Chapter 29

When he guided Eliseus into the church, he offered a prayer and then introduced himself to the priest.

Upon hearing his brief background, the priest responded with a slight surprise.

"Is that so, you are the son of that Sword Saint...?"

"Did you know my father?"

"Of course. A hero who helped people all over the land and, despite being human, was the only one to slay a demon. I have heard of his great deeds at the time. It's truly a loss that he is gone."

"It makes me happy to hear you say that. I haven't reached my father's level yet... but my father said he wanted to show the people of this country the blue sky, and he set out on his journey with that resolve. I want to carry on his will and fulfill his unfulfilled wish."

"Oh, what a noble thought... So, you are fighting against the Demon Lord's army?"

"Yes. I've only just started as an adventurer, but... I've already taken control of two of the Demon Lord's strongholds, the 'dungeons.'"

"Really...?"

"But, to be honest, I didn't become an adventurer just to earn a large reward. My goal is to carry on my father's will. That's why, in a way, I came here to do something for children who have lost their parents, like I did, though fortunately, my mother is still alive."

"To be honest... it's a great help. We're barely managing to maintain this place as it is."

"Yes. I hope to be of some help in the future."

Eliseus spoke earnestly about his desire to improve the situation, then said he would come again and left.

The priest, who had seen him off with Rena, sighed in admiration.

"There are still such remarkable young people in this country..."

"Yes, he's an amazing person... in his actions and his thoughts..."

If I could be like him, maybe I could face my own skills more directly.

From that day on, Rena's self-reflection continued.

After that, Eliseus visited regularly.

The children looked forward to his visits and often talked about him.

"Is Eliseus-niichan coming soon?"

"Hehe, I wonder. But he should be coming soon, right?"

"I hope he comes soon!"

"Are you waiting for Eliseus-san or his gifts?"

When Rena teased, the child shook his head.

"No! Since Eliseus-niichan started coming, Rena-neechan smiles a lot more!"

Hearing those words, Rena realized that even a young child was worried about her. Out of embarrassment more than anything, she hugged the child a little tighter.

The next time Eliseus visited, there was a change in his usual demeanor.

He had a bandage on his left arm.

With his permission, she examined the wound.

Eliseus seemed calm, but the wound was deeper than she thought. He might be toughing it out to avoid worrying her.

Without thinking, Rena used a healing spell.

"The Lord has eight powerful fingers. The ring finger of the left hand governs light. It is the power to nurture and heal. Grant this person the strength to stand again... Healing!"

As she watched the wound gradually close, a sense of unease passed over her.

No, it was because Eliseus seemed so extraordinary that she hadn't thought about it before.

Even he can be injured.

In other words, he might lose his life in battle, a simple fact.

Losing him now would be a significant blow to the church, and more importantly...

"Guys! I'll definitely achieve something great and give everyone a better life! So, I'm counting on you, Father!"

The image of that young boy who set out with such resolve flashed through her mind. Losing someone who was determined to improve the situation was unjust. The skill she was given as a 'Saint' was to protect them from such injustice, wasn't it? She thought so, but... she was still afraid.

When the wound closed, Eliseus said calmly,

"Rena, you can use healing magic."

She had used the spell reflexively and hadn't thought of an excuse. Her mind raced with what to say.

To calm her, Eliseus gently took her hand.

"I understand. Healing skills are valuable in this country. I understand why you might want to keep them hidden. But, I have a request. Rena... will you help me?"

"Me... help you?"

"Yes. A healer is crucial for stabilizing a party. Please, Rena, will you join my party? I'll explain the situation to the priest."

"I... I..."

"Of course, I can't force you. I understand your circumstances."

"The priest... right?"

Eliseus nodded at Rena's question.

"I understand that you fear battle. But the Demon Lord must be defeated by someone. I don't want to see more children lose their parents and grieve, like you and those children."

"..."

"Please, help me. I'll continue to make donations to the church. And I promise to protect you in battle!"

He continued to look at her intently.

Unable to bear his intense gaze, she lowered her eyes.

She really wanted to refuse. She was still afraid.

But...

There was something even more terrifying.

Even if she refused, Eliseus wouldn't stop making donations.

What Rena was afraid of was something else.

If Eliseus died somewhere without her knowing, and she heard the news... she wouldn't be able to recover this time. She would be stuck in the church forever, with no use for her 'Saint' skill.

This was different from when she was powerless and couldn't save her parents or that young boy. She had the 'Saint' skill. A skill that could help people.

She raised her head and looked at Eliseus again.

Eliseus continued to look at her without breaking eye contact.

Yes.

For the church, for the country, and most importantly, for herself, she couldn't lose him.

Still, she was afraid.

She wanted him to push her forward, so she said to Eliseus,

"Only... one thing."

"Say as many as you want, not just one."

"No, one is enough. Eliseus-san."

"Call me Eliseus."

"Eliseus, promise me... never to abandon me, never to leave me, never to leave me alone."

"Yes. No matter what, I won't abandon you or leave you alone."

Hearing those words, she felt a weight lift from her heart and became even more certain.

"Thank you, Eliseus. If you promise me that... I will use my skill for you."

"Your... skill?"

"Yes. My skill... 'Saint'!"

That's right, my skill 'Saint' was given to me to support a hero like Eliseus in his quest to defeat the Demon Lord.