Chapter 91
Clael and Reina returned to the town of Eggbell after a week-long journey.
"Oh my, welcome back, both of you."
"Priest, and Saint. Welcome home!"
Seeing the two return to town, the townspeople greeted them one after another.
"Everyone, we're back. I hope nothing happened while we were away?"
"Yes, everything's fine. The substitute priest took good care of things."
The "substitute" must refer to Gieville, the priest who was dispatched for their week-long trip.
"That priest... At first, I thought he was suspicious and strange, but once I talked to him, he turned out to be kind. My grandma hurt her back while she was out, and he carried her all the way home."
"He treated my injury too... It was minor, so he even waived the donation. His face and vibe are shady, but he's a good guy."
"He plays with the kids when he has time. He's a suspicious-looking man, but he's kind and earnest, and people say nice things about him."
"Oh... So that happened."
Clael nodded in surprise at the townspeople's words.
The term "suspicious" being used like a set phrase was concerning... but he was competent and had no personality issues. It seemed the townspeople had grown fond of him.
"Some even say they want him to stay in town permanently, not just as a temporary stand-in... Ah! Of course, it's not that we're unhappy with you, Priest Clael!?"
"Haha... I'm glad to hear that. Don't worry, it's fine."
The housewife who explained waved both hands frantically, and Clael gave a wry smile.
Despite his words, he felt a slight sting in his chest.
It was good that the shrine ran smoothly in his absence, but he had mixed feelings about the substitute being praised so highly.
It was like... a temp worker being more successful than a full-time employee and gaining everyone's approval—an awkward feeling.
(I guess... I'm still young. Priest Gieville is a seasoned priest who works at the Grand Shrine. Of course he's capable.)
He should've let it slide, but it stuck with him—probably because he was still immature as a priest.
Even though he was over fifty if he counted his previous life... he told himself he needed to grow up a bit more.
"Lord Clael?"
"Ah, I'm fine. Shall we go? Everyone, we brought back some sweets as souvenirs from our trip, so please help yourselves."
"Oh, thank you."
After handing out the sweets appropriately, Clael and Reina returned to the shrine.
The familiar shrine. They had returned to their home—but Clael blinked in surprise.
"O-Oh?"
The shrine had been cleaned up beautifully.
Originally, Clael and the Bear who stayed behind regularly cleaned, so it wasn't particularly dirty... but now it was even cleaner.
Not a single weed grew in the garden, and the outer walls and windows of the building were polished to a shine.
Just how thoroughly would one have to clean to make it this beautiful?
Thanks to the Saint Reina's divine protection, the shrine emitted a holy radiance to those who could perceive it... but now it seemed to shine physically as well.
"W-Wow, they really went all out cleaning..."
"That substitute priest seems to be a hard worker."
"How should I put it... I feel like I was slacking off on cleaning. I thought I was doing it every day though..."
Clael slumped his shoulders, feeling a little down.
He thought he was managing the shrine properly... but apparently, it wasn't enough.
He felt like the difference in priestly caliber had been made clear to him.
"I-It's okay! My priest is only you, Clael!"
Reina desperately tried to comfort the downcast Clael.
"You're the one who saved me, raised me, and took me on this trip... The only one I love is you, Clael!"
"...Thank you, Reina."
Clael was deeply touched by Reina's kindness.
Once again, Clael resolved to work hard so he wouldn't lose to Priest Gieville.
"Oh, Saint and Priest Clael! You've returned!"
"Ah, Priest Gieville... Huh?"
The shrine doors opened, and Gieville appeared.
However, his appearance had completely changed from a week ago.
Gieville was a middle-aged man around fifty. He had a skinny frame, wore glasses, and gave off an unhealthy impression.
But... the Gieville before them now looked more than ten years younger, with a glossy appearance, a muscular body, a shaved head for some reason, and tanned skin.
He looked just like a bodybuilder.