Chapter 4: The Saintess’s Departure

The issue with toxic parents was safely resolved, and five years have passed.

Clarel is twenty-three this year. Reina is fifteen.

Even after that, troubles frequently befell Clarel and Reina, but thanks to the Saintess’s protection, they were able to resolve them without difficulty.

Reina has grown up healthily without anyone hindering her, and now she has become a splendid lady. Her studies and etiquette training are progressing smoothly. As for holy magic, she has long surpassed Clarel, and at some point, she even gained the ability to control holy spirits.

With Reina’s current abilities, she could probably defeat enemies from the mid-to-late stages of the game.

Next year, she’ll enroll in the academy in the capital… But with her like this, she shouldn’t face any bullying at the academy or the Grand Temple. She’d probably turn the tables on them with ease.

Clarel had educated Reina so she would never be oppressed again… But she had grown far beyond expectations. Normally, she was supposed to grow by overcoming trials with the capture targets, but it feels like he might have overdone it.

“Is something the matter, Clarel-sama?”

“…No, it’s nothing, Reina.”

In the dining kitchen of the temple, Clarel shook his head at Reina, who had asked with a curious look.

At the end of Clarel’s gaze, Reina, wearing an apron, was stirring a pot.

Reina’s lustrous silver hair reached her waist, and her figure had fully matured into that of an adult woman. Her beauty had been polished even further, rivaling—no, surpassing—that of the game’s heroine.

Clarel had changed as well. Perhaps due to being by Reina’s side, his holy magic skills had improved remarkably. He could now even use advanced holy magic that he previously couldn’t.

With this holy magic, I could probably live the rest of my life in luxury… But have I really given Reina enough to deserve all she’s done for me?

Lately, Clarel had been consumed by such thoughts.

Was he truly fulfilling his role as a parental figure? Aren’t other fathers in the world performing their duties far more admirably?

It was a kind of parenting blues, perhaps. Next year, Reina would enroll in the capital’s academy. With their separation approaching step by step, he was losing confidence as her guardian.

“Here, the stew is ready… Are you sure you’re okay? You really don’t seem yourself.”

Reina placed the dish on the table and peered into Clarel’s face.

“N-No… It’s nothing, really.”

“Are you sure? Let me check for a moment…”

“Ugh…!?”

Reina gently pressed her forehead against Clarel’s with a soft tap.

At such close range… her stunning beauty, as if close enough for a kiss, was right before him.

“R-Reina…”

“Hmm… It feels a little warm, but it doesn’t seem like you’re sick. Could it be the change of seasons affecting your health?”

“I-I’m fine!”

“Oh…”

Clarel hurriedly pulled Reina away.

Reina let out a slightly disappointed sound but quickly pressed her index finger to her lips, giving a mischievous smile.

“Let’s eat dinner, take a bath, and rest early. I’ll wash your back tonight, okay?”

“N-No, um… As I’ve said before, at this age, bathing together is…”

“Don’t you always say, Clarel-sama, that ‘I’m Reina’s father figure’? Isn’t it natural for a daughter to wash her father’s back as an act of filial piety?”

“I-Is that so?”

“Yes, it is. Or… could it be, Clarel-sama, that you’re starting to see me as a woman?”

Reina locked eyes with Clarel, smiling seductively. Why did her face suddenly seem so alluring?

“O-Of course, I’m your father figure and guardian…”

“…I see.”

Reina’s smile faded, and she pouted her lips as if sulking.

“If that’s the case, it’s fine for us to bathe together, right? And after the bath, we’ll sleep in the same bed! Absolutely!”

“N-No, that’s…”

“We’re family, so it shouldn’t matter, right?”

For some reason… Clarel could sense Reina’s anger.

Having been cornered by her words, the option to refuse was no longer available.

“…I won’t give up until Clarel-sama surrenders.”

Her final murmured words didn’t reach Clarel’s ears, dissolving into the air and fading away.

No matter how many years pass, some things remain unchanged, but naturally, some things change as well.

The environment surrounding Clarel and Reina was no exception.

“Reina-san! Please marry me!”

“I’m sorry, please excuse me.”

“Ahh…!”

A young man from some town, swiftly rejected by Reina’s smiling dismissal, collapsed to the ground.

The man dropped to his hands and knees on the temple floor, his head hanging low and tears streaming down his face.

“As popular as ever, huh, Reina-chan? That’s the fifth one this month, isn’t it?”

“Yes… It’s quite troublesome when suitors come all the way from other towns.”

Clarel responded with a wry smile to the words of the gay shopkeeper who ran the clothing store.

The two were chatting in a corner of the temple. Rottel-san joined in as well.

“With beauty like that, it’s no wonder. Her figure is stunning, and to think she’s only fifteen!”

“It’s no surprise she’s never short of suitors. If Priest-sama weren’t here, half the men in our town would probably be proposing to her!”

“Why am I being brought into this? As her father figure, I wouldn’t object unless the suitor was truly awful or already engaged.”

““Haa…””

The two let out synchronized sighs, as if they had planned it.

“Priest-sama, you’re really dense, aren’t you? Are you seriously not noticing?”

“Can’t be helped, can it? He’s been looking after her since she was a child.”

“But… hasn’t Reina-chan been obvious about it since she was little? Especially lately, it’s gotten so blatant… Maybe she’ll just have to pin him down herself!”

Rottel-san and the gay shopkeeper were having a rather unsettling conversation.

“…Could you two please stop talking as if I’m not here?”

When Clarel glared at them with narrowed eyes, the gay shopkeeper raised both hands in surrender.

“Just kidding! More importantly… with her being that popular, aren’t you worried? No strange trouble brewing, is there?”

Reina had no shortage of suitors lately, receiving proposals or confessions every few days. Some even displayed stalker-like persistence, refusing to back down after her gentle rejections.

“I think it’s fine… Look.”

“Reina-san! I can’t give up after all. I’m in love with you…!”

The man, who had been slumped in a near-prostrating position, sprang up like a jack-in-the-box and lunged forward. He aimed to embrace Reina from behind as she swept the temple floor with a broom.

“Reina-chan!”

“That’s dangerous!”

Rottel-san and the gay shopkeeper cried out in alarm, seeing the man charge with the reckless momentum of a thief diving into a trap.

“Kuma!” “Nyan!” “Wan-wan!”

“Gugh…!?”

From nowhere, three stuffed animals—a bear, a cat, and a dog—materialized and struck the man down. Hitting his head, stomach, and groin in perfect unison, they sent him tumbling out of the temple.

“Those are…”

“Bodyguards… Reina’s, that is,” Clarel explained, his tone a mix of exasperation and quiet awe.

The stuffed animals were inhabited by holy spirits that protected Reina. Their combat prowess surpassed that of ordinary soldiers, and their numbers grew each time Clarel bought her a new one.

“It’s starting to feel like I don’t even need to protect Reina anymore… Her time to leave the nest is near.”

“…So, Priest-sama, you’re planning to send Reina-chan to the capital?”

“Yes, it won’t be too far in the future.”

Clarel nodded openly at the gay shopkeeper’s observation.

“I know Reina cherishes me as family. I know she loves our life here. But that girl isn’t meant to stay in a small rural town like this. She needs to see the wider world.”

“…Well, I get what you’re saying.”

“Let a beloved child go on a journey, as they say…”

The gay shopkeeper and Rottel-san exchanged meaningful looks but nodded in agreement.

“I’m all for Reina-chan going to the capital. And I agree she should see the world.”

“Still, I have a feeling that girl will come back to this town.”

“…………”

Would she, though? In the capital, Reina would meet countless people. The crown prince, the knight commander’s son, the prime minister’s son—handsome, distinguished men would flock to her side.

I don’t think Reina, once she realizes she’s the Saintess and steps into the capital, would come back…

It would be lonely, but not sad. Clarel believed that was the proper, rightful path for her.

“Excuse me. Is the priest of this temple present?”

Lost in thought, Clarel was interrupted by a knock at the door. Turning toward the voice, he saw an elderly gentleman in a refined hat and coat standing at the temple’s open entrance. The man glanced nervously at the suitor’s “corpse” (?) sprawled outside before calling into the temple.

“…Looks like another suitor. And this one’s a big shot we can’t turn away.”

Clarel gave a slight bow to the two before heading toward the gentleman.

“I am Clarel Burn, the priest. Thank you for coming all this way.”

He placed a hand on his chest and bowed deeply to the gentleman.

“Still… I never expected you would come in person, Your Eminence the Cardinal.”

“It’s a matter of great importance. I’d come even from the ends of the earth.”

The gentleman removed his hat, returning Clarel’s greeting.

“No need for introductions, but just in case. I am Dilette Horst, a cardinal serving at the Grand Temple in the capital. I’ve come upon hearing a Saintess was found at this temple.”

A cardinal—the highest authority in the Grand Temple—had appeared in person. His purpose was clear: to bring Reina, the Saintess, to the capital.

So, the time for farewell has come…

Clarel lowered his eyes slightly and led the cardinal to the temple’s reception room. As he attended to the elderly man, tension tightening his chest, Reina called out to him.

“Clarel-sama, who is that gentleman?”

“A guest from the capital… I’m sorry, could you tend to the chapel for a bit?”

“Understood…?”

Reina gave a puzzled look but nodded in agreement.

“…That was the Saintess, I presume. Indeed, a woman with radiant beauty.”

As they entered the reception room, the cardinal’s voice carried a probing tone. “It’s not just surface beauty. That holy power shining like a halo… There’s no doubt she is the Saintess.”

“Her name is Reina. I’ve been caring for her at this temple for the past five years.”

“Oh? Five years, you say…”

“Please, have a seat on the sofa. I’ll bring some tea right away…”

“Kuma!”

The door to the reception room opened, and a bear stuffed animal appeared. It carried a tray in its small paws, bearing a teacup and a plate of pastries.

“Kuma!”

“…Thank you for going to the trouble.”

Clarel took the tray and placed it on the reception room’s table. The bear gave a small bow to the cardinal and left the room.

“……What was that just now?”

“………………The work of the Saintess.”

Clarel forced the words out, and the cardinal muttered, “I see…” with the expression of someone who’d just witnessed a rare beast.

“In a temple with the Saintess, do miracles like this happen daily?”

“Yes, well…”

“How enviable. I wish we’d welcomed her to the Grand Temple sooner…”

Sitting on the sofa, the cardinal brought the teacup to his lips. The tea was freshly brewed—terrifyingly, likely by that bear stuffed animal.

“…………”

The cardinal fell silent, saying nothing. After a minute or two of awkward quiet, he finally spoke.

“Now… Priest Clarel Burn. First, let me commend you for discovering and protecting the Saintess. The Grand Temple will surely provide formal compensation in due time.”

“…Thank you very much.”

“However… there’s something we must clarify first.”

The cardinal set the teacup on the table and fixed Clarel with a stern gaze. “Are you truly a faithful servant of God? Or… are you a vile sinner, a thief of divinity, exploiting the Saintess’s power for your own gain? Let’s make that clear.”

“…………”

“Priest Clarel Burn, you welcomed the Saintess into this temple five years ago. Why have you not reported it until now?”

Why had the cardinal come to this town? It was, of course, because Clarel had sent a letter reporting it.

“Depending on your answer, I may have to detain you. Temple Knights are waiting outside, so I advise against any futile resistance.”

“…………”

“Now, give me a satisfactory explanation. Why have you hidden the Saintess until now?”

“…Of course, Your Eminence. I will explain.”

Clarel, careful not to let his tension show in his voice, began his explanation. “The reason I protected the Saintess without reporting it was to ensure she could grow up peacefully and healthily, even if just a little. Over the past five years, I’ve provided her with ample food, education, and care. I’ve also had her train in holy magic.”

“I see… You claim it was for the Saintess’s sake. But isn’t her education something that should be conducted at the Grand Temple?”

“…Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but do you truly believe a Saintess taken in by the Grand Temple would be able to grow up healthily?”

“…Are you criticizing me, the one in charge of the Grand Temple?”

Perhaps feeling insulted, the cardinal deepened the furrow between his brows. His anger was palpable, an intimidating presence, but Clarel continued without flinching.

“The previous Saintess was from a ducal family. The one before her, and the one before that, all came from noble bloodlines. If a Saintess of commoner origin were to appear among them, what do you think would happen? Can you guarantee that the priests of the Grand Temple, under the guise of ‘educating’ her, wouldn’t oppress her?”

“…No priest would dare harm the Saintess.”

“Do you truly believe that? Can you swear it to the Goddess?”

“…………”

The cardinal fell silent, his expression bitter. Deep down, he seemed to acknowledge it wasn’t impossible. The priests serving in the capital’s Grand Temple were mostly of noble birth, consumed by ambitions for power, authority, and wealth. If a commoner girl were thrust into their midst as the Saintess, the likelihood of her facing persecution out of jealousy was all too plausible.

“…If she were adopted by a powerful noble family before entering the Grand Temple, there should be no mistreatment.”

“Even then, the possibility isn’t zero. People obsessed with power sometimes do things anyone would deem foolish… Your Eminence, you must have witnessed such things yourself.”

“…………”

Silence was his answer.

In fact, Reina, if sent to the capital, would be taken in by the Laurel ducal family, only to face bullying there as well. The mother and daughter of the household, consumed by jealousy, would whip her, proclaiming, “My daughter is the one worthy of being the Saintess!” and “How dare a commoner’s child!”

“Indeed, the possibility isn’t zero. But… no, however…”

The cardinal’s words lacked their earlier force, swayed by Clarel’s argument.

To drive the point home, Clarel raised his right hand and declared, “Eggbell’s priest, Clarel Burn, swears to the Goddess: ‘I have done nothing to harm Saintess Reina. I have no intention of exploiting her, and my actions were solely to prioritize her protection.’”

“…………!”

At Clarel’s proclamation, the cardinal’s eyes widened slightly. For a priest, swearing to the Goddess carried immense weight. A lie under her name could invite divine punishment, such as the loss of holy magic.

“…You’d go that far. For the Saintess’s sake.”

The cardinal let out a sigh, his tone reluctant but resigned. “…Very well. I’ll accept that explanation.”

“Do you understand, then?”

“I understand you bear no ill intent. However… from now on, the Saintess will be under the Grand Temple’s protection. Most likely, she’ll attend the capital’s academy next year.”

That was exactly what Clarel had hoped for. It was why he had reported to the Grand Temple in the first place.

“Yes, please take care of the Saintess… of Reina…!”

The cardinal was stern, but a good man. In the game, he failed to notice Reina’s bullying by her tutor, showing a certain naivety… but he was trustworthy enough.

“Then, we shall send a carriage from the Grand Temple to fetch her soon. Explain the situation to the Saintess and have her prepare her belongings.”

“Understood… I’ll speak to Reina myself.”

“Do that… I’ll take my leave, then.”

With a soft snort, the cardinal stood, adjusted his hat, and left. He joined the Temple Knights waiting outside and departed the temple.

The time for farewell has truly come…

In a few days, a carriage from the Grand Temple in the capital would arrive. Reina would go to the capital, attend the Royal Academy, and meet the capture targets. Perhaps… she might never return to this town again.

It’ll be lonely… but before I get sentimental, there’s something I need to do.

“Clarel-sama, has the guest left?”

Reina approached Clarel as he returned after seeing the cardinal off.

“Reina… I need to talk to you later. After we close the temple, come to my room.”

“Yes…?”

From now on, Clarel would need to explain to Reina that she was the Saintess and persuade her to go to the capital. Though they had lived together for five years, Reina still didn’t know she was the Saintess.

Would Reina agree to leave Clarel and go to the capital?

That night, sitting across from each other at the table, Clarel broached the subject with Reina.

“I refuse.”

After his explanation, Reina declared with a beaming smile.

As expected, Clarel’s shoulders slumped. Convincing stubborn Reina would be no easy task… As he racked his brain for how to persuade her, Reina suddenly shook her head.

“…Or so I’d like to say, but I understand. I’ll go to the capital.”

“Huh…?”

“I’ll go to the Grand Temple… as the Saintess.”

She agreed far more easily than he’d expected. Clarel blinked, caught off guard, feeling both surprised and slightly deflated.

“…You’re agreeing pretty readily, aren’t you?”

“It’s not easy at all! I really don’t want to be separated from you, Clarel-sama! But… I’ve been thinking that things can’t stay like this.”

Reina’s expression turned serious as she spoke.

“Clarel-sama. You’re a noble, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. Technically, I’m part of the Burn Marquis family.”

Clarel held no inheritance rights, but legally, he was a member of the Marquis family.

“Nobles and commoners can’t marry… so I need to attain a higher status.”

“……Huh?”

Reina muttered something under her breath, the words too soft to reach Clarel’s ears.

“No… I mean, I can’t keep relying on Clarel-sama forever. To repay you, I’ll attend the academy, become someone admirable, and return.”

“…Repay me? There’s no need for that. If anything, I’ve received far too much.”

She handled more than half the housework, got along well with the townsfolk, and living with her had significantly improved Clarel’s holy magic skills. The temple, blessed by the Saintess’s protection, was completely purified, ensuring a life free from illness or calamity for those residing here.

“Though it was only five years, being able to welcome you, the Saintess, into this temple is my pride. From now on, live only for your own happiness.”

“My own happiness… Is that really okay?”

Reina’s voice softened, her question almost a whisper.

“Yes, of course… You have every right to it.”

Having lost her mother at a young age and endured a harsh life under toxic parents, Reina had the right to find happiness more than anyone… Clarel was certain of it.

“It’s okay to prioritize my happiness? Over anything else… even over Clarel-sama’s wishes? That’s what you said, right!?”

“Y-Yes… That’s fine, but…”

Why did a chill run down his spine as Reina’s tone grew increasingly intense? Despite the pure, innocent smile on her face, why did it feel so terrifying?

“Understood! I’ve got your word!”

Reina clapped her hands together with a loud “Pan!” her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“As Clarel-sama wishes, I’ll act with my happiness as the top priority! To start… could you give me one reward for leaving my hometown and heading to the capital?”

“A reward… You say?”

“Yes. If I fulfill my duties as the Saintess and graduate from the academy safely… how about you grant me one wish, Clarel-sama?”

“A wish… Well, if it’s something I can do, I don’t mind…”

After a moment’s thought, Clarel nodded. Thinking about post-graduation before even enrolling seemed premature, but as her father figure, giving her a graduation gift shouldn’t be an issue.

“Yes! I’ve got your word again!”

Reina giggled mischievously, clapping her hands in delight.

“…What’s with all this talk of ‘getting my word’?”

“Don’t worry about it… I absolutely won’t let you back out, so be prepared, okay?”

“H-Huh…?”

With her Saintess aura in full force, radiating a halo-like glow, Reina’s declaration made Clarel shudder.

In any case… with Reina’s agreement, it was decided she would depart for the capital. The curtain was about to rise on an otome game set in the academy, with Reina as the protagonist.

◇ ◇ ◇

For the next few days, Clarel and Reina spent their final moments together. They visited the townsfolk to express their gratitude, toured places filled with memories, or spent an entire day in the temple chatting about nothing in particular.

In the midst of this, the escort from the capital’s Grand Temple arrived. A majestic white carriage, emblazoned with the temple’s crest, so luxurious it could carry royalty, pulled up. Stepping out was Dilette Horst, the cardinal Clarel had met days before.

“We’ve come to escort the Saintess.”

Cardinal Dilette Horst knelt and bowed respectfully. Around the carriage, Temple Knights who had dismounted from white horses also bowed their heads toward Reina.

Additionally, the townsfolk, who had been informed in advance that Reina would go to the capital as the Saintess, gathered, their handkerchiefs damp with tears as they saw her off.

“Raise your heads… Thank you for coming all the way from the capital.”

Dressed in a pristine white robe, Reina spoke in a calm, steady tone. Facing the grandiose entourage of the cardinal and Temple Knights, she showed no trace of fear. Her dignified presence was truly that of a Saintess, her pure aura overwhelming those around her, eliciting sighs of awe.

“Your words honor us, Saintess-sa…”

The cardinal began a formal greeting but stopped mid-sentence, swallowing his words. Looking up at Reina, clad in a pure white dress, she seemed like a goddess descended from the heavens. The dress, designed by Oratorio, the gay shopkeeper, accentuated her mystical beauty even further.

“A g-goddess…”

Forgetting his greeting, the cardinal muttered involuntarily. It could be seen as rude, but Reina, unperturbed, brushed the hem of her dress and turned to the townsfolk.

“Everyone, thank you so much for everything.”

Her voice, like the ringing of blessing bells, resonated through the crowd. Every gaze in the area focused on her.

“I’ve been able to live until today because of your kindness. I’ll never forget your generosity.”

“Reina-chan… You’ve grown so splendidly…”

“Hic, sob… Why do you have to say such tear-jerking things…?”

Rottel-san teared up, handkerchief in hand, while Oratorio wriggled dramatically.

“May this beloved town be forever blessed…!”

As Reina raised her right hand, faint light began to fall from the sky like snow. The light was absorbed into people, the ground, and buildings, enveloping the town in a warm blessing.

“Oh…!”

“A miracle…!”

“How beautiful, how magnificent…!”

The cardinal and Temple Knights let out gasps of awe, while the townsfolk stared at the particles of light merging into their bodies. With the Saintess’s blessing, this town would be free from famine or plague, destined to prosper.

“And… Clarel-sama.”

“…Yes.”

Reina turned to look up at Clarel. She had truly become remarkable, a far cry from the tattered girl he’d first met.

“I am who I am today because of you. Thank you, truly, for everything.”

“…It’s my honor.”

“Could you kneel, please?”

“…………”

As requested, Clarel knelt on one knee. Reina, with a tender smile, gently placed her hand on his head.

“May the Goddess’s blessing be upon you.”

Then… Reina pressed her lips to Clarel’s forehead. A soft “chu” sounded, and after a few seconds, she reluctantly pulled away.

“……I will definitely return. Please wait for me.”

“…………Take care of yourself. May you be blessed as well.”

Exchanging words only they could hear, Reina and Clarel parted.

“Shall we depart, then?”

The carriage carrying Reina set off, followed by dozens of Temple Knights on horseback.

“…Goodbye, Reina.”

“Hey, Clarel… Was this really okay?”

As Clarel watched the carriage leave, his friend Roywood approached.

“Aren’t you actually lonely? Was it really fine to send the little lady to the capital?”

“…I’m lonely, of course. But it’s unavoidable, isn’t it?”

Reina was the Saintess. Sooner or later, the Grand Temple would have noticed her and come to fetch her. Clarel couldn’t possibly keep her in this town’s temple out of his own selfishness, crushing the infinite possibilities of her future.

“Being her father figure doesn’t mean we can be together forever. This was for the best.”

Clarel spoke, as if convincing himself. Roywood silently patted his friend’s back.

After the send-off, Clarel returned to the familiar temple. Without Reina, it felt strangely quiet, as if an empty void had opened up.

Living alone from today, huh… I’m getting up there in age, maybe it’s time to start looking for a wife?

Clarel was at an age where marriage was worth considering. With Reina gone, it would be lonely, so maybe it was time to seriously start looking for a partner.

With a wry smile, Clarel opened the front door and stepped into the chapel.

“…I’m back.”

“Kuma!”

“……………………Eh?”

A response came to his casual greeting. A bear stuffed animal sat on a chapel chair, raising a paw as if to say, “Yo.”

“W-Wait… What!? You didn’t go!?”

“Kuma kuma. Kuma!”

The bear stuffed animal… or rather, the holy spirit within it, explained with body language. It was assigned to guard the temple—its “home base.” The other stuffed animals had gone with Reina to the capital to protect her.

“I see, I see… So, Reina left you here to protect the temple and look after me, since I’ll be living alone?”

“Kuma kuma.”

“That’s nice and all, but… the fact that I can communicate with a stuffed animal is kind of creepy!”

“Kumaa!”

The bear stuffed animal raised both paws in protest at Clarel’s comment.

Reina had left, but… it wasn’t exactly a lonely solo life. He’d gained an odd housemate to live with.

A single guy living with a stuffed animal… doesn’t that feel even lonelier than living alone? Or is it just me…?

Would any woman marry a man like that?

Clarel, suppressing a headache, pondered his future life.