“Surely…”
The Pope, or rather Asclyna, looked down at the girl in front of her with a pained expression.
It was such a long time ago, and most relics have self-awareness, so once lost, they tend to hide themselves, making them even harder to find.
In such circumstances, it was surprising enough that Aria had appeared, of course being recognized as a master.
However, what was more concerning than the fact that the enemy of light had chosen Aria was the words she had just heard.
‘The time has come for the sun that brings an end to the cold…’
There could be no doubt about the cold. There was only one underneath it.
Asclyna looked down at Aria.
Aria, with her eyes closed as always, was still looking at her with an innocent expression.
Watching her listen without any reaction seemed to make her slightly anxious.
Asclyna couldn’t help but smile inwardly.
What had once felt awkward—the detection of divine power—had now become a light guiding the path of this child confidently.
Even having lived a difficult life in the Demon World, seeing her still trying to live for more people, without losing the light in her heart, was heartbreaking.
Having already faced enough trials and tribulations… if she were to live happily from now on, no one would have anything to say against it.
Asclyna closed her eyes.
‘I must go to the Demon World.’
It was not that Aria had been taken by the Demon World, but if she had set her mind to go there, she must ensure that she took good care of Aria, at the very least.
What had they been doing until she fell off the cliff?
Even though falling from the cliff was a fate guided by relics and gods, the very fact that she fell was significant.
No matter how many strong monsters lived in the Demon World, it was unreasonable that those defending it for so long were not paying attention until Aria fell off the cliff.
And…
“Aria.”
“[Yes?]”
“Do you remember the Paladin who accompanied you when you went to the Demon World?”
“[… May I ask why you are inquiring?]”
Noticing Aria was cautiously asking, perhaps feeling something wrong about the sudden question, made Asclyna feel a smile escape her despite her attempt to hold it back.
Of course, she was not blind to how dangerous the Demon World was, so she did not intend to press too hard.
However, the fact that they had set out as a Paladin escort and had not been able to do anything while the escort target fell off the cliff left her with feelings of dissatisfaction.
It felt inexplicable that someone who was like a precious granddaughter had been left in such a way, and she felt a need to at least verify which fool had been responsible.
Eventually, seeing Aria turn her head away, as if she could not say anything, brought a sense of unease to Asclyna.
What a cute child.
It would not be that difficult to find out if she looked into it, but perhaps Aria was trying not to speak out of concern for the Paladin who protected her.
‘But… I still feel a bit uneasy.’
On the other hand, she found herself wondering what kind of feelings Aria held for that Paladin to be so protective.
Knowing what kind of child Aria was, it was likely that her reluctance to speak stemmed from her pure and good heart.
Moreover, the incident was certainly one that even that Paladin could not have managed, which might be why she was so protective.
But why was that?
Asclyna had never before felt such inexplicable and strange emotions during her time as a dragon.
When she met past saints, she thought solely about the need to protect until the Demon King was defeated, but this current saint was different.
A bit closer…
Yes, almost like family.
Though saints always appeared to defeat the Demon King, this current saint was quite different.
A girl who had suffered greatly, unable to learn language due to being disadvantaged in both sight and hearing, had become a saint through what seemed like a miracle.
In all the time she had existed as a guardian dragon, she had never seen a child like Aria.
Perhaps that was why she felt it even more strongly now.
Truly… it felt strange.
Really.
*
Not much time is left.
The content of the first semester exam, the final boss of the first semester.
Although it was called the final boss, it would be more accurate to call it a kind of raid involving many forces from the Academy.
With the involvement of that tribe and the Academy, as well as Asclyna, who was in the position of Pope, it was practically a war, so calling it a raid was fitting.
“Have you heard the news?”
“This exam content is a visit to the Demon World? That sounds pretty scary…”
“Still, since the Grand Duke is there, it should be safe, right?”
Many students in the class expressed their concerns about the exam content of visiting the Demon World.
It was to be expected.
The name of the Demon World brings fear to most people just by its mention.
It is the place where fierce monsters that crossed over from the Demon Realm in ancient times have made it their own ecosystem.
The moment the Demon World falls to the demon race is said to be the day the empire perishes, highlighting its great importance and the high level of danger it represents.
“Wow… I feel like I heard something strange today…”
Stella also seemed uneasy about having the first semester exam in the Demon World.
“The Demon World…”
Evan seemed lost in thought at the mention of the Demon World.
He might be recalling the visit he took with his master.
Since he had likely traveled to various places in the world, he probably had been to the Demon World at least once.
For me, having spent two years there, it felt more like a nostalgic place.
Even though I had died a lot there.
“Speaking of which, Aria, didn’t you say you had spent some time in the Demon World?”
“[Yes, that’s right?]”
“What is the Demon World like?”
Stella asked me with a curious expression.
Even if I were to answer her, I didn’t have much to say.
It was just a place with an incredibly rough terrain where a blizzard blows year-round, cold, and filled with monsters the size of boulders—a literal hell on earth.
If they listened to my story, they would probably want to avoid it even more, so I wasn’t sure if it would be okay.
“[Would you like to hear it? I wouldn’t particularly recommend it…]”
To give a clearer picture, sharing the experiences I had there seemed like the best way, so I tried to warn the two.
However, they seemed too curious about the Demon World to care about my warning and urged me to continue quickly.
Is that so?
Hmm…
“[Then…]”
“Just a moment.”
Huh?
What? I’ve never heard that thought before.
As I focused in a different direction, a familiar face appeared in my divine power detection.
This facial structure and that thought…
Could it be?
“Princess Uriel?!”
Evan shouted in shock as Uriel, startled, started looking around wildly before making a gesture for silence.
“Could you keep it down…? I’m not very fond of attracting attention…!”
“Ah, s-sorry.”
“I’m glad it seems no one else heard.”
So it was Uriel.
Now I remembered who she was.
The princess with the attributes of a knight.
Uriel Arhen.
From the last name, it’s clear she is from the esteemed House of Arhen.
What is she doing here?
“Are you the saint… indeed?”
Uriel immediately turned to me and asked.
“[Yes… I am the saint…]”
“…! I’ve wanted to see you for so long! It’s an honor, saint!”
Uriel’s eyes sparkled as she took my hand.
W-whoa…
“I’ve wanted to meet you for so long…”
As she rambled on, caught up in her emotions, I quickly interjected.
“[If you wanted to see me, you could have come to the confession room…]”
“I couldn’t possibly interrupt you during your official duties for something personal.”
“…”
Oh…
Well, if that’s how she feels, I can’t argue.
But I never expected Uriel to like me this much…
I hadn’t anticipated it at all.
Of course, she might admire a good person who helps her father govern the empire, but this felt a bit excessive.
It seemed she was completely unaware of how she came across.
“So, may I ask about the Demon World as well?”
“[The Demon World… you mean?]”
“It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but aside from training my sword in the imperial knight order, I have no practical experience.”
Ah… um.
I don’t mind but…
‘I hope she doesn’t develop PTSD.’
I was concerned about sharing my experiences, given how emotional she was.
However, since her eyes were shining like that, it felt too rude to refuse.
I reluctantly agreed to share.
I don’t know.
