Chapter 9: Apparently, All Saintesses Die from Overwork
The dance time concluded, and the ball was closing with a final ceremony where His Majesty the King would bestow rewards upon Lecty and Rosalie. The nobles attending the ball observed the two women facing the King from a distance.
"Rosalie, Saintess of the Church, state your desired reward."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I would be grateful for continued support for the Church."
"Hmm. ...Yes, so be it."
"I am most fortunate, Your Majesty."
Rosalie offered words of thanks and an elegant bow.
Rosalie's request was within the bounds of what Prince Lucas and Lily had anticipated. Apparently, the Church's donations were decreasing annually, and their financial situation was not good. Asking for financial aid was a natural choice.
However, the response from the nobles was not good.
"They should be receiving a large donation from the national treasury every year."
"It seems faith can be bought with money."
"How utterly shameless..."
My enhanced hearing picked up the complaints of some of the nobles. Even though they adhered to the Divine Grant Religion, not everyone was favorable toward the Church.
"Next, Lecty, the maiden with the 〈Saintess〉 Skill. What do you desire as your reward?"
"Y-Yes! I..."
Lecty's face was pale, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly. The content of her reward had been decided in advance, but she must have been too nervous to articulate the words. Still, I couldn't jump in and assist her as usual. Hang in there, Lecty...!
"I-I-I! I wish to live peacefully! I'm not good at drawing attention, so for now, if I can continue living at the Academy as I have been, that's all I need!"
"Hmm. So, you seek tranquility as your reward. You are surprisingly unambitious. I considered making you a consort to the next King had you asked."
"C-Conso...!?"
"Very well. Then, by Royal Edict, I shall forbid excessive interference in your affairs. Henceforth, any act of brandishing authority over Lecty to compel her to obey shall be totally prohibited. Know that those who break this decree will be punished in the name of the King. Is this sufficient?"
"Y-Yes! Thank you very much!"
Lecty bowed her head repeatedly.
We had previously arranged this with His Majesty the King through Prince Lucas. The talk of a consort made me gulp, but her personal safety was now secured. From now on, not even a Prince could coerce Lecty with power.
After that, the ball concluded without a hitch, and we began the journey back to the Academy in Alyssa-san's carriage.
In the following days, the Royal Edict was formally issued and posted on the Academy's bulletin board, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of noble students who approached Lecty.
She still drew attention from afar, but virtually no unfamiliar students spoke to her. With the proximity of the midterms, the atmosphere around Lecty had become considerably more peaceful.
As for me, I finally had an environment where I could concentrate on studying, and while I wouldn't say I was perfect, I entered the midterms with a decent level of confidence. Lugue had been studying with me every day, which helped immensely.
The exams, conducted over two days, were split into a Skill practical test and a written exam, just like the entrance exam. I cleared the practical test easily by switching my Skill to 〈Fire Kinesis〉, and I was confident I had scored considerably better on the written exam than during the entrance exam.
Finishing the two-day tests, I collapsed onto my bed immediately after returning to the room.
"It's over~"
How many decades had it been since I'd felt the relief of being free from an exam? As I buried my face in the sheets, I was enveloped by a sweet, Osmanthus-like scent. ...This was Lugue's bed now, entirely.
"Mmh~! It's over, isn't it?"
Lugue sat down next to me and stretched. Then she plopped down on her back, turning only her face towards me.
"Do you have plans for tomorrow, our day off?"
"No. Do you want to go somewhere?"
"Yeah. I'm a little worried about Rosalie... You know, I couldn't talk to her much at the last ball, or when she cured... His Majesty the King."
"Ah... you're right."
I hadn't had a chance to talk to Rosalie either, especially since I had to refuse her invitation to dance to go look for Lugue. I was also curious about the situation at the Church, so going to the Great Cathedral might be a good idea.
"Alright, I'll go with you."
"Thank you, Hugh!"
Lugue jumped up and then dove onto my back.
"Oof...!"
"A-haha! Hugh, that was a weird noise!"
"It's because you jumped on me! And get off me, please."
"Ehh. Am I... heavy?"
"No, you're not heavy, but..."
"Then I'm not getting off."
"Seriously, you..."
Was it since the dance at the ball? Lugue had become clingier, or perhaps more physically affectionate than before... I didn't dislike it, but it made me flustered and close to losing my composure, so I wished she'd take it easy. Seriously, I really, truly did...
The next day, after finishing breakfast, Lugue and I left the Academy. Our destination was the chalk-white spire rising in the Royal Capital: the Reese Great Cathedral of the Divine Grant Religion. We bought croissants at a bakery on the way as a souvenir for Rosalie, and as we approached the Cathedral.
"Huh...?"
Lugue stopped and tilted her head. The main entrance to the Cathedral, which was open to visitors, was closed.
"Did we arrive too early...?"
"No, it was open at this time last time."
Perhaps today wasn't a day for general access. Was there some religious ceremony? No, people were gathered in front of the door.
And they didn't look like tourists either.
"Open up! My son is about to die!"
"Saintess-sama, please help my mother!"
"Saintess-sama!"
"Saintess-samaaa!"
The people gathered in front of the door were residents of the Royal Capital. All of them seemed to be people with family suffering from illness or those who were sick themselves.
...My bad prediction had come true.
People suffering from illnesses were gathering, seeking the Saintess's power, the same one that had supposedly cured His Majesty the King. There were only about a dozen people for now, but if the rumor spread across the entire Reese Kingdom, more people would likely make their way here.
"This is serious... It might be difficult to see Rosalie."
"You're right..."
Since the door was closed, Rosalie was likely either out or taking a break. Even if we waited, there was no guarantee we would meet her, and even if we did, she probably wouldn't have time to talk to us peacefully.
I was about to suggest turning back when I suddenly felt a gaze from somewhere. I was only able to notice it because I had switched to the 〈Ninja〉 Skill just in case. Looking up, I saw a flash of pink hair in one of the spire's windows.
Rosalie must have noticed us; her eyes widened. When I held up the paper bag from the bakery, she turned around and started talking to someone.
Not long after, a young woman with a distinctive navy-blue short bob haircut came rushing over to us from the back of the Cathedral.
"Lugue-sama and Hugh-sama, is that correct? It's been a while."
"You are, I believe, Rosalie's..."
"I am Cicely, her personal Holy Knight and guard."
Cicely-san placed her hand on her chest and bowed. She was not wearing the Holy Knight's breastplate or sword she had on when we last met, just normal clothes. Was it to avoid being swarmed by the people gathered at the door if they found out she was associated with the Church?
Cicely-san cautiously scanned the surroundings and then spoke to us in a low voice:
"Rosalie-sama wishes to meet with you two. Could you please follow me?"
Lugue and I exchanged a look and nodded to Cicely-san.
Something complicated seems to be going on...
Following Cicely-san, we were let into the Cathedral through the back entrance. We continued up a spiral staircase, climbing higher and higher. The view from the small windows got progressively higher. The staircase seemed to lead to the top of the spire.
While I was thinking about how Lily would have run out of steam if she were here, a door came into view at the top of the stairs. We seemed to have reached the top.
"Rosalie-sama, I have brought the two of them."
"Please come in."
Rosalie's voice came from behind the door. When Cicely-san opened it, Rosalie was sitting on a sofa, dressed in a nun's habit.
"I am delighted to see you, Lugue-sama, Hugh-sama."
"...Rosalie, are you alright!?"
Lugue rushed to Rosalie, looking extremely worried. Lugue's reaction was understandable. There were dark circles under Rosalie's eyes, and she looked visibly haggard.
It had only been four days since we last saw her at the ball...? Why did she look like me right before I died in my previous life?
"Yes, this is nothing at all."
"That's a lie...! Are you sleeping properly? Are you eating!?"
"Please calm down. ...It's echoing in my head a little."
"Ah... I'm sorry."
Lugue stepped away from Rosalie and turned to me. We should probably ask for the details. I motioned for Lugue to sit, and we took seats on the sofa across from Rosalie.
"I bought these at a bakery on the way here. If you like, how about we eat them while we talk?"
"Oh, thank you very much. Let us eat right away."
Cicely-san set out a tea set and plates on the table. Rosalie immediately tore off a small piece of the croissant and brought it to her mouth.
"Mmm, it's sweet and delicious."
"............Yeah."
I ate the slightly salty croissant and agreed with her.
...Could it be psychogenic taste disorder? I'd heard in my past life that it could happen when someone experienced severe stress over a short period. I could barely taste anything before I died in my past life either.
"Rosalie, what happened...?"
Lugue asked Rosalie, looking like she was about to cry. Rosalie hedged, looking away with an "About that..." It was an internal matter of the Church. There must have been a lot she couldn't tell outsiders like us.
"It is Cardinal Malicious."
"—! Cicely!?"
"Forgive me, Rosalie-sama. But speaking the truth might change something. They are friends with Miss Lecty, who possesses the 〈Saintess〉 Skill. Through that connection, if this information reaches His Highness Prince Lucas, something might happen..."
Her tone was more a plea for something to be done than a statement of confidence. The clear intention was to seek help from Prince Lucas by disclosing the internal situation to us.
"There's no guarantee we can get Prince Lucas's cooperation. But I will offer as much assistance as I can. Could you tell us, Cicely-san?"
Cicely-san nodded and slowly began to speak.
"The day after Rosalie-sama returned from the ball, people began visiting the Cathedral, asking to be cured of their illnesses. Nobles and commoners alike, day and night. Rosalie-sama was asked by them, and she used her healing Skill. ...However."
"...It is due to my own inadequacy. It seems my Skill does not possess the power to cure people's illnesses."
"Don't lose heart, Rosalie-sama! There are those who recovered due to Rosalie-sama's Skill...!"
"...No, that was only temporary. The elderly person who rejoiced because their pain disappeared passed away the next day without being able to get out of bed... I might as well have killed them."
"That's...!"
"It is all due to my lack of faith."
Rosalie declared this as if she genuinely believed it with all her heart. Cicely-san seemed unable to deny her words, her lips twisting into a painful expression.
I wondered if the Divine Grant Religion believed that the power of a Skill changed with faith in God. For some Skills, perhaps the power increased as the level rose, but... Since I wasn't entirely sure how levels increased, I couldn't say for sure.
〈Heal〉 had the power to mitigate pain. Perhaps some people mistook a temporary easing of pain for a cure.
"But at this rate, Rosalie-sama will suffer... You mustn't believe Cardinal Malicious's words...!"
"You should hold your tongue, Cicely. You shouldn't say such reckless things."
"But...!"
Cicely-san pressed back against Rosalie's gentle reprimand. It seemed Rosalie was being driven to this extreme not just by regret over her inadequacy.
Cardinal Malicious, I remembered, was the elderly priest who was with Rosalie when the King was being treated... Rosalie had called the Cardinal 'Grandpa' with familiarity.
"Cicely-san, what exactly did Cardinal Malicious—"
Just as I was about to ask what he was saying to Rosalie, the room door was knocked, and then opened without waiting for Rosalie's answer. Entering the room was the aforementioned Cardinal Malicious.
"It is time for your divine duties, Rosalie. ...Oh my, we have guests. Welcome."
Cardinal Malicious offered me and Lugue a gentle smile,
"However, I regret to inform you that Rosalie must now attend to important divine duties. I kindly ask you to take your leave."
He urged us to leave while maintaining that fixed smile.
I glanced at Rosalie, and she dropped her eyes in a apologetic manner.
"Please wait, Cardinal Malicious-geika! Rosalie-sama is extremely fatigued! She treated patients until late last night and has hardly had any sleep! At this rate, Rosalie-sama's health will fail...!"
"So, you would abandon the faithful who gather seeking salvation?"
"—! I would never say...!"
Cicely-san had never said she would abandon them. She was merely appealing for consideration for Rosalie's physical condition.
But Cardinal Malicious shrugged.
"It is deplorable. For a Holy Knight to deny the role of a Saintess. To go so far as to abandon the faithful seeking salvation. How frightful."
"That's not true! I only meant Rosalie-sama's—"
"That is enough, Cicely!"
Rosalie sharply stopped Cicely-san just as she was about to retort.
"Grandpa is right. As the Saintess, I cannot abandon the people who seek salvation. I've had plenty of rest, so I'll do my best in my divine duties!"
Rosalie said this, tightly clenching her fists in front of her chest. Was Rosalie aware that her hands were subtly trembling?
"I apologize, Lugue-sama, Hugh-sama. I must now attend to my duties. Let us call it a day for now. I am pleased we were able to meet."
Rosalie smiled at us and stood up. As she was about to head toward Cardinal Malicious, Lugue called out, "Wait!"
"Let's talk again soon, Rosalie."
"...Yes, I will look forward to it."
Smiling a fragile smile and giving a slight bow, Rosalie left the room.
As Cardinal Malicious was about to follow, I impulsively called out to him.
"Cardinal Malicious-geika, I have one question."
"Oh? What is it? I am not at leisure. Please be brief."
"Thank you. ...The healing Skill that Saintess Rosalie possesses is for treating injuries and pain. The power to save those suffering from diseases, like the people gathered downstairs, should belong to the fictional 〈Saintess〉 Skill. Why are you forcing Rosalie to administer treatment she cannot provide?"
"...Hoh. So, you claim the power of the Church's Saintess is inferior to that of an imitation 〈Saintess〉 Skill?"
"Hugh."
Lugue tugged at the hem of my blazer and shook her head. ...Had I pushed it too far?
"I apologize. I retract my statement and offer my deepest apologies. There is no way the power of the Church's Saintess could be inferior to an imitation."
"That is better. A Saintess is a chosen maiden blessed by God. Rosalie's inability to save those afflicted by illness is surely due to her lack of faith in God, and nothing else. However, she will certainly awaken her power as the true Saintess and be gifted the power to cure illness from God...!"
Cardinal Malicious spread his arms wide, speaking grandiosely, like a prophet or something similar.
I couldn't understand what he was saying. Lugue looked bewildered, and Cicely-san looked as if she had swallowed a bitter bug, expressing undisguised revulsion.
"Well, I shall take my leave now. Also, this area is generally restricted to non-staff. I recommend you leave soon."
Urging us to exit once again, Cardinal Malicious left the room.
...Damn it all.
Thinking back to my corporate slave life, I felt utterly sick to my stomach.
◇
Seen off by a deeply apologetic Cicely-san, Lugue and I left the Great Cathedral and started heading back to the Academy.
Although it was still early in the morning, neither of us felt like going out to have fun somewhere else. With this gloomy mood hanging over us, neither Lugue nor I would enjoy it.
"I wonder if Rosalie is okay... She was pushing herself, wasn't she...?"
"............Yeah."
Rosalie was being forced to treat people afflicted by illnesses that she had no power to cure. She was burdened with the deaths of those people and made to believe that her inability to save them was all due to her lack of faith.
It was exactly like brainwashing.
It seemed as though Cardinal Malicious was trying to use Rosalie until she was completely burned out.
Rosalie's body was already showing signs of abnormalities. Her taste disorder and trembling hands. Her body and mind were crying out under the stress and overwork. Rosalie would likely reach her breaking point sooner rather than later.
...I want to help her before that happens. I felt that urge, but...
"Is there anything we can do...?"
"For now, it's about honoring Cicely-san's request..."
However, even if we informed Prince Lucas of Rosalie's situation, it was unlikely that the situation surrounding Rosalie would improve. Unlike the situation with Lily, there was no benefit for Prince Lucas.
The Church faction was currently close to Prince Slay. Instability within the Church and the downfall of the Saintess would, if anything, be welcomed by Prince Lucas. If Prince Slay and the Church distanced themselves as a result, there might even be a chance to knock Prince Slay out of the running for the throne.
If Prince Lucas chose to turn a blind eye, then I would...
Returning to the Academy, we immediately went in search of Alyssa-san. Fortunately, we found her at the faculty dormitory, and we explained what had happened, asking her to relay the message to Prince Lucas.
"Since the ball ended, His Highness has been actively strengthening his connections with the nobles . I can't guarantee you'll meet him right away . ...Also, the Royal Family intervening in the Church's internal disputes wouldn't look good , so you shouldn't get your hopes up ."
"...Even so, please."
"Understood . Just be sure you don't do anything on your own, got it ?"
Alyssa-san gave us a firm warning and then left for the royal castle to inform Prince Lucas of the situation. The reply would probably come in the evening, at the earliest.
We decided to grab a quick lunch at the dining hall and then spend the afternoon in the room. I should have been studying in the room, but I couldn't concentrate, as I couldn't stop thinking about Rosalie. Lugue also lay on my bed, clutching Nokonoko-san, deep in thought.
Ultimately, time passed without much progress on my studying.
Prince Lucas's reply came just as a reddish hue began to appear outside the window. The dorm administrator delivered a simple letter from Alyssa-san, saying, "Assemble tonight at the usual time and place ."
It seemed Prince Lucas was willing to meet us right away. Given Alyssa-san's comment that he was busy, I was grateful. Lugue and I discussed it, and we decided I should be the only one to attend the meeting.
After finishing dinner and waiting in the room for the designated time, someone knocked on the door. It was past seven in the evening. Who could it be at this hour...?
I opened the door, and standing there was Idiot.
"That's rare, seeing you at this hour."
"…I apologize for coming so late in the evening. Could I ask for a moment of your time? ...If possible, I'd like to talk to you alone."
Idiot glanced at Lugue, who was peeking at the situation behind me, and suggested a private conversation. Idiot's expression looked somewhat tormented. It seemed like something serious was going on...
"Understood. Sorry, Lugue. I'm going to talk to Idiot for a bit. Can you watch the room?"
"Yep, see you later."
Seen off by a waving Lugue, I followed Idiot out of the room. We headed to Idiot's private room on the third floor. Idiot, who received Marquis-level treatment, lived alone in a huge room that looked twice the size of mine and Lugue's.
The specifications were incomparably luxurious to our room, down to the bed, decorations, and carpet. ...Though it did seem lonely living alone in such a vast space.
"Please sit down on the sofa and wait. I will prepare some tea right away."
"No, I'm getting worried if you treat me that politely... I have an appointment after this, so I'd appreciate it if you could get straight to the point."
"I see... I apologize for taking up your time."
Idiot spoke a word of apology and sat down on the sofa opposite me. ...This is seriously throwing me off. I didn't remember ever seeing Idiot act so reserved.
"What happened?"
Since he specifically wanted to talk in private, the subject must be something he couldn't reveal to others, and something related to me.
If possible, I wished it was just a silly concern he needed advice for, but...
"…My Father called me in today. And there, he ordered me to help kidnap Miss Lecty."
"............Huh?"
My voice came out colder than I'd ever heard. Idiot averted his eyes from me in confusion and bowed his head, "I'm sorry."
"It's only natural that you'd be angry, as Miss Lecty's lover. Allow me to apologize on behalf of my Father."
"I don't need your apology. More importantly, did you agree to that order?"
"Of course not...!"
Idiot's voice strengthened in response to my question.
"I would never do anything to harm Miss Lecty! I refused immediately. I'm telling you this because I judged that I need your strength to prevent my Father and His Highness's plan...!"
"...You're right. My bad."
I apologized to Idiot, taking a deep breath to quell my rising emotions. I needed to calm down. With a moment's thought, I should have realized Idiot wouldn't take part in a plan to harm Lecty.
Idiot poured himself a cup of water from the pitcher on the table and downed it in one go. For now, I'd hear him out. Everything hinged on that.
"What exactly happened that brought up the idea of kidnapping Lecty?"
Anger welled up just from speaking the words, but I managed to maintain my composure and ask Idiot. Idiot hunched forward on the sofa, resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands.
"...You know that the Hortness family belongs to Prince Slay's faction, right?"
"Yeah. Marquis Puridy defected to Prince Lucas, and now Marquis Hortness is the head of the faction."
"That is correct. Father complained that he had drawn the short straw. It seems Marquis Puridy had managed the faction very skillfully. The moment the Marquis defected, Prince Slay's faction fell into disarray."
It was probably due to Marquis Puridy's maneuvering, and the breaking of Lily's engagement must have also played a role. The internal state of Prince Slay's faction seemed to have deteriorated far worse than I had imagined.
"Father ran around trying to rebuild the faction somehow. It was during this time that a man named Malicious, who managed the Reese Great Cathedral, approached him."
"Cardinal Malicious, huh..."
"Judging from your reaction, it seems you know of him, too."
"Well... there were things that happened."
Thinking back on that situation made me irritable, too.
"Did Malicious perhaps suggest the King's treatment...?"
"So it seems. Prince Slay's faction needed a tangible achievement to recover. Both Father and Prince Slay had no choice but to accept the proposal. As you know, the King successfully recovered thanks to the power of Lecty and the Saintess. Prince Slay was supposed to have gained the achievement of inviting the Saintess and saving the King."
"But the miscalculation was Lecty and Prince Lucas, right?"
"Yes. That achievement ended up being shared with Prince Lucas. Furthermore, at the ball celebrating the King's recovery, Prince Lucas publicly demonstrated his restored eyesight. It's safe to say the momentum shifted then. Not only did the nobles who had been on the fence finally side with Prince Lucas's faction, but even nobles who belonged to Prince Slay's faction defected to him."
"So, the cornered Prince Slay and Marquis Hortness are planning to kidnap Lecty?"
"...No, that's not all."
Idiot poured water into the cup again and drank it.
He sighed and continued the story.
"What was truly fatal was that both Prince Slay and my Father had been deceived by the man, Malicious."
"Deceived...?"
"The Church's Saintess did not have the power to cure illness. I hear large numbers of sick people visit the Great Cathedral every day, but the Saintess hasn't succeeded in curing a single one. And His Majesty the King heard about it."
"...Ah."
When Lugue and I visited Rosalie this morning, there was already a commotion in front of the Cathedral. It wasn't strange for that information to have reached the King.
"It was not Saintess Rosalie who cured His Majesty the King's illness. What's worse is that a substantial monetary reward was donated to the Reese Great Cathedral as a reward for Saintess Rosalie."
"...So, they were tricked out of the money."
Of course, it wasn't as if Rosalie had done nothing during the King's treatment. I witnessed her desperately trying to save the King in cooperation with Lecty.
However, the fact remained that Saintess Rosalie didn't have the power to cure disease. While she was a person who contributed to the cause, whether she was on the same level as Lecty to receive a reward wasn't the case. Especially since Lecty didn't receive any money...
Nevertheless, to ask for the return of the donation already paid as a reward would raise questions about the Royal Family's integrity.
"Prince Slay and my Father are now facing demands for accountability. They will likely have to compensate for most of the amount paid out as a donation from their private fortunes."
"Is your family going to be alright after that...?"
"...I don't know. But my Father and Prince Slay have been cornered to the extent that they're resorting to reckless, desperate measures."
"Which is why the kidnapping of Lecty... But what do they intend to do by kidnapping her? Are they planning to use her as a hostage...?"
"...No. It seems Prince Slay intends to take Miss Lecty as his wife."
"Hah!?"
"The plan is to adopt Miss Lecty into the Hortness family and then marry her off to Prince Slay."
"Seriously...?"
Were they genuinely planning to execute the forceful approach that Lily had suggested that one time...? That's way too desperate...
"What good will that even do...? The Royal Edict should prevent them from ordering Lecty to do anything, right?"
"The Royal Edict only prohibits the forceful use of power to compel her to obey. If the decision is made by Miss Lecty's own will, it won't violate the Edict."
"...So, they plan to kidnap her, threaten her, and make her announce her marriage in her own words? Will that kind of sophistry actually work?"
"Both Father and Prince Slay must be cornered so far that they are incapable of even normal, rational judgment. ...I am utterly disgusted with my Father."
"Idiot..."
I couldn't find the words to comfort Idiot, who was hanging his head low in defeat.
"...Please, Hugh. Lend me your strength. I want to protect Miss Lecty."
"Are you okay with betraying your own family...?"
"I don't care. On the contrary, I feel it's my responsibility as the eldest son of the Hortness family to atone for this."
A look of grim determination was etched onto Idiot's face.
...Even if we prevent Lecty's kidnapping, punishment awaits the Hortness family. There's a high possibility that Idiot would also be punished, being complicit as the eldest son.
Idiot seemed prepared for that, too.
"...Understood. Is it alright if I share this with Lily and Prince Lucas?"
"Of course. I'll tell you everything I know about the kidnapping plan."
Afterward, I had Idiot write down the details of the Lecty kidnapping plan to the best of his knowledge and returned to my room.
I felt bad about it, but I also shared the information with Lugue. There was a possibility Lugue might be dragged into the kidnapping plot, too...
"Kidnapping Lecty... Is Slay-denka that cornered...?"
"It seems so... For now, I'm thinking of consulting Prince Lucas about this matter."
"Yeah. Lu...cas-denka will surely come up with a good plan!"
Following Rosalie's situation, the Lecty kidnapping plan... My consultation topics for Prince Lucas were piling up.
I was originally prepared to be exploited in various ways, but before I knew it, I was the one bringing all the trouble...
◇
"The Boy just keeps bringing more and more trouble . At this rate, Prince Lucas is going to die from overwork ."
Before telling Prince Lucas, I first told Alyssa-san and Lily about the Lecty kidnapping plan I heard from Idiot in the carriage at the meeting place.
It seemed Prince Lucas had called for Lily as well, not just me.
"It's not like I want to bring trouble with me, either..."
If my surroundings were peaceful, there would be no need to rely on Prince Lucas. This was happening because everything, the Royal Succession Conflict, the Saintess issue, and everything in between, was so fraught with tension.
"I left Lecty alone in the room, but is she going to be okay...?"
Lily glanced out the window, worried about Lecty's safety.
According to the plan Idiot heard from his Father, the kidnapping execution date was the day of the class battle... But there was always a possibility that they would suddenly change the plan since Idiot's cooperation wasn't secured.
"Well, my Knight unit members are on alert, so I think she'll be fine . Besides, even if you were with her, the outcome probably wouldn't be much different ."
"W-While that is true..."
Lily's shoulders slumped at the face-to-face declaration that she was of no fighting value. Well, Lily wasn't constantly activating her Skill, either... If someone broke into the room by surprise, there's nothing she could do.
After finishing the basic report, Alyssa-san moved to the coachman's seat, and the carriage started moving. During the ride, I also informed Lily about Rosalie and Cardinal Malicious's situation.
In about thirty minutes, the carriage stopped in a quiet residential area. It was a different location than before; apparently, this was one of the Knight Order's outposts. As usual, Prince Lucas had arrived earlier and was waiting for us in the back room.
"Ah, you're here. Let's begin our discussion immediately."
Prince Lucas had his eyes covered with a black cloth, a smile on his lips.
It was a familiar sight, but my observational skills, enhanced by the 〈Ninja〉 Skill, noticed a slight sign of exhaustion on Prince Lucas's face. He must have squeezed this time out of an extremely busy schedule.
I had two topics to discuss, but first up was the Lecty kidnapping plan. I felt bad for Rosalie and Cicely-san, but I would prioritize my friend first.
"...I see."
Prince Lucas sighed upon seeing the kidnapping plan that Idiot had written down.
"My Older Brother Slay used to be a more calm and cunning man. At least, he wasn't the type to resort to such a rash, desperate measure."
Prince Lucas's voice contained a hint of sadness and loneliness. Even though he was vying for the throne, Prince Slay was Lucas's biological brother. He must have some complicated feelings about it...
"What does Prince Slay intend to gain by marrying Lecty?"
When I asked, Prince Lucas pondered for a moment and then answered, "Let's see..."
"There are several benefits my Older Brother Slay would gain by taking Miss Lecty as his wife. For instance, Miss Lecty's 〈Saintess〉 Skill. There are quite a few nobles who have sick family members. By promising treatment in exchange for cooperation in the Succession Conflict, he might be able to rebuild his faction."
"Might, you say...?"
"Not every noble is motivated by a sense of duty or obligation. Rather, many of them are quite cunning. They wouldn't hesitate to receive treatment and then support a different candidate in the succession struggle. Well, that's not to say all of them would, and he could coerce them if he became King."
"It's not a great plan, though," Prince Lucas said, shrugging.
"Your Highness, wouldn't you consider utilizing Lecty?"
Lily asked, scrutinizing Prince Lucas with her gaze.
If Prince Lucas was so inclined, it would be easy for him to gather support from the nobles using the method just suggested. We would also find it difficult to refuse Prince Lucas's request. Lecty wouldn't even mind treating the sick.
"...Indeed, it would be easy to gain the support of the nobles using Miss Lecty's power. That can also be said about you, Hugh. If I chose to utilize your power, I could easily seize the throne. You alone would be enough for me to become King."
Prince Lucas then explained why he consciously chose not to do so.
"But it wouldn't be the same after I became King. If I only rely on you, the people who should support me after I take the throne won't be there. The same applies if I use Miss Lecty. You can't trust vassals whose loyalty was bought with the price of curing their family. ...For me, ascending the throne is not the finish line, but the starting point. It's about how many 'cards' I can acquire leading up to it, and how I use them after I become King that matters."
"Prince Lucas..."
Prince Lucas's reply seemed to have surprised Lily, whose eyes widened.
"I won't rely on Miss Lecty's or Hugh's Skills from now on, as a rule. Well, when things are absolutely dire, I'll rely on you, and I'll keep you close, as I'd be scared if my older brothers decided to exploit you. —Does that reassure you a little, Miss Lily?"
"M-My deepest apologies! Asking such a thing to test your Highness...!"
"It's alright. You only asked because you were worried about Miss Lecty, right? Did my answer meet your expectations?"
"Y-Yes...! I thank you for your consideration."
Prince Lucas sighed slightly, saying Lily was being overly dramatic as she bowed her head, and then nodded towards me.
I thought I was being neglected despite being drawn into his faction, but so that was the reason... Regardless of the sincerity of his words, it was clear that Prince Lucas was aiming for the throne without relying on my power.
"Let's get back to the topic. By marrying Miss Lecty, my Older Brother Slay could also seize the initiative from Father. Even though his health has recovered, there's no guarantee that the illness won't relapse."
...The King's poor health wasn't caused by disease. Someone had intentionally poisoned him, slowly weakening him. Prince Lucas's statement must have been based on the possibility of that person poisoning the King again.
"By gaining the card of Miss Lecty, my Older Brother Slay intends to desperately cling to the Succession Conflict. ...I feel bad for my brother, but it's about time for him to bow out."
Afterward, we discussed countermeasures based on the kidnapping plan Idiot provided.
For reference, the plan was as follows:
The execution date was four days from now, the day of the class battle. The location was the forested area near the Royal Capital, which was the venue.
During the match of us first-year Class A, mercenaries disguised as bandits would break in and kidnap Lecty. Prince Slay, viewing the situation as grave, would order the Hortness family's private military to charge in and rescue Lecty from the bandits.
Then, Lecty, saved by Prince Slay, would willingly offer to be his wife, and Prince Slay would accept.
...Did a primary school student come up with this?
"They're planning to give Idiot a fake kidnapping plan to confuse us, I'm sure of it."
"If that were the case, I wouldn't feel like we could ever beat my Older Brother Slay..."
Lily and Prince Lucas both held their heads in unison after reviewing the plan. After finalizing the strategy for the Lecty kidnapping plan, the topic shifted to Saintess Rosalie and the Divine Grant Religion.
"I had expected it, but I truly sympathize with Saintess Rosalie..."
Lily frowned as I relayed the details of what I had seen and heard when I visited Rosalie this morning. I had only given a brief summary in the carriage on the way here, so I hadn't yet mentioned Cardinal Malicious's behavior towards Rosalie and Cicely-san.
"Cardinal Malicious is the Archbishop managing the Reese Great Cathedral. In other words, he's the head of the Church forces in the Royal Capital. ...However, he shouldn't have the authority to forcibly command the Saintess. The role of Saintess in the Divine Grant Religion is positioned outside the hierarchy topped by the Pope."
"...Cardinal Malicious was manipulating Rosalie with his words. He was teaching her dogma, almost holding the people who seek treatment hostage..."
"I see, it's persuasion, not a direct command. He seems to know Saintess Rosalie's personality intimately. It's possible they knew each other even before she was appointed Saintess."
That was highly likely. I had seen Rosalie call Cardinal Malicious 'Grandpa' several times. It was unclear if they were actually related by blood, but it was clear that Rosalie admired Cardinal Malicious.
...If so, it was even more baffling.
"What exactly is Cardinal Malicious trying to achieve...? He must be fully aware that Rosalie's Skill can't cure diseases. And yet, he's not only forcing Rosalie to treat the sick, but if you trace it back, he's the one who proposed treating the King to Prince Slay through Marquis Hortness... Wait."
Putting Cardinal Malicious's actions into words, I encountered a sense of unease.
"Isn't the timing too good...? How did Cardinal Malicious learn about the King's worsening health?"
"Now that you mention it... Prince Lucas, only a select few knew about the King's declining health, right...?"
"That should be the case. To my knowledge, it's highly unlikely the information would reach Cardinal Malicious. Not unless someone intentionally leaked the information. However, after Father's health declined, he canceled all his public duties, so an observant person might have noticed that Father was in a bad state."
"I see..."
Or, was it too much of a leap in logic to suspect that Cardinal Malicious had known about the King's poor health long ago...?
"Let's get back to the main point. From Hugh's story, it seems Cardinal Malicious has some special emotion towards the existence of a Saintess itself. Saying Miss Lecty's 〈Saintess〉 Skill is fake, for example."
"Is the Divine Grant Religion officially condemning the 〈Saintess〉 Skill that appears in fairy tales as fake?"
"No, they haven't issued an official statement. Fairy tales are just fairy tales. People generally don't confuse reality with fiction."
"Could it be that Cardinal Malicious is panicking because the 〈Saintess〉 Skill, which was supposed to be fictional, has appeared in reality...? Especially after seeing Lecty actually cure the King..."
"That's plausible..."
Cardinal Malicious seemed unwilling to accept that the Genuine Saintess was inferior to the Imitation 〈Saintess〉 Skill. It was as if he truly and sincerely believed that what the fake could do, the genuine should be able to do as well...
"Cardinal Malicious said that Rosalie can't cure the sick because she lacks faith in God. But can a Skill really be influenced by faith...?"
"I don't think faith is a factor, but I do know of one case where a Skill granted at the age of fifteen changed into a different Skill."
"Ah, there is a precedent... If so, then maybe what Cardinal Malicious is saying isn't entirely—"
"Hugh. The precedent His Highness Prince Lucas is referring to is you."
"Huh?"
Pointed out by Lily, I looked at their faces; both Lily and Prince Lucas wore wry smiles.
Ah... now that I think about it, that's true. Since I rarely use the 〈Brainwash〉 Skill directly anymore, I had completely forgotten about it.
"Well, your case is indeed unique, I think? In terms of what a Skill can achieve, I've heard that sometimes 〈Job Skills〉 awaken new inherent powers while they're being used. Cardinal Malicious might have been referring to that."
"If Rosalie's Skill is a 〈Job Skill〉, then there is a chance..."
Depending on what 〈Job Skill〉 it was, if continuous use of 〈Heal〉 raised the Skill level, then Cardinal Malicious's policy of making Rosalie relentlessly treat the sick might eventually bear fruit.
However, nine times out of ten, Rosalie's mental health would give out before that happened. Most importantly, it wasn't certain if Rosalie's Skill was even a 〈Job Skill〉...
"...Currently, there's very little action we can take regarding Saintess Rosalie. Direct intervention would be met with strong backlash as interference in Church affairs, and it could harm the national interest."
"Are you saying we should abandon Rosalie...?"
"Allow me to ask you this in return, Hugh. Why do you want to save Saintess Rosalie? Are you and Saintess Rosalie particularly close?"
"That's..."
In terms of closeness, Lugue and Lecty were far better friends with her than I was.
I had only exchanged words with her a handful of times, including today. I considered her a friend, but to ask if she was someone I would absolutely want to save, like Lily, was a different story.
It was true that I was sympathetic, seeing my past self reflected in Rosalie's predicament.
...But that wasn't all.
The reason I wanted to save Rosalie was much simpler.
"...Lugue made a promise to Rosalie. That they'd talk again. If things stay like this, that promise might not be fulfilled. Lugue might lose a friend she just made. I won't stand for that...!"
"Hehe. I see. You're absolutely right."
"How typical of you... or rather, thank you very much for the honesty..."
Prince Lucas chuckled at my answer, and Lily put her hand on her forehead, sighing in exasperation.
"Well then, it's a request from my dear younger sibling and younger brother-in-law. Let's start thinking specifically about how to help Saintess Rosalie... Although, I do have one quick method in mind, actually."
"A quick method...?"
"Yes, it's simple."
Prince Lucas uttered the words, a slight, arcing smile on his face.
"—We'll just publicly announce that neither the Saintess nor the 〈Saintess〉 Skill have the power to cure disease."
◇
Borrowing the wits of Prince Lucas and Lily, we managed to devise a plan to save Rosalie. However, the preparation and behind-the-scenes maneuvering would take some time. There was no point if Rosalie reached her breaking point before that.
To ease Rosalie's burden even slightly, I was now sprinting towards the Great Cathedral, illuminated by the half-moon in the Royal Capital, using the 〈Ninja〉 Skill.
When I arrived in front of the Great Cathedral, no crowd had gathered in front of the door, unlike the morning. Although it was slowly moving from spring to summer, the nights in the Royal Capital were still bitterly cold. The people must have either returned home or been let inside the Cathedral.
I hid behind an object and switched my Skill from 〈Ninja〉 to 〈Clairvoyance〉. Searching for Rosalie's location, it seemed she had returned to the spire's room. Perhaps because it was late, Cicely-san was not in the room.
Rosalie was kneeling before a small statue of the Goddess, offering a prayer. ...I really wished faith alone could somehow make her Skill work.
I checked for Cardinal Malicious just in case, but he seemed to be away from the Great Cathedral. That was convenient, as I wouldn't have to worry about him intervening.
I switched back to the 〈Ninja〉 Skill and climbed the outside wall toward the spire. There were several protrusions left over from the construction, so climbing was easy with the 〈Ninja〉 Skill.
...That said, the room Rosalie was in was slightly over seventy meters high. Since I started climbing in a rush, looking down made the ground feel incredibly far away. A fall from this height wouldn't leave even the 〈Ninja〉 Skill user unharmed... It was also very windy and incredibly cold.
Enduring the two forms of shivering in my legs, I somehow managed to continue climbing toward the spire. In about five minutes, I finally reached the window of Rosalie's room.
I peered inside the window; Rosalie was still praying. I felt bad about interrupting her, but I tapped on the window a few times to announce my presence.
"Eh... Gasp! Hugh-sama!?"
Rosalie's eyes widened in surprise, and she rushed towards the window.
"W-What are you doing there!?"
"Ah, well, there was something I needed to discuss with you, Rosalie. I'd appreciate it if you'd let me in, but if you don't want to, I can stay here."
"No! Please, come inside!"
Rosalie opened the window and invited me in. I almost fell because the window opened outwards...
"How did you get up here...? —Gasp! Could it be that Hugh-sama is an Emissary of the Goddess!? Have my prayers finally been answered!?"
"Eh? Um..."
Rosalie was starting to make a ridiculously grand mistake... what should I do? It felt like it would be more convenient if I let her believe her misconception.
Since the 〈Ninja〉 Skill also encompassed 〈Acting〉, deceiving her should be easy. As long as I turned a blind eye to my conscience...
"Y-Yes, that's right. I've come to see you in the guise of a boy named Hugh Pnocis."
"Oh, as I thought!"
Rosalie's expression instantly brightened, and she knelt before me.
"W-Wait, what are you doing!?"
"Emissary-sama, please bestow upon me the power to save people!"
Rosalie prayed to me, pleading with her hands clasped.
"A large number of people suffering from illness are coming to me, begging for treatment...! But I don't possess the power to save them... And again today, many people died in front of me... I-I was powerless to do anything...!"
"Rosalie..."
"I beg of you, Emissary-sama! Please, grant me...! The power to save them!"
Her powerful desire to save the sick. Her frustration and remorse for her inability to do so. Everything she had endured turned into tears streaming from her tightly closed eyes.
I wanted to answer her deep desire, but...
"Saintess Rosalie. Even if you wish it ever so much, God does not make exceptions. The Skill a person carries in their body is singular."
"N-No... But Grandfather said if I believe in God, I would eventually be granted a Skill to save people!"
"Do you believe the words of that 'Grandfather' more than the words of me, the Emissary of God?"
"T-That..."
Rosalie was flustered, clutching the collar of her nightgown with her right hand.
...I'm sorry.
"Your selfless devotion to saving people is truly marvelous. God is also pleased. ...However, He is also sorrowful. No matter how much you pray or suffer, God cannot save you. That is why I have been dispatched to you."
"Emissary-sama..."
"Saintess Rosalie, bear with it for a little while longer. You will eventually be released from your suffering. To ensure you can maintain your sanity until that time, I shall lend you a little strength."
I subtly looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror in the room and muttered, "Brainwash Release." I removed the 〈Ninja〉 Skill, returning to the original 〈Brainwash〉 Skill, and spoke to Rosalie.
"Will you look into my eyes, Rosalie?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Skill 〈Brainwash〉."
I made eye contact with her and used the 〈Brainwash〉 Skill. The text [BRAINWASHED] floated above her head, and Rosalie stared blankly up at me.
The power to decide her life and death was now in my hands. It was terrifying how I could order her to do anything, and even violate her as I pleased.
...I really wish I didn't have to use this power.
But I couldn't afford to hesitate now.
First, there was something I had to try.
"Rosalie. Your Skill is—〈Saintess〉."
I attempted to switch Rosalie's Skill, just as I could switch my own.
"Rosalie, tell me your current Skill."
"Understood. Status... My current Skill is 〈Heal〉."
"............As expected, it failed."
The result was the same as when I tested it with Lily, with Prince Lucas present.
My 〈Brainwash〉 Skill couldn't change another person's Skill.
I also tried to see if I could use 〈Skill Bestowment〉 or 〈Skill Exchange〉 with the 〈Brainwash〉 Skill, but those also failed. It seemed no Skill existed that could interfere with another person's Skill.
...What the hell is my 〈Brainwash〉 Skill, truly?
If I could switch Rosalie's Skill to 〈Saintess〉, Rosalie wouldn't have to suffer any longer, even if I lost the ability to use 〈Brainwash〉. I thought if this worked, everything would be resolved smoothly... but I guess not.
"Rosalie, get into bed and lie down."
"Yes."
Rosalie followed my instruction and lay down in the bed. I covered her with the blanket and used Brainwash to instruct her to sleep soundly until morning. Once I confirmed her regular breathing, I released the Brainwash.
Dark circles, which couldn't be concealed by makeup, were visible around Rosalie's eyes.
I had also experienced stress-induced insomnia. What was hardest about it was the further mental exhaustion caused by sleep deprivation.
It led to a vicious cycle of worsening insomnia; right before I died in my previous life, I couldn't sleep even if I grabbed a handful of sleeping pills and chased them down with tequila.
Even forcing her to sleep like this with the 〈Brainwash〉 Skill would relieve considerable mental stress.
Prince Lucas was working on a fundamental solution to the problem, but coordinating with all the relevant parties would naturally take time. Until then, it seemed best to put Rosalie to sleep like this every night.
...I feel bad about it, Rosalie, but I'll continue playing the role of the Emissary for a little while longer.
"Rest well, Rosalie."
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