◆ Chapter 26: Epilogue

 

 

 

◆ Chapter 26: Epilogue

 

“UGGHH… How many more trips do I have to make?”

I slump back in a chair on top of Grantz castle’s rooftop garden. I came out to get some fresh air and blow off some steam building up from my chaotic daily routine.

“It’s backbreaking work,” I whine.

“You would have a much easier time if you could purify them all at once, but you can only do so many a day, m’lady,” Lex consoles.

Half a month has passed since we vanquished the two dragons. I have since made frequent visits to purify the Cladorca zombies. The expedition is the same each time: return to Grantz’s royal capital with everyone we manage to save.

I wish we could set up basecamp next to the city, but we prioritized safety over accessibility. Covering that much ground roundtrip for two weeks takes a toll on the body just the same. It’d be a thousand times faster if we could drive there on a paved road, but that’s the same as asking for the moon.

“Either way, I’ll do my job till the last person.”

“You are a remarkable woman, Lady Mizuha.”

“I volunteered to do it. Aren’t you more exhausted than I am, Lex? Unlike me, you’re also luring and knocking down zombies. How are you holding up?”

“You needn’t fret over me. I have been trained for this.”

Lex pounds his right fist against his chest. That’s superman Lex for you. He’s not pretending to be okay when he’s not—he actually isn’t fatigued. That said, even if he’s not physically tired, he must be feeling the mental strain. And yet he has a special kind of strength that stops him from complaining or scowling. Having this man by my side encourages me to work even harder.

“…Thank you for everything,” I mutter quietly. Saying it out loud is embarrassing. Lex looks stunned by my abrupt thanks, though he immediately responds with a sunny smile.

“It is only natural for me to assist you as your knight, Lady Mizuha.”

“That’s true, but that’s not what I mean…”

“You may set your fears at ease. Your feelings have reached me unhindered.”

It’s my fault for not coming out and saying it, but I’m pretty sure my feelings haven’t reached him at all. I wasn’t thanking him as a priestess to her knight. Agh! What a pain in the butt. I suck at these things! I just switch the subject to escape my mounting frustration.

“By the way, what happened with that one problem?”

“What problem might that be?”

“You know, the thing with Kodbyen’s family. I heard we located them during the last expedition.”

Every single person we purify in Cladorca has extensive background checks done on them by Grantz Kingdom. The lucky ones often reunite with their family the same day. Even if we can’t find their family that first day, having records on everyone allows for smooth reunification every time we bring back more people.

“Ah, that matter? I was planning on officially reporting it to you later. Long story short, they were able to safely visit with him. Mr. Kodbyen was overcome with joy.”

“I see. Good for them.”

“He expressed his gratitude to you as well, Lady Mizuha. He said, ‘Tell her thank you from the bottom of my heart.’”

My intention has always been to purify the whole world. But I only had my eyes set on an ambiguous goal and failed to see the problems that might arise between the various factions. It isn’t a stretch to say that Kodbyen was the trigger that made me think seriously about this world and my role in it going ahead. It was horrible getting kidnapped, but I’m genuinely happy if that man and his family have been safely reunited.

“Wait, what do you mean they visited with him? He hasn’t been let out of prison yet? I think you can release him now.”

“Unlike the time with Miss Iris, you are now recognized by His Majesty as the official Holy Priestess of our kingdom. Ample punishment is due for the crime of kidnapping you, or else we risk future cases of it.”

“Ah… I guess that plays a role in this too, doesn’t it?”

I’m the most affected by this matter. As someone who is constantly being protected, I can’t tell them to lessen his sentence in good conscience.

“Nevertheless, he did not directly harm you. He shouldn’t have to serve a long prison sentence,” Lex says to console me.

“Glad to hear it. Being with your family is the best thing in the long run.”

Not that I have any right to say that after I chose to stay in another world when I had the opportunity to go home. Still, I believe that a family who wants to be together should be.

“Big Sister, would you like to have tea together?” a lyrical, soft voice asks. Cia is standing in the pillared corridor connecting to the garden. Beside her is a trolley cart with a variety of tea sets.

“Did you prepare all that for me, Cia?”

“I did. You’ve been busier than usual lately, so I chose a relaxing tea that helps ease fatigue. Would you like some?”

She’s such a good girl! Knights and maids are watching over her from a distance. It’s easy to see she asked them to give her space to be with me. I just want to squeeze the cuteness out of her!

“Heck yeah! I mean...yes, please. I would love to have some tea,” I say, correcting my language for royal tea time.

“I’m ever so glad you said yes! Please wait just a moment. I will bring it right to you.” Cia lifts the tray under the tea set with both hands. Lex springs into action to help her before she hurts herself, but is stopped by her sharp glare. “I can handle it myself, Lex.”

“B-But Princess—”

“Please, Lex. This is the only thing that I can do.”

Cia always feels contrite about not being able to participate in the expeditions. Her statement just now brims with the sentiment. She takes slow, careful steps toward me, her brow adorably furrowed with the effort. The tray sways dangerously from beginning to end, but she manages to safely place the tea set on top of the garden table. A sigh of relief slips through her small, pert lips. Her every gesture is cuter than the last.

“You really are my happy place, Cia.”

“Y-Your…h-happy place? I don’t know what that means, but I’m happy if it means I’m helping you.”

Cia tilts her head and smiles when I accidentally let my inner thoughts slip out. If angels exist, I’ve never been more certain they would be like Cia than I am at this moment.

“Oh, I don’t see Miss Nady with you today,” Cia observes while preparing the tea. There are four cups—she must’ve been planning to serve Nady too.

“She’s returned to the Lucor village briefly to greet her mother. You know, because we’ve got that event tomorrow.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

She understands without me even explaining what it is. That just goes to show how big of an event tomorrow is for Nady—and me.

◆◆◆◆◆

THE next day a great many people have gathered in the royal audience chamber. Nobles and royal knights make up the majority. The rest are essentially the heroes of our last mission—the Lucors. They are kneeling before the king, who is seated upon the throne.

I’m watching them from a corner of the chamber near the throne with Lex.

“I hear you made huge contributions toward defeating the dragons during the last big quest.”

“We merely returned the debt we owed to the Holy Priestess for saving us,” Theos says reverently in response to His Majesty.

“The Holy Priestess is essential to this world’s survival. You have rendered this world a great service protecting her. Lucors, please accept this small reward.”

“We humbly accept.”

This ceremony is being held to reward the Lucors for playing a huge role in vanquishing the dragon. The Lucors accept the numerous wooden boxes and velvet bags Grantz’s soldiers bring before them. I can only imagine what expensive treasures are inside. Speaking of which, I remember being asked to purify the treasure room a while back—ugh, don’t think about it. No one wants to know that their rewards were washed in my spit, and I absolutely don’t want to be the one to tell them.

“Nady Ol Theos La Quim Rom Lucor, come forward.”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty,” Nady squeaks in response to the king calling her name.

I can tell how nervous she is at a glance. Is she trying to make herself look smaller? Her ears are flicked back against her head and her tail is curled between her legs. Though I’ve gotten used to it, I’m still smitten by Nady’s adorable, catlike gestures.

“My soldiers have told me a great deal about your feats. They say you alone felled the dragon that gave everyone else a run for their money.”

“It is true that my arrow brought down the dragon. However, my strength alone would not have been enough. It is because everyone distracted the dragon…and because my good friend gave me courage, that I was able to slay the dragon.”

Nady had been a bundle of nerves, but she spoke just that part with complete confidence. She also glanced my way when she said “good friend.”

“Be that as it may, you alone shot down the dragon. Therefore, you will be specially given the Meteor Medal. This medal was bestowed by the first King Grantz to the best archer in the land. The arrows he shot soared through the sky—like meteors, they say.”

“I h-humbly accept…!” Nady responds stiffly. She likely thinks it’s too great of an honor for her. I don’t know anything about the last person awarded this medal, but the main point is that Nady’s skill with the bow was recognized. I’m as delighted as if it was me receiving it.

The formal ceremony ended with bestowing the awards, so we moved to the grand hall originally constructed for receiving international guests. There began a ball unlike anything a commoner like me had any business attending. Most of the attendees are the people who took part in vanquishing the dragons. Approximately one person was kicked out at the start for trying to convert people to their cultic religion.

“There’s a lot more color and variety to the foods we have now, huh?” I remark as I look around the various dishes placed on the long tables.

It goes without saying that there’s an utter lack of meat dishes. According to Lex, things have finally stabilized enough with the domestic farm animals to start breeding. I hope I can force myself to permanently forget that any meat will come from a line of animals that had once been a part of a Boneless Ham.

“All thanks to your invaluable sp—”

“You were saying?”

“All thanks to the blessings brought about by the special holy water.” Lex instantly yielded to my death glare and corrected himself. I couldn’t care less about maintaining a master-knight relationship, but I do enjoy making use of my superiority in these situations.

“Anyways…Nady is suddenly Miss Popular, huh?” I say to change the topic.

“I can understand why. She was easily the champion of the last quest.”

I look to the center of the hall where Nady is surrounded by about twenty soldiers. They all speak to her like excited fans meeting their favorite idol for the first time.

“That last arrow you shot was astounding, Lady Nady!”

“I concur. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I know! Would you mind giving me personal archery lessons next time you are free?”

“I want in on that, too!”

“Not fair, guys! I was going to ask first. Please teach me, Miss Nady!”

“U-Um, Umm…er…” Nady is overwhelmed by them and who she should answer first. I want to help her out, but the party only just started. The soldiers all want to speak to her, so I will give them some time before I step in unless something requires action on my part sooner.

“You look gloomier than usual, Pino,” I say when I spot him out of the corner of my eye.

“I’m not very fond of these events,” he says dourly.

“I’m impressed you came anyway.”

“I came because something was bothering me.”

“…What’s that?”

“I didn’t account for the possibility of a second dragon. Forgive me,” Pino apologizes with his eyes cast down. I’m completely taken by surprise.

“You didn’t come all the way here just to say that, did you?”

“…Got a problem with that?” he snips.

“No...I don’t. The second dragon was a complete surprise, but no one could have guessed it was there. You have nothing to apologize for. Besides, the whole quest only happened because I pushed for it.”

“It became my responsibility when I agreed to help.”

“But we pulled it off in the end. We couldn’t have defeated one dragon, much less two, without your genius idea to alter the arrowheads and flood the plains. Don’t you agree, Lex?”

“Absolutely. This quest was only victorious because of Master Pino’s expert strategies,” Lex concurs.

Is he that prideful or does he just hate being wrong? Either way, Pino’s expression remains dismal. I’m trying to come up with a way to tear down his terribly unhappy look when the greatest weapon appears.

“Big Sister!”

I turn around to see Cia running toward me. Noticing everyone’s judgmental eyes, she slows her gait to a quick walk—it’s not easy to be a young princess. I’m feeling extra guilty about how my tomboy nature is beginning to rub off on her.

“You came too, Cia?”

“Yes. Father instructed me not to make anyone feel uncomfortable.”

None of the nobles or stuffy officials are in attendance at this party, probably to allow the soldiers to truly relax. In fact, a lot of people switched into stiff work mode when Cia showed up. Our surroundings only start to partially lighten up again when Cia announces, “Please enjoy yourselves without paying any mind to me. I am here with friends.”

Cia cutely steps to the side and smiles at Pino standing behind me. “Good evening, Master Pino. Thank you for coming tonight.”

“N-No problem. I had business with Miss Priestess here.” Pino always becomes restless around Cia. She must have caught traces of the displeasure on his face from our prior conversation as she looks questioningly at me.

“Did something happen?” she asks.

“Listen to this, Cia! Pino won’t accept the thanks he’s due. Even though he’s the genius who came up with the strategy that saved my life and won the day,” I say, talking him up.

“As I said, my plan wasn’t a complete success—”

“Is that what this is about?” Cia exclaims over Pino’s frantic objections. She walks up to him and gently takes his right hand in both of hers. “I have also heard just how vital your plan was to the dragon vanquishing quest. Please allow me to thank you personally as Mizuha’s little sister and Grantz Kingdom’s princess. Thank you ever so much, Master Pino…!”

Not even Pino can dismiss Cia’s sincere gratitude. And hey, I thought Pino was opposed to shaking hands with the opposite sex? But he’s letting her hold on tight. Looks like Cia’s the exception to the rule. He’s also turning cherry red to the tips of his ears. My lips spread into a Cheshire smile over the adorable display before me, earning a killer glare from Pino.

“Wh-What’s with that dorky face?!”

“Whatever are you talking about, hmm?”

Pino’s embarrassment seems to have reached its maximum level. He quickly, yet gently, slips his hand from Cia’s and turns his back on her. “I’m done here. I’m going back to work.”

“Aw, you are?” Cia asks, disappointment seeping into her voice. “Didn’t you only just arrive…?”

“Cia wants you to stay longer too. Why don’t you enjoy yourself for a bit?”

“Sorry, but my dislike of these events remains unchanged. Besides, someone else needs your meddlesome attention more than me, Miss Priestess,” Pino says, quickly taking his leave.

He always just says his part and leaves without a care. Though this time he appears rattled from holding hands with Cia. For once, he looks his age.

Anyway, I wonder who else I’m supposed to be helping. I survey the area and spot Nady surrounded by even more people. Not to mention…

“I wish I had known sooner how delightful Lucor women are.”

“I wholeheartedly agree. What endearing ears and tail you have…!”

“Are you currently being courted by anyone, Miss Nady?”

In the time I was talking to Pino and Cia, the other conversation changed from hardcore war talk to more romantic topics. The men are becoming awfully pushy with Nady while trying to outdo each other for her attention. Lex is rendered speechless by it.

“…Lady Nady is a hit with the gentlemen tonight.”

“She’s beautiful, adorable, and strong. Of course she’d be a hit!” I gush.

“Yes, Miss Nady is a very lovely lady—second to Big Sister,” Cia casually throws my name into the mix.

Nady’s appearance hasn’t changed since the first day she came to the capital, but receiving a medal from the king surely drew attention from people who would’ve ignored her before. There’s nothing wrong with her being popular, and I’m thrilled if everyone far and wide learns of how adorable she is. I, however, am not in favor of people making her uncomfortable.

“M-Mizuha…” Noticing me, she looks my way with watering eyes. I can’t just sit by watching after she’s sought help.

“Okay, okay. Break it up. If you don’t scatter, I’ll shove my zombie reeking hand in your faces!” I warn with my right hand thrust in front of me. Everyone surrounding Nady flees as if they had just encountered a poisonous spider in their living room. “…Hey, Lex? I know I’m the one who threatened them, but wasn’t it a little too effective?”

“Most here have experienced the stench for themselves, m’lady.”

“I was only joking… I’m hurt.”

Meh, it doesn’t matter since I rescued Nady. Plus, now I’ve found the ultimate weapon to protect myself from pesky nobles in the future...though using this method will cost me what little dignity I have left.

Nady covers my right hand with both of hers before I fall deeper into depression. “D-Don’t worry! You smell good, Mizuha!”

“This is the warm, gentle hand that saves lives.” Cia places her hands on top of Nady’s.

“My sentiments are the same as Lady Nady’s, Lady Mizuha.”

“It sounds perverted when you say it, Lex, so I’m just gonna ignore that remark.”

“Wh-Why is it only perverted when I say it?!”

Of course his compliment makes me happy, but I wish he understood how I feel having that said to me in public by a member of the opposite sex. My insensitive knight can wait. I return my attention to Nady.

“Anyway, I’m sorry for not helping you sooner.”

“It’s okay. You came when I needed you most.” She’s so pure and precious. I won’t admit out loud that her troubled face was adorable even if someone tried to torture it out of me.

“I’m a bit late, but congratulations on the medal, Nady.”

“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you, Mizuha.”

“I didn’t do anything. It’s all you.”

“No, it’s because you were with me.”

We constantly try to give each other the credit for it and never reach a consensus. It’s been like this since we vanquished the dragons. We start laughing because it’s become a running joke. At least we found a good middle of the road compromise with “we did it together.”

“So that’s the medal? Looks kinda…old,” I note, staring at the medal pinned to Nady’s chest. Even my untrained eyes can tell it has been delicately decorated with goldwork embroidery. But the base material has darkened with time, which gives it a less than glamorous impression.

“It was crafted a great many years ago,” Cia explains. “Bronze makes up most of the material used.” That’s a royal for you—they’re well-informed about the medals they bestow upon people.

“They should make you something new, but that’s a tall order considering the era we live in,” I say, shrugging.

“While it is certainly antiquated, the value is far from small. You might even say it has become more valuable with time,” Cia states proudly.

So it’s like an antique that goes up in value with time. I haven’t a clue what the value of such an item is in this world, but it’s invaluable to me as proof that Nady was recognized by the entire kingdom.

“Though I’ve got to say, it’s bulky.”

“Yeah, I think it’s too heavy to wear all the time, which is unfortunate.” Nady smiles sadly as she strokes the medal.

“You don’t have to wear it,” Cia interjects. “There is a lot of weight behind being bestowed a medal. If a commoner is awarded one, they rise in rank to a knight.”

“I heard that. But is it really all right for me to be given the rank of knight?” Nady asks.

“I can guarantee it will be essential in protecting Lady Mizuha in the future,” Lex assures her with a smile at almost the same time an irritatingly familiar voice utters my name.

“MiZUha!”

This ball is for everyone who participated in the dragon vanquishing quest. It goes without question that Keith had been there.

I turn around thinking yet another annoying person has shown up, but Keith’s already being apprehended by soldiers.

“Having a title, if only in name, will allow you to remove this kind of flirtatious nobleman from Lady Mizuha’s presence without getting into trouble,” Lex explains coolly as he watches the soldiers restrain Keith. “Apologies, Lord Rowadan, but I request your immediate exit of this venue.”

“You dare intervene in my love again, Lex Irvine?! I was about to relive the dramatic and touching moments from the quest with MiZUha! Unhand me! You rotten soldiers!”

I barely spent any time with Keith that’s worth reliving… His delusions grow more outrageous by the day. He struggles and whines as they cart him off. Even the normally passive Cia is exasperated as she frowns and says, “There is no helping that man.

“Ahahaha,” Nady laughs dryly. “Y-You might be right about needing that title.”

It’s a bit questionable that her primary use for it will be anti-Keith, but I’m ecstatic she won’t receive any unjust punishment for dealing with pesky nobles in the future.

“Nady, can we talk?” someone asks in a hard voice after the commotion with Keith is settled. A group of five Lucor men have approached us. They look like they have come to discuss something very serious.

“What’s the matter?” she asks.

“Er…rry…”

“…Come again?”

“I said we’re sorry!”

He sounds frustrated, but I can tell he’s sincere from the awkward look on his face. After the first young man apologizes, the rest take turns to say their part too.

“Sorry for calling you worthless and talentless.”

“And for constantly saying you get special treatment for being the Chieftain’s daughter.”

“Also for calling you a giant, bigfoot, beanstalk...and the like.”

“O-Oh, that stuff. It doesn’t bother me,” Nady says dismissively.

“How could it not? Don’t dismiss it—”

“Because it’s the truth,” she crisply responds, her brows furrowed. She’s so different from the depressed girl they knew, the Lucor men blink repeatedly as if they’ve got the wrong person. “You weren’t wrong to dub me as powerless among our people. I’m still lacking.”

“Yeah, but you took down the dragon our arrows couldn’t even reach!”

“Even so, I couldn’t have done it alone. Mizuha gave me the courage to release that arrow, and it only hit its mark because everyone distracted the dragon. Which reminds me, I never thanked you for that.” Nady smiles softly. “Thank you.”

The Lucor men are blindsided by her dazzling smile. Some even blush.

“You’ve changed.”

“I have?”

“Yeah, you have. I don’t know how to describe it…it’s like you’ve gotten…better?”

“…Hm? That’s good, I guess?” Nady’s smile remains as she cutely tilts her head. The Lucor men visibly avert their eyes from her.

I wonder if this is a case of boys picking on a girl because they like her. I’m not sure if that same logic applies to nonhumans in another world, but…it certainly seems like it to me. I thought they were all pigs who enjoyed badmouthing Nady, but they’re kind of cute like this. Strange.

“A-Anyway, that’s all we wanted to say. Later.”

The Lucor men scurry away with that curt farewell. Though Nady was confused by their awkward interaction from beginning to end, her expression is soft, likely because they confronted her in a respectful way.

“Sorry about that, Mizuha. I just made you witness a strange moment among my people.”

“I don’t mind. More than that, it’s great that people aside from your father have come to accept you.”

“Yeah! Maybe now I can proudly proclaim that I’m your bodyguard,” Nady exclaims, her whole face lighting up. She sounds so gung-ho about becoming my bodyguard, but I’m still hung up on that fact.

“Are you really sure you want to become my bodyguard? Aren’t the rest of the Lucors returning to your village soon? Don’t you want to go with them?”

“I already made up my mind. Besides, I realized during the fight against the dragon that I have mastered the bow to protect you, Mizuha.”

“Nady…”

“I’ve already spoken about it with Father…and I told Mother.” Nady returned to her village the other day. I thought she went to inform her mother ahead of time about being awarded the medal, but it sounds like that wasn’t the only reason.

Cia steps forward after hearing Nady’s resolve. “I’m also ecstatic that Miss Nady will be staying with us.”

“I will do my best to protect Mizuha, so I hope we can continue to get along well in the future, Princess Cia.”

“As do I. However, hearing you call me princess feels too stiff and formal for my liking. Please call me Cia.”

“I couldn’t! It is too impolite…” Nady is flustered by Cia’s request. I understand how she feels. After all, she’s addressing Grantz’s crown princess. She shouldn’t even be able to converse with her under normal circumstances.

“Does that mean I’m being rude for blatantly calling her Cia?” I tease.

“You’re special, Mizuha! You’re the Holy Priestess!”

“I think friends can put things like titles and status behind them. Just like how you got to the point of calling me by name,” I say with a wicked grin after using myself as an example.

I’m supposedly a respected figure with the title of “Priestess,” and Nady still became my friend. The same should hold true with Cia. I don’t know if my encouragement gave her the push she needed or not, but Nady takes a deep breath and formally faces Cia.

“O-Okay, C-Cia.”

“Thank you, Nady!”

“It is very reassuring to be able to fight alongside you, Lady Nady,” Lex says, pounding his right fist against his chest.

“I hope you will guide me as I am still lacking, Sir Lex.”

“Leave it to me. I, Lex Irvine, will devote myself as Lady Mizuha’s knight to teaching you everything I know.”

There’s no question that Lex is an exceptionally skilled warrior. But he’s almost too enthusiastic—it scares me.

“Lex isn’t very flexible when it comes to certain things, so try not to pick that part of his personality up,” I whisper in Nady’s ear.

“O-Oh? O-Okay,” Nady hesitantly agrees.

“L-Lady Mizuha?” Lex sends me a questioning look because we’re whispering in front of him.

“Just having some girl talk,” I respond with an innocent smile.

“Setting everything else aside, I look forward to putting our strength together to protect Lady Mizuha!”

“M-Me too!”

We still have a long ways to go before Cladorca is completely purified. After that’s finished, we are going to have to negotiate with them to prevent any possible skirmishes in the future. Once that happens, we will need to be more vigilant about non-zombie related threats.

But I should be able to get past any obstacle with Lex and Nady at my side.

“It’s not nice of you to leave me out of the loop, Boss Man,” Rosso chimes in as if he has been waiting to talk to us all this time.

“You were here, Sir Rosso?”

“Th-That’s cold, Boss Man! I took part in the dragon vanquishing quest too!”

“Ah, sorry, I didn’t notice you there either.”

“Not you too, Boss Lady! Grr… Retreating to the corner of the hall to avoid standing out worked against me…”

You definitely don’t see many commoners attending castle balls. I understand why he was trying to blend into the walls. I would have happily become a wallflower with him if I wasn’t the Priestess.

“B-Back to the point! Please call me if anything comes up. I will always put my life on the line for my favorite Boss Lady!”

“Thanks. I’m counting on you when the time comes.”

In fact, Rosso helped a ton during the dragon quest, especially when we were cornered by miner zombies in the tunnels. If not for his quick thinking and agility, we wouldn’t be having this party right now. He’s really changed his scummy first impression to becoming one of the people I can depend on the most in this world.

“Iris is here too.”

Iris pops her head out from under the table when I’m trying to figure out where her voice came from.

“Geh!” I scream and jump back on a reflex. “Why are you crawling under the tables like a zombie?! And I thought they threw you out.”

“I slipped free and made it back here.”

Iris flashes a triumphant grin. She’s cuddling a statue shaped like me. It should’ve been lost when she chucked it in the dragon’s mouth, but…it looks like she had a spare. What’s more ridiculous is that this one looks even more like me than the last, with creases carved into what’s now a flowing skirt. I’ve been thinking this for a long time, but the fanatics who worship me would definitely be happier if they become sculptors instead.

“…You didn’t hit the soldiers with that, did you?”

“I-I did no such thing.”

“...I find it hard to believe you.”

“I only hit zombies with this.”

“I keep telling you to stop it because it’s dangerous to hit anyone with that—living or dead.”

“My goddess is extra precious when she’s worrying about Iris…”

She completely misunderstood that it’s the zombies being whacked by her superhuman strength that I’m worried about. It’s no use setting her straight now that she’s gone into another one of her ecstasy trips with a dopey smile.

Exasperated, I sigh. I can hear Nady giggling beside me.

“What’s so funny, Nady?”

“Sorry. It’s just so much fun for some reason. I have never been surrounded by so much energy and excitement before.”

Both Iris and Rosso are energetic people. Throw Keith, who was already dragged off, into the mix and I’d say things get more chaotic than exciting. Nady might feel the excitement more than I do because she spent most of her life alone in her village.

“You have to get used to it. It is always like this around Lady Mizuha.”

“C’mon, Lex, you make it sound like I’m causing this mood!”

“Am I wrong, m’lady?”

He actually thinks I’m the cause.

“Indeed. This is one time I must agree wholly with Lex. Everyone near Big Sis is always smiling and laughing!”

“Ack. You think so too, Cia?”

I didn’t expect Cia to side with Lex. That said, I’d rather people be smiling than frowning around me. It does worry me that most of the people I’m surrounded by are a bit—or rather—quite unique in their own way. Something about our conversation seems to have been funny enough to make Nady laugh again.

“I have mixed feelings about this, but meh. If Nady’s enjoying herself, it’s all good.”

“I love it. I really enjoy the energy you bring into a room, Mizuha.”

I currently enjoy a high status because I’m the Priestess, but once I lose Goddess Sadia’s powers, I’ll be no different from any other high school girl. There’s nothing special about me. But...I couldn’t ask for a greater power than the ability to make those I care about smile and laugh.

Things are really only just getting serious after I finish purifying Cladorca. I have to take preemptive action to stop wars from breaking out between humans. That will surely require not only the powers I obtained from the Goddess but also my own power. I can imagine how crazy difficult things will become. But I have a lot of people on my side and my amazing friends too!

Surrounded by the din of the hyped-up party, I flash Nady my best fighting smile.

“I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us, Nady!”

“Me too, Mizuha!”

 

The End