General Manager of Technology Research for the Magisterica and a member of the Sevens, the supreme decision-making body—Elfiette, the Canon of Creation. Even by my standards, it was an incredibly pretentious title. "Supreme Decision-Making Body" sounded far too cool; if it were me, that title alone would probably give me an ulcer.
In the end, I never really understood what had transpired between Liesel and Elfiette. However, it was clear that the grudge ran deep.
"In any case... No! Absolutely not!"
Liesel was acting like a spoiled child, stubbornly turning her head away. I had a hunch. It was probably something petty, like Elfiette teasing her about her short stature, her youthful looks, or the fact that she used to be a loner. Liesel was exactly the type to hold that kind of grudge until the end of time.
In the original work, I recalled Elfiette being depicted as a somewhat bratty, high-handed girl.
Come to think of it, there was an unwritten rule among mages that a top-class practitioner was expected to have a disciple. I could almost hear the conversation: "Wait, Liesel is a Great Mage and doesn't have a single student? Only second-rate hacks are allowed to be without disciples, right? Aha!" I could practically see Liesel throwing a teary-eyed tantrum in my mind's eye.
Wait... could that be why Liesel broke ties with the Magisterica and fled the Royal Capital? No, surely not. I decided to stop making such rude, baseless conjectures.
Setting the Elfiette option aside for now, we agreed to put the matter on hold until I could try out a high-grade prosthetic in the Holy City. Given what I knew of the original work, she wasn't someone I wanted to deal with unless absolutely necessary. Even Anze admitted that, at this stage, the idea was mostly theoretical.
"Lady Elfiette is... well, she is famous for her eccentric—or rather, unique sensibilities. It is said she responds with cold indifference to anything that does not capture her interest."
So, she was officially recognized as a weirdo. Good to know.
"Additionally, it is embarrassing to admit, but we of the Chryscles Holy Church do not maintain a particularly amicable relationship with the Magisterica."
The Magisterica advocated for absolute magical supremacy. True to their name, they sought to unravel the mysteries of all creation through magic and to govern the world by its laws. Rather than revering God, they viewed the divine as a mere academic subject for research.
Naturally, a group like that could never get along with the Holy Church. The conflict between religion and science had apparently been simmering for a long time.
"However, the possibility remains. Please keep it in mind as an option."
"I will. Thank you."
Liesel hated the idea, and I wanted to avoid it too. I could only hope the high-end prosthetics in the Holy City were as high-performance as something out of a manga.
Eventually, our boat entered the Holy Court District and moored at a landing near the Cathedral.
The Cathedral, boasting a majesty unrivaled in this country, loomed before us, dominating our entire field of vision. To me, the place was more of a fortress than a church. It was so vast it was impossible to take in from one end to the other, and its soaring towers reached toward the heavens like stairways to the stars. The flawless stonework was the pinnacle of solemnity and splendor. Even I, who had recently cursed that God didn't exist, felt like I might be converted just by looking at it.
With such a divine structure sitting proudly at its center, it was no wonder the people of the Holy City were naturally devout, leading the city to become one of the safest in the world.
"Alright, we've arrived."
With the female boatman's help, I stepped onto the dock. Anze quietly tried to hand her a gold coin.
"Please, keep what you heard during our journey to yourself."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
The boatman feigned ignorance, refusing the coin.
"The weather was so pleasant today that I ended up dozing off at the helm halfway through. Were you all talking about something?"
"...Hehe. You are a very thoughtful boatman."
"My, being praised by a Sister... I suppose it's worth offering prayers at the Cathedral every day after all."
I admired that elder's composure—that quiet understanding of how to handle the world. I hoped to age with that kind of grace.
We headed straight for the Cathedral to hand over Ruerie and the others. The square in front was decorated with fountains and flowers, serving as a hub where the sick, the injured, and the healthy gathered at various stalls.
Adventurers were busy exchanging information, ladies enjoyed cheerful gossip, elderly couples strolled, and children ran about innocently while Sisters took their breaks and stallholders dozed in the sun. Passing through this peaceful snapshot of daily life, we stepped past the white statues guarding the entrance. Beyond the doors lay a chapel so ridiculously massive it left me slack-jawed.
I honestly wanted to ask the architects if it really needed to be this big. Looking up, I saw an atrium that had to be six stories high; looking forward, the priest at the high altar appeared as small as a grain of rice. The symmetrical design was a masterpiece of precision, from every handrail to every delicate decoration. Religious paintings of heavenly messengers lined the ceiling, and stained-glass windows illuminated the space with brilliant, colorful sunlight.
If someone told me this was the place closest to the divine, I’d have found myself nodding in agreement. Even as someone with little faith, I was overwhelmed every time I visited.
"Whoa..."
Stepping into the solemn atmosphere, Ruerie looked intimidated. She moved with careful precision, clearly trying not to make a single unnecessary sound. I remembered feeling the same way when I wasn't used to the Church's air.
"There are many people here, so please, follow me."
Anze guided us along the wall and through a side door guarded by knights. We traversed a pristine corridor and were led into a smaller chapel.
"This is where we Sisters usually hold our prayers. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Even this "small" chapel was impressive, with a ceiling three stories high and enough pews to seat a hundred people. Knowing this was just one small section of the building really hammered home the Cathedral’s staggering scale.
Feeling a bit awkward about heading to the front, I took a seat in the back. The pews were cushioned, allowing us to lay Shiarie down comfortably.
"I will arrange for assistance, so please wait here. Lady Ruerie, you and your companions should undergo a proper medical examination, just to be safe."
"Yes. Please do."
"And as for you, Lady Ruerie... after the examination, we will need to hear the details of your story."
Ruerie’s expression stiffened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She placed a hand over her heart and gave a heavy nod.
"I understand. I will accept any punishment."
I knew what Anze meant. Regardless of the circumstances—even if her sister and friends were held hostage—the Church couldn't simply ignore what Ruerie had done.
But still.
"Anze, this girl..."
"Please rest easy, Lord Wolka."
Anze spoke gently before I could even finish.
"Naturally, the circumstances will be fully considered. It will not be a heavy punishment."
"...I’m counting on you."
I had to trust Anze. The Church wasn't heartless. They would surely see that Ruerie needed compassion, not ruthless retribution.
After Anze left, a junior Sister brought us cold water. Her response was perfectly smooth, as if she had been expecting us.
Once we had all refreshed ourselves, someone finally broke the silence.
"U-Um..."
Surprisingly, it was the girls from Seeklore. The pink-haired girl tried to speak but faltered when we all looked her way. The blonde girl stepped in to help her. This was the first time they had spoken to us of their own accord.
"It’s late, I know, but... thank you for saving us. And, sorry for being so quiet until now."
"Think nothing of it. We understand," Liesel replied casually, though the girls' haggard expressions didn't fully clear.
"We... we didn't know if you were really going to help us. We didn't know what to believe anymore..."
I understood. It had taken until this very moment for them to finally trust us. Even knowing the Ruffians were dead, the trauma of what they had endured at the hideout wasn't something they could simply shake off. I had no intention of asking for details, but it was clear they had suffered enough to lose all faith in humanity.
The pink-haired girl looked up, her eyes finally showing a spark of resolve.
"B-But... you weren't liars. So, thank you. I think... I'll try living a little longer."
What do you even say to someone who says they had intended to die? My life experience suggested "swing a sword until your muscles ache," but I was probably the only idiot who found that encouraging.
While Yulitia and Atri searched for words, Liesel stepped up. She spoke as if explaining a truth as simple as the sunrise.
"Don't worry so much about 'why' or 'what for.' If you're hungry, eat something delicious. If you're thirsty, drink something sweet. If you're sleepy, sleep as much as you want. And if you get bored of four walls, go sit in the sun for a while."
Liesel was actually being profound. Though, wait... that was literally just the life she lived every day. Regardless, the message was clear: let your hearts rest.
"I-I'll do my best too!"
Ruerie bowed so low she nearly spilled her water.
"I am truly, truly sorry for everything. And thank you! I can't do much now, but I will find a way to repay you!"
"Don't worry about it. We didn't do that much."
The truth was, the men of Windmill and Seeklore were dead. We only saved half the people we set out to. Being thanked as if I were a hero felt wrong.
But Ruerie was stubborn. "No... if it weren't for all of you, my sister and I would be..."
I realized then that despite her polite demeanor, Ruerie was incredibly headstrong. She wouldn't let this go unless I gave her some way to feel like she was contributing.
I thought for a moment. "Fine. Then, just one thing."
"Yes! Anything I can do!"
"When your sister wakes up, show me both of your energetic faces. I'll be waiting for that."
The air in the room suddenly turned... strange. It was a lukewarm feeling, like the others were thinking, Oh, Wolka's saying those kinds of things again. I hadn't said anything weird, had I?
Yulitia smiled wryly. "Ruerie, this is just how he is."
"Hehe, I see. Honestly, I thought Wolka was a lot scarier at first."
"Well... I can see why," I muttered. My eyes were unfriendly, my social skills were non-existent, and the eyepatch didn't exactly scream "law-abiding citizen." I tried to tell myself I just looked like a "strong character."
"But I was wrong. I'll never forget what you told me, Wolka!"
What did I even tell her? Was it the high-and-mighty lecture? I hoped she’d forget that; it was embarrassing to remember.
"When my sister wakes up, I’ll contact you immediately! Please wait for us!"
"Yeah."
Well, if it helped her move past her trauma, I didn't mind being the butt of a joke.
But then I felt the weight of the others' gazes. Liesel and the girls were looking at me with a warmth that was almost pitying. Why? Why was I getting this reaction? Was what I said really that bizarre?
Dammit. I just wanted a happy ending.
I drained the rest of my water in one go, trying to swallow the embarrassment.
"Yo, Heavenly Sword."
"Ah, Lady Hakua."
Anze, having finished the arrangements, ran into Hakua in the corridor. Dressed in her magnificent liturgical robes with the snow crest, Hakua was another of the four Saints who sat at the city's pinnacle. She wore her usual lively, un-Saint-like grin.
"Rosche sent a report from the outpost. figured you’d be arriving about now."
"My apologies. I'm actually keeping Lord Wolka and the others waiting..."
"Yeah, I know. I'll be quick. Can I tag along?"
Anze blinked. "You wish to join us?"
"Nah, I don't want to get in the way. I just want to take a peek from the corner. Hey, Old Man."
At Hakua's call, her Old Butler materialized from a corner that should have been a blind spot. He appeared without a sound or a trace, from a place where there was no door. Anze and Hakua weren't surprised; they were used to his mastery of concealment.
"Come with me. Don't let them notice us."
"As you wish."
"I don't mind if you observe from hiding, but... is something wrong?" Anze asked.
"Nothing big," Hakua replied with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'm just curious about the guy who managed to kill the Grim Reaper. I want to see him with my own eyes."
Anze's eyes lit up. "Oh, you must! I'm sure you'll like him, Lady Hakua! Lord Wolka is a master of the sword, easily on par with a Holy Knight! In fact, let me tell you about what happened with the Ruffians—"
"Yeah, yeah, save the stories for later. You're keeping them waiting. I'll just watch from the second floor."
Hakua brushed off Anze's mounting excitement and moved into position with her butler. She looked like she was actually having fun.
Between Elfiette and now Hakua, the return of the man who had slain a god of death was starting to trigger events and flags he hadn't even noticed yet.
After the medical team took Ruerie and the others away, we were finally free to head back to the inn. It felt like an eternity had passed since we left. Between losing an eye and a leg, regaining my memories of the original work, dealing with my party's emotional state, and the chaos with the Ruffians, my life had changed in ways I couldn't even describe.
I’d had enough travel to last a lifetime. For now, I just wanted to focus on rehab in the Holy City.
"Everyone, thank you for your hard work."
"You too, Anze. You were a huge help."
"I was!" Anze beamed, her aura of blessing practically glowing in the chapel's light. "If I was able to help you even a little, Lord Wolka, I am so very happy. As your Patron, I will continue to assist you with all my heart!"
"Hey! Who said you were Wolka's Patron? You're the party's Patron! Don't get ahead of yourself!" Liesel barked. Anze remained her usual, aggressively helpful self.
However, during this trip, I’d seen her more human side. The discomfort I once felt around her was gone. I felt like we could be genuine companions now.
"Atri, we can't fall behind either!" Yulitia said.
"Nn."
And you two, stop competing. Just let me get back to my life, alright? I didn't want to spend the rest of my days being coddled by teenagers.
Anze bowed respectfully. "Once again, thank you for your contributions at the Gouzel dungeon and against the Ruffians. As Rosche mentioned, the Cathedral would like to present you with a reward at a later date. Will you accept?"
I thought we should, but the decision was up to Liesel as our leader. But she just shook her head, her earlier fire replaced by a dark shadow.
"Do what you want, Wolka. You're the one who killed the Grim Reaper... we have no right to that reward."
There she went again. I wanted to tell her she didn't need to be so dramatic about it, especially since the others had done plenty against the Ruffians. But Yulitia and Atri looked just as miserable, filled with self-derision and regret. The guilt was still there, deeper than I’d feared.
"Fine," I said. "I'll accept it."
Anze looked relieved. "Thank you. Slaying the Grim Reaper is a feat with few historical equals. If you wish, we can also discuss a promotion to S-rank..."
"No, I’m good. Just the money is fine."
Being S-rank would just make the girls feel worse, and it would put us in the spotlight. My stomach couldn't handle that. Anze didn't push the matter.
"Understood. We will send a messenger later. What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow... I’ll probably go see an old friend. I should be back by dusk."
I found it hard to concentrate on the rest of the conversation. The reason was simple: someone was watching us.
I could feel a gaze from the second-floor atrium, near the altar. It had started shortly after Anze returned. Whoever it was had to be using Hide magic, because there was no one in sight.
Liesel and Atri hadn't noticed, so was it just my imagination?
"Lord Wolka? Is something wrong?"
"No... it's nothing."
Whatever. We were in the Cathedral; even if someone was watching, they weren't likely to be dangerous. We wrapped up the conversation, and Anze saw us to the door. Dusk was settling over the city—the perfect time to head back to the inn for a celebratory dinner. I was really starting to crave Roze's cooking.
In the chapel, Hakua sat back on a pew with a serious expression, deep in thought.
"Old Man," she said to the butler. "Lord Wolka noticed us, didn't he?"
"He did indeed."
"He saw right through us?"
"Not your exact forms, but he knew exactly where we were."
Hakua had seen it herself—Wolka had looked right at their position. Despite the butler's top-tier concealment magic, Wolka had known someone was there. He’d looked uncomfortable and had ended the meeting early because of it.
"How many people have seen through your Hide magic in the last five years?"
"None, my lady."
"You weren't holding back?"
"Of course not."
Hakua didn't have Anze's personal attachment to Wolka, so she had observed him with an unbiased eye. She’d expected to be disappointed—after all, a swordsman who lost an eye and a leg was usually a spent force.
She had thought that, until she saw him.
"What is he? Is he really weaker? Because he doesn't look it. It's like he lost a leg and an eye and somehow became more dangerous. Does that even make sense?"
He had looked like a finely tempered blade himself.
The butler seemed amused. "If he slew the Reaper alone, he likely crossed through the threshold of death and reached a higher state of being."
"Great, he leveled up by killing a god. Just my luck," Hakua grumbled.
"It is a pity he has no interest in being a knight. If I could make him my successor, I could retire in peace."
"Maybe we can just make him a Cathedral-exclusive adventurer?"
"The knights would object. Many of them still don't acknowledge him."
"Right, that mess..."
Despite his injuries, Wolka was far more than she had anticipated. In a world full of monsters, having someone that strong in your city was a major asset. If Silvery Grey decided they didn't like the Holy City and left for the Royal Capital, the fallout would be catastrophic. Anze would lose her mind, and the Sevens would tease Hakua about losing such talent until the day she died.
Which brought her back to the problem at hand: the accident at Gouzel.
"Why did that party have to be the ones caught up in this?" Hakua muttered as Anze returned.
"Welcome back," Hakua said.
"Yes... Lady Hakua, did Lord Wolka...?"
"Yeah, he saw through the Old Man's Hide. Sorry, I didn't think he’d be that sharp."
"He saw you?"
"No, just knew someone was there. Close call." Hakua sighed. "You made sure nobody recognized you outside, right?"
"Yes, thanks to this," Anze said, touching the small cross brooch on her chest.
"Fukka's power is something else. Being able to make people ignore the fact that you're a Saint... she really is in a league of her own." Hakua turned serious. "Anyway, while you were gone, I made progress on the Gouzel situation."
Anze's voice sharpened. "The dungeon incident?"
"Yeah. The adventurer who authorized the clear was the source. Fukka had to help me pin them down."
Anze was surprised. "You needed Lady Fukka? Was it that dangerous?"
"No, just a pain to track. Fukka and Seigan are both curious about this Reaper-slayer now."
"Oh!"
"Yeah, he’s in trouble. All the Saints have their eyes on him now. There's no escaping us." Hakua laughed, but her tone shifted again. "Anyway, that accident was no mistake. It was sabotage. If we don't want Wolka to lose faith in the city, we have to settle the score."
Anze went quiet.
"We have them in custody. Judgement will be soon. Read the report once you've settled in."
"I understand."
When the four Saints, the incarnations of God, finally gathered, the reckoning would be swift.
"Oh, Lady Hakua, I almost forgot!"
"What now? I was trying to be serious. Save the stories for—"
"I’ve become the Patron for Silvery Grey!"
"Wait, what? What was that again?"
"To put it simply... I’ve joined Lord Wolka's party!"
"Oh, that's nice, good for y—WHAT?"
"It's like a dream come true!"
"Wait! A Saint? Joining an adventurer party? Are you insane? You're a Saint! What are you doing?!"
"I'm going to do my very best!"
"..................Ah, the sunset is so pretty. Hahaha."
Hakua decided to stop thinking. The sky was very nice today.