Shin was trying to emphasize the achievements of Schnee, but had a question about the unfamiliar word.
“Ah, I’m sorry. Schnee-sama never accepted it.”
“Didn’t accept it?”
Shin looked at Schnee unintentionally.
“I received a communication acknowledging me as a Saint from the church headquarters previously. Although I declined it.”
“Was there any problem in accepting it?”
“Yes. I don’t have any intention to be affiliated with influence somewhere just because I served with the High Humans. However, when the title of Saint arrived, because there is the possibility that I would naturally end up with some church influence, I didn’t accept it. I thought it was already forgotten about because it has been more than 100 years, but it seems they still haven’t given up yet.”
It was indeed unexpected, Schnee sighed as she was disgruntled.
Although the church recognized her as a Saint, it was meaningless if she didn’t accept it.
For Shin to meddle in the church’s internal politics would be more than a petty complication, it was completely contrary to his goal. Religion was something which was troublesome through all the ages. When thinking about these kinds of things, Schnee smiled at Rashia.
“You can call me Schnee, it’s no problem.”
“S-Such a thing! It’s too much.”
“You’re too tense!”
“Will, that is too much, too!”
Though it was somewhat exaggerated, Shin thought it was the correct reaction.
Shin, personally, was Schnee’s long-time acquaintance, and Wilhelm had a character that didn’t hold much back. Therefore they could talk normally. However, as Tiera said before, even children knew the name Schnee; she was very popular.
If that person was in front of someone normal, they would probably react this way, too.
“Oi, come on! Don’t we have to go soon? There’s no need to rest here, right?.”
Shin and Schnee hadn’t taken much of a break, and Wilhelm understood that much.
“That’s right, we should go then.”
Shin spoke while standing up with Schnee. They were able to leave without any problems, and since there were orphanage matters too, it was better to rush.
Rashia began to tidy up the bedding in a hurry as well. Though Rashia didn’t understand the significance of the details of the incident, for the time being she understood the explanation about how it was solved by Schnee. It didn’t mean that she had forgotten the fear of when they were surrounded by monsters, but Rashia might believe that there was nothing impossible for this person.
According to a commoner such as Rashia, Schnee Raizar was a living legend. A heroine and a saint, who had been protecting this land for more than 500 years.
There was a trust that was close to faith.
“Well, the reliance is greater than I thought.”
Shin talked to himself, as he saw the expression full of trust in Schnee on Rashia’s face. It was easy to imagine that it would become outrageous if Schnee walked together with him. It might be difficult even if it was only to buy something.
He sighed and decided to carefully make the disguise.
◆◆◆◆
Wilhelm carried Rashia, as Shin and Schnee maintained their speed to match up with them. No matter how much her level had risen, it would be a significant burden on Rashia if she had to run with all her effort.
That speed couldn’t be compared with a horse. Even though they took a break on the way, the four people arrived at the location where they were able to see the kingdom’s town before sunset.
They walked from there because it would be difficult if they caused others to be cautious of them as they were going to a place with public eyes.
“Ugh, I feel like vomiting…”
“Come on, I carried you on my back, so endure it.”
Rashia, who was not used to high speed travel while being carried by someone, had her complexion worsen, like she was having motion sickness. Since it was cruel to let her walk as it was, Wilhelm carried her on his back.
“Are you alright?”
Schnee called out kindly.
“Don’t worry, I will put up with it…”
“That’s serious.”
Shin let out a small sigh.
Because potions didn’t work on motion sickness, the party proceeded after she said so.
Schnee had already changed her appearance using a magic skill before being perceived by the public. Her blue eyes turned red, her silver hair changed to blonde, and she now had a ponytail hairstyle. Several other skills were applied besides that.
Since Shin personally applied the magic, it would never be discovered unless in an extreme circumstance. From the beginning, just transforming a woman’s hairstyle and her impression made her significantly different. If her hair color and eyes were changed, even humans who were used to seeing Schnee would not notice it immediately.
“Just to confirm, it’s okay if we separate in front of the gate?”
“I don’t mind. The request was originally until she learned the skill. There’s no need to bother walking us to the church, too. If something does happen at the church, it’s for us to manage.”
“That tone that doesn’t match with your honest side is the same as always.”
Schnee showed a wry smile while speaking to Wilhelm.
“Dammit, leave me alone!”
They joked around while approaching the gate. Even though Wilhelm said that something might have already happened, Shin expanded his perception range to the orphanage, and confirmed everyone was safe. Of course, there were no signs of any uninvited guests either.
“Then, we will walk together up until we get there. I will give you this just in case. Please contact me if anything happens.”
When they arrived at the gate, Shin presented the message card and the letter paper.
However, Wilhelm who saw that, tried to refuse.
“This is the item that transfers a message, huh? If it turns into a situation where I need to use this, I won’t choose to do so. What if I involve you and something happens?”
“Moreover, it only puts you at a disadvantage.” those were the words left unsaid, but expressed through Wilhelm’s eyes as he told Shin, and his intention to have Shin stay out of it could be sensed.
No matter how similar Shin was to a chosen one, or as a similar fellow who was recognized by Tsuki no Hokora, Wilhelm didn’t intend to involve a companion who had merely received the request. There were possibilities of Shin being marked by the church when he received enough requests. If the message card was handed over and used, that alone was unjustifiable. He had already expected that Wilhelm would say that.
If something were to happen without Shin being involved, like the situation earlier, there was the high possibility that it couldn’t be solved, or it would become more disastrous. Even still, that man couldn’t approve of it.
Rashia, who was being carried on Wilhelm’s back, didn’t say anything either.
They themselves were going to challenge the enemy; who had power, money, and ability.