Volume 6, Chapter 15 – Their Respective Missions

“The Fourth Knight Order, which oversees the south, handled the defense, but they were utterly defeated. Now, Captain of the Fourth Knight Order.”

“Yes. Saint Fiene Argentata-sama, I am Mathias de Oraldeni, Captain of the Fourth Knight Order. If I may be so bold, I shall provide the explanation.”

“Yes. Please go ahead.”

Mathias-san stood up and began his explanation.

“First, the enemy launched a surprise attack on Gulda, a small fishing port, and occupied it overnight. Despite being a small regional port, the waters were deep, and it seems they targeted it as a base for the mass transport of troops using large ships. Furthermore, with the aid of monsters and the Undead, the port of Gulda was turned into a naval base in the blink of an eye. During the day, it is guarded by monsters and the enemy soldiers commanding them; by night, it is held by a mixed unit of monsters and Undead. We attempted several recapture operations, but we were completely powerless, particularly against the incorporeal ghosts.”

“I see. So, since clerics are the answer to the Undead, that’s why His Holiness and I were summoned?”

“Haha! Your insight is keen.”

I see. In that case, it might be faster if I just go and purify all the Undead in one go.

As I was thinking this, Char spoke up.

“Then I, Charlotte du Gatilue, shall take on the duty of purifying those Undead.”

Eh? Is that really okay? If I remember right, wasn’t Char’s Holy Magic only at the point where she couldn’t even use Cleansing Magic?

“Um, roughly how many Undead are there? Depending on the number, I think it might be better if I go…”

Rеаⅾ οո ΚatRеαdіnɡCаfе

“Let’s see. It is estimated that there are about 100 of the most troublesome ghost types. There are said to be countless zombies and skeletons, but those can be dealt with by applying Holy Water to one’s sword.”

I see. So there was a method like that. That’s a real eye-opener. I never would have imagined it.

Hm? Wait… I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before.

Well, whatever. If I can’t remember it, then it must be the first time I’ve heard it.

“If it is only to that extent, it will be no trouble for someone of my caliber. Fiene, my Holy Magic skill level has increased since before, you know? I shall catch up to your skill level in no time.”

“Is that so? Hehe. I’m sure you will.”

Seeing Char acting just like she always had somehow put me at ease, and a small smile escaped my lips.

Though unless she goes to that bald old man and cheats, I don’t think catching up is possible.

Still, Char is the next Saint, so I really do hope she gives it her all.

“Honestly, what are you laughing at? You’re as unpredictable as ever. Besides, my knight’s family estate is located in the south. Is that not reason enough for me to go?”

“Char…”

Rеaⅾ оո KаtReadіոgCаfе

Yes, Char acts like a prickly, haughty young lady, but deep down, she’s incredibly kind.

“Lady Fiene, my master has grown beyond comparison. I am aware that your Holy Magic is off the charts, but my master excels at dealing with the Undead as well; the previous situation should not repeat itself. Furthermore, since His Holiness the Pope is here, the Temple should be able to dispatch clerics. If that is the case, there should be no problem at all. Your Holiness, is that not so?”

“Yes. That is correct, Holy Knight Hugues. I shall dispatch priests from the Temple in the Royal Capital and from the Crieri Branch Temple near Gulda.”

I see. Maybe it’ll be fine then, but whenever I think of them, the first thing that comes to mind is that pair who got turned into dolls…

I’m still somewhat worried.

“Wait, Fiene? You aren’t thinking something rude, are you?”

“Eh? Ahaha, I was just remembering the doll incident.”

“I—I told you to forget about that!”

“Fufu. I’m relieved to see that Char is as energetic as ever.”

“…I-I do too…”

My ears did not miss the way Char whispered “I am too” in a voice so small it almost vanished.

Yeah… I guess being overprotective isn’t such a good thing after all.

Reαd οո ΚatRеаԁіnɡСafe

“I understand. In that case, Char, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Hmph. Since I am the one stepping in, you may consider yourself in very capable hands.”

“Yes. I’ll wait for the good news with peace of mind.”

When I said that, Char puffed out her chest cutely, her face turning bright red.

“So, what should I do?”

“Umu. In the great forest of the Coledia Region to the northwest, there has been an unnatural increase in monsters, and it is predicted that a Monster Stampede will occur in December. Therefore, I want you to go to Forest City Airol and assist in the response to this Monster Stampede.”

“Understood. In that case, the Kingdom will cover the costs for the hotel and transportation, correct?”

“Umu. Naturally.”

“Also, we have traveled here from Yan’an, the imperial capital of the Red Sky Empire, almost non-stop. Would it be alright if we rested here in the Royal Capital for two days—tomorrow and the day after—before responding?”

“Umu. That is fine.”

“Thank you very much.”

Rеαԁ οn ΚаtReаԁіոgСαfе

“Then, you may consult with the Captain of the Second Knight Order over there regarding the details.”

“Nice to meet you, Saint Fiene Argentata-sama. I am Clement du Gatilue.”

“Gatilue?”

“Yes. I am Charlotte’s uncle.”

“I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Then, I turned back toward His Majesty and flashed a beaming business smile.

“Then, Your Majesty, I’ll work together with Captain Clement and do my part to protect the people from the Monster Stampede.”

“Umu, I count on you.”

His Majesty nodded magnanimously.

“Yes. Ah, and please settle my reward afterward.”

“Umu… uhmu?”