It might raise questions as to why showing a desire to befriend someone is not necessarily a good choice or why it might not matter that much.
First of all, it’s because of the “Saint.”
From the hero’s perspective, the saint comes to offer help without needing anything in return and approaches to become friends. Doesn’t that seem suspicious at first glance?
It could even seem a bit superficial.
From the hero’s viewpoint, the fact that the saint wants to help a complete stranger and says they want to get closer without any apparent reason is something to be wary of.
Therefore, the saint behaves in such a way to create a basic foundation of trust as friends and even comrades, without making the hero feel on guard.
By being a little troublesome at first, they can reduce the effort needed to become friends.
I had no thoughts on the matter while they were approaching me with the intention of befriending me.
It would be stranger for me to harbor suspicion.
The second reason is…
…
…
Do I really have to explain this…?
Ha…
It’s simply because I’m embarrassed.
Even in my original state, I struggled immensely to approach someone to befriend them. It’s unlikely that my personality would change just because I look like this now.
Because of this trait, I also struggled to make friends when I first entered the realm.
Even now, I don’t have a single close friend in the church…
Everyone finds it difficult to approach me because I’m a saint, and coupled with my naturally reserved character, it’s impossible to befriend anyone.
‘Ugh…’
I feel awkward for no reason.
“Shall we introduce ourselves first?”
Ah.
I called out to them, not having thought about what to say.
The hero seemed to ponder for a moment, then suggested we start with our names with an awkward smile.
That’s not bad.
Though I already knew the name since he’s the default hero, it would be strange to know it from the start.
I smiled and said, “[Then I’ll go first.]”
“Uh, um… since I suggested it, I’ll go first.”
Huh?
What’s with the consideration for such a thing…
Since it didn’t really matter to me, I remained quiet.
The hero cleared his throat and introduced himself in a nonchalant manner.
“My name is Evan. I don’t have a last name.”
Evan.
As expected, it’s the same name I know.
The name of the hero who is going to save this world from the demon king’s invasion.
Now it was my turn.
I placed my hand on my chest and introduced myself.
“[I am Aria Saint Anastasio. You can just call me Aria.]”
“Uh, okay…”
What’s with this reaction?
I expected him to shake my hand and say he looks forward to getting to know me after hearing my introduction, but instead, he seemed restless in front of me.
Was there some mistake in what I said?
I tilted my head.
It didn’t seem to be anything like that.
From his expression and the thoughts I could sense, he seemed like he wanted to ask me something.
“[What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?]”
“Um… I want to ask you something, but it seems like it might be rude, so I can’t bring myself to do it.”
It turns out my guess was correct.
I chuckled internally.
I understood what he might want to ask.
In fact, most people I meet immediately want to ask something as soon as they see me.
Even the professor from earlier had that look on his face when he first saw me.
At first, I wondered why everyone reacted that way, but thinking about it from an objective point of view, it’s not surprising at all.
’Hmm…’
I feel a bit guilty about this innocent mind of Evan, but I plan to take advantage of it.
The best way to build natural trust in this relationship is to make the other person feel a bit guilty.
‘Sorry. Once we get closer, I’ll treat you well.’
Since he likes food, I should treat him to something delicious soon.
It’s been over two years since I last played the game, but I still remember it well.
Thinking that internally, I maintained an innocent smile on the outside and responded.
“[It’s okay. Feel free to ask anything you’d like.]”
“… Is that really okay?”
“[Of course.]”
While I might feel a little hesitant to ask something like this to someone else, having become the subject of the conversation makes it feel trivial.
It’s natural to be curious, especially when I might show such an unbelievable appearance.
When they hear my voice but see me walking around with my eyes closed, I imagine everyone would react like that.
As expected, he seemed to think a lot about whether it was okay to ask, but eventually his curiosity got the better of him, and he asked me.
“Since your eyes are closed… I was wondering if you’re okay…”
I knew he would ask that.
I chuckled.
“[I can’t see with my eyes, and I can’t hear with my ears. I have a congenital disability.]”
“Ah…”
Evan sighed at my answer.
He seemed to regret asking and was regretting it visibly.
There was no need for him to apologize.
“[It’s okay. You might be curious.]”
I responded with a smile.
Evan still seemed to feel guilty, but unlike before, he replied that it was okay, so his expression had relaxed a bit.
However, I thought that Evan’s personality might have him feeling a bit constrained inside.
That’s what I wanted, so I didn’t plan to mention it.
*
After a simple exchange of names, Evan and I engaged in casual conversation as we exited the building, parting ways there.
We promised to meet up after the classes tomorrow following the entrance ceremony.
The reason was that Evan wanted to treat me to a meal.
When I first heard that, I planned to refuse.
I thought, how could someone with no money from living as a vagrant be treating anyone to a meal?
Since Evan was one of the beloved characters among the default ones, I was aware of the circumstances well enough for this time as well.
So, I was inclined to refuse, but since he earnestly kept asking to let him pay, I reluctantly accepted.
While it was true that I initially intended to exploit his gullible nature…
I felt a bit guilty for how much he was trying to look out for me.
It was uncomfortable to contrast that with my more sinister intentions.
Since I had already accepted his offer of a meal, I couldn’t refuse it now.
Anyway…
‘What a relief.’
Since I had managed to make an acquaintance with the hero, Evan, and even took the blame for getting him suspended today, my plan was effectively a success.
Now, all that remained was to stop the demon’s attack that would happen tomorrow by sneaking into the training grounds during the entrance ceremony.
As for what happens next, I don’t remember exactly when, but I know what will happen and why, so all I need to do is prepare.
I headed towards the dormitory with a pleasant spirit.
“…”
Unlike when I arrived at the academy by carriage, I was now walking by myself, and since I didn’t have anyone by my side to assist me, I felt curious gazes and emotions filled with wonder around me.
‘I’ll have to get used to this for a while.’
During my time as a saint, I spent most of my time in the cathedral, or in a realm where there were hardly any people and monsters were popping up all day, so I wasn’t accustomed to this type of attention.
But what can I do?
From now on, I have to stay at the academy, gathering a party of heroes to defeat the demon king.
To do that, I need to meet the other default characters one at a time, starting with the hero.
There are around five basic default characters, including myself, so with Evan and me together, that leaves three others.
For now, I was satisfied with simply being acquainted with the hero and needed to develop a suitable friendship in the meantime.
Having clarified my approach for the future, I found myself arriving at the dormitory.
‘Speaking of which, I didn’t even confirm who my roommate was before leaving.’
Since a considerable amount of time had passed, they should have started arriving at the dormitory by now.
Taking a deep breath, I rehearsed a greeting for my future roommate in my mind, feeling both nervous and a little scared, but regardless, I had to enter the room…
‘Stay calm…’
Repeating to myself to stay calm as I walked up the stairs, I finally arrived at the door.
However, I had overlooked one thing.
Right now, I was checking my surroundings through sensing space with my divine power.
In other words, I could perceive the internal shape of the room and the forms of the objects inside.
Naturally, I could also sense who was inside.
Including the thoughts I could hear.
Therefore,
‘Uh…?’
A familiar shape, and…
[Ah… I want to stick to this and sleep for the rest of my life…]
A thought filled with annoyance.
I stood there frozen at the sight of someone I was all too familiar with.
