Chapter 82 - The Fallen Saint
Eventually, the Pegasus descended slowly, bringing its face close to the window.
I reflexively readied my Light Sword.
The fact that it had managed to enter the range of the Sacred Circle meant that its lack of hostility was almost certain.
However, one could never be too sure.
As I remained on guard, the Pegasus began to tap on the window with its snout.
Its eyes were very gentle. The clear pupils reminded me of a well-trained house dog.
It held a piece of parchment in its mouth, and I could see that it was densely covered in writing.
I see.
This thing is just a giant messenger pigeon.
"The High Priest, is it?"
I opened the window and took the letter from the Pegasus.
Written there, in the characters of another world, was:
Wait at Sakaebara Port. Bring Lady Elsa with you. If these conditions are not met, I will launch an indiscriminate attack on the city. I am not a patient person, so come quickly. — High Priest Philia
Sakaebara Port.
It is a desolate pier located not far from here.
Despite the kanji for "prosperous" being used in its name, it is famous for almost all signs of human life vanishing once night falls.
That said, since this letter is written in characters similar to the alphabet, the meaning of the kanji is lost.
"...Her handwriting is as beautiful as ever."
It is likely due to my [Skill: Language Comprehension] working.
Even if it is a foreign language, I can tell whether the writing is skillful or poor.
If it is handwritten, I can even sense the atmosphere of the person who wrote it.
Just as there are "girly fonts" or "manly fonts" in Japanese, other languages also have habits that convey gender or age.
Naturally, this applies to the characters of another world as well.
The High Priest's handwriting gives the impression of being written by a highly educated woman.
While it is exceptionally elegant, it possesses a certain feminine roundness.
A person capable of writing such characters has fallen so low as to threaten attacks against ordinary citizens.
That reality is simply, purely sad.
The first time I saw the High Priest's—Philia's—handwriting was in a note left behind.
It was back when I was fifteen and had just been summoned.
When I was swinging my sword late into the night, a late-night snack would appear in front of my room before I knew it.
A single letter would be tucked between the plate and the tray. It said, 'Don't push yourself too hard.'
I remember my heart fluttering back then at the consideration shown by an older woman.
I admired her like an older sister.
I thought she was my Mother in this other world.
And now, I am thinking about how to kill her with the least amount of effort.
The version of me that feels pain in his chest while reminiscing about a kind past. The version of me that moves to dispassionately eliminate an enemy.
Both are me, and they are tied together so closely they are inseparable.
I folded the letter and shoved it into my pocket. I looked up and spoke to the Pegasus.
"Understood. Tell your master that I am heading there immediately."
Pitch-black eyes, shrouded by long eyelashes, stared at me.
If someone told me it was my imagination, I would have to accept it, but I couldn't help feeling as though it had nodded.
A Pegasus is at least smarter than a dog, and if things go poorly, it's more intelligent than a useless human.
Perhaps because I know such information, I end up treating it as if it possesses intelligence.
"You can go now."
When I asked, "Or are you going to give me a ride to the port?", it shook its head vigorously this time.
It seems we really can communicate.
"You're having a hard time too, being worked to the bone by a dangerous owner."
I don't know what the Pegasus thought of my remark, but it let out a loud neigh once before galloping through the night sky, the sound of its horseshoes echoing.
I don't know what the principle is, but when a Pegasus kicks the air, it makes a footstep sound.
As I watched the elegant messenger disappear into the far reaches of the sky, I turned back toward the room.
"Ah... so that's how it is. Rio, could you get ready to go out?"
Rio and Angelica were huddled together, staring out the window.
Both had a look of wariness in their eyes.
"Why do I have to go outside?"
"The High Priest said she'll commit indiscriminate terror if she doesn't bring you along."
"...What a huge nuisance of an old lady."
"She's relentless," I said with a wry smile.
"Don't worry. I'll protect you no matter what. Rather than not knowing when you might be targeted, it's easier to move if I keep you by my side in a state where I can predict she's clearly aiming for you."
Considering the High Priest's motives, she is likely to direct hostility toward Rio even more than toward me.
If that happens, the direction of the attack will be concentrated in one place, which actually makes things easier.
"It's fine, since it's probably Nakamoto-san so he won't lose, but... it's a pain to Change Clothes again."
Rio said, running a hand through her hair.
"It was a sudden summons, after all."
"That's why that woman dumped Nakamoto-san, isn't it?"
"Well, she has always been somewhat self-centered."
"Even though she was once even called a Saint," I trailed off, my words catching in my throat.