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“…There’s no way that’s true. If I had such an ability, I think my life would’ve been a little easier.”

If I had such a convenient power, I wouldn’t say I’d have a harem, but at least I’d have had a boyfriend or two, enjoying a sweet, embarrassing student life where we could walk home holding each other’s pinkies—yet the fantasy known as a ‘lover’ never once materialized.

Honestly… All those lovey-dovey couples can just explode already!

“…What do you all think?”
“Probably just a case of not realizing it.”
“Indeed. If she wanted to, destroying one or two countries would be child’s play.”
“In fact, one such person is here with us, despite his current standing.”
“Hahahahaha! Are you talking about me?”
“No, but I don’t think this is a special ability. It’s just what she naturally is.”
“…Which is infuriating, in its own way.”

With an invisible sign reading “Under Deliberation” practically hanging in the air, Deputy Guild Master Tarki, Marina, Emil, Sir Simon, Kaisa, and Eliza are all huddled together, deep in discussion.

Maybe he was getting tired of all the fruitless speculations flying about. Father Lawrence pulled out a black leather-bound Saintess Church scripture from his pocket, placed his right hand over it, and addressed me and Eliza in a solemn tone.

“I would like to confirm this once again. Shrine Maiden Barbara and the Shrine Maiden Princess… No, Shrine Maiden Clara. Can you both swear that your previous statements contain no falsehoods? If you speak the truth, place your right hand on this scripture and speak the words of the vow.”

I couldn’t help but exchange a bewildered glance with Eliza. But since I had nothing to feel guilty about, I decided to put an end to this farce quickly and placed my right hand on the scripture.

Eliza, a half-breath behind me, hastily extended her right hand as well.

““We swear.””

We spoke the vow almost simultaneously—

In that instant, something like an unspoken breeze or a spark of static electricity surged from my right hand through my entire body, passing through me with a wordless sense of discomfort.

“—!?!”

Eliza seemed to feel the same thing, furrowing her brows at the exact same moment.

“Innocent. By the name of the Holy Maiden, your words have been confirmed to hold no falsehood.”

Without changing his expression, Lawrence solemnly nodded and returned the scripture to his pocket. Eliza and I exchanged bewildered looks, as if we’d just been tricked by a fox.

What was that shock just now…?

I was about to ask when a loud, frantic banging sounded from the door.

“It’s terrible! A couple outside the Guild Headquarters was attacked by the ‘Red Ram’! They’re being brought into the hall with injuries. Also, one of them is that newspaper brat we captured earlier today!”

The instant the breathless report was delivered, the tension in the room skyrocketed.

“They’ve shown up at last!”

The templar knights, who had been waiting in anticipation, immediately shifted to combat readiness, turning to Father Lawrence for orders.

“Hmm… The situation is still unclear. Remain on standby for now.” Still seated, Lawrence narrowed his eyes slightly.

“And, uh… About the brat. His injuries seem to be rather severe, so if possible, we’d like to request healing…”

The guild staff’s voice trembled slightly with unease. At his request, Father Lawrence raised one eyebrow silently, while Eliza snapped at Deputy Guild Master Tarki, angrily demanding, “This is the Guild Headquarters, isn’t it? Don’t you even have a doctor!?”

“—I knew you’d do it.”
“Ideally, I’d like you to stay somewhere safe, Princess.”

As I silently rose to my feet, Cestlavie and Kaisa immediately moved to flank me, one in front and one behind.

“W-Wait! Adelheid, are you out of your mind!?”
“I’m pretty sure I’m not?”

I shrugged as I replied to the flustered Eliza.

“I suppose we can’t object to the Shrine Maiden’s judgment. Carmine, Dominic, protect Shrine Maiden Clara.”
“ “Understood! Even at the cost of our lives.” ”

Following Father Lawrence’s command, the two templar knights moved to stand on my right side.

“Daniella, indoor combat is your specialty. Stick close to the Princess!”
“Got it, Boss!”

The martial artist of the Twinfang of the Snowy Peak, Daniella, cracked her knuckles as she took position on my left side.

…But cracking your knuckles like that will only make your joints swell, you know.

“Emil, make sure nothing happens to Lady Clara.”
“Your word is my order…”

Finally, Emil lined up behind Daniella, forming a small group around me.

“This is turning into quite the entourage, isn’t it…”

We’re only heading from the third floor to the first floor of the same building, yet somehow, it’s become this grand procession.

“You should try understanding your position better. For a Shrine Maiden of the Holy City, this isn’t nearly enough protection.”

Cestlavie, who was practically glued to me like a shadow, muttered that with the tone of someone lecturing a stubborn child.

“What a hassle… Also, don’t you think you’re standing a little too close?”

Having not bathed for nearly an entire day, I was starting to worry about my body odor, so I couldn’t help but complain.

“Endure it. This kid here’s prepared to become a human shield without hesitation if you’re hit by a surprise attack from behind.” Kaisa glanced back and flashed a wide, toothy grin.

“—It’s nothing. Just a cheap precaution.”

I reflexively turned around, speechless, while Cestlavie responded curtly.

“Ah, youth is a beautiful thing.” Kaisa’s grin twisted into a teasing smirk.