Part Two, Section One: “Saints And Devils”
Chapter Fifty-two (Mia’s POV)
“Saint Summit…?”
“Yeah, that’s right. It’s an international conference proposed by Saint Emily Martilas from the kingdom of Bolmern. She expressed the desire to create a place for the exchange of opinions among saints from various countries during this opportunity.”
The Grand Anti-Evil Magic Circle gave saints of every country more free time. The idea was to utilize that time to enhance our abilities, preparing for the next crisis of this nature.
Certainly, Sister’s magic circle had significantly increased our free time. We now have enough room for training and even more.
But Emily… wasn’t she a sister of that cheeky Grace? I heard she harbored quite a competitive spirit against Philia. Was it really okay for someone like her to take the lead?
“I know about Saint Emily. She is renowned as the most outstanding and talented hard worker in the prestigious Martilas family’s history. Among active saints, she is probably the closest in ability to Philia. It may be meaningful to participate when someone of her caliber is leading the initiative.”
Mother Hilda… knew about Emily.
As expected of someone who was a saint for a long time, despite a period of retirement from active duty. She was knowledgeable about other countries. Still, Emily’s reputation was quite high… to be considered the next after Philia meant she was at least superior to me. Well, if Grace knew ancient language at that age, her older sister must be even more powerful.
But, come to think of it, isn’t it problematic for saints to gather? Because right now…
“Are you concerned about the mysterious disappearances? Mia, your face betrays your worry quite easily.”
“I-I’m sorry. However, Your Highness Fernando, it will likely be held in the kingdom of Parnacota, right? Which means―”
“Are you worried that something might happen to Philia?”
Mother Hilda and Prince Fernando instantly see through my concerns. It was pathetic that I couldn’t even put on a poker face because of my peaceful nature… When I was engaged to Julius, I could at least hide my emotions to some extent. How pathetic.
“It is only natural to worry. It seems that Parnacota has also added knights to the protection of the Great Saint. The decision to hold the event in Parnacota is almost done, and King Eigelstein is contemplating to specially allow saints from other nations to enter into the country with their own escorts.”
I was relieved. I had faith that Philia would be fine with Himari and her other guards, but if the Parnacota Knights were also providing protection, then I could feel at ease. Well, considering how overwhelmingly strong Sister was on her own, she might not even need guards, to be honest…
“Then the first agenda of that Saint Summit will likely be a resolution of the mysterious disappearance incidents.”
“Why do you think so, Mother?”
“Those incidents where young women with magic power are being targeted one after another. I might be outside the age group as a target, but many saints should fit the criteria. In that case, everyone must be thinking of exchanging information to prepare for self-defense.”
Indeed, I, Sister, and Grace fall within the age range of the disappeared women. Exchanging information, including ways to protect ourselves, might lead us to a solution… However, while the information exchange was a good thing, was it okay for us two to leave this country vacant for several days? What if something happened while we were away?
“Of course, I want you and Miss Hildegarde to attend the Saint Summit. You may obtain valuable information. ”
“Understood.”
“However, Your Highness…”
“It’s regrettable, but Girtonia relies heavily on its saint. Mia, your growth will directly contribute to the growth of this country. Learn from the saints of various countries for the sake of our nation. Although it may be only a few days, we can protect the country on our own.”
Prince Fernando ordered me to attend for the sake of the country.
My growth directly contributes to the growth of the kingdom…
Yes. Devoting oneself to the development of the country was the very act of following in the footsteps of Sister.
Besides, if I go to Parnacota, I would be able to see Sister again. That, in itself, could be something to look forward to.
“Just to be clear, we are going not to play.”
“Of course. Mother, do I seem like someone with such frivolous thoughts?”
“I can tell from the fluctuations in your magic power.”
“Huh? Y-you can understand even that?”
“…Of course I lied. Honestly, falling for such a bluff, your skills still have a long way to go.”
Wow… She got me here. If Mother says something like that with a straight face, I think anyone would fall for it. Probably even Sis is capable of it… Nah, Sister wouldn’t be able to say something like that with a straight face… No, wait, she totally could, how scary.
“I admit I was carried away a little, but don’t you want to see Philia too, Mother?”
“I won’t deny it. After all, that girl must be growing too.”
Soon after that, the Saint Summit was decided to be held in Parnacota, and we headed to the kingdom where Philia was.
No comments:
Post a Comment