Chapter 7: I’m Going Back to My Hometown!

Three months had passed since Reina arrived at the academy, and finally, summer vacation was here.

Though it was a month-long break, Reina, as the Saintess, had duties to fulfill. These included holy tasks such as prayers and healing the injured, as well as the infusion of divine power into the land, a task only the Saintess could accomplish.

Due to these responsibilities, she couldn’t fully enjoy the month like other students. Her actual days off would likely amount to just a week.

“Well then… for the next month, I’ll be returning to my hometown, if you don’t mind?”

“Mgh… Urgh…”

In the grand temple of the royal capital, inside the Cardinal’s office, Reina boldly declared her intentions. Facing the Saintess who stood tall with confidence, Cardinal Dilette Horst, seated at his desk, let out a groan.

“Saintess-sama… surely you don’t mean to take an entire month off?”

“Yes, that’s exactly right, Your Eminence. It’s summer vacation, so it’s only natural, isn’t it?”

“That may be true, but… the Saintess being absent for a whole month poses all sorts of problems…”

“That’s strange. That’s not what we agreed on.”

To the Cardinal, who was hedging his words, Reina continued with a calm smile.

“I applied for this vacation in advance and made all the necessary preparations and handovers. I’ve submitted all the required documents, and I’ve created potions infused with healing power to cover for my absence in treating the injured. There shouldn’t be any major issues while I’m gone.”

“B-but… the Saintess’s duties aren’t limited to just those…”

The Saintess’s greatest task was to infuse the land with divine power. Through Reina’s prayers to the Goddess, her power would meld into the earth, spreading across the kingdom. This power increased crop yields and reduced the occurrence of disasters and diseases.

“If it’s about infusing divine power into the land, there’s no need to do it in the royal capital. It can be done in another town… for example, my hometown, Eggbell. Your Eminence should know this.”

“Ngh, urgh…”

Reina systematically dismantled the Cardinal’s arguments. There was no hesitation in Reina’s eyes, only steadfast determination. And why wouldn’t there be? For Reina, returning to Clarel during summer vacation was a done deal. No matter what anyone said, she had no intention of changing her plans.

“I’d hate to think… that you’d go back on a promise for a vacation I formally requested and arranged, would you?”

“W-well… that’s…”

“Surely someone as respected as Your Eminence wouldn’t do something so unreasonable, right? If you were to break your promise… I don’t know what I might do.”

“Mgh… Ggh…”

The warmth in Reina’s voice dropped slightly. Though her face retained its usual Saintess smile, an aura of anger radiated from her body.

At this point, even the Cardinal couldn’t push back too hard. Reina had already fulfilled her duties as the Saintess. It was the Cardinal who was being unreasonable, and her desire to enjoy her vacation as a student was entirely justified.

“Haah… Very well. Please enjoy your vacation.”

With a sigh, the Cardinal reluctantly approved Reina’s leave. Truth be told, he had hoped Reina would stay at the grand temple during the summer, interacting with the many devotees who revered the Saintess. Influential nobles had requested, “We’d love to meet the Saintess,” offering substantial donations in return.

The nobles will probably complain, and some might even demand their donations back… but there’s no helping it. We can’t afford to upset the Saintess.

“Will you be returning to Eggbell during your vacation?”

“Yes, that’s the plan.”

Reina, who had been speaking coldly moments before, now responded in a warm, cheerful tone.

“I’m so excited to see Priest-sama. I got second place in my year for the final exams, so I’m sure he’ll praise me! ♪”

“I see… You’re quite fond of him, aren’t you?”

“Of course!”

Reina declared with a radiant smile, like a sunflower in full bloom.

“For Priest-sama, I’d do anything… So, if you’re thinking of arranging some sort of marriage meeting for him, please don’t.”

“…………”

The Cardinal fell silent. As Reina’s fame as the Saintess grew, her foster father, Clarel, had also begun to attract attention. Among devout followers, some even hoped to arrange a marriage with him, and the Cardinal had been discreetly asked to act as a go-between.

“The Burn Marquis family… The marriage proposal they brought up for Priest-sama was settled quietly, but I’d rather not have to resort to forceful measures. While I’m still holding back, please refrain from any unnecessary scheming.”

Reina said something terrifying with a smile, sending a chill down the Cardinal’s spine.

“……As the Saintess wishes.”

With a strained expression, the Cardinal nodded, deciding to refuse the marriage proposals brought to Clarel.

“Alright, time to head home! I’m off to Priest-sama’s place!”

Having secured permission to return home, Reina skipped down the grand temple’s corridor with a buoyant step. As she passed priests and nuns, her radiant smile left them—men and women alike—blushing and frozen in place.

“First, I’ll pack my things, then arrange for a carriage. Or… maybe it’d be faster to just fly there?”

Reina headed to her room, giggling mischievously. Though her tone was playful, there was a real chance this lovesick maiden might actually do something reckless.

“What should I bring as a gift for Priest-sama? Maybe some sweets?”

“Ah… Reina!”

Reina’s heart fluttered at the thought of reuniting with Clarel, but a panicked voice called out to her. Turning around, she saw a familiar young man—a refined, princely face, a refreshing aura, and… a head of golden afro hair that looked like broccoli.

It was Eric Seincle, the crown prince of the kingdom.

“Oh… Your Highness. Do you need something?”

“You haven’t left yet…! I heard rumors you were returning to Eggbell, and I was so worried! Thank goodness I made it in time…!”

Eric, approaching Reina, looked frantic and out of breath. His afro, damp with sweat, seemed to be steaming faintly.

“…What’s got you in such a rush?”

“Your hometown… the town next to Eggbell, Bardles, has been struck by a plague! Soldiers have blockaded the roads to prevent the disease from spreading. There’ve also been sightings of unidentified monsters around the town… If you’d already left, you might’ve been caught up in it. I’m so glad you’re safe…!”

“……!”

While Eric’s face showed relief, Reina felt as though she’d been struck by a blow.

A plague… a horde of monsters… in Bardles?

Reina knew the town of Bardles well, the neighbor to her hometown, Eggbell. She had visited it a few times alongside Clarel. The neighboring town is in chaos, and the roads are blocked… Is Priest-sama safe!?

The two towns shared a close bond, always ready to aid each other in times of need. If one faced an outbreak of illness or injury, the other would send food, medicine, or even priests for treatment. If Priest-sama was sent to Bardles, he might be caught up in this…!

The worst-case scenario flashed through Reina’s mind. Clarel, blessed by her Saintess protection and accompanied by a bear infused with a holy spirit, was unlikely to fall ill. But monster attacks were another matter. A powerful beast could breach the bear’s protection, leading to unthinkable consequences.

“This is bad… I’m heading to Bardles immediately!”

With a pale face, Reina made her decision and bolted down the corridor. But her path was swiftly blocked by several young men.

“Hey, stop! Are you trying to get yourself killed!?”

“Please wait, Laurel-jou. That’s far too dangerous!”

Vincent Flame and Will Rilays, familiar faces and capture targets, stood in her way. Behind them, Ryui Biscuit’s eyes glistened with tears.

“Reina-neechan, it’s dangerous! There are monsters around the town, you know? The palace is forming a subjugation team right now, so let’s calm down a bit.”

Ryui pleaded, looking up at her. Vincent and Will’s expressions were stern, clearly unwilling to let Reina pass.

“You all…!”

“They’re right, Reina.”

Eric placed a hand on the frantic Reina’s shoulder.

“We’re still assessing the situation. Within three days at the latest, a monster subjugation team and a relief unit will be organized. If you wish, you are welcome to join them. So, please, give us just a little time.”

Three days was a swift response for such a crisis. Preparing and dispatching aid to Bardles in such a short time was no small feat.

“Three days…”

But the anxiety on Reina’s face didn’t fade. Her heart pounded wildly, cold sweat beading on her forehead. Since hearing Eric’s news, the sense of crisis in her chest had only grown. It was likely the intuition of a Saintess—or perhaps a divine revelation from the Goddess. A vision flashed in her mind: Clarel, attacked by monsters, in mortal danger.

“I’m sorry… No matter what you all say, I have to go…!”

“Reina…!”

Eric’s face twisted in anguish at Reina’s resolute declaration.

“No… I can’t let the Saintess, let you, go into danger.”

“Sorry, but we’re not letting you through. We’ll stop you by force if we have to!”

“Laurel-jou, please, calm down…!”

“Reina-neechan… don’t go…”

The four stood before and behind her, blocking the corridor, determined not to let her pass. Reina, the sole Saintess, was in some ways more vital than royalty. Without sufficient escorts, they couldn’t allow her to rush unprepared into a plague-stricken, monster-infested town.

“I’m sorry. As the crown prince, I can’t let you go. Please, reconsider!”

“…………”

Reina let out a small sigh at the capture targets barring her path. She understood their intentions. Their perspectives differed, but they weren’t wrong.

“I’m sorry, but… time is of the essence. Please move aside.”

Even so, Reina couldn’t back down. Saintess or not, even if she were just an ordinary person with no power, she would never hesitate to rush to Clarel’s side in a crisis.

“I said we’re not letting you through! Stop acting like a spoiled kid—GAAH!?”

Vincent tried to grab Reina by force, but the moment he touched her arm, his body convulsed violently, as if struck by an electric shock.

“Vincent-senpa… GUH!?”

“Reina-neecha… HAU!?”

“Holy Lightning!”

A bolt of lightning shot from Reina’s hand, striking Will and Ryui. The three capture targets collapsed to the floor, leaving only Eric standing.

“R-Reina… What have you done…!?”

“I said, ‘Move.’ I warned you, so from here on, I’ll use force.”

“……!?”

Holy power erupted from Reina’s body, like a volcano unleashed. Her hair writhed and swayed, as if she were Medusa with snakes for locks.

“Your Highness Eric, you won’t interfere anymore, will you? Please, don’t make me commit treason against the royal family.”

“…W-What…?”

Eric’s voice trembled. Faced with Reina, who seemed to glow with divine light, he could no longer form coherent words. Is she… really human like us…!? His pores prickled with goosebumps, overwhelmed by awe—a mix of fear and reverence for a being that surpassed human power.

“If you’ll excuse me.”

Reina slipped past the frozen Eric and ran down the corridor. Eric could only stand by his fallen friends, staring blankly at her retreating figure.

“Priest-sama… I’m coming right away. Please wait for me!”

Emerging outside, Reina sprouted angelic wings from her back and soared into the sky.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Phew… Another peaceful day, huh?”

Rewinding time slightly, in the town of Eggbell, Clarel was leisurely sipping tea in the temple’s chapel. That day, a few residents visited, granting him the rare luxury of a relaxed teatime. Life had been lively when he lived with Erika and her two companions, but lately, his days had been peaceful and calm.

“Kuma kuma.”

“Oh, my bad.”

The stuffed bear offered Clarel a cookie. He took one, popping it into his mouth, and the rich flavors of butter and raspberry jam spread across his tongue.

“Mmm, delicious. Tastes just like the ones Reina made.”

“Kuma!”

“Oh, you learned how to make them from Reina, huh? Pretty skilled.”

He couldn’t help but wonder how the bear managed to cook with those fluffy paws. “Well, as long as it’s tasty, I’m not complaining.”

“Clarel! Clarel, it’s urgent!”

“Hm? That voice…?”

A loud pounding rattled the chapel door. Recognizing the familiar voice, Clarel set down his teacup and opened the door.

“What’s up, Roywood? Why the rush?”

Standing there was his friend, the constable Roywood, his face unusually frantic, sweat beading on his forehead.

“It’s a disaster! Word came that a plague broke out in the neighboring town, and tons of people are sick!”

“A plague…!?”

Clarel caught his breath. The neighboring town had to be Bardles, about the same size as Eggbell. He recalled there was only one elderly priest at their temple.

“A messenger from Bardles came asking for help. I’m heading out with my men to deliver food, medicine, and other supplies, but if you could…”

“I’ll get ready right away! Give me three minutes!”

Without hearing the rest, Clarel sprang into action. Between small towns, helping each other in times of need was an unspoken rule. He rushed to his room, threw on a jacket, opened his bag, and started preparing to leave.

“Kuma!”

As Clarel swiftly packed, the stuffed bear ran up and clung to his back.

“You’re coming too?”

“Kuma!”

“Thanks. That’s reassuring!”

The stuffed bear housed a holy spirit, capable of using holy magic. Its combat strength was impressive, and having it along was a huge relief.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go!”

“Right!”

Clarel joined Roywood and dashed out of the temple. The townspeople had already been informed, and a carriage loaded with supplies stood ready, surrounded by constables on horseback.

“There’ve been monster sightings around Bardles. We’ll escort you, so don’t worry.”

“…Got it.”

A plague and monsters. The combination struck a chord, but there was no time to dwell on it. Clarel climbed onto the carriage loaded with supplies, and together with Roywood and his men, they set off for the neighboring town.

“This… It’s worse than I imagined…!”

After half a day’s journey, Clarel arrived in Bardles, but the scene before him was beyond anything he’d expected. People lay collapsed across the town, some tended to the critically ill, though even they looked pale. Seeing the dire situation, Roywood’s face turned ashen.

“This is bad… Doesn’t the air look kinda weird?”

“The town’s air is tainted with miasma… What in the world…?”

The town was enveloped in an evil aura—miasma, faintly purple and clearly unnatural.

“We don’t know the cause, but for now, I’ll distribute the supplies with my men.”

“I’ll head to the temple. That’s where the seriously ill are probably being taken.”

Parting ways with Roywood, Clarel made his way to Bardles’ only temple. As he treated the critically ill he encountered along the way, he realized this wasn’t just a plague. Normally, healing ailments involved using the holy spell Fresh to cure status conditions, such as weakness. But when he used it on the townspeople, their symptoms didn’t improve. The spell that worked was Poison Cure, which neutralized toxins.

This means… The townspeople are being afflicted by some kind of poison…!

That was likely why the air was tainted. A mist-like poison, probably a magic poison produced by monsters, was drifting in from somewhere, carried by the wind, eroding the health of the town’s residents.

A monster that spreads poison into the air, contaminating entire towns or villages… This is stirring up some bad memories. There was an event like this in the game…!

Seeing the town firsthand, a hypothesis formed in Clarel’s mind. He’d hoped it wasn’t true, but this matched one of the game’s events, though the location and timing differed.

“Is everyone okay!?”

Bursting into the temple, Clarel was met with a harrowing sight. The chapel was filled with countless sick people, lying on benches and the floor. A priest in his seventies tended to them alone, but he was visibly weakened—not from magic poison, but likely from exhaustion due to overusing his divine power.

“You’re… from Eggbell…!?”

“We’ll talk later. I’ll help with the treatment!”

With a quick word to the familiar elderly priest, Clarel jumped into action. He gave instructions to those still able to move, having them tie red, yellow, or green cloths around patients’ arms based on the severity of their condition, mimicking the “triage tags” used in Japanese medical settings to clarify treatment priorities.

Shortly after Clarel began, the elderly priest collapsed, his tension likely snapping with the arrival of help, having pushed himself too hard.

If I didn’t have the power Reina gave me, I’d have run out of divine energy long ago.

Living with Reina for five years had increased Clarel’s divine power tenfold. He’d also gained more holy spells, surpassing even the high priests of the grand temple.

“Kuma kuma!”

The stuffed bear was helping too. Despite its small size, it carried patients with surprising strength and treated them with holy magic.

“Priest-sama, we’ve brought more patients! They’ve already got the colored cloths!”

“Thank you. Keep bringing in patients. And… did you do what I asked?”

“Yes. As you instructed, we gave antidotes to the constables and adventurers to patrol the town’s perimeter… I don’t know what it’s for, though.”

“Just a precaution… I hope it’s unnecessary.”

Clarel returned to treating patients, focusing on the most severe cases—treating, treating, treating. Healed patients left the temple, and new ones were brought in. He lost track of time, immersed in treatment until his divine power was nearly depleted. Finally, the situation stabilized.

“Only the mildly ill are left. Please rest, Priest-sama.”

“I see… It looks like we’ve made it through the worst.”

Clarel wiped the sweat from his brow with his arm and let out a deep, heavy breath. He hadn’t heard reports of any deaths. They might not have reached him, but he’d done everything he could. He should have saved everyone who could be saved.

“Thank you so much. If you hadn’t been here, I don’t know what would’ve happened…!”

A young man who’d been helping with treatment thanked him, overcome with emotion.

“I heard you’re the foster parent of the newly discovered Saintess. They say she speaks of you like a saint, and those rumors were no lie! You truly are a saint. Thank you for saving our town…!”

“You’re giving me too much credit… I’m not that great.”

Clarel smiled modestly, brushing off the praise. The amazing one was Reina, not him. The excessive praise made his back itch. Living with Reina for five years and receiving the Goddess’s blessings by proxy is what made this possible… Otherwise, a mob priest like me couldn’t have done anything.

Still, he’d fulfilled his role as a mob character, so he could hold his head high.

But… this situation isn’t over yet.

If he could, he’d love to wrap it up with a “happily ever after,” but Clarel knew better.

The magic poison spreading through the town was just the beginning.

If this incident was, as he suspected, the same event from the game, the real threat was yet to come.

“Priest-sama! Priest-sama! It’s bad!”

As Clarel rested in a chair, a town resident came tumbling in.

“What’s wrong? More critical patients!?”

“Haa… haa… No, it’s monsters coming from the north side of town! Not just one or two… There’s a ton of them!”

“So they’ve come…!”

Clarel’s face twisted as he groaned. He’d anticipated this. It seemed his worst fears had come true. Rushing to the north side, he spotted Roywood atop the town’s defensive wall.

“Roywood!”

“Clarel… You came!”

On the wall protecting the town, constables and adventurers had gathered, all wearing grim expressions, their eyes fixed beyond the wall.

“…Ark Basilisk.”

Clarel muttered with a shudder. They resembled lizards, covered in red scales, with sleek, pointed heads and sharp fangs visible in their gaping mouths. They crawled on four thick legs, their forms similar to an iguana but about three meters long. And there weren’t just one or two—over fifty were visible, swarming toward the town.

“Ark Basilisk… Clarel, you know them!?”

“Yeah. They’re monsters that spew poisonous gas to weaken their prey before attacking.”

Clarel recalled his game knowledge and explained it to Roywood.

“The plague in this town is their doing. They’ve been sending poison gas from upwind to weaken people, waiting for the right moment to strike.”

Judging the time ripe, they’d come in droves. It was an event from the game, though it normally occurred later in the story, and not in Bardles. Butterfly effect… Did my actions, or Reina’s, indirectly cause this change…?

“Have you requested reinforcements from the capital?”

“They were requested when the plague hit. The monsters were spotted by townsfolk too… Though not in these numbers.”

“…………”

A horde of monsters. Bardles’ local forces couldn’t handle them. Even with Clarel and Roywood, it was like throwing a pebble into a fire. This town is farther from the capital than the event’s original location in the game. How long will it take for reinforcements to arrive? Can we hold off the monsters until then…?

“This… might be bad.”

Looking down at the growing number of Ark Basilisks, Clarel’s face tensed, cold sweat dripping.

◇ ◇ ◇

“GYAA! GYAA!”

Letting out low cries, the Ark Basilisks charged. Soldiers and adventurers banded together, facing the fanged monsters.

“Fire, fire! Don’t let them get close!”

“Carry the wounded! Don’t stop!”

“They’re coming from the east too. I’m heading to help!”

Three days had passed since Clarel arrived in Bardles. The town felt like a warzone. Against the swarming Ark Basilisks, constables and adventurers worked together to defend the town. Expecting a tough fight with monsters attacking day and night, they were holding up better than anticipated. Several factors contributed, but Clarel’s efforts were key. Thanks to his holy magic treatments, poison damage was kept to a minimum. With enough constables, adventurers, and volunteer militia, they could handle the monsters.

Lacking siege weapons, the Ark Basilisks’ attacks involved climbing the walls or spewing poisonous breath. Those who were climbing were shot down with arrows, spears, or magic, and those hit by the breath were quickly treated by Clarel and recovered. As a result, Bardles was managing to hold its ground.

That said… there’s no guarantee we can keep this up forever. We need reinforcements, or we’ll fall eventually.

“Ugh… Sorry, Priest-sama…”

“Don’t worry. Rest for now.”

While treating the wounded, Clarel’s anxiety grew. They were fighting well for now, but supplies, such as weapons and food, were slowly depleting. The endless battle was mentally exhausting the soldiers, and continuing like this would lead to a slow defeat.

Three days since then. The capital must know about the monster attack by now. How long until they organize and send a subjugation team…?

If things followed the game, Reina would be part of that team. He’d be happy to see her, but the situation was dire. The Ark Basilisk horde is bad enough… but there’s still that thing. If that monster shows up, even Reina might not…

“Priest-sama! Roywood-san says to come immediately!”

“Got it. I’m on my way.”

Receiving the message from Roywood’s subordinate, Clarel moved from the rear to the defensive wall.

“Roywood!”

“Clarel… Look at that!”

Climbing the wall, Roywood skipped greetings and pointed outside the town. Following his friend’s frantic gesture, Clarel saw a breathtaking sight.

“It’s here…!”

There stood a massive monster, sharing the Ark Basilisk’s shape but reddish-black and enormous—several times larger than the others, capable of swallowing a human whole. If Ark Basilisks were crocodiles, this beast was a dinosaur. Despite its size, it exuded overwhelming menace, its golden eyes glaring their way.

“Ark Basilisk Powered… Their leader.”

The dreaded scenario had come to pass. This was the boss monster that appeared at the end of the Ark Basilisk attack event, its massive, terrifying form matched by overwhelming combat strength. Like the others, it spewed deadly poisonous breath—a truly ferocious beast.

“GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

“……!”

The monster let out a blood-curdling scream. The air vibrated with crackling intensity, and Clarel and Roywood, standing atop the defensive wall, froze as if bound by paralysis.

“GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

And then… the monster charged, barreling toward the town’s wall at terrifying speed.

“This is bad… Run!”

Clarel shouted, freed from his stupor, but it was a fraction too late. The monster slammed headfirst into the wall, shattering it with its fearsome weight and momentum.

“WAAAAAAAAAAAAH!?”

Clarel, Roywood, and the other soldiers and adventurers on the wall were caught in the collapse. To break through a thick brick wall with a single charge was a terrifying display of power.

“Kuma!”

As Clarel was about to be buried in the rubble, his body was yanked free. Saving him in the nick of time was the stuffed bear, appearing out of nowhere.

“Th-thanks, Kuma… You saved me.”

“Kuma kuma!”

“But… Roywood, the others…!”

His friend and the others who’d been fighting on the wall were buried in the debris, groans of pain echoing from all directions.

“GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

“And… honestly, I don’t think I’m getting out of this unscathed either.”

Before him stood the colossal Ark Basilisk Powered, clacking its upper and lower fangs, radiating raw hostility toward Clarel. It wasn’t just this monster—other Ark Basilisks were pouring through the breach in the wall.

“Is this the end…!?”

This wasn’t a situation he and the bear could handle alone. For the first time in his life, Clarel genuinely braced himself for death.

“GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

“GYAA! GYAA!”

“GYAAAAAAAAAAA!”

Surrounded by the monsters’ cries, Clarel closed his eyes, hoping at least to end his second life without suffering, accepting his fate.

“Holy Lightning!”

But… the anticipated pain never came. Instead, a familiar high-pitched voice and the crackling sound of thunder tearing through the air resounded.

“Huh…?”

“Thank goodness… You’re safe, Priest-sama!”

When Clarel opened his eyes, he saw an angel—flowing silver hair, sparkling emerald eyes, and white wings spread wide behind her.

“Reina…?”

No… not an angel. It was Reina Laurel, the heroine of this world. Meeting Clarel’s gaze, Reina smiled with visible relief.

“I’m sorry for arriving late… But I’m so happy to see you again, Priest-sama.”

Reina rushed forward and hugged him tightly. Only then did he notice that beside her stood a muscular, macho bear-angel wielding a sword, and the charred corpses of monsters lay scattered around. Could it be… Reina did this? Among the fallen monsters was even the Ark Basilisk Powered.

“Incredible… To think you’ve become this strong…”

“Ehehe, I worked hard for you, Priest-sama. Please praise me lots!”

Blushing, Reina tilted her head toward Clarel. Though bewildered by the whirlwind of events, Clarel, as always, gently stroked her smooth hair.

“Th-there, there…”

“Haa… It’s been so long since I felt your hand, Priest-sama. Your scent too… sniff sniff.”

Clinging to Clarel, Reina eagerly sniffed him. He was probably sweaty and smelly from working nonstop, so he really wished she’d stop, if only for his own embarrassment.

“Uh… Reina, why are you here?”

“I heard about this town from His Highness Eric and flew here.”

“Flew here… You mean, literally?”

Not a metaphor—she had genuinely flown. Come to think of it… in the game, after the mid-game, Reina could freely travel to previously visited towns using her angelic wings.

It’s still early in the story, and she’s already mastered mid-game holy magic…?

“I-I see… By the way, where’s His Highness Eric? Aren’t there any other companions with you?”

“Oh, yes. I came alone.”

“Came alone… Wait, really, by yourself?”

“Yup!”

Reina answered cheerfully, but for Clarel, it was a staggering response. Normally, she’d be traveling with the capture targets who’d joined her party… Could she really have come all the way here solo? She hasn’t progressed her relationships with the capture targets? Even if it’s early in the story, if she’d been following the events properly, Eric, Vincent, Will, and Ryui should’ve joined her by summer vacation… What about the summer-exclusive event, then?

“Uh… Reina, I have a question about—”

Growing worried about Reina’s academy life, Clarel started to voice his concerns. But… he couldn’t finish his sentence.

“GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!”

A scream shook the air once more. The charred monster, Ark Basilisk Powered, rose and let out a towering roar. With a bellow, a massive cloud of poisonous gas spread, staining the air a deep purple.

“It’s still alive… Priest-sama, stay back!”

Shielding Clarel, Reina stepped forward.

“I’ll take it down quick so we can get back to our lovey-dovey time…”

“No! That’s not it!”

Reina, alongside her bear-angel, prepared to face the monster. But… she was mistaken. She couldn’t recklessly charge in.

“GYA! GYA! GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The monster violently clashed its upper and lower fangs, creating a sound. Sparks flew between its fangs like flint, igniting the scattered poisonous gas.

“It’s gonna explode… Get down!”

Clarel’s shout and the eruption of crimson flames happened simultaneously. Poison Burst. A devastating move, Ark Basilisk Powered, was used when its health fell below half; it struck the two at an unexpected moment. Searing flames roared at the town’s edge, engulfing everything in their path.

◇ ◇ ◇

Black smoke and soot filled the air. The explosion had destroyed nearby buildings, and flames flickered everywhere.

“Huh…?”

Amid the devastation, Reina rose. Though engulfed by the flames, her damage was surprisingly light.

“Priest-sama…!”

She quickly realized why. Clarel lay collapsed over her, having shielded her. In that split second, Clarel had protected her, but half his back was burned and charred. He was barely breathing, clearly on the brink of death.

“Priest-sama! Priest-sama!”

Desperately, Reina cast healing holy magic on Clarel. White light seeped into his body, slowly mending the burns… but they were too severe. Even the Saintess’s holy magic couldn’t easily heal such grievous wounds.

Clarel wasn’t the only one hurt. Nearby, the stuffed bear lay fallen, and the bear-angel Reina had summoned was charred and collapsed.

“GYAAA…!”

Amid it all, the monster alone reveled in its victory, flicking its tongue. Though damaged, it still had enough strength to move.

Reina was strong. Despite being early in the game’s story, she already wielded power equivalent to the mid-game. But… even so, facing a boss monster from the late game was too soon. If she’d had allies like Eric or Vincent, the outcome might’ve been different, but fighting solo was simply reckless.

“GYAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Roaring, the monster slowly approached Reina. Step by step, it closed in—a reaper’s scythe at her neck.

“Priest-sama…”

But… despite the hopeless situation, Reina seemed unfazed. Her eyes reflected only Clarel. Everything else faded from her awareness.

“Priest-sama… You’ve always been there to save me, haven’t you?”

Holding Clarel’s fallen body, she continued healing him while gently stroking his back.

It had always been like this, from the first time they met.

He gave her an apple pie to eat.

He let her take a warm bath.

He cast healing holy magic on her.

He slept beside her.

He taught her how to study.

He saved her from her abusive father and let her live in the temple.

The word “benefactor” wasn’t enough.

The word “beloved” couldn’t capture it all.

She’d met many men at the academy, but only Clarel made her heart race. Only he stirred and fulfilled her soul.

“Priest-sama… I love you. I’m in love with you.”

She spoke the feelings she’d held countless times in her heart but never voiced. And then… whispering a soft “I’m sorry,” Reina brought her face close to Clarel’s.

“Nh…”

And…… she kissed him.

She pressed her lips firmly against his, cold from blood loss.

“GYA…?”

The monster froze. It raised its arm, claws poised to tear them apart, but stopped as if petrified. Even a heartless monster couldn’t intrude on that moment. Though no barrier was cast, it was as if that space were an inviolable sanctuary, making the monster hesitate to attack.

Clarel and Reina’s kiss lasted only a few seconds, but in that brief time, everything changed.

“~!!”

“GYA!?”

Suddenly, Reina’s body glowed, a dazzling pillar of light piercing the heavens. She’d always radiated light when using holy magic, but this was far more intense. The monster, caught in the blinding light, had its eyes burned and frantically leaped back.

“O pitiable life, forsaken by the Goddess’s hand… Beg for mercy.”

From the light, Reina emerged—or was it truly Reina? The woman who stepped forth wore blue armor on her slender frame, with three pairs of six angelic wings sprouting from her back. Holding a spear taller than herself in her right hand and supporting Clarel’s back with her left, she resembled a valkyrie guiding a fallen warrior to the heavens.

Saintess Final Battle Form—Mode Valkyria.

A super-divine technique Reina could only activate in the game’s final battle against the Demon King. Normally, it requires progressing relationships with capture targets and achieving mutual love to unlock. But both Clarel and Reina, in their own ways, loved each other deeply, fulfilling the “mutual love” condition. The kiss forcibly unleashed that power.

“GYA…!”

Seeing the transformed Reina, the monster growled and backed away. Yet its bloodshot eyes still burned with thick hostility, showing no sign of retreat.

“I see… That’s unfortunate.”

Her final mercy rejected, Reina slowly shook her head. Spreading her white wings wide and raising her spear, countless angels descended from the heavens—bears, dogs, cats, tanuki, foxes, mice, goats, cows, sheep, horses, shoebills… every kind of stuffed-animal-headed angel descended, surrounding the monster.

“GRYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!”

The monster let out a scream of terror, but it was too late. Awakening, Reina had sealed its fate. No matter what it did, the outcome was decided.

“Sacred Judgment!”

“~!”

Reina hurled her spear, and the angels unleashed a barrage of light arrows. Struck by an apocalyptic barrage, the monster let out a voiceless scream. Punished by the Goddess’s wrath, it vanished without a trace, dissolving into the light.

“We did it…… Priest-sama.”

“Nh……”

“Fufufufu……”

Reina nestled her face against Clarel’s, whom she held, rubbing her cheek lovingly. Her awakened state had amplified her healing power, and Clarel’s burns were completely gone. Still… having lost consciousness from blood loss, Clarel didn’t wake, left at the mercy of Reina’s affectionate pampering.