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Chapter 3: Fate

A month had passed since Emi and Ange came to the frontier.

The training to enhance the Saintess’s powers through farming was progressing smoothly, and the results were gradually becoming visible. Especially Emi, who was diligently engaged in farm work.

She had also started voluntarily requesting to spar with me.

“Hah!”

“Your movements have improved again, Emi.”

“Even if you easily block me, it sounds like sarcasm!”

“I’ve been training too.”

As a teacher, I have no intention of letting Emi get the upper hand. However, since coming to the frontier, Emi’s growth has been remarkable.

She unleashes her abundant energy on me, like a fish taking to water. Her handling of magic can only be described as rough, but she naturally possesses high physical abilities.

Because she feels her skills improving every time she hones her magic, she’s becoming more enthusiastic. Then, it’s my role to accept that enthusiasm without diminishing it.

“Take this!”

“Too naive.”

“Ah!? Kya!”

I seized the moment when her movements became sloppy, pulling her overextended arm to break her stance. I then pinned her down to the ground.

Defeated, Emi groaned in frustration. But she soon stopped resisting and relaxed her body. It’s helpful that she accepts defeat gracefully.

“Sensei, you’re too strong!”

“Thank you.”

“There are few people in the Demon Kingdom as strong as you, and yet you’re a Saintess…”

“Do you still not see the value in the Saintess’s powers?”

“I’m painfully aware of it! Don’t you feel sorry for other Saintesses? I almost pity them for being compared to you.”

“Why are you saying the same things as Torte?”

“Why don’t you put your hand on your heart and think about it?”

I tried expressing my dissatisfaction silently, but Emi lightly ignored me.

So, as she suggested, I put my hand on my chest and pondered, and Emi, who was watching me, spat out the water she was about to drink. Honestly, what a waste of water.

“Cough, cough…! You didn’t have to actually do it!”

“I just did what you said…”

“Shut up! I can’t tell if you’re unaware or just playing dumb!”

“There’s no need to yell… Don’t you feel like showing some respect to the teacher who’s sparring with you?”

“Yeah, yeah. By the way, are you really okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“About Ange. It’s been a month since we came here, but you haven’t gotten any closer to her at all.”

Emi said, furrowing her brows. The fact that she went out of her way to confirm means she’s worried in her own way. It’s endearing when I think of it that way.

Speaking of Ange, unlike Emi, the distance between us remained unchanged.

“It can’t be helped; everyone has their own compatibility and pace. Besides, I’m not troubled by it.”

“Aren’t teachers usually supposed to want to get along with their students?”

“Emi, do you think Ange likes you?”

“Ugh… When you put it that way, I do feel a bit of distance…”

“If she hasn’t opened up even to someone who’s known her longer, I don’t presume she’ll open up to me.”

“…Are you really okay with that?”

“It’s not ideal, but there’s no point if Ange doesn’t open up even if I approach her. Then waiting patiently is also an option. I’ve asked Torte to keep an eye on her, too. I appreciate your concern, though.”

“Haah!? It’s not like I’m worried about you! A-Anyway! I like living here more than I thought! It would spoil the mood if the atmosphere got bad!”

“If that’s the case, then it’s fine.”

Emi truly is a girl with big emotional swings. But that’s also one of her good points.

She’s reacting this way because she’s worried about me and Ange.

“…Well, about Ange. I know she’s carrying something heavy. But she doesn’t tell me anything, so it’s even harder for her to open up to you.”

“She seems to be very sensitive.”

“…If you act like you understand too much, she’ll dislike you. Even I know that Ange hates that kind of thing.”

“I’m aware of that too.”

“When you’re too understanding, I can’t trust you…”

I wonder why. Emi, are you perhaps being negatively influenced by Torte? Even though I’m thinking so much about my students, I couldn’t help but think that.

“Sensei.”

“Oh, Torte. What’s up?”

While I was preparing dinner, as it was my turn today, Torte called out to me.

I wondered what she wanted, and she had an exasperated expression.

“You’re the one who asked me to keep an eye on Ange… I’m here to report.”

“Ah, that’s right. How’s Ange lately? Are you getting along?”

“Well… It’s hard to say. When she hides her true feelings that much, I have no idea what she’s thinking.”

“She’s thorough.”

In our regular classes and daily life, Ange doesn’t do anything problematic. She follows instructions and doesn’t make unnecessary resistance.

On the other hand, she rarely approaches us or makes requests. I find it easier when someone expresses their emotions openly like Emi.

Considering these points, the sense of distance with Ange is still in a tentative state.

“Sensei, may I ask you something?”

“What is it, Torte?”

“Are you perhaps acquainted with Ange?”

I couldn’t help but look back at Torte’s face at her question.

“Why do you think that?”

“Well, I just thought that might be the case… It might just be my imagination…”

“Why do you think it’s your imagination?”

“Um, I don’t want you to misunderstand Ange, but… Sometimes, when Ange looks at you… her eyes…”

“Yes?”

“…She looks like she hates you, Sensei.”

At Torte’s words, I fell silent for a moment.

It must have been hard to say. Rather, I think she trusted me enough to tell me.

“Is that so? But it’s okay.”

“Eh? N-No, how can it be okay…”

“Even if Ange hates me, does that cause any problems?”

“Yes, it does!”

“Why?”

“B-Because… If Ange really hates you, what kind of face should I make?”

“Torte. You know that emotions don’t always go as we wish, and that sometimes they lead people to unbelievable actions. If Ange hates me, only she can change that.”

“I-I know that, but…”

“Talking to someone might help Ange calm her feelings, but I don’t intend to deliberately give her that opportunity.”

“Are you really okay with that? If Ange hates you…”

“Even so, I’ve decided to accept her as she is.”

At my answer, Torte narrowed her eyes and glared at me suspiciously. She stared at me as if probing, looking very much like a small animal.

“…You really do know her, don’t you?”

“No, we have no acquaintance. We might have passed by each other before.”

“…Sigh. I don’t understand. I don’t understand Ange’s feelings or what you’re thinking. It makes me even more worried because there’s nothing I can do.”

“Are you worried?”

“Do you think I wouldn’t be worried!?”

“No, thank you. I’m glad, Torte.”

“It sounds like you’re evading…”

She’s figured me out. That said, there are many things I can’t reveal to Torte yet. I have to accept that she’ll doubt me.

Still wearing a doubtful expression, Torte asked me.

“…It seems like you’re treating Ange specially, aren’t you?”

“Is that so? Well, maybe you’re right.”

“Why?”

“If I say it’s because I understand how she feels, you’ll get angry.”

“I don’t think you really understand. Because you’re you. You evade even when I’m worried!”

“That’s unfortunate.”

“That’s why I say you don’t understand people’s hearts!”

“All the more reason I want to face Ange in the way I’ve decided. So I’ll wait until she opens up to me. Besides, nothing problematic is happening now, right?”

“…I’m just uneasy.”

Torte muttered, pouting her lips in dissatisfaction. I patted her head as she seemed sulky. The soft feel of her fluffy hair was comforting.

“I’m sorry, Torte. But I’m fine.”

“Ugh… You say that without any basis…”

“No matter what happens, what you fear will never come to pass. I’ll make sure of it.”

“…Please resolve it as soon as possible. I don’t want to have a falling out with you or Ange. You’re my first teacher, and she’s my first junior.”

“Yes, I understand.”

I don’t intend to leave this issue unresolved forever. Still, I haven’t acted because I was convinced that the time would come when I could face her.

That opportunity came sooner than I expected.

After dinner, everyone returns to their rooms to spend their time as they wish.

It’s free time until bedtime, but someone came to visit me.

“Sensei, may I have some of your time now?”

It was Ange who came. I confirmed her presence and looked at what she was holding.

I couldn’t help but frown. Where did she find that? Whether she noticed my question or not, Ange just looked at me.

“Now? And with ‘that’ in your hand?”

“Is that a problem?”

“…Well, it’s fine.”

“Then, shall we go outside?”

Prompted by Ange, I quietly headed outside. I didn’t want Emi and Torte to notice.

Perhaps she felt the same, as she hid her presence skillfully. I didn’t expect her to be able to do such a thing.

Ange was walking ahead, so I ended up following her. What bothered me was what she was holding.

“Ange, did you take that ‘sword’ without permission?”

“Yes, I found it during cleaning, so I borrowed it.”

She said nonchalantly without any malice. What she was holding were two swords I had stored in the warehouse. By the way, I don’t recall telling her where they were kept.

“I wasn’t hiding them, but it’s not commendable.”

“You’re giving Emi instruction, aren’t you? Then there’s no problem if I ask you too, right?”

“So you brought swords.”

“You’ll accept, won’t you, Sensei?”

“…Understood. Let’s have a match.”

Ange had never asked me for anything before. Now that she finally voiced a desire, I had to respond.

If I refused here, she would probably never acknowledge me as her teacher. I was certain of that.

When I agreed, Ange tossed one of the swords to me. I caught it and drew it from its sheath, and she did the same, taking a stance.

“Well then, here I come.”

“Go easy on me.”

Ange stepped forward. Her acceleration was instant, closing in on me. She swung her sword in a diagonal slash, which I blocked with my own sword.

The sound of clashing blades echoed, and Ange, repelled, took a step back.

She immediately stepped to the side, twisting her body. Using her twisted posture, she unleashed a horizontal slash that tore through the air.

The swung sword barely missed me by a hair’s breadth. As if anticipating that, Ange stepped in further.

Without pausing, her sword came at me. I sometimes blocked, parried, and kept my distance to dodge her attacks.

The phrase “no time to catch your breath” was apt. The fact that she could unleash such relentless and precise attacks proved her excellent swordsmanship.

“Quite impressive. It’d be a waste to leave you as a Saintess.”

“Sensei, are you holding back?”

“No. I’m not doing that.”

“Then are you saying this is your true ability?”

A particularly loud clash of swords rang out. A numbing impact transmitted through the blade.

Ange stepped in more fiercely than before, glaring sharply at me.

“There’s no way your ability is only at this level. Show me your true power, Sensei. You’re actually better with a sword than unarmed, aren’t you?”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because I know about you. Are you still going to act like this?”

Her increasingly fierce attacks seemed to express Ange’s emotions through her sword.

More than words or demeanor, her sword conveyed her feelings honestly. That’s why I could sense it—the wild and turbulent emotions she harbored within.

“Despite being a Saintess, you were skilled with the sword and had a brilliant mind. Back then, everyone praised you. There’s no way your ability is only at this level.”

“Ange. No matter how much you provoke me, I won’t get serious.”

“…Why?”

“It’s just a sparring match. And as you guessed, Angie, I’m originally skilled with a sword. However, I’m not good at holding back when I use it, so I won’t be going all out.”

“…Why not?”

“Because I might hurt you.”

“You can’t hold back? Is that really the only reason?”

“…”

“So you’re going to stay silent, Sensei? Then, if I try to kill you, will you remain silent too?”

A chill ran down my spine, snapping my consciousness into sharp focus. As I parried the sword aimed to sever my neck, I locked eyes with Angelina.

Emotions she’d never shown before flickered in her eyes. Intense negative feelings made her blue eyes waver like flames. I was oddly impressed she’d kept such strong emotions hidden until now. Not that this was the time to be thinking about that.

“Please stop, Angie.”

“You knew everything! You knew and still said that to me! But you also know that mere words won’t stop me!”

I understood. If she held the feelings I suspected, she had no reason to stop.

The raw emotions she unleashed seemed intent on piercing me endlessly, inflicting wounds that would never heal.

“—I’ve always hated you, Tia Pāson!”

Her exposed feelings must have pushed her forward; the sword tip I should’ve narrowly dodged grazed my cheek.

A thin red line appeared where my cheek was sliced, blood beginning to trickle. There was no time to wipe it away. Angie was still aiming to tear me apart.

“If you want to stop me, then stop me by force! You have the power to do it, don’t you?”

“What you asked for was a sparring match, not to hurt you.”

“Are you still pretending to be a teacher? You of all people!”

Angie shouted, stepping in as if to say she couldn’t accept this.

Her relentless attacks came like a storm. Seeing her throw herself into it recklessly filled me with sorrow.

I couldn’t help but feel pain from the emotions she directed at me. But this pain was the pain of the feelings she’d been harboring. The one truly hurting wasn’t me—it was Angie.

“Everything, everything! It’s all your fault! Heretical saint! Apostate who betrayed the church!—You ‘traitor’ who let my precious person die!!”

At some point, Angie had started crying. I couldn’t tell if she even realized it herself. She was just swinging her sword desperately.

[Illustration No.12]

Unable to accept it, powerless to do anything else, all she could do was cry and scream.

“Why, why did you let ‘Onee-sama’ die when you’re this strong!!”

—’Onee-sama.’ That single word made my movements falter for an instant.

As if not missing the opening, Angie closed in. Her anguished expression was vividly etched in my vision.

“She was called the greatest saint! Why? If you and your kind hadn’t failed, I wouldn’t be living this life! That’s why I can’t forgive you—!!”

—Thud. The sensation of something piercing flesh hit me.

For a moment, the pain nearly made me black out, but I grimaced and stayed conscious. Even so, I didn’t close my eyes.

In front of me stood Angie, her face a picture of shock. The sword she held had pierced my abdomen, blood running down its length to wet her hands.

“…Huh?”

I heard Angie’s bewildered voice. When I tried to reply, I coughed up blood as I exhaled.

The taste of blood spread in my mouth—a familiar, unpleasant taste that always made me feel sick.

“Angie… does this satisfy you a little?”

As reality seemed to catch up with her, Angie looked up at me in confusion.

Anger, sorrow, hatred—her emotions flickered rapidly across her face.

“…Did you do that on purpose? You took the hit intentionally? Why didn’t you dodge!? You could’ve avoided it! So why did you do this!? Do you think this would make me accept it!?”

She probably didn’t know what to feel toward me anymore. Even though I’d led things to this point, I knew I’d done something cruel.

Angie began to tremble, her face contorted in pain.

“Even if you show me pity, it just makes me feel miserable…!”

“…You’re right. But it’s okay. I won’t die from a wound like this.”

I pressed a hand on Angie’s shoulder and pulled out the sword lodged in my abdomen. Blood spurted as I removed it, but the wound quickly closed.

Thanks to the self-healing from the ‘Blessing’ spell I’d cast on myself, injuries like this healed without conscious effort. Knowing that, I’d been able to pull off such a stunt.

All that remained was the fatigue from blood loss. Angie stared at me, dumbfounded as I stood there unscathed.

“I’m still your teacher, after all. I wouldn’t let my student commit an irreparable mistake.”

“…What is that supposed to mean?”

Her voice was low, her bitten lips on the verge of bleeding.

“Isn’t it ridiculous? Being pitied by someone I hate, dismissed as if my hatred means nothing…!”

“Do you really think it means nothing?”

For the first time today, I spoke to Angie in a stern tone.

She flinched, looking at me in surprise before taking a step back. I grabbed her hand before she could retreat. Her blood-soaked hand was still warm.

“Angie. You just stabbed someone. If it weren’t me, they’d be dead.”

“…!”

“Even if you’d managed to kill me in your rage, would it have satisfied you? Could you have lived without regretting harming someone like this?”

I pressed her with my words, watching her expression crumble.

She shrank, her gaze dropping like a scolded child. I placed a hand on her shoulder, encouraging her to look up.

“Is this really what you wanted to do, Angie?”

“…! Then what am I supposed to do!? And you, of all people, are asking me that!?”

She shook off my hand, shouting as her emotions overflowed.

Her grip on her chest with bloodied hands stained her clothes, but she didn’t seem to care. She just clenched tightly, tears streaming down.

“It hurts so much, I’m so sad and frustrated! How am I supposed to find relief!”

“I don’t have the words or power to save you. I can’t undo the fact that I took your precious person from you. No matter how pathetic I feel, I can’t change the past.”

The words I spoke were my raw, unfiltered truth. Exposing my heart reignited old pains, but so what? My own suffering could wait. I couldn’t leave someone who hated me this much to face her pain alone.

“So no matter how much you hate me, I don’t mind. I’ll accept all your feelings. It’s the only thing I can do for you.”

I reached out to her again, this time gently holding her trembling hand.

I wanted to reassure her that she didn’t need to hold on so tightly to her anguish. This time, I gripped her hand firmly, determined not to let go.

“Angie, I don’t want you to die. If you bear a grudge, I’ll take it all. And someday, when you wish for a future, I want to help you move forward. That’s my hope.”

“…Why would you do that for me?”

“If ‘she’ were alive, she would have done the same for you. So I want to help you in her stead, to do what I couldn’t for her.”

When I referred to ‘her’—the person Angie called ‘Onee-sama.’

I wondered how much our images of her overlapped. I fervently hoped they were the same.

If they were, perhaps we could share the understanding that we carried the same pain.

“—I’m sorry I’m so late. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you until now, Angie.”

As I spoke, Angie weakly squeezed my hand in return.

Her grip grew stronger, and then she began to sob. Her crumpled expression resembled that of a helpless child, her overflowing tears soaking my chest.

“…Ugh, uuuuh, waaaaaaah—!!”

Finally, unable to hold back, Angie broke into tears, releasing all she’d been bottling up.

I simply held her quietly, until her tears subsided.

＊　＊　＊ ＊　＊　＊

“…I’m sorry for showing you such an embarrassing side of me.”

“It’s quite alright.”

We had moved to my private quarters. We agreed to discreetly dispose of our bloodstained clothes. If Torte found out about tonight, she’d make a fuss. For Angie’s sake, I didn’t want anyone to know.

Having changed clothes, Angie pressed a wet towel to her face, appearing calm but somewhat downcast.

She’d unleashed her emotions because I’d guided her to; she didn’t need to feel bad about it. I didn’t mind being the villain if it helped her.

Even so, I was aware that my method had been a rough, drastic measure.

“…Did you know everything and wait until I confessed, Sensei?”

“I suspected you might hate me. But I could only imagine what you truly felt. I didn’t want to risk making things worse based on uncertain guesses. So I thought it best to wait until you were ready to tell me.”

Angie had every reason to hate me, and I believed her hatred was justified. I was involved in the cause of her suffering.

“As a princess and a saint of the Holy Kingdom, you shouldn’t have been treated this way. It’s all because of my failure ‘four years ago.’ I don’t even know how to apologize properly for it.”

“Please stop, Sensei… It’s alright now.”

Lowering the towel from her eyes, Angie looked at me with reddened eyes.

Her expression was one I’d never seen before—so gentle yet fragile, as if it might vanish at a touch.

I felt this was perhaps closest to her true self. Maybe because she’d kept it hidden so stubbornly until now.

“I think… I just wanted someone to accept how I felt about this unbearable reality… You knew that, didn’t you, Sensei?”

“I didn’t know; I only guessed. But from that, I could predict how you might act. I hoped I was wrong, but even so, it’s better than the worst-case scenario.”

“The worst-case… What did you imagine that to be?”

“If you had given up entirely. If no matter what, you wouldn’t open your heart, and ended up accepting your own death in despair—there would have been nothing I could do.”

“Sensei…”

“In that case, I’d rather you hated me. As long as you were alive, there was a chance I could reach you. I vowed to accept whatever words you had for me when you finally opened your heart.”

At this, Angie looked down, murmuring softly.

“…Why would you go so far for someone like me?”

“Please don’t say ‘someone like me.’ Your precious person—’Jessica’—would have helped anyone, wouldn’t she? That’s reason enough for me to help you.”

I reached out and gently stroked her head.

Even now, saying ‘Jessica’ made my chest ache.

But if it meant Angie would open her heart, such pain was insignificant.

“My ‘best friend’ spoke fondly of you, calling you a cute girl with a smile. I need no other reason to help you.”

At my words, Angie slowly raised her face. Tears welled up in her eyes once more.

As I wondered whether to use a ‘Blessing’ to heal her, she whispered so faintly it was almost inaudible—an apology to me.

“I’m sorry, Sensei. I was only thinking of myself… That person, ‘Onee-sama,’ was your best friend.”

“Yes… She was an irreplaceable friend. Losing her is a regret I’ll carry forever. I respected her that much.”

Indeed. No matter what happens, I’ll never forget.

The pain that pierces my heart will never heal.

I’ll continue to bear this endless remorse.

Even so, I won’t dismiss the fortune of having met her. I’ve resolved that in my heart.

A natural smile formed on my face, though it seemed to stir Angie further.

“I’m truly sorry. I had no right to condemn you…”

“It’s alright. If it helps you open your heart and look forward, that’s enough. I’m sorry I took so long.”

“You say you were late, Sensei… but it couldn’t be helped, right? I understand that I’m not someone you could easily meet.”

“Even so, if I hadn’t been exiled to the frontier, I might have been able to be by your side… Though it was my choice not to.”

I bit my lip, realizing I’d said too much.

Angie fixed me with a determined gaze, newfound strength in her eyes.

“…Sensei. Will you tell me why you were exiled as a heretical saint? And what really happened ‘four years ago’ when everything changed?”

“Angie, that’s…”

“No one has ever told me the truth about that day. But you were at the center of it all; you must know what happened. I want to know everything. Only then can I decide my own path. Please, tell me.”

Ah, I see. She’s made up her mind.

The rumors I’d heard about Angie painted her as a sheltered princess.

Her mother had passed away, and her father, the king who loved his late wife dearly, doted on her. They said she was spoiled, growing up to be an ineffectual princess.

But looking at her now, it’s clear those were lies. Angie had been enduring all along.

Tossed by emotions she couldn’t soothe herself, she still held the courage to step forward when the chance came to fulfill her wishes.

I needed to respond to her resolve. If I was to continue being her teacher, I had to face her properly.

“…Alright. This might take a while. It all started ‘four years ago.’ That year, many saints, myself included, achieved outstanding results and were called the golden generation.”

Those days were indispensable in shaping who I am now.

If someone asked what my most treasured thing was, even now, I’d say it was those days.

“Though I was said to have the top marks among the exceptional saints, there was someone I respected even more.”

I can still vividly recall her. She was my guiding star, my eternal aspiration, and my dearest friend.

“That person was someone you know well—’Jessica Artin.’ Born into the Artin family, a cadet branch of the royal lineage, she was called the ‘most noble saint’ at the time. She showed me the path I should take and was the friend I respected more than anyone.”

＊　＊　＊ ＊　＊　＊

Four years ago, when I was the same age as Angie and her peers.

As graduation approached, bringing with it noble titles, the academy buzzed with those reluctant to part ways. Avoiding the clamor, I practiced alone in a quiet courtyard.

Being an orphan with few close friends—most of whom were staying in the capital—I didn’t resonate with the sentimental atmosphere.

As I swung my sword, she—Jessica—appeared as if she’d sniffed me out. Her long black hair swayed, and her clear blue eyes sparkled as she approached.

Even now, I wonder why she was so drawn to me.

“Tia!”

“…Do you need something, Jessica?”

“Not really! I just saw you practicing your sword again and came to watch!”

“I’m not putting on a show.”

“If it were a show, you’d make loads of money!”

“I told you, it’s not a show.”

Her relentless chatter was exasperating. I wanted to ask if she was even listening.

Knowing it was futile to argue, I ignored her. Even as I resumed my practice, Jessica showed no sign of leaving. Eventually, she sat down and started observing me.

With nothing else to do, I focused on my sword swings.

“Your swordsmanship is truly beautiful, Tia.”

“…What are you saying all of a sudden?”

“I’m just speaking my mind.”

My concentration broke, and I lost motivation. If her goal was to interrupt me, she was succeeding.

Feeling annoyed, I glared at her. Misinterpreting, she sprang up and drew the sword at her waist.

“Hehe, seeing you practice made me want to spar! Alright, I’m taking you down today!”

“…Fine, I understand.”

Knowing it was pointless to refuse, I resigned myself to sparring with her.

We crossed swords multiple times, but I won every bout. Jessica wasn’t unskilled, but I had no intention of losing.

To live strongly, I had to pursue excellence relentlessly.

As I wiped my sweat, Jessica lay sprawled out, breathing heavily, but still exclaimed in frustration.

“Aww, couldn’t beat you today either! So frustrating!”

“If you’re frustrated, you should look the part.”

“Don’t you get it? Don’t you? Well, it’s you, Tia!”

“Are you mocking me?”

“I’m frustrated, but more than that, I’m amazed by how incredible you are!”

“…I’d rather you just mock me.”

“Why!? But really, Tia, you’re amazing! You’re the only saint who’s been appointed as both an official and a knight, right? As expected of the most outstanding new saint!”

“And the ‘most noble new saint’ isn’t too shabby either.”

“I hate that nickname! It was made up by people who dislike you and want to pit us against each other!”

“But it’s the truth, isn’t it?”

“Being noble doesn’t make me great! Sure, I’m related to the royal family, but that’s all!”

Is that something to dismiss so lightly? Nobility really is beyond my understanding.

As I was pondering this, Jessica asked me a question.

“What do you want to achieve by becoming so strong, Tia?”

“…Didn’t you say it yourself?”

“Me? Did I say something?”

She looked genuinely puzzled.

“Don’t you remember? When I was accused of cheating because I was an orphan with top grades.”

“Oh, that did happen!”

“You intervened when I ignored them, jumping right in.”

“Ah, that’s right! Because you had excellent grades from hard work, right?”

“Exactly.”

“Exactly?”

“You told them that my abilities were due to my efforts, and that aspiring saints should humbly accept the truth.”

“I said something that admirable? Go me!”

“You have a wonderful memory. Glad you’re so happy.”

“You praised me!”

“What a blissful mind you have… Then you also said saints should carry themselves with dignity befitting symbols of the Holy Kingdom. After that, you started hanging around me.”

“Oh… I only remember thinking it was a chance to get closer to you!”

“…Well, thanks to that, I am who I am now.”

Before meeting Jessica, I was indifferent to others—to the point where people thought I looked down on them.

This only fueled resentment, but after Jessica began interacting with me, I became more conscious of acting appropriately as a saint.

Fewer people openly criticized me after that. Though I wasn’t entirely convinced, perhaps Jessica had a point.

“You told me to aim to be respected rather than resented, and that I could achieve it.”

“…Did I say such an embarrassing thing?”

“You did.”

“So basically, you became an amazing saint because you valued what I said? It’s all thanks to me!”

“That’s what I’ve been saying.”

“Ugh, Tia, you say embarrassing things so bluntly…”

Jessica began twirling a strand of hair around her finger, blushing.

She didn’t mind saying things that embarrassed me, yet here she was getting flustered.

“I don’t see what’s so embarrassing.”

“Because it makes me happy.”

“Happy?”

I couldn’t fathom why she’d be happy.

“Because you’re my ideal, Tia. Hearing that someone I look up to says they became great thanks to me—it’s strange but not bad!”

“…Is that so.”

Really, it’s you who embarrasses me with such straightforward words.

“Hehe! We’re best friends, aren’t we!”

“Best friends…?”

“Why do you look confused? Do you not like it?”

“Jessica, I’m an orphan, and you’re a noble connected to the royal family. Given our status difference, it’s unusual for us to be friends.”

“If common sense says I can’t be friends with you, then who needs it?”

“It’s not about needing it…”

I sighed, exasperated. Jessica leaned in, eyes narrowed.

I leaned back instinctively, but she didn’t back off.

“So if the world told you that you’re unfit to be a saint and should stay quiet, you’d just obey?”

“…No. I wouldn’t care.”

“Exactly! So stick to your convictions! Of course, it’s important to strive for acceptance, but conceding is different! I like you just the way you are and wanted to be your friend!”

“…But why did you want to be friends with me so badly?”

“Because you’re the saint closest to my ideal!”

Jessica beamed, her smile as radiant as the sun.

Stepping back, she spread her arms and spun around.

“I believe being born a saint has great meaning. Saints can purify the world’s distortions, heal, and protect people, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I think the Goddess grants us power because there are people who need it. There are those who can only be saved by saints, people suffering and struggling even now. If we’ve been given the power to help them, don’t you want to live a life worthy of it? That’s why I admire you, Tia!”

…Honestly.

Jessica remained as incomprehensible as ever.

How could she say such things to an orphan with good grades, all while smiling so brightly? I couldn’t understand.

“…I see.”

“Hehe, that’s how it is!”

“Then I must strive not to bring shame as a saint. It’d be scary if I let you down.”

“You’ll be fine, Tia.”

She said it with uncharacteristic poise, exuding the elegance befitting the noble Artin family.

Even now, I remember her words.

And I know I’ll never forget them.

“—Because you will become the most wonderful saint in this world, Tia.”

＊　＊　＊ ＊　＊　＊

“And that’s how Jessica pulled me, someone who tended to isolate herself, into connections with others.”

“…That sounds just like Onee-sama.”

As I shared memories of Jessica, Angie listened quietly, tears welling but her expression gentle.

When she said ‘That sounds just like her,’ I felt the same warmth. It filled my chest with a soft heat, making me genuinely happy.

“Looking back, I realize that Jessica’s kindness and cheerfulness saved me. What kind of person was she to you, Angie?”

“To me, Jessica Onee-sama was more of a sister than my actual siblings. I had a different mother from my brothers and sisters, so we didn’t get along well…”

“I’d heard about that, but I didn’t know it was so severe.”

“Yes, well, it was. I loved her so much that I’d count down the days until Jessica Onee-sama would come to play with me. She told me all sorts of stories and always tried to make me laugh. Of course, she also talked about you, Sensei.”

“About me?”

“Yes. She spoke often about how strong and admirable you are. She said you were her role model and that she couldn’t afford to lose to you.”

“…I see.”

Perhaps that’s why Angie had no choice but to hate me even more. Losing someone as significant as Jessica must have been unbearable.

“I also heard about you from Jessica.”

“…What did Jessica Onee-sama say about me?”

“She spoke fondly of you as a cute little sister she wanted to protect.”

When I said that, Angie seemed to hold her breath. Tears welled up in her eyes, and I couldn’t help but notice.

“…I’m sorry… I just couldn’t hold back the tears…”

“It’s alright. Please, wipe your tears.”

As she wiped away the tears she couldn’t suppress, Angie murmured in a shaky voice. When I offered her a handkerchief, she accepted it with a grateful smile.

Even as she wiped her tears, Angie managed to keep smiling, which was a relief.

“It’s been so long since I talked about Jessica Onee-sama that I couldn’t help but cry. Since that day, talking about her became a forbidden topic.”

“…Indeed.”

I couldn’t help but respond in a strained voice.

Noticing the change in my tone, Angie’s smile faded, and she adopted a solemn expression, as if signaling that the pleasant reminiscing was over.

“Four years ago, when Jessica Onee-sama passed away, the country underwent a drastic policy change due to that incident—a lot of saints and knights lost their lives.”

“Yes. The incident occurred in the dungeon designated as a forbidden area, the ‘Sanctum of the Gods.’ It was during the traditional ritual where the Holy Kingdom conducts a purification by saints and knights each year to pray for the nation’s peace.”

“…Because the ritual failed, my father, the king, collapsed. The country’s policies changed drastically, shifting from actively purifying dungeons to measures aimed at protecting the now fewer saints. The details of the incident were disclosed only to certain royals and the church’s upper echelons. Even those who knew the circumstances kept silent and didn’t want to talk about it.”

“Yes, that’s how it was decided.”

Angie murmured, tracing the facts while lowering her gaze. Then she slowly lifted her eyes and looked straight at me.

Closing the distance between us, she opened her mouth as if she’d made up her mind.

“Sensei, what exactly happened on the day the ritual failed?”

“I don’t know everything; I can only tell you what I experienced. Is that alright?”

“Even so, please tell me.”

“…Very well.”

As I agreed, unwanted memories flashed through my mind.

No matter how many times I revisit them, the vivid regret of that day burns in my chest. Clenching my fists tightly, I tried to suppress my wavering emotions.

“That year, because we had more exceptional saints than usual, it was decided we’d venture deeper for purification during the ritual. If dungeons are left unchecked, the concentration of ‘World Distortions’ increases, causing various adverse effects.”

“Like the proliferation of dungeons and monsters. Moreover, if expanded dungeons connect, the danger level skyrockets.”

“Exactly. The ritual proceeded without any major issues at first. We, as novices, were tasked with maintaining and defending the relay point in the rear, while our senior saints and knights advanced deeper as the vanguard. So I didn’t fully grasp what happened deep within the dungeon.”

“I see.”

“It was truly sudden. Monsters overflowed from the lower levels of the dungeon. Their numbers were immense, to the point where defending the relay point became nearly impossible.”

“…What about the vanguard?”

“They were presumed annihilated, and the knight commanding the relay point also lost his life. Amidst the chaos of losing our commander, it was Jessica who rallied everyone.”

“Onee-sama did…”

“Jessica decided to lead the survivors back to the surface. She was the most suitable to command among us, so no one objected.”

At that moment, it was the best decision.

“However, even as we retreated, the monsters’ attacks didn’t cease. We were so pressed that even with many saints, we couldn’t maintain our defensive lines.”

“That’s terrible…”

“It started when wounded knights, realizing they couldn’t be saved, stayed behind to cover our retreat at the cost of their lives. This kept repeating, and eventually, we didn’t even have enough knights to protect the saints.”

Angie’s expression grew increasingly somber. She likely sensed the inevitable, tragic conclusion approaching.

“The saints, who had no power to fight, were utterly despaired. Some knights survived, but after seeing their comrades stay behind one after another, they were resigned to the thought that their turn was next.”

That moment was sheer hell. Even if we had fallen to our knees in despair, who could have blamed us? Hope seemed nonexistent.

“When we sensed yet another monster attack coming—I’ve lost count how many times—it was Jessica who stopped the knights from staying behind.”

“…!”

“She said, ‘I will be the one to stay behind as the final rearguard.'”

I could clearly hear Angie gasp.

As for me, just recalling those bitter words made me feel like I might choke.

“Escape was imminent. However, if we simply fled, the monsters chasing us would spill out of the dungeon. There were knights waiting at the entrance, but proceeding like that would cause unavoidable chaos.”

“So that’s why Onee-sama stayed behind…?”

“To maintain our defenses, we couldn’t afford to lose the saints. Protecting saints who can’t fight requires knights. To escape and regroup, someone needed to buy time. So she said she’d stay behind.”

“…No…”

“Even if someone were to stay as rearguard, only Jessica and I had enough energy left to set up barriers. I had been fighting the monsters as a knight rather than a saint. But back then, I didn’t have the strength I have now; I could only manage to defeat the approaching monsters.”

I couldn’t help but shake my head weakly. The overwhelming sense of helplessness I felt back then resurfaced vividly.

“So I was the first to say I’d stay behind. I still had some combat ability compared to the other saints, and I had mana left.”

“…But Jessica Onee-sama refused that, didn’t she?”

“Yes. Even now, I sometimes dream about it—the last time I spoke with Jessica.”

I can recall that time vividly, though it pains me.

“I can’t accept this! There’s no way I can let you stay behind as the rearguard, Jessica! In that case, I should be the one to stay!”

“That won’t do, Tia.”

“Why not!?”

As I flared up, Jessica remained calm, smiling gently.

It was as if our usual roles were reversed; I’d lost my composure.

“If I stay behind, the worst that can happen is I lose my life. But since we’re still in the upper levels, if you hurry and send rescue, we might make it in time. We have minimal supplies but can hold out for a day or two.”

“Then all the more reason I should stay!”

I shouted, but Jessica slowly and calmly shook her head. Why won’t you understand!?

“We can’t guarantee there won’t be more attacks ahead. Worst case, even if we escape here, we might run into another group of monsters and be wiped out. That’s why, Tia, you need to go with the escape group.”

“Then it can be the other way around! I’m talking about whose life is more valuable! A common orphan or a noble’s daughter! You know who should survive, don’t you!? You’re the only one who can lead everyone now!”

“Then, as a noble, I command you. Leave this to me, and everyone escape to the surface.”

“Jessica!”

When I shouted, Jessica smiled wryly, lowering her eyebrows.

“So, do you want us all to perish here? You know that would make all the sacrifices so far meaningless, right? If we argue and waste energy here, our chances of survival will decrease.”

“Then you give in!”

“—Tia, you’ll come to rescue me, won’t you?”

That was an incredibly unfair thing to say.

As I stood speechless, Jessica bound my will with a voice so gentle it was cruel.

Why are you saying such things now, here!?

“…That’s…!”

“If I return, I won’t be allowed to come back here again. That’s the ‘position’ you were talking about, right? But if I’m the one left behind, they might mobilize knights for a rescue. Because I have status. See? It’s simple.”

“That’s…!”

“Or will you not come to save me, Tia?”

“…That’s unfair.”

“I’m not as strong as you, Tia. If I don’t do this, I can’t keep up.”

Why do you need to compete? You don’t have to; I just want you to give in.

I wanted to say that. But I couldn’t. I feared that if I did, Jessica might give up on me.

So all I could manage was to put on a brave front.

“I will definitely come back.”

“Yes.”

“So you must survive, too.”

“Yes.”

“It’s a promise.”

“Yes, a promise.”

That was a curse I placed on myself—a puppet’s strings forcibly sewn onto me, who would’ve otherwise been unable to move.

Jessica, who had cursed herself the same way, smiled brightly as usual.

“Tia, hurry. There’s no time. Anyone who volunteers can stay with me. It’s a great duty to keep hope alive! I’ll arrange rewards from Father!”

“That’s great! Then instead of running around, maybe we’ll stay here and take it easy!”

“Yeah, that’s right! Let’s leave the hard work to the youngsters!”

“Come on, get going! Or else we’ll eat your share of the food!”

The older knights, swayed by Jessica, raised their arms energetically.

The younger knights were pushed forward by them, wearing expressions similar to mine.

The saints, though sobbing softly, never stopped moving forward.

We had no choice but to move on. Convincing ourselves, we resumed our march.

“I’ll definitely, definitely come back to save you…!!”

With my heart torn and almost stumbling over regret, I ran with all my might.

If I didn’t hurry, I wouldn’t make it in time. I had to get back to the surface quickly and rescue them.

Some people collapsed along the way. But that wasn’t a reason to stop. We had to keep moving for the sake of those who had sacrificed themselves.

“Hah…! Hah…! The surface…!”

And then I saw the light of the surface. Bursting out of the dungeon, I immediately informed the knights waiting at the entrance of the situation.

Seeing the scene turn into a frenzy, my frustration reached its peak.

“If we don’t hurry… I have to go back and rescue Jessica…!”

Quickly, quickly, quickly—!

I kept praying. I thought I could go back to help.

Until an unimaginable sight unfolded before my eyes.

“—We will now collapse and seal the entrance to the ‘Sanctum of the Gods’! All personnel, fall back!”

I couldn’t comprehend what the commanding knight had just announced.

As I stood there in shock, the knights took their positions and prepared to cast spells. Only then did I find my voice.

“What on earth are you doing!? If you do that, we won’t be able to go back and save Jessica and the others!”

“Tia!”

But it was the surviving saints who held me back as I tried to confront the commander.

They were trembling and crying but clung to me, restraining my movements.

“Let me go! Why isn’t anyone stopping them!? If they collapse the entrance, we can’t rescue Jessica!”

“—This is an order from Jessica herself!”

“…What?”

“She ordered us to collapse the entrance so you couldn’t come back and to prevent the monsters from escaping! She commanded it as the daughter of the Artin family. She did it to protect this country…!”

“I didn’t hear any of that! She said she’d be waiting! So I have to go! Please stop! Don’t destroy it!! I’ll rescue her right away!!”

I think I screamed louder than I ever had in my life. Yet my voice didn’t reach anyone, and events unfolded regardless.

Held down by the crying saints, all I could do was watch as the entrance was destroyed by magic.

“Ah… Ahh… AaAAAAAAHHHHHHH—!!”

Before I lost consciousness, my last memory was my own wordless scream.

“—I let Jessica die.”

It was nothing but a confession—a plea for forgiveness for the sins I had committed.

“I promised to go back and save her, yet all I could do was watch as the dungeon entrance was destroyed.”

Before I knew it, I had been speaking in a detached manner to suppress my emotions.

In contrast, Angie was shedding tears, struggling to hold back her sobs. She shook her head repeatedly, trying and failing to speak.

“…No, that’s not true! Because Jessica Onee-sama gave the order! It’s not that you abandoned her, Sensei!”

“No. If I had stayed behind instead, Jessica would have survived. If she had lived, even the reforms that followed might have been different. Those reforms are what drove you into a corner, aren’t they?”

“Even so, I can’t think it’s your fault! Those reforms were necessary to prevent further loss of saints and knights after the ritual failed.”

After the failure, the annual dungeon purifications were curtailed, and saints and knights were recalled to the capital to strengthen urban defenses.

This prompted the country to push for centralization. It was not the king, who had fallen ill, but the crown prince who issued these directives.

However, this reform greatly diminished the status of saints.

They said that the massive casualties were due to knights having to protect saints who couldn’t fight.

Therefore, the policy shifted to having saints focus on protecting major cities, postponing dungeon purification.

Due to this reform, my opportunities to return to the ‘Sanctum of the Gods’ were gradually taken away.

“My brother said that relying on saints won’t protect the country. That now is the time to unite our strength. But by withdrawing personnel from the provinces, those lands became ravaged, and the danger level of unpurified dungeons continues to rise.”

“Those who can’t migrate to the central regions feel abandoned… It’s understandable.”

Though it’s the people who suffer, the crown prince is keen on solidifying his own position first. Those who oppose him are sent to devastated provinces, distancing them from national politics. It’s practically a dictatorship.

Under the crown prince’s rule, the Holy Kingdom is declining, except for the central cities.

“Seeing such circumstances, I can’t help but think that perhaps Jessica should have been the one to survive.”

“Sensei…”

“I don’t have the status to change the country’s direction. All I have is my power as a saint. So I aimed to become the mightiest warrior, to prove that saints can fight, so I could challenge dungeons alone.”

To go and save Jessica. Even if it was too late, even if it was a promise I couldn’t keep, I had made that promise.

That’s why I continue to struggle, to return to the ‘Sanctum of the Gods’ once again.

“Well, I overstepped in various ways and was exiled to the frontier as a heretical saint.”

“Either way, a saint like you who might restore the status of saints wouldn’t be allowed in the capital.”

“Probably not. But even if it goes against national policy, I won’t give up on purifying dungeons. The reason I took you all in was to train you as my disciples, to act in my stead. I can’t just neglect the territories either. It’s all for my own reasons.”

“…Sensei, you’re an idiot.”

“…Perhaps so.”

“But I might be an idiot too. I also want to share the same dream as you.”

Angie giggled, looking at me with a softened expression.

“I’ve never known what I was living for. My family hated me and pushed me into the church as if I were a burden. I was so scared, thinking my brothers might send assassins after me, that I couldn’t sleep.”

“Angie…”

“I kept blaming those who failed the ritual for my situation. I wanted to kill everyone who survived by sacrificing Jessica Onee-sama.”

They were dangerous words, but Angie spoke calmly, as if recounting a past event. Even though, until just a moment ago, that pain and anger had consumed her.

“Thinking that way, I couldn’t let go of my sword, even though I’m a saint. It was all I had. But now, I’m glad I held onto my sword for a different reason.”

Angie wiped her tears, placed a hand on her chest, and took a deep breath.

As she slowly lifted her face, her expression transformed into one clearer than I’d ever seen.

“Sensei, I want to go bring back Jessica Onee-sama too.”

“…Do you understand what that means?”

“You’re not going to stop me, are you?”

The smile Angie showed overlapped with Jessica’s smile.

I couldn’t help but fall silent. I’m in trouble; she won’t listen even if I try to stop her.

Because Jessica was like that too. No matter what I say, she won’t stop.

I let out a sigh. In that case, what I need to do is clear.

I will train her. So that no matter what hardships she faces, she will survive.

“I respect your decision, Angie. But with your current ability, it would be a pointless death. If I judge that you’re not ready when the time comes, I will leave you behind without hesitation.”

“Understood. Then I promise to meet your expectations. So please promise me.”

“A promise?”

Angie took my hand in both of hers, pressed it to her forehead as if in prayer, and earnestly spoke.

“Please, don’t go alone. I don’t want to lose another person with whom I can share memories of Jessica Onee-sama.”

“…You’re right.”

Ah, that’s a promise I can’t break.

And so, I’ve made yet another vow I cannot betray.

“Once again, I look forward to your guidance from here on, Sensei.”

“With all my heart, I will do my utmost to support you.”