Part Two, Section One: “Saints And Devils”
Chapter Fifty-eight
The unprecedented international conference where saints from all over the continent gathered—the Saint Summit—had finally begun here in the kingdom of Parnacota.
Saints were typically chosen through a hereditary system, with families such as the Adenauers and the Martilases fulfilling the role of saints in their nations. Parnacota had their circumstances, and it just so happened that the Martilas family served there in the past, or rather a branch of the Martilas family. The previous saint, Elizabeth, was a niece of Count Martilas; she was from a family that the Count Martilas’ brother married into. Furthermore, after Elizabeth’s death, I ended up being sold by Julius, taking on the role of this country’s saint. Thus, this country was now following the Adenauer family’s style.
I realized after listening to Grace’s story one day that indeed, each family had its own school, so to speak, with some variations in the way they set up barriers. I realized that just hearing about other families’ circumstances was quite educational.
So exchanging opinions in real time verbally, which could only be done through written correspondence for many years, would undoubtedly be a valuable use of time.
Especially the kingdom of Dalbhat, the home of Clamu Church’s Pope who oversees us, the saints, and other church officials, and also the home of the first saint and previous Great Saint, Fiana Isefel. So I was very interested in the Isefel family’s traditions.
“Ms. Elsa, does the saint of Dalbhat, Alice Isefel, also have an exorcist as her guard?”
“Alice? No, that girl is both a saint and an exorcist… She can use exorcism spells as well. Although she’s not omnipotent like you, and can’t use powerful anti-evil techniques or anything.”
“So, she has means to counteract devils?”
“Yes. Of course, Dalbhat’s elite soldiers guard her too.”
Elsa answered that she, unlike me and Martilas sisters, didn’t have an exorcist guard. I had heard that Alice Isefel, the saint of the kingdom of Dalbhat, was a courageous and valiant individual.
Since the church headquarters employed exorcists, and according to Elsa, Fiana repelled devils, the Isefel family must have had anti-devil methods since long ago.
“Sis, you’re up early as always. Yawn…”
“Mia…! You’ve been too lax since coming here!”
“I’m glad to see you so energetic in the morning too, Mother.”
After finishing preparations to go out, I engaged in casual conversation with Elsa in the garden when Mia and Master appeared. Mia mentioned that she had undergone quite rigorous training since becoming Master’s adoptive child, but judging by their current interaction, it seemed like they get along well. I felt relieved.
“But you know, when I think about it, it’s amazing we can meet saints from different countries. I never imagined that before.”
“Even without thinking too much, it’s great. As the saint of Girtonia, strive to maintain an attitude that you won’t be ashamed of.”
“Yes, ma’am! Let’s go quickly, Sis!”
Absorbing Master’s words, Mia grasped my hand firmly as we made our way to the conference room in the Parnacota’s royal palace, where the Summit was being held. The last time I entered that room was when I informed Prince Oswald and officials about the imminent approach of the Demon Realm.
“Oh! Welcome, Miss Philia, as well as Miss Mia and Miss Hildegarde. Today, security isn’t just the Parnacota Knights; we’re coordinating with each country’s elites, so it’s perfect. Don’t worry.”
“Prince Oswald, thank you for your hard work early in the morning. I will come to greet you later.”
Upon arriving at the royal palace we learned that Prince Oswald himself took command of the security. Ideally, this would be the responsibility of the Knight Commander, Philip, but he was currently serving as my escort, and considering that people from other countries are also assigned to security duties, the prince served as the leader in a diplomatic sense as well. He seemed enthusiastic about his first task after the period of restraint.
“Your Highness Oswald, it’s been a while. How have things been with my sister?”
“Miss Mia, I told you before but Miss Philia and I―”
“…Your Highness?”
When greeted by Mia, Prince Oswald made a troubled face and looked at me.
Honestly, this girl always asked strange things, causing inconvenience for the prince.
“…Right. Miss Philia, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you after the Saint Summit, so how about we eat together?”
“Y-Yes, of course, I’ll join you.”
“Whoa!”
“Not whoa. Meddling further would be boorish. Let us be on our way…”
Hildegarde slightly bowed to Prince Oswald then hurriedly dragged Mia into the palace ahead of us.
I wonder why she’s in such a hurry…
“You have a good little sister. It’s clear why you worked so hard to protect her and even risked your life, Miss Philia.”
“Yes, she’s far too good for someone like me.”
“I think it’s because you are her big sister that she’s a good kid.”
Prince Oswald praised Mia. I was happy. It was reassuring to know that her goodness got through to the prince. It was peaceful time now, and I was able to see Mia normally, who I thought I’d never see again, it made me feel true happiness.
“Speaking of which, the other day, Philip brought in various anti-devil weapons that you developed, Miss Philia. We’ve somehow managed to mass-produce them urgently.”
“You’re welcome. I used Elsa’s falchion as a reference and tried to create several cost-effective items that could be mass-produced. However, I’m not sure about their effectiveness…”
“Well, unlike demons, devils are unknown creatures. However, you received a seal of approval from Miss Elsa, right?”
“Oh, yes. That’s right. Since the quality is good, Ms. Elsa suggested bringing the blueprints back to the exorcists’ headquarters.”
The anti-devil weapons I designed received a certain level of approval from Elsa. I hadn’t intended to prove their effectiveness by blowing off Mammon’s head, though…
However, the events of last night…
“Your Highness Oswald, could you carry this?”
“Hm? Are these glasses? My eyesight’s quite good.”
“Last night, Ms. Elsa mentioned that low-level devils are not visible to ordinary humans, so I tried making glasses that can perceive the true form of those devils.”
“…You made them yesterday?”
“The mechanism itself was simple.”
If someone told me to counter invisible devils, it would be impossible, so first I made a tool to see them. I managed by extending my accessory creation, fortunately. Considering the worst case, I at least wanted the one commanding the guards, Prince Oswald, to be able to detect our enemies, so I handed the glasses to him.
“Well then, Your Highness, I look forward to our meal.”
“Yeah, me too. Do your best at the summit.”
After making dinner plans with Prince Oswald, I stepped into the palace conference room. Apart from Mia and Master, it seemed that Grace, her sisters, and saints from other countries had already arrived.
This is a precious opportunity… as long as there are no interruptions.
No comments:
Post a Comment