The abused merchant’s daughter – 50 | Sousaku – 創作

Chapter 2, Episode 4: Worries

"Lars-sama."

In the High Priest's office.
Lars was working when Farne came to him with an inquiry, prompting Lars to stop with his paperwork.
Farne posed in prayer in front of Lars.
"Farne? About the Harvest Festival…… what did Riese-sama say? "

"Yes, she wants to go tomorrow."

At Farne's words, Lars looked a little troubled and put his hand to his chin.
It was also what Lars originally asked Farne to ask her about……

"……I see. Okay, I'll deploy security and have some people hide and guard. That's the plan.
We will decide the route to be taken in advance. It's forbidden to go on unscheduled routes.
I'm sure you'll be fine because of the blessing, but please don't separate from Riese-sama.
There are some very shady rumors."

"Rumors……? "

"I heard that on the continent of Tornelia, an organization that worshipped an evil god is regaining power again. There are rumors that a group of them have secretly smuggled themselves onto our continent."

"Evil god? "

"Hundreds of years ago. The heathen religion called Darshaism, which harmed the holy tree, Faralina-sama.
You know the cult that rejected the worship of the Holy Tree, put the power of the Holy Tree in the hands of humans, and was destroyed by Faralina when they tried to sacrifice the Holy Tree Faralina to the god called Azgoal, don't you? "

Farne gasped at Lars' words.
The Darsha cult was the group that destroyed Faralina, Libelle's birthplace.
No one who lived in Kardiana would not know that story.

"The curse itself should have disappeared with the help of Faralina-sama, but I hear that there is an organization trying to revive that evil religion.
They have created a new organization, increased the number of people, and started activities again.
Although you will have priests to escort you...... if they are killed, tell Riese-sama not to go easy on them.
If the guards provided by the temple are no match for them, the opponent should be quite skilled. There is a high chance they are heretics."

"……Does that mean they should be killed? "

"You disapprove? "

"……If possible, I'd like her to no longer……"

"I understand that you don't want people to be killed, but it is the duty of a saint to kill foreign enemies in order to protect the holy tree.
It is her mission as a 【Saint】 to kill any group that tries to harm Kardiana-sama.
Remember that we are dealing with a group of people who once killed a saint.
She died even though she had been given the 【Guardian blessing】, which can restore any wound, just like you and me did.
You know what that means, right?
Our first priority is the life of the saint, and we shall not mind making a few sacrifices.
Of course, it is best not to bother the saint, but just in case.
That's what the law and the oath are for."

"May we go out in the presence of such a dangerous group? "

"It's still in the rumor phase.
There is no need to be so vigilant in this place, with the blessing of Kardiana-sama, but just to be safe. It's just……"

"It's just? "

"It is Kardiana-sama's command. There is no way to go against it.
She wanted to make sure that Riese would have happy memories."

Lars sighed heavily as he said it.
It was Kardiana's order to take Riese to the Harvest Festival. If she felt it was dangerous, Kardiana would not have suggested such a thing.
Originally, he did not want to let Riese out of the house.
She was still unaccustomed to people. There were too many uncertainties in letting her out.
A situation such as where her power was out of control and people died in the square…… should be avoided at all costs.
If he had not told Riese that there was a Harvest Festival, she would not have wanted to go, so he should have just kept quiet.
But ...... Kardiana appeared in Lars's dreams and said, "Let my beloved child see the parade, okay♪" while holding a huge blade, in a threatening manner.
He could not afford not to let her know.
I would have appreciated it if she could have said no…… he thought.

If she participated as a saint, Riese would be exposed to the eyes of many people.
Even if they had nothing against Riese personally, some might be hostile to the existence of a saint. It would be better to hide oneself as a commoner and keep a low profile if possible.
The atmosphere and hair color of Riese when she was being possessed by Kardiana and the current Riese are different, so she should not be recognized as long as she is dressed as a commoner.
Kardiana said, "I feel sorry for my Saint-chan, it's not easy for her to move around♪"
So, those who live in the city must have vague memories about Riese's appearance.
In the public's mind, the saint's name is "Sonia," so people won't even notice if she is called Riese.
It was necessary to plan a route so that she could enjoy the atmosphere of the festival as much as possible and not have to interact with too many people.
Lars sighed heavily.