or someone who needs to leave soon, which is why I asked first.
“A revelation… Is it true?”
“[…Yes, it’s true.]”
To be honest, it doesn’t feel good to deceive him…
But under the current conditions, there’s no other way to bring him along.
And telling someone who usually stays inside the Academy that I suddenly need to go out without a guardian would seem very strange.
However…
Dannes was looking down at me with a complex expression.
Judging from his facial expression, it seemed difficult for him to accept.
Since I thought that a revelation would be accepted without question, I was slightly perplexed.
“[Is it difficult for you…]”
“No… it’s not particularly difficult. But…”
“…?”
When I wondered why he still seemed to hesitate and asked for a reason,
“The revelation you spoke of earlier… was it a lie?”
“…”
How did he know?
Even though I have my eyes closed, and considering my long experience as a Saint in telling lies without showing any signs,
somehow, Dannes knew I was lying.
It wasn’t as if he guessed from the atmosphere; instead, it seemed like he was certain.
And his tone wasn’t one of someone trying to reprimand me for lying, but rather someone who knew for sure.
There was no point in me trying to deny it.
“[If that is a lie, then will you not agree with my request?]”
As such, I had no choice but to ask Dannes.
In effect, my revelation story had been exposed as a lie, yet Dannes instead smiled faintly.
“Thank you for trusting me.”
“[Then…]”
“Obviously, it would be natural for me not to come along…”
Dannes glanced around before showing a confident smile.
“But I became a Paladin for you, after all.”
Oh, this guy…
I hadn’t expected him to say something like that.
It made me so moved that…
In contrast, I felt like a real jerk for even trying to deceive him and bring him along to use.
“[I’m sorry…]”
There’s no way I can’t apologize now…
If I don’t apologize at a moment like this, it feels like I’ll plummet even lower than the bottom.
…
Is it just my mood, or have I already fallen that low?
It probably isn’t just my mood.
“Huh?”
On the other hand, Dannes seemed not to understand my sudden apology and tilted his head in puzzlement.
Anyway…
“[I ask you. This is important.]”
It’s for the sake of saving the world.
I said this while extending my hand toward Dannes.
“Then leave it to me.”
Dannes smiled slightly, took my hand when I asked him to take responsibility, and nodded.
From here on out, I promised myself not to deceive Dannes with something like this.
