In the Holy City of Granfloze, there are four Saints.
The Saint of Hakua.
The Saint of Star Eyes.
The Saint of Fortune and Woe.
And the last one... what was it? I think it was the Saint of the Heavenly Sword. Yeah, that sounds about right.
Though they are merely human, they have been bestowed with divine power from the heavens. They are considered incarnations of God and are deeply revered by the citizens as the absolute symbols of the Chryscles Holy Church... or so I’ve heard.
This isn't knowledge from the Original Work; it’s just the common sense I’ve picked up over the seventeen years I’ve lived as Wolka. The Original Work wasn't finished by the time I died in my previous life, so I never learned anything beyond the initial setup that "four incredible Saints exist."
As for whether I know much about them now after living as Wolka for nearly two decades—honestly, not really.
In my old life, I was the type who had zero interest in celebrities, politicians, or anyone famous. I’ve carried that same "none of my business" spirit into this world, living my life without a care for nobles or high society. I simply figured they lived in a completely different world from mine.
However, for the current me who has regained his memories of the Original Work, these women have been upgraded to the rank of "dangerous individuals."
While the Original Work never got around to them, there’s no doubt they were intended to make grand entrances as top-tier, essential characters. This means they are "unintroduced characters from the source material," and they’re likely surrounded by all sorts of plot flags. If I get involved with them by some freak accident, I can’t rule out the possibility of being dragged into the main plot.
And now, three of those dangerous Saints are standing right in front of us.
If I think about it, maybe this isn't such a bizarre turn of events. If the defeat of the Life Reaper (Grim Reaper) is a historic feat—one of the few in history—it’s probably standard procedure for the Holy City to have figures of appropriate status present the reward.
Still, for those of us on the receiving end, it was a total bolt from the blue.
"...Hey, Master. In a situation like this, are we supposed to drop to one knee or something?"
"Hueh? Oh, um, w-well... I wonder...?"
Master’s brain didn’t seem to have finished rebooting yet. I wouldn't know. I never learned the etiquette for kneeling like a knight.
As we all looked at each other in confusion, the Saint of Hakua let out a soft, amused giggle.
"Please, do not trouble yourselves. Especially you, Wolka-sama; given your condition, please make yourself comfortable."
"A-Ah... no, um, I appreciate the consideration...?"
"Formal speech is unnecessary as well. Won't you please show us your true, everyday self?"
—Restardia, the Saint of Hakua.
She was a Saint who gave off a refreshing, boyish impression at first glance. Her snow-white hair was cut into a short bob that just reached the nape of her neck. She wasn’t particularly tall, standing around 150 centimeters—somewhere between Anze and Yulitia. Although her features still held a touch of childhood, the smile on her face was remarkably elegant, carrying a sense of calm and refinement befitting her title.
Her eyes were a clear, gemstone-like red. Was she... an albino? This was the first time I’d ever seen someone like her in person, including my previous life. I’d heard that such people were sometimes objects of worship in ancient times because of their mystical appearance. Seeing her now, I could understand why someone might feel a sense of unintentional awe toward her pure, ethereal beauty.
She was dressed in pure white vestments of extreme magnificence, making it clear at a glance that her status was leagues above an ordinary Sister. The red accents at her cuffs and hem made the white look even more brilliant. Her beauty served as a reminder that a Saint was an existence from a world far removed from the mundane.
On the glittering tiara adorning her head was a small emblem shaped like a snowflake.
"My apologies, I seem to have startled you," Restardia said, her brow furrowing slightly. "I simply wanted to see for myself what kind of person the adventurer who defeated the Life Reaper (Grim Reaper) was."
"I-I see..."
The honor was so overwhelming it felt like my stomach was doing backflips. Even though she hadn’t appeared in the parts of the Original Work I’d read, this was still my first time meeting "official" characters other than Master and the girls. The surprise had my body instinctively on high alert.
The Saint in the wheelchair also spoke up, her voice clear and gentle.
"Truly, there is no need to be so formal. Just think of me as an ordinary Sister."
As if I could ever do that!
Setting that aside, I never dreamed that the Saint of Star Eyes—the one said to see through every sin and lie like a divine judge—would be such a young girl. I had imagined a strict, inflexible, elite-type woman. Physically, she looked just as small as Master.
"I'm sorry for being in this state. As you can see, my eyes and legs are not well..."
She rested her small frame in a finely crafted wheelchair, her eyes covered by a large, cloth-like eyepatch. While it would be terribly rude to call us "twins," since I also had an eyepatch and had been using a wheelchair until recently, I couldn't help but feel a slight sense of kinship.
"I have heard about all of you. If I recall, Wolka, you and I are a pair—no, that is a disrespectful way to put it. Forgive me."
"No... I thought the same thing. We're in the same boat."
"Oh... heehee, thank you for your kindness."
—Yulirius, the Saint of Star Eyes.
As I’d noted, she was as small as Master, appearing far too young to be called a Saint. I couldn't see her face because of the patterned eyepatch, but she was likely only around ten years old. However, her articulate and dignified speech was far more mature than my own. It didn't even feel strange when she addressed me as "Wolka" without an honorific.
Her straight, elegant medium-length hair was a fantastical shade of lapis lazuli, as if the night sky itself had been woven into it. Moreover, the ends of her hair literally sparkled like stars. I didn't know how that worked, but she was certainly a step above the average person.
Her vestments were nearly identical to Restardia’s, though the accents were violet instead of red. She had a blanket over her knees, and the emblem on her tiara was a star.
Even though she was blindfolded, I felt like our eyes were meeting.
"Can you see us?"
"No, I cannot see your forms. However, I can sense your presence... or perhaps it’s more like a faint outline."
She turned toward each of us in sequence.
"The largest man is Wolka. The next largest woman is Atri. The one slightly larger than me is Yulitia. And... heehee. The one smaller than me is Lieselalte, correct?"
"WHAT!?"
Master immediately lost her temper at being called by name in such a patronizing way.
"I am not small! I am not particularly small at all! There’s barely any difference between us!"
Master looked like she was about to grab the girl by the collar to measure their heights, but Yulirius didn't flinch. Whether that was due to Saintly courage or the fact that she couldn't actually see the threat, I wasn't sure.
"It seems my eyes are not very well-suited for looking at things..."
Not suited for looking at things, huh? If so, then what were they for? That likely tied back to Anze’s claim about her seeing through "sins and lies."
"Furthermore, since I was a child, I have tended to attract 'unpleasant things'... so please, forgive me for hiding my face. As long as I do this, no harm will ever come to you."
Ah, the classic trope. I’d seen this in anime and manga—something like a "Mystic Eye." Seeing things ordinary people can't and the drawback of attracting monsters was practically textbook.
As a guy who used to think his right eye was cursed back in the day, I secretly thought it was kind of cool.
However, I sensed a hint of anxiety in Yulirius’s voice. It was just a guess, but she had probably suffered quite a bit because of her eyes and legs.
But that sort of thing didn't fly with me. A girl is at her best when she's smiling. I put aside my wariness of the title "Saint" for a moment.
"I see. In that case, let's stop being so stiff."
"Hmph. One moment you're treating people like children, the next you're being humble. Don't worry about it; we don't care about such things," Master added.
Yulitia and Atri nodded along.
"Yes! P-Please don't worry about us!"
"Mm. No concern needed."
I wondered if she could tell we weren't lying even through the blindfold. Regardless, a small, relieved smile touched Yulirius’s lips.
"Thank you. You are all very kind."
You're damn right they are. They’re the companions I’m proud of. They aren't the type to discriminate over something like that. Even if they have been a bit emotionally unstable lately...
Now, that left one last Saint.
She was leaning face-down on a large, crescent-shaped floating cradle—something like a "beanbag chair that ruins people." She was letting out peaceful, rhythmic breaths. Wait, was she sleeping?
"...Zzz."
"Alka-sama."
"Hah! ...I wasn't sleeping."
She opened her eyes when Restardia called her name. No, you were definitely out. You were snoring.
"Yaaaawn..."
Without even trying to hide her sleepy yawn, the final Saint drifted toward me on her cradle.
"...Are you Wolka?"
"A-Ah... yeah..."
She looked me up and down with half-lidded eyes, letting out a mysterious "Hmm, I see..."
—Arcasiel, the Saint of Fortune and Woe.
Among the three, she had the most bizarre appearance. She was literally floating in the air, lying lazily on a crescent-shaped object. An airborne Saint—you don't see that every day.
Her hair was a mystical color that looked white or bluish-white depending on the angle, carrying a faint glow. It was incredibly long; even though she was floating at eye level, her hair still reached the floor. If she were to stand up, she’d be buried in it. She was the first girl I’d ever met whose hair was longer than Master’s.
She looked slightly taller than Anze and appeared to be the oldest of the three. Her transparent blue eyes were incredibly drowsy. Between the phosphorescent glow and the moon-shaped cradle, she looked like the moon itself had taken human form.
Her vestments were a bluish-white version of the others, and her tiara bore a moon emblem.
...I wondered how that cradle worked. I didn't feel any magical power coming from it.
Noticing my gaze, Arcasiel spoke in a dazed voice.
"Oh, this? This is called 'Getten.' If I’m on this, I can sleep soundly anywhere..."
"How is it staying up?"
"That's... Saint power, I guess?"
Vague. But she was a Saint, after all. Since she was a major character in the Original Work, having some weird quirks was probably part of the package.
"Yaaaawn," Arcasiel yawned again. "...So, are you having any trouble?"
"Huh? No... not really."
I was caught off guard by the random question.
"I see. If you ever have a problem, talk to Anze. The Church will help you out..."
Wait, what? Why was she talking about the Church supporting us? Was she referring to Anze becoming our Patron?
Arcasiel looked like she was about to fall back asleep.
"I just want to be lazy. I want to do nothing but lounge around and sleep all day..."
"I see..."
"The more excellent adventurers like you there are, the more peaceful the Holy City becomes. And that means I can relax. So... I'm counting on you."
So basically: "Keep working hard so I can stay a shut-in"? I’m a guy who just lost an eye and a leg, lady...
This Saint... she’s a total slacker, isn't she?
"Yaaaawn... so sleepy."
Her half-hearted yawn was the only answer I needed. I wondered if it was okay for a Saint to be this lazy. Well, the city was thriving, so I guess it worked out.
"Now then, Wolka-sama. Regarding the reward money for the defeat of the Life Reaper (Grim Reaper)..."
I turned back to Restardia. On the pulpit of the altar sat several high-quality cloth bags.
"Would you like to receive the full amount? Or just a portion?"
"...Hm?"
I tilted my head. What did she mean by a portion?
"The sum is quite large. If you are uncomfortable carrying such a vast amount of money, you can take a portion now and request more from the Church whenever you need it. If you take only a portion—"
Restardia gestured toward a plump, golden cloth bag. "I will give you this bag of gold coins."
"And if I take the full amount?"
She pointed to the most expensive-looking silver bag, which was covered in intricate embroidery. "I will give you this silver bag. It contains nothing but Star Silver Coins."
"Sta—"
I nearly made a fool of myself.
Star Silver—the most valuable currency in this world, even higher than gold. It was made from a rare metal mined from where shooting stars had fallen in ancient times. Since it was "metal from the gods," its value was astronomical.
A bag of gold was one thing, but a bag of Star Silver...
I understood Restardia’s concern. If an ordinary guy like me carried that around, I’d be a magnet for trouble. She was basically offering to let the Church act as my bank.
"...I'll take just a portion for now."
"A wise choice. Even in the Holy City, one can never be too careful about thieves."
If this had been the old me, I might have humbly refused the gold too. But I was missing an eye and a leg now. I didn't know how much my prosthetics would cost, and I didn't want to burden Master and the girls. I’d earned this reward by nearly dying; I was going to take it with pride. Money doesn't solve everything, but it certainly buys options.
Restardia pressed her palms together. "Then, let us hold the presentation. I’ve heard you dislike ceremony, so please, just accept these without any fuss."
True to her word, it was over in less than five minutes. There were no boring speeches or long introductions. I received the gold bag, and Master and the others were given small bags for their work with the Ruffians.
Then, Yulirius and Arcasiel presented us with silver commendations engraved with the Church’s cross—medals given to those who performed exemplary service for the Holy City.
Apparently, it was a "thank you" for stopping the Life Reaper (Grim Reaper) before it could cause massive casualties. Holding these would grant us preferential treatment at any Church facility.
Master and the others initially tried to refuse, saying they didn't deserve them.
"You all fought the Ruffians and prevented more victims," Anze said, her eyes earnest. "And... I believe there will be many times when these commendations will help you support Wolka-sama."
"Nmu..."
After a moment of hesitation, they finally accepted. Good. They deserved it. Like Rosche said, they should hold their heads high.
"—Good. I guess that means we've officially put a collar on him..."
I heard Arcasiel mutter something in the corner, but I was too focused on the others and let it slide.
Once the "ceremony" was done, Arcasiel stretched on her cradle as if she’d just finished an entire day’s work.
"Yaaaawn... well, Yuri and I are heading back. Good luck with the rest."
"Rosche, could you help with my wheelchair?"
"As you command."
Rosche, who had been smiling by the door the whole time, hurried over to Yulirius. For a lowly knight, he sure got entrusted with the Saint’s care a lot... but he was probably the right man for the job. He was a natural at handling women.
I whispered to him as he passed. "I'm going to remember this, Rosche."
"Hmm? I have no idea what you're talking about! Hahaha!"
Liar. I knew he was in on this surprise. I’d find a way to pay him back eventually.
Yulirius gave a polite bow, and Arcasiel drifted away like a sleepy cloud.
"Goodbye for now. I hope we can talk again soon."
"I hope you find a good leg. I’m expecting big things from you..."
For any other adventurer, a personal blessing from a Saint would be the greatest honor imaginable.
But as I looked at the silver commendation in my hand, I couldn't shaking the feeling that it looked like a leash. My old wariness started to bubble back up.
Well, I wasn't going to give it back. I was just a one-eyed, one-legged mob character. Getting involved with the most important characters in the Original Work was likely a one-time thing. I needed to get back on my feet for the sake of a Happy End, so I might as well use every tool available.
Rosche pushed Yulirius out, and Arcasiel drifted away like a phosphorescent jellyfish. I figured it was time for us to leave too, but...
"Wolka-sama. This may be forward of me... but could we speak for a moment, just the two of us?"
"...?"
For some reason, Restardia stopped only me.
"Just the two of us?"
"Yes. Just the two of us."
Why? There were no outsiders here, just my party and Anze. Why couldn't we just talk normally?
Master looked suspicious. "Why do you need to be alone? Is there something you can't say in front of us?"
"It is a private matter," Restardia replied.
I had no idea what a Saint could possibly want to talk to me about in private. It smelled like trouble, and Master clearly didn't like it.
"I don't think so. I'll stay with—"
"Please, Lieselalte-sama," Anze interrupted gently. "This is the Cathedral. Nothing could possibly happen to Wolka-sama here. You only need to wait outside the door for a few minutes."
"Mu, muu..."
Master was a softie when Anze looked at her like that. Restardia bowed deeply. "I promise I will not disappoint you."
Master looked between Anze and Restardia and finally sighed. "...Fine. But if I feel even a hint of something strange, consider this chapel condemned for the foreseeable future."
"Understood. I swear it on the name of the Saint of Hakua."
Master was incredible—threatening the top Saint to her face. As expected of the Great Mage. But as soon as she turned to me, she puffed out her cheeks.
"Wolka! Don't let her sway you just because she's pretty! Saint or not, if she tries anything weird, you scream for help, okay!?"
I didn't even want to know what she thought was going to happen.
Master waved her arms, shouting that she’d save me if anything happened, as the others pulled her out of the room. Yeah, Master was definitely still herself.
And then, I was alone. In the sunlight-drenched chapel, it was just me and Restardia.
I couldn't guess what she wanted, but being one-on-one with a Saint was bad for my heart. I decided to get it over with.
"So, what did you want to—"
"...Daaah! Man, I am wiped!"
...Excuse me?
It happened without warning. The moment we were alone, Restardia’s entire demeanor shifted.
"Ugh, I hate this. Playing the sweet little saint and putting on a smile just isn't my style. It's draining as hell."
"............"
"Being a Saint is such a drag. Don't you agree?"
She was like a completely different person. The elegant, refined Saint had vanished instantly. She ruffled her perfectly styled white hair, sat down ungracefully on a nearby pew, and spoke with the bluntness of a teenage boy.
"Anyway, let’s drop the act. You’re not the formal type either, right?"
She looked up at me and grinned, showing off a set of white teeth.
"I’m Restardia, the Saint of Hakua. But you can just call me Dia."
...I'm sorry, who are you again?