Volume 7, Chapter 40 – Because They Are Human

“Ah! That’s Saint-sama! As I thought, God has not abandoned us!”

As we approached the Barrier in front of the West Gate of Eibra, cheers of joy erupted from the evacuated Luma. Despite being packed together like sardines, they managed to perform a perfect Jumping Dogeza from a Boon.

Meanwhile, the soldiers of Eibra looked bewildered by the sight. When they spotted us, they froze, then went Bitan—slamming face-first onto the ground.

I see. So the rank-and-file soldiers haven’t been told about the Fake Holy Sword commotion. In that case, maybe I can persuade them?

“Please clear the way. I have decided to save them.”

The soldiers frowned openly, but they obediently did as I said and opened the way.

“Also, everyone, harming them is the same as harming me. If you intend to point your swords at them, please be prepared for the consequences.”

Upon hearing this, the soldiers’ faces turned pale.

I think this should be fine. All right.

“People of the Luma. I am Fiene Argentata. Now, let us go together to the Promised Land, where you can live free from oppression.”

“Oooooh. Saint-sama! Saint-sama!”

Sobs could be heard from the Luma who remained prostrate.

“As God wills.”

Saying that, I helped the Luma to their feet and urged them onward to the west.

From among them, a young man walked up to us and knelt. He was a clean-cut youth with short hair.

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“Saint-sama! I am Lazhar, a traveling performer!”

“Yes. Nice to meet you.”

“Since I travel, I can act as a guide! Would you allow me to lead the way?”

“I understand. Please lead us toward the town of Izar. We will try to rent a ship there.”

“Yes! Leave it to me!”

And so, with Lazhar-san walking at the front, the large group of Luma began to move through the desert once again.

◇ ◇ ◇

We kept heading west, farther and farther west, at a slow pace.

Before I knew it, the massive crowd of Luma had grown to around 2,000 people—all of them Luma who had been oppressed in Eibra.

Apparently, Lazhar-san’s troupe had heard about us in Sharikla and entered Eibra ahead of us to spread the word to their compatriots.

Having learned of this, the people had escaped all at once through a hole in the city wall to coincide with our arrival, joining the Luma we had already brought along.

It seemed that soldiers had arrived and they thought all was lost, but thanks to the Barrier I had left behind, they had managed to avoid the worst.

Hmm. This is all going a little too perfectly.

Still, I’m really glad I made it a Barrier that didn’t block everyone, but one that only the Luma could pass through.

Also, no pursuers have come yet. However, it will soon become known that we escaped the palace and joined the Luma.

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When that happens, soldiers will undoubtedly be dispatched to kill the fleeing Luma.

And if, by some chance, we were killed by those soldiers, it could even lead to a war between White Moon and Yellow Planet.

Therefore, they probably won’t go as far as killing us, but the Luma will likely be killed, and Lu-chan might even be made into a slave.

To keep that from happening, I should at least slow the pursuers down.

Thinking this, I set up a Defense Wall behind us, making it as wide as possible. They shouldn’t be able to destroy my Defense Wall, and since they’ll have to take a significant detour, it should buy us a decent amount of time.

Additionally, the group is being led not only by Lazhar-san at the front, but also by Shizuku-san. Lazhar-san is the guide, and Shizuku-san is in charge of defeating monsters.

When we went from Izar to Eibra, we were only attacked by Yellow Scorpi occasionally, so if it’s just that level, Shizuku-san alone should be fine.

Meanwhile, we stayed near the rear of the group, watching for pursuers from Eibra.

If pursuers come, I’ll just hinder their progress with another Defense Wall.

If we keep forcing them to take detours every time they catch up, I think they’ll eventually get fed up and give up.

◇ ◇ ◇

“They’ve come again. The Barrier.”

I used a Barrier to trap the pursuing Eibra soldiers all at once.

Until now, I had been using Defense Walls to create barriers and stall them, but since they are pursuing us so persistently, I think I’ll try to persuade them to go home.

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“Fiene-sama?”

“I’ve trapped them, so I’m going to try and persuade them to go back.”

When I said that, Chris-san walked in front of me with an “oh well” expression. Lu-chan also quietly followed behind.

“Soldiers of Eibra. Saint Fiene Argentata-sama has words for you.”

She doesn’t have to sound that high-handed… but I suppose Chris-san has already decided they’re the enemy.

Still, they’re just doing their jobs, so maybe they have no choice.

After all, they were the same people who’d been going Bitan and shouting “Saint-sama! Saint-sama!” earlier. I’d like to believe they still have some conscience left.

“Hello. I am Fiene Argentata. I have a request. Could you please let us go? To you, the Luma may be the Defiled, but to us, they are not. Surely, God did not teach us to despise or kill our neighbors. Could you please kindly see them off as they journey to a foreign land?”

However, the words that came back to me were unexpected.

“Shut up! How dare you deceive us! You fake Saint!”

“That’s right! A fake shouldn’t speak for God! You enemy of God!”

“The Defiled are not neighbors! They are evil beings who bring impurity!”

“Exactly. We’ll wipe out that defiled blood right here!”

As I looked into the faces glaring at me—and at the Luma behind me—with nothing but anger and hatred in their eyes, I couldn’t believe they were the very same people who had been calling me “Saint-sama” only the other day.

“How… could…”

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I was speechless.

“Fiene-sama. It is useless to say anything to them. More importantly, let us get the Luma away as quickly as possible.”

“…Yes.”

I couldn’t believe it.

Just because someone important told them to, they changed their attitude so completely… And I can’t believe people can call those who live in the very same town “evil beings” without hesitation.

“How can people be so cruel…?”

“Fiene-sama…”

“…Onee-sama. Isn’t that just because they’re human?”

Lu-chan’s words gave me a deep shock.

Ah, I see. It was my fault for expecting too much.

There are people who can understand one another, and there are so many wonderful people. But there are also people who can’t… people who are simply beyond help. Maybe that’s just what it means to be human.

“I… suppose so… Let’s hurry.”

With that, I walked forward without releasing the Barrier trapping the pursuing soldiers.

I didn’t release the Barrier until about five hours later, when we were attacked by a swarm of Yellow Scorpi and I had to cast another Barrier to protect the Luma.