Chapter 73

It was quite cold outside, so I was guided into the mansion.

The kids looked like ordinary soldiers on the outside, but they were all veterans who had persistently survived in the Realm and had beaten many monsters.

Perhaps due to their unique aura of intimidation, most of the students appeared frightened.

And more than anything…

‘These guys look quite fearsome.’

For me, merely confirming their presence through Divine Power meant that I wasn’t particularly scared, despite their intimidating looks.

The advantage of not being able to see was that I could remain calm and assess situations rationally, regardless of the circumstances.

Since I couldn’t experience visual fear.

Of course, if my Divine Power were to completely deplete and I couldn’t see anything at all, even I would feel a bit of fear. But since I wouldn’t actually die… even if I encountered something dangerous, I would be more glad than scared.

“[Hmm…]”

However, a problem arose.

Well, is it even correct to call it a problem?

As I mentioned earlier, I had an exceptionally good relationship with the people from the Realm… it felt almost like they worshipped me, which is why, unlike the other kids who were assigned to ordinary rooms inside the mansion, I was called out alone.

The reason I was called out, of course…

There were people wishing to talk with me after a long time, and there were quite a few who wanted to see me.

While I didn’t mention it earlier, I could hear their thoughts, and many were eager to have a personal chat with me.

And then…

‘Why are they trying to pat my head…?’

Everyone seemed strangely fond of me.

Of course, I consider myself cute in appearance, but if I recalled my looks from the Realm, it would be hard to see me as cute.

If a girl with a doll-like appearance had been seen burning herself to heal them for years, would she still be seen as cute?

Everyone seemed to have some form of damage from fighting monsters in the Realm.

Unfortunately, mental healing isn’t my specialty, so even if I wanted to help, I couldn’t do anything.

Here was the reception room… but it was practically Valencia’s office.

I was told to stay here, and I did…

However, it seemed it took quite some time to guide the other students, who were likely exhausted from a long journey. Besides, Valencia had to converse with Argen… it wasn’t too strange that it took a while considering all the things to do.

While I sat quietly thinking this, the door suddenly creaked open, and someone stepped inside.

Hmm… Huh?

“Aria?”

The reason I call Valencia “uncle”…

To be honest, Valencia looked too young to be called an uncle at first glance. He could be described as a tall, handsome man with a cold appearance in his early 20s.

However, there was one thing…

“Is that Aria!”

He had a daughter.

Even though she was older than me, a girl of a noble age who could be called a young lady.

The girl with white hair opened her eyes wide when she saw me and dashed towards me with sparkles in her eyes.

Perhaps because of my youthful appearance, she thought I was younger than her and asked me to call her “sister”…

…

Am I really that young…?

‘Now that I think about it, I don’t even know how old I am…’

After meeting Lucia after a long time, I suddenly felt curious.

It seemed everyone was just looking at my appearance, but I didn’t even know my actual age either.

It had been two and a half years since I entered the body of a girl named Aria, yet my body still hadn’t grown, making it even harder to tell.

Well, this part likely has to do with the healing powers I received after becoming a Saint.

In any case, it’s nice that things turned out this way, and I find her cute trying to act like an older sister.

From having such a well-mannered daughter, it’s clear that Valencia is, of course, married and had a beautiful wife.

However, I heard that his wife was weak and passed away after giving birth to Lucia.

Since she had been dead for so long, there was nothing I could do to bring her back.

What should I say…

Thinking about it now, I sometimes feel that my healing power isn’t all that omnipotent.

It works well because I’m using it, but it’s riddled with flaws.

After all, giving the power to easily save lives without any risks is nonsensical.

Most Saints would struggle to use it like I do.

They don’t call me the Devoted Saint or the Miracle Saint for no reason.

Well… since it’s been a while and Lucia likes me too.

“[Ah… It’s been a while, Sister Lucia~]”

“Hmm… You don’t have to call me ‘Sister’ so stiffly; you can just call me ‘Sister’.”

“[I’m sorry. This is just my habit.]”

I must keep my concept.

Even if I show a somewhat innocent character, I still need to act like a Saint; otherwise, it wouldn’t feel cute.

Always sacrificing for others while suffering through hardships and adversities, yet always gentle and kind, with a lively side to boot…

Suddenly realizing, I wonder if such a Saint even exists in this world.

Is my concept okay as it is?

“Say, Aria~”

“[Ah… Yes?]”

“What are you thinking about? It’s been a while since we met…”

“[Oh, I’m sorry… I was just lost in thought for a moment…]”

“Waa…”

Oh no…

It seems I upset her.

Lucia tends to hold a grudge for quite a while if she gets upset.

There’s nothing I can do about it.

“[I’m really sorry. Sister Lucia… Will you please forgive me just this once?]”

As I spoke, Lucia’s body jolted as she turned her head away, as if sulking.

Slowly, a smile began to spread on her face.

“Um, s-say it again!”

Well.

I’m sorry, but just one time is all I can offer.

“[If you accept my apology, I’ll do it as many times as you want~]”

“Ah…! W-wait… um…”

She seemed to be deep in thought, not answering for a while.

And then…

“Okay, I’ll accept your apology…”

It seemed she determined that being called “sister” was better for her after all.

Considering the two years we spent together, I’ve hardly called her “sister” at all.

Honestly, I don’t call others by ‘brother’ or ‘sister’.

Even if I call her ‘sister’, it’s hard to call a man ‘brother’, so I stick to calling them ‘brother-in-law’ or ‘sister-in-law’ instead.

It’s not only for that reason, but…

To put it simply, it’s quite rare for me to use different titles towards others.

“[Thank you, Sister Lucia.]”

Mentally, I’m actually older than her.

Lucia seemed thrilled to be called “sister” by me and shouted with a widespread smile.

Does she realize that by behaving like this, she makes herself look even younger…?

She probably doesn’t.

Anyway, after spending time catching up with Lucia for a while, about 30 minutes passed.

I could sense someone approaching from this side.

But…

‘Two people?’

Why are two people coming this way?

If it were just two ordinary people, I’d think there was a reason for it, but my Divine Power could detect who was beyond the door.

And among those who were detected, one was obviously Valencia…

And the other one…?

‘Argen Isis?’

Why is the principal here?

While I was puzzled about why they were coming here, Valencia and Argen, who arrived in front of me, opened the door with a creak.

“Aria, are you here?”

Even calling my name as soon as they entered.

Do they have something they want to talk about?

It might be good to respond at least.

“[Ah… Yes?]”

“I see you’re here. I’m sorry for making you wait so long.”

“[It’s fine. I really enjoyed talking with Lucia after such a long time.]”

“… Well, that’s a relief to hear. I apologize for interrupting your good time, but… if you have a moment, could we discuss something briefly?”

Oh…

They probably brought me here to discuss something.

“[Of course.]”

“Then come in.”

“Excuse me.”

As Argen stepped inside and turned to look at me.

Her expression was…

‘Stiff?’

What’s up with her?

Could it be…

‘No way?’

Did she realize something would happen during this Realm tour…?

…

That can’t be.

They wouldn’t have figured that out unless they spoke directly with the bear beastmen.

It was only those beasts who informed us how soon the seal on that monster would break.