EP.146 When Are You Going to Do It?
“Once again, I look forward to working with you today.”
“Indeed. I look forward to it as well, Commander.”
Commander Priscilla and Old Man Neil face off once more, following yesterday’s match.
It’s not so much that the match was inconclusive, but rather that they both want to compete a little more.
After all, it would be difficult to clash again if not here and now.
Commander Priscilla sees her grandfather in Old Man Neil.
And Old Man Neil sees in Priscilla that formidable opponent he once fought.
As they sense in each other the respected and admired opponents.
The more they swing their swords, the deeper they fall into a state of selflessness.
Their duel has already transcended the level of a mere fight or battle.
Kyle thought he understood why the Jonathan people were so obsessed with combat.
What met the eye was beyond the limits of combat, more like a work of art.
“Look, Father. That blue sword aura forming there.”
“Hmm.”
“That’s Commander Priscilla’s unique sword aura.”
“I see. It’s certainly different from the other Top 10. Interesting. Very interesting.”
Baron Jonathan’s eyes sparkle once again as he strokes his chin.
Unlike the masters who wield semi-transparent sword auras, the blue sword aura is Priscilla’s trademark.
It’s completely different from the Top 10 who have visited Jonathan so far.
Perhaps that’s why. Baron Jonathan’s gaze on Priscilla is extraordinary.
It seems he’d like to have a round with Priscilla himself, given the chance, pushing Old Man Neil aside.
“Control yourself, Father. You already did plenty yesterday.”
“Plenty? I just threw one punch, that’s all.”
With that one punch, you erased a mountain.
The Ogre, which had evolved into a field boss of sorts, was literally atomized.
I didn’t know the saying “one touch and you’re done” actually existed.
I wonder what kind of battle the Empire fought against someone like this.
Even if Father says he fought moderately, it’s still an incredible feat.
Thinking about it that way, it’s no wonder the Empire conquered the continent!
Kyle found himself filled with newfound respect for the Empire and the Emperor.
As a bonus, he couldn’t fathom why such humans existed in a romance fantasy.
If possible, he wanted to sit the author down and ask for the reason.
What were they thinking when they created these impossible people?
‘Wouldn’t even a munchkin novel say it’s too much if someone erased a mountain with one punch?’
Or maybe not? But this is a romance fantasy, isn’t it?
How on earth did such a terrifying place come to be!
Kwang!!-
With a thunderous sound, Priscilla soars into the air.
At first, it seemed she had taken a big hit, but that wasn’t the case.
After spinning in the air, she landed lightly on the ground.
Contrary to appearances, it didn’t seem she had taken much damage.
“Hmm.”
On the contrary, a long sword wound appeared on Old Man Neil’s forearm, the one who had sent Priscilla flying.
Though not deep, it can be considered a proper effective hit.
Old Man Neil’s skills are impressive, but this is evidence that Priscilla has a slight upper hand.
Sling-.
Old Man Neil sheathes his sword and slowly parts his lips.
“You’re amazing. Even if I were to go all out, I think it would be similar to now.”
“Who knows? If you gave it your all, you might defeat me.”
“Haha. That might be true, but I’m worried this old man would be acting foolishly if he did more.”
What Old Man Neil refers to as ‘foolish’ is probably going all out, gritting his teeth.
It’s obvious what happens when Jonathan people go all out.
At the very least, this area would be turned upside down, shattered, that sort of thing.
That can’t happen. At least in the current situation, he’d like to avoid it.
The Empire’s people are still wary of Jonathan.
In such a situation, if they cause a ruckus right next to the legion, strange rumors will circulate again.
‘Jonathan, ignoring the Church’s people and everyone else, just beating them up. Something like that.’
If rumors are going to spread anyway, it’s better if they spread somewhat positively.
Hero rather than monster, protagonist rather than villain, and so on.
If you have power, isn’t it better to receive praise rather than fear?
“It was a good fight. Thank you, Commander.”
“No, I should be thanking you. Thanks to you, I realized that my grandfather fought against the greatest opponent, experienced a thrilling battle, and although he lost, he felt relief rather than regret.”
“I heard from the youngest young master. If I get the chance, I’ll go meet that knight who fought against me.”
“If you do that, I couldn’t ask for more. My grandfather would be delighted.”
Priscilla and Old Man Neil smile as they shake hands.
Is this what a bond forged from sweat, dust, blood, and steel looks like?
“Is it over, Commander?”
“Yes, Saintess. It’s over.”
At those words, the Saintess rushed over and grabbed Old Man Neil’s arm.
Her eyes, as she looked at the wound, were filled with worry and concern.
“Oh my. It’s fine. It’s just a scratch.”
Old Man Neil waved his hand dismissively, saying it was nothing.
But the Saintess, with strength from who knows where, firmly grasped his arm.
“Stay still. How can you call this just a scratch? I’ll heal it right away.”
It seems she’s developed a bit of an obsession with injuries after healing severely wounded patients these past few days.
The way she focuses on healing the wound with wide eyes gives the impression of a skilled doctor.
‘Our Saintess has been through a lot.’
She must have encountered severe wounds and a lot of blood while healing the critically injured.
It wouldn’t be surprising if girls her age ran away screaming at such sights.
But the Saintess shows no such signs, silently focusing only on healing.
Shaaah!-
A burst of light spreads and then quickly subsides.
“How does it feel?”
“Remarkable. You said you’re the Saintess of the Church? Thank you very much.”
Old Man Neil rotates his arm widely as he expresses his gratitude.
Usually, when one gets injured, they refrain from strenuous exercise until it heals.
Thanks to her, he can exercise right away, so he naturally should be grateful.
“Kyle. That woman is…”
“She’s the Saintess of the Church. I heard she volunteered to help the critically wounded from the legion. Come to think of it, I mentioned to you that we had a Saintess with us, didn’t I?”
“Did you? Hmm. I must have forgotten.”
Father, could it be that you just weren’t interested?
Even now, you look like you’re itching to have another round with Commander Priscilla.
“Brother Kyle.”
Meanwhile, the Saintess cautiously approaches Kyle.
In truth, she had wanted to greet him earlier, but couldn’t approach due to being mindful of Jonathan Baron’s presence.
“You’ve worked hard, Saintess. I heard from Commander Priscilla that all the wounded are praising you and are extremely grateful for your grace.”
“Th-That’s…! I only did what I was supposed to do.”
The Saintess’s face turns bright red as she mumbles in a voice as small as a mosquito’s.
Is she embarrassed that the wounded are praising her?
Or is she embarrassed by Kyle’s words, saying how amazing she is after hearing the news?
“Where are my manners? Saintess! Please greet him. This is my father, Baron Jonathan.”
At Kyle’s words, the Saintess lets out an “Ah!” in surprise.
She quickly turns to face Baron Jonathan and bows her head.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Baron Jonathan. I am Hildegard Dominica de Agatha Seraphim, bearing the humble title of Saintess in the Church.”
“…I am Baron Jonathan, Saintess.”
Just like other Jonathans, he doesn’t act authoritative or domineering just because he’s strong.
Baron Jonathan bows his head just like the Saintess and introduces himself in a gentle voice.
But that was all; he didn’t seem to show much interest in the Saintess beyond that.
‘I understand. I know why he’s acting this way.’
Because she’s not strong. Because she’s visibly so fragile.
In the world of Jonathan, where the strong reign, he, as their representative, can’t help but be especially sensitive.
It’s only for Kyle’s sake, and because she bears the title of Saintess.
That’s why he’s treating her with as much courtesy as he can muster right now.
“Ah…”
Perhaps sensing Baron Jonathan’s slightly uncomfortable demeanor,
The Saintess also appears flustered, not knowing what to do.
She seems to be wondering if she did something wrong, if she committed some offense.
‘This won’t do.’
Kyle shook his head and decided to step in a bit more.
“Actually, Father, the Saintess here is quite physically weak. She can’t do any exercise at all. Look at those thin arms; doesn’t she look like she’d blow away in the wind?”
“Indeed, that’s certainly true.”
“B-Brother Kyle!?”
Perhaps surprised by Kyle’s sudden friendly fire when she thought he was on her side,
The Saintess looks even more flustered, her eyes saying, ‘Why are you doing this to me?’
She looks on the verge of tears, as if she might break into a sorrowful cry at any moment.
“But Father, despite that, the Saintess has been constantly learning exercises from me. She works incredibly hard. She couldn’t do a single push-up before, but now she can easily do ten with perfect form.”
*
“The Saintess here is quite physically weak. She can’t do any exercise at all.”
Brother Kyle?! Why, why are you saying such things!?
If you say things like that, Baron Jonathan’s reaction won’t be good!
He said loving exercise runs in the family, so surely…
‘Ah…’
Seeing Baron Jonathan’s face grow colder, the Saintess’s heart sank.
She was filled with questions and disappointment about why Kyle would say such things.
Surely the head of the Jonathan family would react negatively to such words.
Why is he doing this? Why is Brother Kyle doing this to me…?
“But Father, despite that, the Saintess has been constantly learning exercises from me. She works incredibly hard. She couldn’t do a single push-up before, but now she can easily do ten with perfect form.”
The Saintess, who had let out a surprised “Eh?”, cautiously raised her head.
There she saw Kyle with a bright smile and…
“Hooh…”
Baron Jonathan, who was letting out an exclamation as if quite impressed.