Chapter 21

I, the holy knight Rimuru, was greatly perplexed.

An undead with white hair helped people escape from the burning mansion?

Then, I recalled the report.

—Furthermore, that undead neither entered the town nor harmed anyone, and simply left.

The white-haired undead sighted in Costar, despite being attacked by adventurers, did not retaliate at all.

Moreover, it defeated the disaster-level monster Tarasque that was approaching the town, effectively saving the town.

Is it not a dangerous undead, then?

"No, even if that is the case, an undead is still an undead. As a holy knight who serves the gods, I cannot leave such an unclean being be."

An undead is a being that defies the will of the gods.

It must be destroyed.

It could become a threat to humanity at any time.

"There is a high possibility that it is still hiding somewhere in this town. I had planned to leave for Costar tomorrow, but I will cancel that and search the town."

I made this decision and returned to the inn.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Using fire magic inside the mansion was a bad idea after all..."

I looked at the remains of the mansion that had been completely burned down, reflecting on my failure from last night.

I managed to defeat the giant undead, but the people in the mansion were almost caught in the fire.

I had to forcibly create holes in the walls to ensure their escape route and carry them out from the second floor, struggling to get everyone to safety.

Fortunately, they were not too afraid of me.

I think it was because they had been caught by something far more terrifying and it was an emergency situation.

It was already morning.

The entrance to the mansion was closed, and an investigation to determine the cause would likely be conducted soon.

I had been watching the scene for a while, but eventually turned and walked away.

I had just come to see out of curiosity, with no particular purpose.

"...You there, don't move."

Suddenly, I was addressed from behind by a low, but distinctly high-pitched female voice.

"Turn around slowly. And take off your hat."

I turned as instructed.

There stood a girl in beautiful armor.

She looked to be around seventeen or eighteen.

With her chestnut hair flowing, she was holding a beautifully decorated spear.

I obediently took off my hat.

The girl gasped.

"..."

Immediately, several presences moved, and they surrounded me.

They were all armed similarly to the girl, likely her companions.

"My name is Rimuru. I am a holy knight of the Albert Holy Knights, proud servants of the Holy Melt Church. You are an undead, aren't you?"

"..."

I slowly nodded.

With so many people paying attention, it was impossible for me to speak normally.

"As holy knights who serve the gods, we cannot overlook the existence of an unclean undead. I will now purify you!"

Oh, really?

I had never heard of the Holy Melt Church, but it was probably some kind of religion.

Religions generally abhor the existence of undead and often possess advanced purification techniques.

They would surely grant me eternal peace.

To show that I had no intention of resisting, I spread my arms wide.

However, the holy knight girl, Rimuru, seemed to be irritated by this.

"..."

What? Did I do something to anger her?

As I was confused, the holy knight girl gave orders to her companions.

"Everyone, ready your holy spears!"

"‘Yes!’"

They all aimed their spears at me, and the tips began to glow brightly.

"Commence simultaneous purification!"

In the next moment, intense light was released from every spear, and my vision was instantly filled with white.

It was a powerful purification light.

With this, I would surely die peacefully.

"..."

As the light slowly faded, I realized I was still standing there, unharmed.

There was no change in my body.

I was completely fine.

Well, maybe it felt a little strange...

It might have had a slight effect, but it was far from what I expected.

"Such... It had no effect at all...?"

The holy knight girl was wide-eyed with shock.

The others were clearly flustered as well.

They must have had great confidence in the power of their holy spears.

"Damn... Don't panic! We still have options! Believe in the power of the holy spears developed by our church!"

It seemed this was not the end.

However, since the previous attempt had no effect, I had no hope for this one either.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm, they were determined, as if ready to die for their cause.

"Everyone, are you prepared to dedicate your lives to the gods!?"

"‘Yes!’"

"Good response! Fortunately, he is underestimating our power and is not moving! Show him the power of our faith!"

"‘Ohhhhh!’"

Their determination was incredible...

Maybe this could be more promising than I thought.

I felt a bit excited and couldn't help but relax as I waited for their attack.

"Alright, I will show you no mercy this time... —Charge simultaneously!"

She shouted and led the charge herself.

Spear after spear, glowing brightly, was thrust at me from all directions.

This is—

Incredibly, it tickles...?

It was an unexpected sensation.

It felt as if I was being tickled all over, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Haha, hahaha... Hahahaha!"

As the light faded, I could see the stunned faces of the holy knights surrounding me.

"It... It had no effect..."

"Not only that, he is laughing...?"

"Monster..."

Their spears clattered to the ground.

The holy knight girl's face was pale, and she had completely lost her will to fight.

Oh, um... I'm sorry...

I laughed despite your efforts... I didn't mean to... really.

I felt apologetic and became depressed.

No, that's not right.

I shouldn't be depressed.

I need to convey my thoughts.

But it's too difficult to speak up with so many people around...

I had an idea.

It's not working because I'm trying to talk to everyone.

I should choose one person and speak to them directly. That way, it would be a one-on-one conversation.

I chose a middle-aged man to my right.

He seemed the easiest to talk to.

Yes, it's important to choose someone who is easy to talk to.

"Um..."

"Ah!"

But as I took a step closer, he stumbled backward.

Why are you backing away!

Now I can't talk to you properly!

Suddenly, the holy knight girl shouted.

"R, Retreat! Retreat now! Leave this place immediately!"

"‘Y-Yes!’"

They seemed to snap out of their daze and turned to flee.

"Captain!?"

"I will hold him off! No arguments!"

A few of them hesitated at her cry but shook their heads and ran away.

Now it was just me and the holy knight girl.

...She could have run away with them.

Even though we were alone, it didn't help.

Because—

I, who am already bad at talking to people, can't possibly talk to a young woman...!