| Author: Akashari | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
“…The commendable act of saving Saint Roche Hill from peril and rescuing numerous lives aboard the magical vessel is acknowledged.”
The priest’s calm voice echoed through the silent church, reaching every corner.
“However, whether these deeds offset the crimes committed by the accused remains in question. Therefore, the accused, Nova Foerg, is found guilty!”
“B-but still!”
“Leniency is granted. Hence, I ask, Nova Foerg! Do you have the intention to reform?”
“Sure, I’ll do anything if it means avoiding the death penalty.”
“…Very well, I understand that your words are sincere. Therefore, you shall be given one last chance.”
“…Oh?”
This was becoming somewhat interesting; the priest was having trouble weighing the merit of the “Saint’s assistance” against the accused’s deeds.
Given the principle of balancing good and evil, precise mitigation of the sentence couldn’t be achieved as long as the scales wavered. Thus, an opportunity was offered under the guise of a final chance to add more good deeds.
In addition to saving the Saint, performing further good deeds would ensure an indisputable verdict of innocence.
“Further details will be provided later! This concludes today’s session!”
For what seemed like the umpteenth time today, the gavel came down, bringing the long yet short trial to an end.
Left behind were the accused, who collapsed with a deep sigh of relief, and the cheering spectators.
✦✧✦✧✦
“I am truly, truly sorry!!”
“Hahaha, no need to worry, I’m not angry, hahaha.”
“Teach… your eyes… are saying the opposite…”
After most of the festival-loving onlookers had left, Momo slid up to us, displaying an impressive prostration. Behind her stood the Saint with a suspiciously fixed smile and the bandit leader, looking rather awkward. I wanted to yell at them, but I had to hold back because Stell was watching.
“Anyway, Momo, telling you not to do it again would be pointless. Just try not to drag me into it next time.”
“Yes…”
“Hmph, well, seeing that detestable Astraea believer in agony was quite satisfying. Besides, I had my own reservations about the death penalty. So, I’ll overlook it… Just. This. Once!”
“Y-yes… I am very sorry…”
This time, it was really a close call. If the blame had shifted to me, it wouldn’t have been as bad, but there was a real possibility that Momo could have been condemned for insulting the court. It was only due to the Saint’s support and the acknowledged validity of the reduced sentence that things miraculously turned out well.
If she had failed, we wouldn’t have been able to stay in this town. I would have had to flee with Momo, without even being able to treat her arm.
But even if I explained all these “what-ifs” to her, she would probably reflect on it, but in a similar situation, she would undoubtedly act without thinking again. It was akin to an instinct or a habit—an incurable disease that no miracle drug could ever cure.
“Teach… you’re too soft…”
“What? I believe I’m being strict enough.”
“Oh my, oh my, hehe.”
“Stop that lukewarm smile, Saint. And how long do you two plan on staying there?”
“Well, I kinda lost the right timing to jump in…”
“I have to treat Ms. Momose.”
Oh right, I almost forgot our initial purpose. While there was no cure for stupidity, there was a Saint that could cure the fool’s arm.
“By the way, Ms. Laika, how will you handle the offering (medical cost)?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure about the going rate, but I have a decent income. The current quest I’m on pays well too…”
“Alright then, if you want me to treat her, this is the amount I will charge.”
As she said this, the Saint gathered magic at her fingertip and wrote a number in the air. Even adding the quest payment to what I had on hand, it wasn’t nearly enough.
Considering it was for treating necrotic limbs by the Saint of Ascles, the fee might be reasonable. Yet, given her personality, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she had some ulterior motive.
“You’re not usually this greedy. What are you plotting this time?”
“Hehe, if you agree to do me a favor, I’ll give you a 50% discount.”
“Let’s go, Momo. Sorry, but we’ll find another way. It’s bound to be a lousy favor.”
“I could give you a 90% discount…!”
“Master, shouldn’t you at least hear her out?”
“…Honestly, I don’t want to deal with any more trouble.”
“Don’t worry, it’s a simple request.”
With that, the Saint moved behind the awkward bandit leader and pushed him forward. Thrust into the spotlight, he trembled, clearly unsure of what was going on.
What was this? What was she trying to do without even consulting us?
“Please train this person. If he undergoes the trials set by the priest in his current state, he’ll likely die.”
“Y-you’re kidding, right…?”
“I see, that’s quite serious. But why do you care?”
“As the Saint of Ascles, if there’s a life in front of me, I will save it.”
“…Hah, you’re a real handful, aren’t you?”
Life has no hierarchy of value; if you can reach out, do so without hesitation. These were the wise words of Ascles.
If the death sentence had been quietly handed down, that would be one thing. But once there was a chance to save someone, this Saint would undoubtedly try to seize it.
Moreover, making sure Momo overheard this was pretty devious. Tying it to her arm treatment was also quite underhanded. Maybe the title of Saint should be stripped from her immediately.
“…I already have to take care of Stell. Taking on more is difficult.”
“Then the Ascles followers will provide backup. You can leave personal protection to us.”
“Master, me too, I’m here too! I’ll help!”
“Your existence is what’s making this more burdensome!”
Momo was already enthusiastic, leaving me with no escape route. Dealing with one troublesome person was already enough of a headache, but now I had two more to manage. What kind of nightmare was this?
“…If I remember correctly, your name is Nova, right? I want to confirm your intentions. Do you really need to be taught by someone as young as me?”
“What are you talking about? You’re the one who defeated us. Getting to learn from a superior wizard is a rare opportunity.”
The bandit leader—no, Nova—knelt down and bowed his head.
“I don’t want to die. I haven’t mastered magecraft yet. Please save me, and teach me, even if it’s just a fragment of your knowledge and skills.”
Honestly, I wasn’t confident in my ability to teach anyone. I was still an inexperienced wizard myself. But seeing him plead like this, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.
“…Sigh… Momo’s treatment comes first, got it?”
“Yes, let’s begin immediately. And I trust you’ll take good care of him?”
It was irritating, vexing, humiliating even. But there was no way around it.
Caught in the Saint’s scheme, I ended up with three disciples to look after in this town.
