Maria Sees the World

After Ed and Fer’s apology, we restarted our journey, albeit awkwardly. Our first destination was Hirsch. It was quite large and bustling, as you’d expect for a capital city.

When we arrived at the castle, the impressively armored soldiers came flying right to us. “You must be the Sacred Maiden of Banfield, and His Royal Highness Edoardo’s party! We’ve been awaiting your arrival!”

Apparently, Reynard sent a letter ahead to let them know we were coming. There was a huge line of people waiting to get inside, but the soldiers cut us in ahead of all of them.

“I can’t say I like jumping the queue much,” I said. But while I was uncomfortable butting in line, everyone else said it was normal.

“The procedures for state guests are different, Sacred Maiden” Reynard asserted. “We would cause a ruckus if we were to wait outside.”

With that, I had to reluctantly accept their warnings. Before, I had always wanted special treatment. But now, I realized how terrifying it really was. The title of “Sacred Maiden” was incredibly heavy. For the people of this world, I was their hope — their absolute protector. On our way here, I’d seen just how much they prayed and wished for me to purify the trees, and what other selfish demands they had.

The reason for all of it was because of the legend of the Sacred Maiden, passed down to the people of Vatis. Tales were recounted of maidens of the past traveling around and righting wrongs. It had been blown up so much that everywhere we went, people were coming and piling their problems onto me. Honestly, if it weren’t for our traveling party, I’d have gone crazy already. I might have been a bit hard on myself after losing Lucia, but the constant demands were putting a stop to that! Let me rest! I’m not a doctor, I can’t cure diseases. I can use light magic, but I can’t bring back the dead!

I couldn’t count how many times I ended up making a fist. If it hadn’t been for the others, I would’ve either ran or tried to beat someone up. Shiro’s cuteness healed me, Gaius the bear consoled me, Reynard taught me coping methods, Eri-kun complained with me, Fer admonished me, and Ed shielded me.

I might have been worshiped in Banfield too, but they didn’t push anything on me. I mean, aside from the whole journey of purification, at least. With all of the hits to my conscience, when I couldn’t actually help them, Vatis took a toll on my mentality. Lucia. You really don’t want this “Sacred Maiden” job. I spoke to her, even though she wasn’t here.

Everyone was so selfish. They thought the “Sacred Maiden” was all-powerful. But I was just a normal human. The only thing I had going for me was the fact that my light magic can purify monsters. Not everyone actually thought about me like you did. Well, our companions — err, yeah. At first, I’d only thought of them as members of my harem, but now, they were definitely my irreplaceable companions. They’re protecting me in your place, so don’t worry.

Lucia may not have been there anymore, but I could still feel traces of her on our journey. My dear friend, who saw me for me, and protected me. I could even see traces of her through my companions who took on her job of protecting me. Before, they’d been colder. Even though they were nice, and they fussed over me, it had all been out of duty. We only saw each other as pawns. Of course we wouldn’t get close that way.

But things were different now. We could treat each other as people. After meeting Lucia, my world changed. I’m doing my best, Lucia. And I’ll keep at it for as long as I can. Thinking about her still made me cry. But it didn’t stop me. Even if the tears blurred my vision, even if I was criticized for not granting everyone’s wishes, I would keep going. With the dear companions that she, my precious friend, gave me, in their world.