“So, what was it in the end…?”
Honestly, I find it ridiculous myself…
To show such a silly sight of apologizing to each other in front of a nun and a paladin, of all people.
I don’t really mind because I’ve always had that image, but it’s different for the Pope.
Until now, he seemed like a noble leader, but having shown such a demeanor that he cares for me like his granddaughter… While there may be people who appreciate that, there are certainly those who don’t, so I started to worry.
‘Whether he did it on purpose or genuinely cares for me, I can’t tell…’
Considering her personality, it seems she genuinely cares for me, so it’s more likely due to her concern than something intentionally planned.
I have no intention of asking either way, though.
“Um…”
The atmosphere feels strange.
Just a moment ago, we were exchanging apologies with the old Pope, and after Evan halted us, I couldn’t think of what to talk about, leading to a prolonged silence.
After a while, the feeling that we couldn’t stay like this began to weigh on me.
“[Uh… shall we go inside?]”
Whatever it may be, wouldn’t it be right to go inside and talk?
I don’t know if there’s an important discussion to be had, but after gathering like this, isn’t that the reason behind it?
“Y-yes, let’s go inside then.”
What’s going on?
Why…?
I thought we were called because there was something to discuss.
Could it be that the old Pope merely wanted to see me with no particular thought?
‘I don’t know…’
Thinking about it, we’re family after all, and does a reason really need to be required to meet with family? Recently, so many things have been happening, so it’s only natural to have a lot on my mind.
Upon reflection, the old Pope has never called me or anyone around me for any special reason — of course, there were times he called me for personal reasons, but those were for sufficiently justifiable reasons, not personal whims.
‘He hasn’t done anything for Dannes either…’
Knowing that Asclyna, who is the original form of the acting old Pope, is not a bad person and is genuinely a guardian wanting to protect humanity, I realize that there shouldn’t be any reason for calling me for such matters, yet the doubts linger.
In truth, it’s surprising since this is the first time he’s called me for personal reasons throughout our time together.
“That’s right… shall we go in now?”
It seemed the old Pope felt the same way about standing around, so he pushed us inside to continue the conversation.
I also thought it was awkward to talk outside, so I willingly followed the old Pope’s lead into the room.
*
“It seems this is the first time we’re meeting like this. Until now, I’ve been listening to your remarkable achievements.”
“Ah, ahaha…”
“That’s right! You’re all truly remarkable!”
Evan awkwardly smiled in response to the old Pope’s embarrassing words, while Uriel beamed with joy, trying to reinforce the old man’s compliments.
This is awkward…
I don’t know how to respond…
It seems Evan felt the same, as he just awkwardly smiled without offering any significant reply.
However, it didn’t seem like they expected us to respond, as the conversation soon got to the main topic.
“There’s a reason why I called the Saintess. Of course… I didn’t expect you to bring so many friends along.”
Oh?
I did send a message saying I’d come with friends.
“You don’t need to be too concerned. The knights probably reacted like that towards the Hero because…”
The old Pope trailed off, looking around at Evan and me.
Evan seemed to notice something… but the thoughts I sensed were too faint for me to discern what he was saying precisely.
‘What’s with them, seriously…’
Others might think they’re just responding to Evan’s competitive spirit, wanting to test their skills, but…
I sensed there was another reason behind it.
If I only knew what that reason was, I could probably say it’s not such a big deal and resolve matters…
‘No, forget it.’
This is a problem Evan should handle himself.
I can’t just butt in and help with that.
Let’s try to ignore it.
“[More importantly… could you tell me why you summoned me?]”
“Ah… right. Then let’s get straight to the point.”
With that, he brought up, of course…
“The Monster of the End… how was it?”
Talking about the Monster of the End.
It’s likely one of the greatest hindrances to her ultimate goal of world peace, and it must have been that monster lying dormant in the Northern Region.
The very fact that he’s asking this implies one thing.
Has that monster truly been defeated?
“[It has been definitely defeated. It won’t rise again to turn the North into hell. The weather in the North that used to be blizzard all year round has also begun to return to normal.]”
In fact, it’s said that the snow is now melting in the North; you can imagine how the weather is changing.
When I first visited, it was a place where snow fell all day long.
“I’m relieved to hear that. That calamity… was something even the previous Hero Party couldn’t conquer, only managing to seal it away.”
The old Pope said this with a look of satisfaction and then locked eyes with me.
Despite saying we’re making eye contact, I can’t see his eyes.
“Aria, I think it’s about time I could give this to you.”
“[… Huh?]”
What is he suddenly giving me?
I asked back, bewildered, but the old man merely smiled, not answering, and gestured to the priest behind him, seemingly signaling him to bring something.
After a brief moment, the priest returned with something in hand and presented it to the old Pope.
“Please accept, Saintess Aria.”
“[… What is this?]”
“It’s an item used by the previous Saintess.”
A hairpin…?
“[Isn’t this… a hairpin?]”
“That’s right. It’s a hairpin.”
“[Why are you giving this to me all of a sudden…]”
I was going to question why he was giving this to me, but the pure energy emanating from the hairpin halted my words.
I picked up the hairpin and focused on the energy I felt to observe what it really was.
This familiar energy was the one I knew well.
Well, it’s Divine Power.
‘If the Divine Power feels this pure… then this is…’
A holy relic.
The previous Saintess’s holy relic.
Compared to ancient relics, it might not seem that significant, but that’s because ancient relics are extraordinary; it feels remarkable that the previous Saintess thought to leave something like this behind.
I don’t think such events occurred in the game…
‘Could it be that this isn’t a game…?’
With all these unprecedented occurrences unfolding, my growing anxiety felt more intense.
Still…
‘This seems like it’ll be okay.’
Receiving this doesn’t seem like it’d bring any bad luck or something unexpected.
Above all…
“Please… I hope you will use it.”
Asclyna, who held the previous Saintess in great esteem…
It felt as if she was earnestly asking me, making it impossible to refuse.
I, as if entranced, nodded my head and brought the hairpin to tie it in my hair.
Well, I tried to tie it.
“I’ll help you.”
“Wait a moment! Can’t I help?!”
“… Step back, Uriel. This is my job.”
“Hey… that’s unfair, Stella!”
“Yup, I’m unfair.”
What are they even fighting over?
“[Um, everyone…?!]”
“You’ve been with Aria all this time! Can’t you just let her have this much?!”
“Letting her have it… who does that?”
“That’s so unfair!”
Uriel puffed her cheeks and shouted, but Stella, who magically snatched the hairpin away with ease, stuck her tongue out at me.
Naturally, Uriel, who wouldn’t just let that happen, seized the opportunity to reclaim the hairpin.
“Ah…”
“Hehe, I’ll do it for you!”
“… Give it back!”
“Eek!”
No…
This is just ridiculous.
Seeing those two fighting over who will tie my hairpin makes me sigh unintentionally.
The two of them, showing such ridiculousness now, will become the Hero Party that slays the Demon King in the future.
“Hehe…”
The old man merely watched our antics with a smile.
