Chapter 44 - Chapter 43: The Saintess of Runesarm
"Why are there so many people here...?"
Mika stood frozen on the roadside of the main street, unable to move, and couldn't help but mutter.
Today was the second Saturday of the second month of Fire. Indeed, the height of summer afternoon.
Mika had finished morning classes and intended to go to the Guild after lunch.
Usually, on Saturdays, I train with Rimliche in the Academy's forest, but today I decided to take a break.
I had been told this by Yunressa-san when I went to the Guild last week.
"There will be revisions to the 'Flat-Rate Quests' this week, so be careful."
It seems the purchase prices and items for Flat-Rate Quests are revised from time to time.
Thinking about it, it might be natural.
The value of goods is determined by the balance of supply and demand.
Mika often collects Karemiso, but to put it extremely, if Mika collects too much, the purchase price could plummet.
Well, it's not realistic for an individual to collect enough on a weekend to cause a plummet, but...
That is why I thought I would check the revised content before tomorrow's collection.
Depending on the situation, it might become necessary to change the target from Karemiso to something else.
(For now, Karemiso is still the best, though.)
Mika originally intended to try various collections to narrow down the candidates.
But in the end, he didn't do that.
Why?
Because Sou-Labi are in the forest.
Mika had been thinking only about earning money through collection and searching for the most efficient thing.
But a slight change occurred in the premise of that purpose.
Beasts of Magic...
Mika's current purpose includes combat with Sou-Labi.
Sou-Labi are moderately small and fast as targets.
Moreover, they are surprisingly intelligent.
They can be said to be very suitable beasts for improving the precision of "Stone Bullet" and other magic.
Beasts that are too large or beasts with sluggish movements do not require precise aiming.
But with beasts that have too strong vitality, Mika's magic might not be able to defeat them.
If that happens, Mika's life will be in danger.
Considering these points, it can be said that the beast Sou-Labi is the most suitable opponent for Mika right now.
(I almost got traumatized...)
The time when I was first attacked was truly on the verge of becoming a trauma.
Since I was able to fight exactly as I thought in the rematch, it didn't become a serious situation, but the week until then was truly tough.
Thinking about such things while looking up at the crowd overflowing on the main street, a familiar bald head reflected the sunlight.
"Huh?"
"Hm?"
As Mika couldn't help but let out a voice, the other party seemed to notice.
There stood a tanned, muscular, tall bodyguard with a bald head, Tacho-chan... the innkeeper Yaroibarov-san.
"Tacho... Yaroibarov-san. Hello. Long time no see."
"You are definitely... the one Ninetiana was with...?"
"Yes, I am Mika. Thank you for your help the other day."
"Oh, so that's it. What a coincidence. What are you doing in a place like this?"
It seems Yaroibarov remembered Mika.
"I was planning to go to the Guild, but I can't move because of how many people there are."
"The Guild...? The Adventurer's Guild? Why are you going to such a place?"
Yaroibarov made a strange face.
"I am an adventurer, for the sake of it."
Saying that, Mika showed his Guild Card.
"Adventurer!? You!? ...Didn't you say you were going to the Magic Academy?"
"I suppose it's a side-job adventurer."
"Side-job, you..."
Taking Mika's Guild Card in hand, he looked at Mika's face and the card repeatedly with a surprised expression.
It doesn't matter, but the card looks incredibly small when he holds it.
It seems he is picking it up delicately with his fingertips.
"...Well, I guess he is the one Ninetiana brought along... If I get surprised every time, I won't be able to handle it."
You're saying something, Ninetiana-san.
What on earth did that person do?
"What are you doing, Yaroibarov-san? Your inn is quite far away."
Yaroibarov's inn is somewhat closer to the South Gate.
From here, even the straight-line distance seems to be about two kilometers.
"Well, I have some trivial errands. ...Anyway, if you're going to the Guild, shall I take you?"
"Take me?"
"It's right there anyway. I'll drop by for a bit since it's been a while."
Saying that, he lifted Mika up lightly without waiting for Mika's reply and put him on his left shoulder.
It wasn't a shoulder ride, so it was hard to balance.
"Whoa..."
Since Mika had nowhere to hold onto, he had no choice but to place his arm on Yaroibarov's head.
It was like an armrest.
"Be careful not to fall. Alright, let's go."
Yaroibarov, not seeming to care, walked leisurely through the crowd.
Suddenly the viewpoint became high, allowing one to see far into the distance, feeling as if a new world had opened up.
"Wow, amazing."
People, people, people.
Just how many people have gathered?
Until now, Mika had seen people like a wall, but now they were a carpet of people.
Filling the main street, people, people, people.
"Why is it so crowded today? Recently, there were fewer people and it was easier to walk."
"Hm? Why? It's because the Saintess-sama is coming. Don't you know?"
Yaroibarov answered Mika's mutter.
"Saintess?"
"Yep. The Saintess of Runesarm is visiting the Great Cathedral here in Sarbengeal. This crowd has gathered from neighboring domains to catch a glimpse of that Saintess."
Hoo~, Mika admired, and the Guild sign came into view.
About fifty meters more?
"In that case, your inn and restaurant must be very busy, Yaroibarov-san."
If so many people have gathered, the shop must be swamped.
Or rather, is it okay to sell oil in a place like this?
"The inn is closed to outsiders, and there is no restaurant in Sarbengeal. It's no different from usual."
"Oh my. That's a pity."
You are suffering a huge opportunity loss.
A waste.
However, that's right. Since the inn doesn't accept outsiders, Yaroibarov's inn might be safe.
Perhaps they refuse to lodge strange people and take other measures to guarantee safety.
"It's not a pity at all. The inn and restaurant are just my hobbies."
He had said cooking was his hobby, but it seems he is running the inn as an extension of that.
"Alright, we've arrived."
Yaroibarov put Mika down and entered the Guild directly.
Over ten parties and other adventurers inside the Guild all stared in surprise at Yaroibarov.
"Hey, that! It's 'Shuzen'!"
"Huh? 'Shuzen's' Yaroibarov!? No way, really!?"
"Oh, it's Yaroibarov-san. ...Who is that kid on his shoulder?"
The Guild floor suddenly became noisy.
Not only adventurers, but Guild staff were also flustered about something.
"Yaroibarov-san, is that spot okay?"
Mika chose the window where Yunressa was from the open windows at the counter.
Yaroibarov headed directly to the window where Yunressa was.
"Hello, Yunressa-san. How did the revision of the Flat-Rate Quests go?"
Mika called out to Yunressa, but Yunressa seemed to be in a daze.
She looked up at Mika on Yaroibarov's shoulder with a surprised expression, standing stunned.
(Looking down like this, Yunressa really has a lot of hair. I'm envious.)
Even her usual heavy blonde hair looks even fuller when viewed from above.
As a man, I cannot help but feel envy.
"Yunressa-san?"
Mika called out, but Yunressa remained in a daze.
While wondering what to do, a man came from the back of the counter.
It was the gruff old man with a mustache who interviewed Mika when he registered as an adventurer.
"Yaroibarov-san, what is your business today? It seems there are no special requests for now."
The gruff old man lightly poked Yunressa's arm with his elbow, bringing the dazed Yunressa back to reality.
However, I had heard he was famous, but I didn't expect such a commotion.
"I'm in trouble, don't make such a fuss. Today is more like accompanying this monk."
When Yaroibarov said that, all eyes turned to Mika at once.
(Eh, wait a minute!? Why do I have to be so noticed just to check the Flat-Rate Quests!?)
The business was too trivial, it was painful in reverse.
It wasn't an atmosphere where one could easily bring it up.
As Mika sweated cold sweat, Yunressa clapped her hands lightly as if remembering something.
"Oh, ah, that's right. There is good news for Mika-kun."
"Y-yes! What is it!?"
Mika jumped at the chance.
Yunressa, slightly wary of Yaroibarov, told Mika with a tense expression.
"Mika-kun's promotion was decided in the recent assessment. If we can rewrite the card, from today you will be an E-rank adventurer, Mika-kun."
Yunressa smiled at Mika and said "Congratulations."
It seems Mika's adventurer rank is going up.
But, is that all? Mika was a little disappointed.
"Oh, finally my rank is going up. Honestly, I thought it would take longer."
It has been about four months since Mika started going to the forest.
Ninetiana told me that if I complete several requests, I would rank up from F to E, so I thought it would happen sooner.
When Mika said that, not only Yunressa but the gruff old man also looked surprised.
"A-ah, Mika-kun. Usually, people who only do Flat-Rate Quests don't get promoted?"
"Huh? Monk, you only do Flat-Rate Quests?"
Yaroibarov was also surprised.
What is going on? Mika tilted his head.
"The targets for the promotion assessment are 'Requests', right? Mika-kun, you haven't accepted any 'Requests' yet, have you?"
"Huh? Flat-Rate Quests are done every week..."
"Flat-Rate Quests are not 'Requests'. Of course, they are used as material for judgment, but people who only do Flat-Rate Quests usually don't get promoted."
Huh? Mika, who still had a confused expression, was explained by the gruff old man.
"There are request sheets posted on that bulletin board, right? Those are 'Requests'. In Mika-kun's case, the number of completed requests is zero. After all, you haven't accepted any. Right?"
The old man pointed to the bulletin board and asked Mika.
Mika nodded obediently.
Mika had sometimes glanced at the request sheets, but he had never actually accepted one.
Because the only day he had free time was Sunday.
If it couldn't be completed in one day, it would be carried over to the next week.
Besides, the rewards for requests Mika could accept were not that high.
In that case, Flat-Rate Quests that could definitely be completed in one day were more convenient.
And he could also experience combat with Sou-Labi.
"It is thought that the adventurer rank system is a measure to gauge ability, but originally it was meant to represent the degree of 'contribution to the Adventurer Guild'. If there are no adventurers to handle requests, the Guild loses its reason for existence. Who would willingly pay money to entrust work if no one handles it?"
The old man looked up at Mika on Yaroibarov's shoulder and explained carefully.
"Dozens of requests come into the Guild every day. It is not uncommon to exceed a hundred. Just in this Sarbengeal alone. The Guild needs people who can properly resolve those requests."
Mika nodded.
"But the content of requests varies greatly. Ten easy requests and one life-or-death request, the Guild is more helped by achieving the life-or-death request. In other words, the contribution is higher. Therefore, points are assigned based on the content of the request. Based on the points for completing requests and the content of activities, the judgment for promotion was made."
This is probably the reason why failure in the promotion assessment also affects things.
Indeed, with this system, it would be strange for Mika, who only does Flat-Rate Quests, to be promoted.
"Then, why was I promoted?"
"In Mika-kun's case, it can be said that the records of beast extermination earned the points. Collection and purchase were also taken into reference."
The gruff old man told Mika the reason for his promotion.
"The points required to go from F-rank to E-rank were originally not that much. Beast extermination has a system where points are awarded based on the beast's rank just by itself. Because hunting one beast reduces beast damage by that amount. This is added separately from points for request completion and becomes a target for assessment."
"If the beasts disappear, the Guild's business would be over. Well, no matter how many you hunt, they won't disappear, so the Guild can rest assured and let you hunt."
Yaroibarov said something outrageous.
The gruff old man smiled bitterly.
"If Yaroibarov-san hunts all the beasts and creates a world without beasts, I would be happy to let him do so. Then we would just find new work and everything would be resolved. Shall we hire you? Come on, Yaroibarov-san. If that happens, you can return to being an adventurer with peace of mind, right?"
The gruff old man retorted to Yaroibarov.
Yaroibarov muttered as if groaning that they had enough manpower.
He looked like he regretted saying something unnecessary.
"Well, that's why, even though you only do Flat-Rate Quests, you earned the points needed for promotion just from the bonus points for beast extermination. Indeed, there are adventurers who earn points mainly by exterminating beasts, but a case where they haven't done a single request is quite rare. I hadn't even heard of it. But, well, I suppose it's fine."
Yaroibarov muttered while stroking his chin, "Indeed, I haven't heard of it."
Is it that rare?
"Of course, having zero request completions to go above E-rank is not realistic, but theoretically it is not impossible. I don't recommend it, though."
It seems the points required are incomparable to the points needed to go from F to E.
Mika didn't have any particular attachment to "zero request completions," so he thought he might try accepting a request when he had time.
After that, he checked the revised content of the Flat-Rate Quests and left the Guild.
Mika was still on Yaroibarov's shoulder as usual.
"Is it really okay, Yaroibarov-san?"
"Yep, it's not something that happens often. I'll take a look at your noble face for a bit."
When leaving the Guild, the main street was even more congested.
While Mika was wondering what to do, Yaroibarov proposed, "Let's go take a look."
What was he going to see?
Of course, the cause of this congestion.
The Saintess of Runesarm.
Yaroibarov entered a narrow alley slightly off the main street and moved briskly towards the side with no people.
It was an area in the southwest of the town that Mika had never visited.
It was an alley with a truly "dangerous atmosphere" that suited Yaroibarov.
Even though it wasn't evening yet, the alley was dim, and a stale smell hung in the air.
Garbage was scattered in the alley, and people were lying down here and there.
I see. If it's this road, surely outsiders would never approach. It's perfect for smooth movement.
It's probably what is commonly called a slum.
"This area is still safe, but don't get close, monk."
"I will absolutely not get close."
Yaroibarov moved through the alley at a speed unimaginable from his body.
He didn't look like he was running or rushing, yet he was moving at a blur.
I had no idea what kind of walking style allowed one to walk at such speed.
Walking through the alley, cheers could be heard from a distance.
"Is it around here?"
Yaroibarov muttered that, turned the corner of the narrow alley, and headed towards the main street.
Probably this direction was not the usual western main street, but somewhere on the main street leading from the Central Plaza to the South Gate.
The cheers grew louder and louder, and the alley became brighter.
And when they emerged onto the main street, the view opened up all at once.
People, people, people overflowing the main street.
More than the western main street.
If Mika got off Yaroibarov's shoulder here, he would surely be crushed.
Soldiers lined up in the center of the main street, preventing entry.
A procession of what appeared to be clergy walked through the path made by the soldiers.
The clergy wore beautiful ceremonial clothes based on white, holding staffs, silver cups, wooden branches, and bouquets.
Some were holding the "Six Rings" that Mika secretly called "Cronus".
"It seems we hit the mark exactly."
From the direction Yaroibarov pointed, a four-horse-drawn white carriage with beautiful decorations approached.
This carriage, located in the middle of the clergy procession, had no walls on the cargo bed, only beautiful pillars at the four corners.
It was probably a parade carriage.
On the cargo bed, a chair decorated luxuriously was placed.
A girl was sitting on that luxurious chair.
She seemed to be about the same age as Mika.
Probably around ten years old.
Her long silver hair reflected the sunlight and sparkled.
It was a sparkling quality that made one involuntarily think of Radi.
The girl sat straight, looking forward, with a blank expression on the luxurious chair.
(...She looks uncomfortable.)
Mika looked at the girl and thought that.
In reality, I don't know, but wouldn't she have wanted to visit the Great Cathedral normally instead of such a parade?
"Is that girl the Saintess?"
"Probably so? If she said it wasn't, that would be more surprising."
Indeed.
No matter how you look at it, with this performance, that girl must be the main character.
"Thank you very much. Yaroibarov-san. I'm fine now."
"Oh, is that so? Then let's go back."
Thus, Yaroibarov took him to near the Academy, and once the congestion subsided and Mika reached a place where he could walk alone, he was put down.
After that, following Yaroibarov's advice, I decided to cancel tomorrow's Flat-Rate Quest.
The city is in this state.
It was said that outside the city walls, a long procession would be forming to enter the city.
Mika thought so too, and decided to accompany Rimliche in her special training today, which he couldn't do.
Rimliche was very happy.
■■■■■■
【Wagnare Shubeist's Perspective】
Wagnare felt quite tired, but he walked down the corridor of the Great Cathedral without showing it.
Kararebas, who is usually behind him, had been taking separate actions recently because he had entrusted him with major work.
The visit of the Saintess of Runesarm to the Sarbengeal Great Cathedral.
Almost all of the reception and preparation for events during her stay had been entrusted to Kararebas.
It wasn't that Wagnare threw it all on him because it was troublesome.
An event as large as a Saintess's visit was something Wagnare had no experience with.
But if there was a need to do it, he had confidence that he could do it.
Similarly, he had confidence that Kararebas could do it.
Kararebas is a man with a small heart, but basically, he is excellent in all abilities.
He is not the Chief Priest of the Great Cathedral in Sarbengeal, the third largest city in the country, for nothing.
His confirmations and reports to the upper levels are accurate, and his instructions to the lower levels are clear and appropriate.
There is no way Kararebas cannot do it.
However, there is one problem.
He is weak under pressure.
So, I told him to take all the responsibility and do his best.
That Kararebas finally collapsed just now.
Perhaps due to his small heart, he paid attention to too many details and exceeded his limit.
But, preparations for all events during her stay are already complete.
There was no problem with Wagnare taking over as a bridge until Kararebas returned.
I don't think he will gain confidence from this kind of experience accumulation, but perhaps it's impossible.
If such experience accumulation led to confidence, the man Kararebas would have long ago become confident.
That is the extent of his achievements, yet Kararebas is still a man with a small heart.
If only he didn't have that weakness... I couldn't help but think that.
Wagnare finished his work in the office and was walking towards the chapel for his daily pre-sleep prayer.
Upon entering the chapel, there was a girl behind the pulpit.
The girl was looking up at the statues of the gods.
"Saintess..."
Wagnare, who is not easily surprised, couldn't hide his surprise at this.
It was already late at night, and he had received a report that the Saintess had already gone to sleep.
Moreover, it was impossible for her to be here alone without attendants.
Church Knights were stationed in front of the room prepared for the Saintess for protection.
Wagnare gasped in surprise but quickly regained his composure.
He walked up to the Saintess, knelt on one knee about two meters in front of her, and bowed his head.
"Saintess-sama, what are you doing at this hour? If you wish, I can call attendants and guide you to your room."
The Saintess did not answer Wagnare's question.
But Wagnare waited for a reply from the Saintess as is.
After waiting like that for a while, he sensed the Saintess turning around.
The Saintess came right in front of Wagnare, but did not answer his question.
It was clear from the presence that she was staring down at Wagnare.
"...You seem to be lost."
Such a voice came down.
(...)
To Wagnare, the Saintess's question was too abstract to understand.
Thinking that denying it might be disrespectful, he remained silent, and the voice came down again.
"You don't realize you are lost...? No, you do realize it. You realize it, and yet... you insist that there is only one path."
Saying that, the Saintess passed by Wagnare.
As Wagnare was thinking, "Well, how should I respond?", a sharp sound came from behind.
"Come here. Otherwise, we cannot talk properly."
When Wagnare stood up and turned around, the Saintess was sitting on a long bench.
It seems the Saintess had something to say to Wagnare.
(...Let's skip today's prayer.)
Wagnare, not letting a hint of such thoughts leak, stood up with quiet movements and sat next to the Saintess.
Wagnare and the Saintess were both facing forward.
When Wagnare raised his gaze, the statues of the gods were visible in the dim light.
"Do you think I am a Saintess?"
The Saintess asked such a thing.
"Of course."
"I do not think so."
Wagnare affirmed, but the Saintess immediately denied it.
(What is she saying...?)
It is certain that this Saintess has been granted a [Blessing].
[Heal] and [Purification], and another [Blessing] that seems to see something.
I don't quite understand the other one, but it is certain that she has been granted some [Blessing].
"...I am also lost."
The Saintess whispered.
"I was happy to think that you were also lost."
"Are you happy that I am lost...?"
"Yes, of course."
The Saintess, who had been expressionless until then, smiled for the first time.
The first smile she has shown since arriving at this Great Cathedral today.
Seeing that smile, Wagnare loosened his guard a little.
He thought he could let his guard down.
Hoo..., he exhaled.
"...I had forgotten that I was lost."
"Well."
The Saintess exaggeratedly expressed surprise, and then chuckled as if it was truly funny.
Her appearance was like that of a girl her age.
"You remembered."
"...Yes."
"That is good."
Saying that, the Saintess stood up.
At that moment, the sound of multiple hurried footsteps was heard.
When the chapel door was opened forcefully, the female deacon who had ordered the Saintess's attendants and the Church Knights guarding her came in.
"Oh, Saintess-sama! You were here!"
Saying that, the deacon collapsed on the spot.
She couldn't see the Saintess's figure, so she must have thought her heart would stop.
"...I understand your feelings, but calm down a bit more."
When Wagnare stood up and spoke, the deacon made an expression as if the end of the world had come.
Since they had been seen by the highest authority for their mistake, I can understand their feelings.
"Report the details tomorrow morning. For today, take the Saintess-sama to her room. Good night, Saintess-sama."
Wagnare bowed respectfully.
The Saintess had already returned to her expressionless state and left the chapel without saying anything.
The deacon and Church Knights hurriedly chased after the Saintess and left without closing the chapel door.
Wagnare looked sideways at the entrance and exit of the chapel and couldn't help but sigh.
"...I see. Indeed, this is a tight squeeze."
Muttering to himself, he finished the pre-sleep prayer in a simplified manner.
Returning to his own room, Wagnare was wracking his brain over the Saintess's security plan from tomorrow onwards.