Episode 33: A Distorted Doctrine and the Faith of the Saint ⑩ – Bidding Farewell to the Saint –

　After the battle ended, Irene dispelled her magic and returned to her original form, but collapsed immediately.

"I feel like I've been beaten up all over……"

　That's probably true, but it can't be helped……There must have been some damage from the pure combat, so I think it's a blessing that she can still talk and is conscious. Irene will probably be unable to move for a while, as her muscles will start to ache in a few days.
　Setsu-chan rubbed Irene's back worriedly, and the gunmen were also flustered, so I patted Setsu-chan on the head to reassure her and then carried Irene on my back.

"I've been shooting nonstop, so my magic is completely drained. ……I'm exhausted."

"Falty, you've done a great job too……Now that everything is tidied up, let's go back to town."

　As for the Devil, she touched her chin and laughed gleefully as she looked at the remains of the destroyed church.

"Humans are so incredibly ignorant……But it was an interesting spectacle."

"I see. ……If you're satisfied, that's fine with me. Let's go."

　After returning to the city, Irene was unable to move for a while due to her injuries, muscle pain, and exhaustion, causing everyone to worry about her. Every day, a crowd of children came to visit her, making a big commotion. Making noise around someone who is sick in bed……I do think it's wrong, but since it's Irene, she's happy that her children are coming to visit her, even though she can't show it, so maybe that's just fine.

　The church's power was largely destroyed in the recent battle, leaving it unable to function properly. The devout followers who remained at the headquarters were plundered by the surviving mercenaries who had lost their leadership and were left in a terrible state. Not only as a religion but also as an organization, the church is probably finished. ……Right now, Falty, Irene, and Setsu-chan are listening to the Devil's stories in Irene's room. Setsu-chan, who slept soundly next to Rene, who was sitting up on the bed, looked like a loving parent and child.

"……That's what religion is all about. I do not intend to deny individual beliefs, but the higher up you go, the more corrupt you become. ……This is true for any organization."

　I quietly nodded at Irene's somewhat tired words. I know all about that from my past life.

"That's how organizations work. ……Well, now that the threat to this city has been eliminated and we've got the guns we looted, there's no way the city's defenses will be broken. Just in case, I'll set up barriers around the city before I leave. In the case of this city, people need to come and go, so I'll leave the city gates open, so it won't be completely closed off like the Elf Forest, but I think it's better than nothing."

　I tried to say it cheerfully, but Irene quietly lowered her eyes at my words.

"So you're going after all. ……No, I'm sorry for keeping you here for so long because of me."

　I stopped Irene, who was bowing her head, with my hand.

"Stop it, I did it because I wanted to. We can't sleep well if we don't make sure you're safe……Also, there are children of various races here, and it's a nice place where everyone gets along well. ……I was really moved by what you said about the future possibilities for children."

　Even in this world coming to an end, there is still a glimmer of hope, and that thought resonated deeply within my withered heart. I'm glad I came here.

"……I'm going to see Roger. We have to ask the empire what they really intend to do."

　After staring at me for a moment, Irene sighed and nodded, then replied.

"There's no way I can stop you…… But please be careful. Falty, Devil-san. Please take good care of Raoul."

"……Don't worry, I've got this under control. You need to hurry up and get well soon."

"Of course, Lady Saint. If the Celestial Knight dies, I won't have any fun anymore."

　Falty and the Devil each replied in turn. That day, as if to lament our impending separation, we talked late into the night, reminiscing about Al's past and the memories of our travels.

―――The next day, we said goodbye to Irene and the others at the entrance to the city.
　I said it was fine not to see us off. She came to see us off all the way here, leaning on a cane.

"Well then, take care everyone."

"Right, I'll stop by again on my way home, so get well soon."

"Take care, Lady Saint."

　In the end, Falty and the Devil each said goodbye to Irene, and I did the same.

"Yeah. ……See you later, Irene. Stay healthy and live a long life."

　I was certain that this would be the last time I would see Irene, but as if sensing something in my words, her face clouded over.

"Raoul……"

　Irene tried to say something, but she was interrupted by an intruder who fell from the sky.

"The Queen of Ice and Snow will follow you. The empire is very dangerous."

"Setsu? ! "

　Irene looked surprised, but Setsu-chan ran up to her and handed her the doll she always carried with her.

"Hmm. Please think of this as the Queen of Ice and Snow."

　Irene accepted the doll she was handed, confused as to why she was receiving it.

"There's more than one of those amazing weapons. If there was only one, they wouldn't give it away. The Empire is super dangerous! That's why the Queen of Ice and Snow will defeat them."

　She was certain that there was more than one cannon. If the empire purposely donated it to the church, then it was either one of many mass-produced copies, or……A failure? If there's only one, there's no point in giving it away.

"……No way, I can't let a child go to a dangerous place on purpose."

"No, I'm not a child. I'm the Queen of Ice and Snow. A calamity that will destroy the world."

　Setsu-chan looked up at me and said that, her eyes so clear that I couldn't return her gaze.

"No, you're still a child. ……Then I'll continue to strengthen myself and travel with you――――"

"Stop it, you'll die if you do that. Irene, you stay here and rest. ……Setsu-chan, can you leave the empire to us? "

　I looked Setsu-chan in the eyes and spoke gently, but she slowly shook her head.

Since everyone else said so, we can't just leave the empire alone. Both the Earth Giant and the Fiery Warrior were defeated―――The Storm Dancer was also defeated the other day.
　Besides, the saint must be here, or everyone will go crazy. That's why the Queen of Ice and Snow is going in her place. I'm everyone's big sister, so I'll protect everyone."

　Setsu-chan said this with a strong determination in her eyes. I don't understand everything she's saying, but I feel that this is something she can't compromise on. Seeing that I was at a loss for words, Setsu-chan turned her gaze to Irene.

"Saint, this is my decision. That's why I'm going."

　Seeing that Setsu-chan had no intention of giving in, Irene smiled gently, looking a little sad.

"……I understand."

　Saying that, Irene came to Setsu-chan with her cane, knelt down, and slowly hugged her.

"But don't overdo it. ……This is your home, after all. You definitely have to come back, okay? "

"……I got it. I'll come back, I promise."

　Saying that, Setsu-chan wrapped her arms around Irene. ……I can't let this child die. After watching the mother and daughter bid farewell, we left Irene's city.
　The Devil unconsciously teased Setsu-chan, which made her angry, and Falty had to mediate, making the trip quite lively. However, the end of such a journey was already near.

　Looking up, the sky was still overcast, and the heavy air felt even worse than when we started our journey.
　……The Empire, huh? The Empire was definitely involved in everything that happened up to this point. I'll make them tell me the truth. On top of that――――I'll see to it that they pay for their actions.

　Touching the hilt of the evil sword at my waist, I stared at the direction of the empire we were heading for.
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Chapter 3・End　

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