Chapter 2, Episode 44: Apology (Claire’s POV)

　Kardiana was in chaos.
　Suddenly, ghouls appeared in the middle of the city, and the trees of the saint instantly destroyed them.
　Thanks to the power of the saint, no one was harmed by the ghouls, but the town was still in a panic due to their sudden appearance.
　Even so,
"The evil cultists have been defeated!! "Pray to the saint for Kardiana's salvation!!! Praise be Kardiana!!! "
　When the saint finished defeating the ghouls, as if they had been waiting for this moment, the priests began to praise the saint and evacuate the residents. Those who had been standing there in a daze, drawn by the voice, were led by the priests' words of praise for their saint and began to praise her and offer prayers.
　The priests hurriedly instructed the residents to avoid contact with the blood splattered by the ghouls that had flooded the streets, and the residents obeyed, offering prayers and thanks to the holy tree.
　
　Amidst the hustle and bustle of priests and soldiers rushing about, Claire stood there in a daze when a priest approached her, asking to accompany them.

　High Priest Lars must have foreseen that Claire would cause this situation.
　Surrounded by a large number of priests, Claire nodded, unable to escape the silent pressure.

　Of course, Claire had no intention of running away.
　She was scared of herself for causing such an incident.

　Just as Claire was about to be taken away by the priests.

"Claire, wait!! "

　It was Alberto's older brother, Geor, who called out to her.

"Geor-sama……"

　He approached Claire, gasping for breath.
　Geor was also being watched by several priests and surrounded by several guards to prevent him from escaping.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault I couldn't protect you."

　Claire smiled at Alberto's brother, who apologized breathlessly.

"You're not at fault, Geor-sama. It was me……"

"No, it's my fault!
　Alberto asked me to. He asked me to protect you, Claire."

"Eh……"

　Claire stopped talking when she heard Geor's words.

"What do you mean by that? "

"He said that. 『There is something wrong with me. I feel like someone is controlling me. So please keep Claire away from me.』, That was the night before the ball. But I didn't even take him seriously, thinking he was just drunk."

　With that, Geor clenched his fist tightly.

"If I had believed him and handed Alberto over to the temple, this wouldn't have happened.
　It's really my fault!!!! "

　When Geor bowed his head, the priests standing behind him,

"Geor-sama. Are you satisfied now? Any more than this......"

　And stopped him. Alberto's older brother, Geor, was also under investigation by the priests and was taken into custody.

"Wait!! There's a letter Alberto wrote to Claire!! "

　Geor tried to give Claire something that looked like a letter, but the priests shook their heads.

"We cannot allow you to read it without Lars-sama's permission. Please understand your position."

　And so, they confiscated it.

　Even so――
　If Geor's words were true, then everything that had happened up until now was not a dream or an illusion, and the real Alberto had loved her.

　Just having that hope was enough for Claire.

"Thank you very much. Geor-sama."

　Claire smiled as she said that.
　She didn't know how she would be treated at the temple or what the future held for her.
　The commotion had subsided, which meant that Alberto was probably not safe.
　It was probably Claire's fault that the forbidden spell was cast and that Alberto ended up like that. She knew very well how dangerous her existence was.

　Maybe—I might end up losing my life because I'm seen as a dangerous person.
　It would be a lie to say that I am not afraid of dying.
　But if it's my fault that Alberto was manipulated and brought the ghoul back to life, then living will be even harder. That's why I'm scared, but I don't regret it.
　If I die, I can go to Alberto.

　However, there was one thing that she regretted, and that was how badly she had treated Riese.
　Even though she knew it was a ghoul, she was terrified by Riese, who was mercilessly slaughtering humans right in front of her eyes without hesitation.

　From Riese's point of view, Claire, who revived the forbidden spell, might have been the real monster.
　
　If my wish comes true, I would like to apologize to Riese.
　If I'm being taken to the temple, will I at least get a chance to apologize to Riese?

　Claire was led by the priests and guided to a carriage.


　Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!


　A cheer erupted.
　Looking up, one could see a silver wolf and a brown bear leaping through the sky.
　The silver saint Cyril and the saint of Faralina, Libelle.
　And on top of them stood the saintess, dressed in a pure white robe, and a priest dressed in a black robe.

　Riese!!!

　Claire hurriedly leaned forward.
　I have a lot to say. Things I need to tell you. Things I need to apologize for.
　Nevertheless.

"Saint-sama!!! Thank you!!!!!! I had fun!!! "

　Those were the words Claire was able to say to the saint as she passed through the large crowd.

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 ToC  

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