Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

“Al, you also…”

Because I’m too much of a coward, I cut myself off midway, too scared to ask.

I once again gather up what little courage I have in me and open my mouth to speak, but Alfred’s arms around me grow tighter. He presses his forehead and cheeks against my chest.

I can tell even just by looking at him that his arms and body are trembling violently.

“Back then, there was the same light…”

…Back then? Same light?

“…Back then? What—”

Before I can finish asking, someone claps their hands.

Since it’s so quiet that you can even hear people breathing, the clapping sound resonates very clearly in the air.

Out of reflex, I turn my head towards the source of the sound, which is at the center of the corridor on the second floor.

From the edge of my vision, I see other people also raise their faces, looking up in the same direction as I am.

I don’t understand what is happening. It’s like everything is resetting, making me unable to decide what I should do or how I should move.

You can say that everyone is going on autopilot… including me.

The dawn-colored knight claps once again. “Everyone, don’t move from your spot. After that, put your weapons down on the floor.”

As Schwede sweeps his gaze over the crowd, some of the knights immediately place their weapons down on the floor. Clanking sounds reverberate in the room.

Behind Schwede, a man with a white hat and a white robe also puts his priest’s staff on the floor, panic clear on his face. He’s probably… the archbishop who governs this branch.

Nevertheless, such an important figure still obeys Schwede’s order. Even if one doesn’t know his identity, anyone who witnessed such a scene will have guessed that he must be some bigshot.

With their faces containing a mixture of surprise and a little fear, the knights and warlocks all put down their weapons one after another too.

Schwede slowly folds his arms, narrows his eyes, and then exhales. “…Judging from everyone’s faces, it seems like you have all also seen the light just a while ago.”

Light.

As soon as Schwede says that, the surroundings start to grow noisy. Words pour out from everyone’s lips, as though the dam keeping their lips shut has been broken.

Words of exclamation, surprise, fright, ecstasy, repentance, and joy.

Schwede frowns at all the noise and warns, “Everyone, be quiet. Keep in mind that we’re in a sacred place.”

Right at the next moment, the hall falls silent. Everyone who believes in the Fortuna religion here follows his words immediately and shuts their mouths.

When I see that, I once again realize the weight of his position as the Knight of the Sword. And also the danger we’re in.

Schwede peers at the quiet entrance again before sighing. “Listen, everyone. Calm down and listen to me now. The Goddess gave us an oracle just a short while ago.”

“Huh?”

Oracle…?

As I look up, Schwede shifts his gaze toward me. His eyebrows slightly droop, and with a troubled smile, he continues, “Together with that white light, the Goddess descended upon us and said to me, ‘Do as what the person I have sent wishes.’”

“The person she has sent…?”

“Yes, that’s right. That’s what she told me earlier… Lian-dono.” Schwede turns to me. “…The Goddess told me that person is the boy in silver. In this place, the only one bearing that color is… Lian-dono. Only you. The Goddess has ordered us to do as you… no, to do as the angel wishes.”

“!!!”

I already told him not to call me angel!

Sure enough, everyone around me turns their head toward me with a startled expression. Their faces are exactly the same as Marie’s when I first met her.

I know that he probably has some hidden motives for saying that in front of these guys—maybe to convince everyone—but I don’t want to admit it. However, Schwede raises his eyebrows and grins in humor. This bastard.

“That’s why, Angel. Let us obey your words. Can you please tell us what your wish is?”

“…My wish…”

—Ah.

…I see. So that’s it.

She told me that I can do as I wish. She’s simply repeating the words I told her back then.

At last… Does this mean she has been convinced and is now willing to give me her consent?

I look up, trying to see that place that is much higher and farther than the ceiling. That place where she’s at.

Amidst the remaining white fluffy feathers in the air, a couple drops of water fall and hit my cheek. It’s probably rain that accumulated somewhere. But for some reason, the water isn’t cold. Rather, it’s a little warm.

I turn and look into Schwede’s eyes. Then I open my mouth and say, “My wish is to stay in the village and watch over them with my own eyes until the end. Thank you for thinking about me and trying to save me, but… if you have to keep me away from the village just to ensure my safety… then don’t do anything. Please don’t do it. That is my wish.”

“…I see.” Schwede closes his eyes, heaves a long sigh, then opens his eyes again. “I understand… I thought you would say that. It’s really troubling that everything is just as I expected.”

Then Schwede faces the entrance. “Everyone, did you hear his words? He is the one who descended to this world upon receiving a sacred mission from the Goddess. From now on, ensure no one obstructs his actions. That is his wish and by extension the oracle given by the Goddess as well. Therefore, those who don’t follow the angel’s words also defy the Goddess… For those people, let it be known that I will behead them with my own sword. Also, it is forbidden to talk about what happened here. I’m sure you should have understood by now, but the fact that he is the angel is a secret. Do you all understand?”

Schwede narrows his eyes, shooting everyone a sharp glare.

As expected of the strongest man in the Fortuna church. He deserves the title “Knight of the Sword.”

His presence, intimidation, glare, and silent pressure are topnotch.

Everyone has a pale face as if frightened and bobs their head repeatedly. Affected by them, I also nod. It can’t be helped since he’s very scary right now.

Maybe that’s the real “Schwede Scherzer, Knight of the Sword.”

After that, Schwede claps his hands again. “That is all from me. If anyone is injured, get your wounds healed. Meanwhile, the others are to clean up this place. Once you’re done, return to your respective posts. Move now.”

After Schwede gives them instructions, everyone starts moving, their faces somewhat absent-minded.

In an instant, I lose all strength in my body. I feel like I’m about to sink to the floor any time soon, but I manage to endure it.

My migraine and stress-induced gastritis have come to attack me again, and they really hurt, but… the knight who’s also the spokesperson of the Patriarch is glaring at everyone to warn them not to touch or talk to me, probably because he’s taking care of me… I think everything will be okay. I want to think that.

Really. Please just leave me alone. I seriously beg you.

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