Chapter 9

※2019/03/06 Chapter 3 is updated daily. I plan to post the revised sections in one go after that.

The blessing ceremony of the holy maiden Shirurura To Lake was, as always, fully attended.

Originally, a blessing ceremony is nothing but long and boring. The ritual conducted in ancient sacred language is likely incomprehensible to most of the congregation. It is not an obligation, and there is no reason to attend it willingly. However, when it comes to Shirurura's blessing ceremony, everyone vied for seats to attend.

Why did they go to such lengths to attend the blessing ceremony?

The reason was very simple.

Because Shirurura was beautiful.

The "Holy Maiden of the Sunlit Glade" is known by everyone in the area. Her hair, which shimmers in a pale amber color like a spring day, her perfectly proportioned features that even A-rank artisan equipment cannot replicate, and above all, the aura of goodness that emanates from her personality purifies the hearts of those who see her. If Shirurura had a halo or wings, no one would doubt that she was a messenger from heaven.

A holy maiden loved by all... that was the girl named Shirurura To Lake.

Soon, Shirurura recited the final verse and let out a sigh.

It was the signal that the prayer had ended. The solemn silence in the chapel gradually relaxed. Normally, one would think, "Finally, the boring ceremony is over, and now I can go for a drink," but in her ceremony, it was the exception to leave.

“Holy Maiden! Please eat the vegetables from my farm!”

“That’s unfair! Mine are better than his...”

“Please join our dinner party...”

“Holy Maiden, here’s a flower for you!”

People immediately gathered around Shirurura.

Regardless of age or gender, they competed to offer their gifts.

“Eh, hehe... Thank you so much.”

Shirurura could only lower her eyebrows and smile bashfully.

Before she knew it, a mountain of offerings had piled up in front of her. This was not a special occurrence but a regular part of Shirurura's daily life. This fact alone shows how much she is adored.

“...Ahem”

Soon, a cough came from outside the crowd.

The murmuring people instantly fell silent.

The female bishop had arrived. She was an elderly woman with a wrinkled face. Her sunken, thin eyes glinted coldly and sternly.

“Everyone, the Holy Maiden is a busy person. Please...”

The bishop's voice echoed coldly through the chapel. Her words were the usual signal for dismissal. The believers grumbled and complained, but no one would dare to confront a high-ranking clergy member. The believers were like lambs being chased by a dog.

The bishop, treated like a villain, slightly deepened her wrinkles but quickly returned to her expressionless state.

“Holy Maiden, you should also learn how to refuse. Accepting too many things is not good.”

“Yes... I'm sorry.”

Shirurura bowed her head.

For her, saying no to those who admire her was a very difficult challenge. However, if she didn't, she would never become a distinguished clergy member like the bishop.

Still, Shirurura had a slight complaint.

“Um, Bishop...”

“...You should call me 'Your Grace.'"

“Then! Please call me 'Shiruru'! The honorific is a bit...”

Since becoming a holy maiden, the bishop has treated Shirurura coldly and distantly. Shirurura thought that becoming a holy maiden would allow her to work with the bishop...

The bishop closed her eyes and then spoke quietly.

“More importantly, you have another task. Please get ready quickly, Holy Maiden.”

Then, as if remembering something, she added,

“If you don’t do your job properly, the dragon will come.”

The dragon coming was a phrase the bishop had used for discipline since Shirurura was young. Shirurura involuntarily flinched.

“...Yes.”

In the end, she was once again sidestepped. However, it was true that she had another task. She had spent too much time with the believers, and time was running out. She needed to get ready quickly.

Shirurura's current popularity is due to her beauty.

Conversely, that is all she has. She cannot wear high-rank holy equipment like the bishop, nor can she memorize all the holy scriptures and hymns.

She is not particularly good at studying, sports, or performing religious duties, nor is she comfortable speaking in public.

Still, she cannot remain a mascot forever. She does not want to be a mascot. To assist the bishop and to become a distinguished clergy member like her, she must work harder...

Shirurura reminded herself of this and steeled her resolve.

Before heading to her next task, Shirurura returned to her room to change.

Religious ceremonies are complicated, and the formal attire changes with each ceremony. She had to change her appearance daily, like a bride at a wedding.

（Ah...）

When she entered her room, Shirurura's gaze suddenly fell on something on her desk.

There was an unfamiliar hair ornament on the desk. It was a beautiful hair ornament that looked like a white rose. Even though it was just an accessory, it exuded a noble aura.

Perhaps someone had mistakenly left it there.

（...Beautiful）

Drawn by the scent of roses, Shirurura approached the hair ornament. She had never seen anything so beautiful.

Even though she had little desire for material things, she was captivated. It was a beauty that seemed to melt her rationality.

If she wore this hair ornament, she would become even more beautiful. If she became more beautiful, she might be loved by even more people.

Even someone as incapable as her... might be loved forever.

Such thoughts flashed through Shirurura's mind.

（...Just a little bit）

Despite knowing it was wrong, Shirurura couldn't stop herself from reaching for the hair ornament.

Even as a holy maiden, she was still a teenage girl with an interest in fashion.

But she wasn't going to steal it. She just wanted to wear it in her hair for a moment and pose in front of the mirror. Still, it felt like a great adventure, a transgression she couldn't help but feel guilty about.

Her heart pounding, she touched the white rose hair ornament—

“Kyaa!?”

At that moment, a bolt of lightning seemed to pierce through Shirurura's body.

A strong pain and discomfort, as if her body was being turned inside out.

She found herself screaming.

“Holy Maiden!”

The bishop kicked open the door and rushed into the room, having heard the scream.

Seeing Shirurura, the wrinkles on her face deepened even further.

She shouted, her face changing color.

“—A dragon...! A dragon has attacked...!”