The Fierce Saintess

episode 26

Treat me to a Ko-Fi to give me more motivation!!!

*****

「Please forgive my repeated insolence!」

After dinner at the Margrave's estate, Princess Kana was invited by Venerable Clarence for a stroll through the garden when a mage in a white traveling cloak, accompanied by Henry, appeared before them.

「Are you... the child from earlier?」

With her hood now pulled back, her face was clearly visible. She had a charming face with silver hair and green eyes, and perhaps due to her fair skin, a light dusting of freckles scattered around her nose.

(I thought her voice was somewhat high-pitched, but so she is a young woman.)

「My name is Eliana Rathbone. I deeply reflect on my actions, which were far too thoughtless and rude, and I have come to offer my sincere apologies!」

The girl who introduced herself as Eliana bowed her head once more. Her previous remarks had indeed been unpleasant, but Princess Kana felt it would be petty to remain angry at someone who had come to apologize so earnestly.

「Enough, it is fine. However, I do not tolerate repeated offenses. Henry, see to it that you supervise her properly.」

「As you command.」

Saying only that, Kana placed her hand in Venerable Clarence's outstretched hand and allowed herself to be guided into the garden.

「Did Eliana do something?」

Gauging the true intent of the old lord, who was surely already briefed on what had occurred right before their arrival yet asked anyway, the princess answered carefully yet frankly.

「It was nothing major. I merely admonished her behavior a little. Besides, I have accepted her apology, so the matter is settled.」

Princess Kana could not tell how Venerable Clarence took her reply, but the old lord smiled softly.

「There is a rare flower that blooms only on moonlit nights. I would dearly love for you to see it, Lady Saintess.」

With those words, he escorted the princess toward a corner of the garden.

Watching the Saintess head toward the garden escorted by Venerable Clarence, Henry spoke to his cherished disciple.

「Eliana. Once things settle down here, return to the royal capital at once. It seems you still have much to learn.」

「Yes...」

Keeping her head down, the disciple nodded repeatedly as Henry patted her back gently. When Eliana had visited his room earlier, saying she would go apologize alone, Henry had insisted on coming along, taking responsibility as her master for her misbehavior—though now he realized his worries had been unfounded.

(Even for me, this is overprotective to a fault...)

Even so, Henry never wanted to see Eliana hurt again the way she had been two years ago.

(I should have trusted the Saintess a bit more as well.)

Though he hadn't known her for long, in all their interactions so far, he knew the Saintess had never behaved unreasonably. Even so, he chuckled at himself for tensing up, fearing Eliana might receive harsh words again.

(Though there are slight differences in mindset due to coming from another world, she has always striven toward what she believes is right. It seems whenever it comes to this disciple of mine, my judgment falters... Lamia will likely scold me again.)

For the childless couple of Henry and Lamia, Eliana—who had become his apprentice at the age of ten—was like a daughter to them. Just as the two were discussing whether to adopt her as their daughter, the magic beast outbreak occurred, leaving the matter unresolved to this day.

However, considering the future, he judged that being the 'adopted daughter of a count'—even one without land—would be far more advantageous in many ways than being the 'third child of a viscount family,' so he was considering reopening the discussion.

(Eventually, social gatherings will resume. When that happens, she might cross paths with that foolish man again. In that case, it might be best to hurry...)

Oblivious to the fact that her usually gentle master was hatching such thoughts with a slightly devious expression, Eliana was strengthening her resolve never to make the same mistake twice.

The next morning. After purifying a miasma pool near the border as requested by the Margrave, Princess Kana and her group prepared to depart. However, at his earnest personal request, Venerable Clarence was to accompany them as far as the royal capital.

「「Ah! Father, that's unfair...」」

The voices of the Margrave and the border unit commander chorused at the same time, but Venerable Clarence blithely feigned ignorance and pressed on with his plans.

「At my age, traveling long distances in a carriage is quite taxing. When I consulted Commander Burley, he asked if I would like to join them.」

Though it was explained that they had an agreement to perform a purification in Earl Ousley's territory, he noted that he was an old acquaintance of the Earl, and since he was told° it would be a fine opportunity to catch up after so long, it was deemed perfectly acceptable.

Even so, their departure took place amid grumblings of 「We want to go too!」 and 「Why does only Father get to go?」

「Lord Suou, I place myself in your care.」

「Understood!」

Pleased by the elder's polite treatment, Suou was in exceptionally high spirits as he bounded gracefully into the sky. Upon his back, Venerable Clarence murmured with immense satisfaction.

「Ah, my childhood dream has finally come true.」

「A dream?」

When Burley, seated right beside him, inquired,

「Ah, in my youth, I longed to master a Pegasus and become a knight who soars through the heavens.」

「What is a 'pegasus'?」

「It refers to a horse with wings, Lady Saintess.」

Venerable Clarence answered the princess, who had been listening nearby.

「Oh, a winged steed! So winged horses exist in this world! Then I, too, would dearly love to see one.」

「They are said to be the beloved steeds of Goddess Dralah and rarely appear where human eyes can see them. Even I have only seen one once, when I was eight years old. How fervently I wished and yearned to ride upon that sky-soaring back...」

The elder smiled with nostalgia.

「Suou is a fox, though. Is that fine?」

「It is more than enough! This elderly body of mine is currently overflowing with childish delight! Ah, the sheer exhilaration of soaring through the vast sky!」

Spreading both arms wide to catch the full rush of the wind, the elder's face indeed beamed like that of a young child.

「Princess...」

Suou looked at the princess as if wanting to say something.

「Do as you please.」

「My deepest thanks!」

Afterward, having completed the requested purification, Kana and her party set their course toward Ousley territory. Considering that Venerable Clarence might be tired from the unfamiliar mode of travel, they chose not to push themselves too hard and decided to set up camp early.

They touched down by a river flowing alongside the highway. Since their party was small, they had few tents, and preparations were quickly finished. As the weather was pleasant, they decided to have dinner outside.

Watching the setting sun, everyone gathered around the dining table laden with wheat buns, hearty soup, and fruit, listening to the elder—who had partaken of alcohol—recount tales of his past exploits. It was filled with a strangely nostalgic atmosphere.

Since they were to travel again early the next morning, the gathering wrapped up at a reasonable hour. However, the elder seemed unsatisfied with his story-sharing, bringing a stool to sit beside the princess. Waiting until the surroundings cleared of people, he began to speak quietly.

「A letter from my daughter, Shaira, instructed me not to question you about what transpired in the capital. Well, I had no intention of prying in the first place. But I want you to understand that we feel an unpayable debt of gratitude to you. Yes, truly...」

Pausing for a moment, the elder closed his eyes in quiet contemplation before speaking once more.

「Therefore, well... if it is merely the life of this old man, I shall offer it freely. You need only command me as you see fit.」

He gave a hearty, dry laugh. Kana, well aware that despite the various reasons he had offered, his true purpose in accompanying them was to make it known that the Margraviate family stood behind the Saintess as her backing, decided to accept his words at face value.

「A gracious offer indeed. Then right away, it seems Suou wishes to go on a night stroll with you—may I ask you to accompany him?」

「Ah, but of course. Lord Suou, if this old man will suffice, I shall accompany you for as long as you wish.」

Watching the two shadows walk off together, Princess Kana gazed up at the large, slightly misshapen moon—so different from the one in her homeland—alongside Kaou.

「Kaou. A moon really is better when it is round, is it not?」

「Indeed.」

In this world where the shape of the visible moon differed, the stars were unfamiliar, and even the seasons were hard to tell, she thought that the stillness of the night remained unchanged—just as laughter rang out and a winged horse crossed before the moon. The owner of that voice was surely the elder straddling its back.

「Ho, so he can transform into a horse as well?」

She murmured, chuckling softly.

「However, Princess. That winged horse's wings are not moving at all.」

「Fufu, well, that too is part of its charm.」

(Above all, the elder seems delighted, so there is no harm.)

「Now then, let us leave those night owls be and retire for the night.」

Figuring that the winged horse—running more like a dog than a horse with its unmoving wings—would not descend anytime soon, she entered her tent with Kaou. Watching Kaou take advantage of Suou's absence by sprawling atop a stack of floor cushions, the princess climbed into bed, and sleep came to her swiftly.

The next morning. For the sake of the elder, who looked somewhat sleepy perhaps from having made too merry the night before, Burley brewed a cup of strong tea. However, Princess Kana privately felt that her usual tea tasted much better.

「It has been a long time, Callahan!」

Venerable Clarence's cheerful voice resonated. Arriving at the house of Earl Ousley in about an hour, Princess Kana and her group were received in a room facing the garden, accepting welcoming greetings from the head of the house, Callahan, as well as the sibling pair Ashton and Audra.

Though it seemed the Countess was resting in her room due to feeling unwell.

「Oh, Lord Clarence, it has been a long time indeed. You look enviably robust.」

「What, are you still in poor health?」

「It varies from day to day. Lately, I have been bedridden on and off. However, I have felt well since this morning, so there is no need for concern.」

He smiled as he said this, but his complexion was far from good. As Kana noted this, Suou tugged at her sleeve.

「Princess. That man carries a faint scent resembling arsenic. As do those two over there.」

Hearing Suou add that there had been no such smell on their previous visit, the princess furrowed her brow and immediately questioned Ashton.

「Allow me to inquire—is there a silver or copper mine anywhere near here?」

「No, there are no such mines in our territory, but...」

Hearing his reply, the crease between the princess's brows deepened. She had heard that near silver or copper mines, trace components of arsenic could sometimes seep into well water; if that was not the case here, it meant they were being intentionally poisoned.

She let out a soft sigh.

「May I for a moment?」

Saying so, she placed her hand upon the head of House Ousley and chanted the Yakushi Nyorai Mantra.

「On korokoro sendarimatougi sowaka, on korokoro sendarimatougi sowaka, on korokoro sendarimatougi sowaka.」

A soft light gently enveloped Callahan's body as he widened his eyes in astonishment.

Instantly, he felt the heavy lethargy that had clung to him constantly for the past two years wash away all at once.

「This is...」

Confirming that the domain lord's condition had improved, the princess remarked:

「Here, might as well do the rest while I am at it.」

Saying so, she placed her hands on Ashton and Audra as well, chanting the mantra once more. Their bodies were similarly wrapped in radiant light.

「Now then, that should resolve the issue.」

Beside her as she spoke indifferently, Venerable Clarence wore a grave expression.

「Lady Saintess. Could you kindly explain what this means?」

「Explanation or not, all I know is that these people have ingested something akin to what is called 'silver poison' in my world. Beyond that, I cannot say. However, it seems the sons have only ingested it quite recently.」

Everyone present was left stunned in utter shock.

***

「The Saintess and her party have arrived. Until they depart, meals will be brought to your room, so do not even think about stepping outside!」

Informed by his elder brother Ashton, Brine nodded reluctantly, though inside he was screaming with fury toward the Saintess.

(Because of that woman...!!)

Still, the Saintess's foxes were so enchanting that he wanted to obtain one no matter what. Yet, with a mere three days, no grand scheme could possibly take shape. In the end, Brine had bribed a gardener to set several fox traps in the corners of the garden.

He figured the greedy beasts would fall into the traps in no time.

Sneaking out of his room, he headed into the garden and concealed himself where he could spy on the reception room. However, the foxes showed no signs of coming out into the garden at all. On the contrary, they remained indoors, pacing around the Saintess and refusing to leave her side.

(Tch.)

Clicking his tongue, Brine was about to return to his room when he finally saw one of the two foxes making its way toward the garden. 'Alright!' he thought, stealthily tailing it. Only one person accompanied it. What was more:

(An old man? Is he the fox's caretaker? Hmph, perfect. A geezer like that will break with a little intimidation. Heh, saves me the trouble of snatching it directly from that woman.)

With that thought, Brine quietly stalked after them, waiting for the right moment to step out before the man and beast...

Having discovered that Brine had bribed the gardener to set traps for the fox, Vernetta conceived a plan to use her twin brother's scheme to earn the Saintess's favor.

When she consulted her nursemaid, the elderly woman handed her a small glass vial, saying she had just the thing. Inside was said to be a potent sleeping draft.

(Once Brine gets his hands on the fox, I'll just use this to put them both to sleep. Of course, I won't return it to that woman so easily. I'll make her apologize for humiliating me and acting so high and mighty, and then—yes! I'll force her to sign a Magical Covenant so she can never cross me again! After that, I will be granted an audience with His Majesty as the brave, kindhearted noble lady who rescued the Saintess's fox from her villainous brother!)

She smirked to herself, imagining that glorious moment. Though she felt a slight pang of pity for casting her brother as the villain, it was a fact that he was trying to steal the fox, so he had no right to complain. Besides, once she became intimate with His Majesty, she was certain she could intercede on his behalf as much as she pleased. With that delusional conviction, she set off after her twin.

*****

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