Chapter 9

"Is, is it the cathedral...?"

He dropped the chewed tobacco on the floor, his mouth half-open and eyes wide.

The cathedral. In this country, Garalist, it is a religious organization directly under the king, and most of the people in Garalist belong to the cathedral church. The name "cathedral" has become so common that the original name of the religion, the Grand Holy Church, has become quite rusty.

Of course, I am no exception, but I have never felt that I have been helped by any god. From what I've heard at the tavern, they are a semi-extraterritorial organization that collects money because they are directly under the king.

"Yes, the cathedral. I didn't know, but apparently I have a talent for magic. They said something about nurturing it. It's fine. I think it's better than being sold to a brothel or some rich person."

After finishing wrapping the bandage, Alyeno spoke quickly. At first glance, she seemed proud, but there was also a sense of suppressing her anxiety.

My head was still in a mess and not working properly. The cathedral. Of course, as a place to be taken in, it is an excellent condition. Unlike other places, it is unlikely that my body or mind will be overworked.

However, it is still strange. The cathedral has almost the authority of the upper nobility and its own direct jurisdiction. Why would such an organization suddenly take in a child from an orphanage?

"...Alyeno's magical talent seems to be special. I hear that even the Grand Pope is quite concerned about it. I don't know much about the inner workings, but I don't think she will be treated badly."

Nines slightly lowered her eyes and added to Alyeno's words.

Alyeno peered into my face, which was still in shock and twitching.

"Come on, you can be happier. Your childhood friend is going to the cathedral. You can be as excited as you want."

"...If it were a normal situation, I would be happy. But this time, is it through Nines' connections or something?"

While meeting her golden eyes, I spoke. I didn't mean to, but my voice came out suspiciously.

Nines chuckled slightly.

"What, you sound like you're doubting me. Of course, I'm not a saint, but I'm not a villain who would harm children."

She blinked her narrow eyes and sat down in a chair. Her expression was as usual, and it was hard to read. Yes, it has always been like this. It's hard to tell where the jokes end and the seriousness begins. That doesn't mean I can't trust her. She has some mysterious connections, but she won't explain what they are. A mysterious and hard-to-grasp person. That's who Nines is.

"Ah, yes. You're right, Ruis. I did talk to the church. But... I didn't expect she would be taken in by the cathedral itself. Such things do happen."

I nodded in agreement with her words.

The cathedral has two meanings. One is the Grand Holy Church itself, and the other is the headquarters located in the direct jurisdiction of the cathedral. It can be said to be the headquarters of the Grand Holy Church, which is different from the churches built throughout the Kingdom of Garalist.

"Does that mean Alyeno will go all the way to the far north?"

"The far north is an exaggeration. Just think of it as going for some bridal training. Yes, it's fine!"

Before Nines could answer, Alyeno cut in.

My fingers trembled as I picked up the dropped chewed tobacco. I bit my cheek, and my mind was in turmoil.

What a situation. If I think I can meet my beloved, the person I love will go to the distant northern land. If it's the cathedral, it won't be easy to meet. At best, we can only communicate through letters. If that happens, the next time we meet will be during the journey to save the world.

No, that can't happen. If it does, it will be the same thing all over again. That man. The man who calls himself the savior and takes everything. I can't accept that. To prevent it from happening again, I came back here.

I tightened my lips and intensified my gaze. My body was tense, but my mind was searching for a way out.

"...What, you look so serious, Ruis. You can take it more lightly, you know?"

Or are you sad that you won't be able to see me? Alyeno added teasingly.

"Of course. If I weren't, I wouldn't have this expression."

I answered while holding my neck.

Alyeno looked surprised, with a mix of sadness and happiness in her smile. I hope the happiness was real and not just my imagination.

Her white cheeks were slightly flushed.

"...Yes, it's fine, Ruis. If that's the case, become a great adventurer."

"That's right, that's the best way."

Nines added, continuing the conversation.

"This country rewards accomplished adventurers. There's even the example of Perimis, an adventurer who was baptized by the cathedral. The more you succeed as an adventurer, the easier it will be to meet Alyeno."

She said it so easily. The world of adventurers is not much different from a cesspool. Succeeding in it is like grabbing a star floating in the sky. Many people lose their lives and fall from grace in the process. To succeed, you need more than just skill; you need the help of the goddess of fortune and the times.

I stood up, moved my shoulder lightly, and tried to pull it as I did before. The pain was gone.

"Here, Alyeno."

I threw a bag of sweets from my pocket to Alyeno. She caught it at her chest, despite being startled.

"You liked these, didn't you? This time, the reward is gone with these."

I smiled, showing my teeth, while waving the chewed tobacco. Alyeno laughed, as if caught up in the moment.

"Really, you've always been a fool. Thank you, I'll savor them. Are you staying the night?"

Nines seemed to be in the mood, pointing to the back room and saying there were empty beds. But that wouldn't do. No, after hearing such a story, I can't just wallow in memories of the past.

"No. Sorry, but I have to get back soon. Look, I have to become a great adventurer. When we meet next, Alyeno, watch me. I might even become a knight."

I laughed and said it clearly.

Alyeno's eyes widened for a moment, and she looked confused but also somewhat relieved, then spoke.

"Yes, then I'm relieved. I'll wait for you, Ruis. Here, I'll give this to the future knight."

Her slender fingers touched my wrist and wrapped a pale red handkerchief around it. I remember this was one of Alyeno's favorites, something she treasured since childhood.

Noticing my puzzled gaze, Alyeno nodded after finishing wrapping the handkerchief.

"It's fine. I might not be able to bring personal items there."

And, she added.

"Hehe. A noble lady lends a handkerchief to a knight, who wears it in battle and returns it to the lady upon surviving. It's a common chivalric romance, isn't it? You can keep it with you as a substitute for me."

*

"Really. You sure know how to do it, don't you?"

Walking down the road, I couldn't help but smile when I looked at the handkerchief on my wrist. It's a silly story, but I can feel Alyeno's presence there.

I didn't have any grand ambitions of becoming a great adventurer just because I went back in time. After all, I'm still me. Just because I have knowledge doesn't mean I can become a genius. A sewer rat can't become a beautiful cat.

But now, I can't afford to complain. I have to become that. To meet Alyeno again and to prevent the same future from repeating.

With this new resolve, I opened the door to the tavern.

"Hey, Ruis..."

Unusually, the master, who rarely initiates conversation, called out to me. I raised my eyes and scratched my chin.

"There's a customer..."

I looked in the direction the master's finger pointed.

At the back of the tavern, at a fine table, was the figure of Celia Bardonic, with a twisted, intimidating smile on her face, as if lines had been drawn across it.

With renewed determination, I might die here.