UNDER the bright, pounding rays of the sun, Grantz Kingdom’s Royal Army is preparing in the plains just outside the capital to embark on a campaign to take down the Dark Djinn. The eighty soldiers composing this campaign makes it bigger than any other expedition undertaken since reclaiming the capital. Because of that, it’s awfully noisy for this time of morning.
“More soldiers are coming along than I thought,” I mutter to myself, watching over them near the outer gate.
“More isn’t necessarily better in this case either.”
“Oh, Pino!” Pino had snuck up behind me without my notice. “Good morning,” I greet him. He merely nods in return, as unsociable as ever. “What do you mean more isn’t better?”
“Foolishly increasing our numbers could fatally increase the number of pawns falling into the enemy’s hands. Our advantage in numbers could quickly become our disadvantage.”
“Ahh. Good point.”
“In the end, we’re stuck relying on the only person who can stand against the enemy—Miss Holy Priestess. Do your best not to get everyone killed.”
“You make it sound like it’s just my problem…”
That being said, Pino is right. I’d love to list off my mountain of complaints, but that won’t do anything to change the truth. Above all else, I’m the one who wanted this vanquishing quest to happen. It’s too late to whine. I exhale and switch modes.
“Anyway, I thought it’d take more time.”
“To pinpoint the fog’s source?”
“Yeah. You seemed to be having a difficult time with it.”
“The Raw Materials Harvesting Expedition was the clincher. It was easy to locate once I narrowed my search based on that hulking blob you happened across. Investigations of the site from a distance have proved my conjecture correct,” Pino explains, squeezing the strap of the double carry sack on his shoulder.
“Speaking of which, you’re coming, Pino?”
“Obviously.”
“It’s going to be dangerous, you know?”
“A worthwhile price to pay to see the Dark Djinn with my own eyes.”
“Hmm…”
As wise and talented as Pino is, he’s still a child. Is it really okay to knowingly bring him to a dangerous place?
“Miss Priestess. Let me be clear—you aren’t my guardian or anything of the like.”
“Yeah, I know that, but—”
“If you still plan to stop me from going regardless, I will sneak among the ranks and die in front of you.”
“Stop it. That’s the one thing you should never do.” It’s scary because he doesn’t sound like he’s joking.
“You needn’t worry. I’ll run away as soon as I perceive it’s dangerous,” Pino informs me in all seriousness after seeing how reluctant I am.
To be fully honest, I want him to stay in the capital, but it is Pino who created this opportunity for me. I can’t put my foot down more than I already have.
The sound of dozens of feet breaks into our conversation. I look in that direction to see a group of twenty approaching from the capital city. All are wearing hooded red robes. The vanguard of the group throws back their hood, revealing a fair and beautiful face.
“…Iris?” It’s the young woman who abducted me.
“I caught word that you are going on a quest to vanquish the Dark Djinn, Goddess Mizuha. As such, this is a holy war. The Church of Our Lady Mizuha cannot sit on the sidelines and do nothing.”
“Don’t tell me the people behind you are—”
“Yes, they are the Church of Our Lady Mizuha believers!” Iris proudly introduces the group.
My lips curve into an unforgiving smile. “Say, Iris? Didn’t I tell you to stop with this nonsense?”
“Ack…I made a mistake…. This is the Church of Nnn!” Iris amends by rolling the new name from the back of her throat.
“We’re the Church of Nnn!” the group behind her insists in support of her claim. What a pitiful excuse. Exasperation is the only reaction I’m left with.
“I see no reason not to let them come.”
“Pino…but…”
“We will absolutely become your strength!” Iris firmly asserts.
I’ve experienced Iris’s superhuman strength for myself. She’ll definitely be of more use than I will when it comes to a physical fight.
“Fine. But don’t be reckless.”
“Did you hear the good news, brothers and sisters?! We were bestowed holy permission to partake in this holy war! We shall rain divine punishment down on the Dark Djinn!”
Iris and her group take statues from their double carry sacks and hold them up in the air. No matter how you look at it, they’re statues of a high school girl wearing a school uniform. I’m the only person wearing an outfit like that in this world. In other words—
“Hey, that’s—”
“Big Sister!”
Only one person calls me that. I spot Cia behind the believers, flanked by Sir Kurt and Sir Julian. Since Lex became my knight, they have been assigned as Cia’s temporary guard.
In the few seconds I was distracted by Cia, Iris and her cult disappeared. I search for where they went and see they’ve joined up with the soldiers. They sure are quick to flee.
“Cia, you came to see me off?”
“Yes!” Contrary to her energetic response, her expression is dark. “I wish I could go with you, though…”
“Everything would fall apart if anything happened to the princess.”
“…I know. Please stay safe, Big Sis.”
“Thank you for worrying about me. Let’s have tea when I get back.”
“I’d love to!” Cia exclaims before facing Pino. “Please be careful as well, Master Pino.”
“I-I will…”
Pino’s as curt as ever, but he’s lacking his usual composure. It clicks in an instant after seeing that reaction.
“Hoho,” I smirk. “So she’s the one.”
“Y-You’re wrong! I don’t know what misconception you’re laboring under, but I—”
“Don’t sweat it. I won’t tell anybody.”
“Like I said, I—”
Cia blinks in confusion when she sees Pino lose his cool. “Pardon me, but what are you talking about?”
“Nngh!” Pino turns his back on Cia to hide his bright-red face from view. “I’ll head over first… Miss Priestess, I’ll get you for this later.”
I seem to have taken my teasing too far. I give a strained smile as cold sweat trickles down my back. At a complete loss, Cia tilts her head, bewildered.
“Lady Mizuha, we’re all set!” Lex comes for me on Vianta’s back. Sounds like the knights and soldiers are ready to go.
I turn and say one last goodbye to Cia. “I’m heading out now. See you later.”
“Okay. Please be careful… May Goddess Sadia’s divine protection be with you.”