Volume 6, Chapter 17 – What is the Holy Sword

We are currently at the Temple, giving the Pope a report on our journey.

“I see. So Lady Fiene has forged a bond with a spirit.”

“Yes. This is my Contract Spirit, Riche. Riche, this is the Pope; he has been very helpful to me.”

I channel Mana into the Flower Maiden’s Staff to summon Riche and introduce her.

Riche places her index finger against her chin and stares intently at the Pope.

As I thought, even that gesture is incredibly cute.

No matter how you look at it, Riche is the cutest thing in the world.

However, the adorable Riche simply turned her face away from the Pope with a huff before disappearing back into the staff.

“Ah, I’m sorry. Please excuse Riche. She tends to wander off the moment she loses interest.”

“No, it is quite alright. I have heard that spirits are inherently free beings.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Still, that in the Far North, a terrifying monster such as the Dark Dragon King Valgalm was sealed, and that the Silver High Elf bore the duty of guarding that seal… this is news to me as well.”

The Pope’s expression turned serious for a moment, but he quickly returned to his usual smile and urged me to continue.

“Now, will you tell me more about the rest of your journey?”

“Yes.”

And so, I continued my report.

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I kept quiet about the relationship between Ade and the Golden Sun Miko Nation, since that would’ve gotten complicated, but I did tell him that the Water Dragon King Valortina was sealed there.

When I mentioned the Monster Stampede led by the Goblin King in the Red Sky Empire, I noticed the Pope’s expression become grave.

“Pope-sama? Is something wrong?”

“Oh, please excuse me. I was merely lamenting the sins of humanity.”

“The sins of humanity?”

I asked back, surprised by the remark that came completely out of nowhere.

“Yes. Indeed. In the Temple, we teach that monsters are the mirrors of human sin. Those who harbor evil and wicked hearts and commit sins eventually become monsters; through their forms, they teach us humans the horror of those sins.”

“Monsters are… human sins…?”

“Yes. Therefore, humans are required to discipline themselves by witnessing how monsters run wild, kill, deceive, and commit sins. We must love our families, our friends, and our loved ones, and fill this world with prayers to God, hope, and love.”

Hmm. I’d never heard the details before, but so that’s the doctrine.

“Furthermore, by being slain by a human with a righteous heart, monsters are liberated from their sinful forms, and their souls are guided to the presence of God. Therefore, Lady Fiene, when you encounter a monster, please maintain a heart of love and mercy, and slay them with a smile.”

“Eeeeh…”

No… I don’t think I can smile while killing things.

He’s starting to sound like the leader of some suspicious cult.

Ah… but then again, he is the Pope, so I guess he’s basically a cult leader.

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I gave a vague response and steered the conversation back to the journey. As I proceeded, the Pope reacted to the mention of Kirinagi.

“I see. So, Holy Knight Christina believes that the katana known as Kirinagi is a Holy Sword?”

With that, the Pope turned the conversation toward Chris-san.

“Yes. I have heard that Kirinagi allows no one to wield it other than its owner, Shizuku-dono, and Lady Fiene. Furthermore, those who tried to forcibly take Kirinagi from Shizuku-dono were cursed to death. Then, upon meeting Lady Fiene, Shizuku-dono offered the sword to her. Based on these facts, I believe Kirinagi is undoubtedly a Holy Sword.”

Wait, that’s enough to count as evidence? Just meeting her and offering the sword?

“I see. So that is how it was. If that is the case, it is quite convincing. That Kirinagi is a Holy Sword—or rather, a Holy Blade—without a doubt.”

Eh? Seriously? That’s enough? Just meeting me and offering the sword?

My doubts must have been written all over my face, as the Pope offered a supplementary explanation.

“Lady Fiene, you may find it strange, but that is simply the nature of Holy Swords.”

No, but…

“It seems you are not convinced. Very well, Lady Shizuku, you performed a vow to offer your sword to Lady Fiene, did you not?”

“That is correct.”

“Then, did your Class not change at that moment?”

“Oh? You are well-informed. My Class changed from Samurai to Sword Saint.”

“Thank you. Lady Fiene, that is what I mean.”

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Uhh… I’ve completely lost track of what’s going on.

“In short, a Holy Sword guides its owner to the Saint they are meant to serve. When the owner of a Holy Sword pledges their oath to a Saint, the owner’s Class changes. In most cases, they become a Holy Knight, but in the case of Kirinagi, it was a Sword Saint. Of course, if the owner of a Holy Sword has a sufficiently high Level, they can also undergo a Class Change here at the Temple.”

I-I see. So that’s how it worked.

“Regardless, I finally understand.”

Saying this, the Pope rang a bell to call an attendant and had them bring something.

“It was suddenly bestowed upon us by God, and we were at a loss as to how to handle it, but it seems this was meant for Lady Shizuku all along. Please, accept this.”

The Pope presented a white cloth on a tray to Shizuku-san.

“What may this be?”

“It is the proof of a knight who protects the Saint, granted by God to those who offer their sword to a Saint.”

“Uh…”

Shizuku-san gave a half-hearted response, but she took the cloth and draped it over her shoulders.

It appeared to be a cloak nearly identical to Chris-san’s, featuring exquisite embroidery in silver thread with light crimson accents along the hem.

However, the light crimson crest on the back was not the Royal Crest of the White Moon Kingdom.

“Oh, it is the crest of the Golden Sun Miko Nation. Moreover, this cloak is very comfortable.”

Shizuku-san said this happily and gave a little twirl. Her black hair looked beautiful against the fabric.

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“Aww, Shizuku-san matches Onee-sama! I’m so jealous!”

“Lumia, first you must practice your archery so that you may be chosen by a Holy Sword.”

“Ehh. I want a Holy Fork~”

Lu-chan is the same as always. She puffed out her cheeks, making a cute, selfish demand.

“Lady Lumia may also be chosen by a Holy Sword one day. Skill is important, of course, but it is said that a Holy Sword looks for a pure heart, and a truly strong desire to respect and protect the Saint. Your spirit of devotion toward Lady Fiene may very well resonate with a Holy Sword.”

“Really!?”

Lu-chan leaned forward eagerly.

“Yes. All is according to God’s guidance.”

“Yay! Onee-sama! I’m gonna do my best!”

“Eh? Ah, right. Lu-chan, let’s start by Leveling Up your Archery.”

“Yes! Leave it to me!”

Lu-chan declared this with a joyful expression.

Sigh.

I just hope this means the frequency of arrows flying toward my face will decrease a little.