Chapter 52

"――The central square of 'Holy Capital Tsire'"

When I announced this at the Snowtia gate, the scenery instantly changed to Tsire. Although it was my first time moving from one city to another, I'm glad it went well.

What I need to do now is to inform Kent and Cocoa that we'll be staying in Snowtia for a while, cancel the inn we booked in Tsire, and then—investigate the situation around the cathedral and the 'Pope.' I've already finished shopping in Snowtia.

When I peeked into the 'Adventurer's Guild,' Kent and Cocoa were settling their accounts at the counter. I could see the drop items from the 'Wolf,' so they must have been completing a hunting request. I waited for them to finish and then called out to them.

"Kent, Cocoa!"

"Sharon!!"

The two of them ran over when they saw me.

"You said you were going hunting and didn't come back for a long time, so we were worried! Did you go hunting a powerful witch...? Are you hurt!?"

"Are you okay? Where's Tarte?"

I waved my hands and replied, "I'm fine, I'm fine~" to their rapid-fire questions. I feel bad for worrying them.

"Thank you for worrying about me, both of you. While hunting, I met someone who is based in Snowtia... and I went there."

"Snowtia? Isn't that the city that's always winter?"

"We've never been there."

Kent and Cocoa were discussing, "How do you get there?" "If you follow the northern road from Tsire, you should reach it." Yes, that's exactly right.

"So, are you going to Snowtia for a while?"

"Yeah. I'll come back occasionally, but I'll mostly be there. Tarte is in Snowtia right now."

I explained to them that I can't stay in Tsire for long. Tertia is also there, and I'm a bit worried about leaving her alone for too long.

Kent and Cocoa nodded in understanding at my explanation.

"Got it! It would have been nice to go with you, but going north is too tough. The monsters there are strong."

"We don't have enough equipment either. We're planning to buy new ones when our levels go up a bit."

"Indeed, it might be time to change our equipment."

Their equipment is still for beginner adventurers, so I think it's time to buy better weapons and armor from the shops. When I agreed, Cocoa smiled and said, "We'll work hard!"

"Then, let's go hunting together when you come back."

"If you need any help in Snowtia, just let us know."

"Sure! Thanks, both of you!"

We had just started forming a party, but this time it can't be helped. We made a promise to hunt together again, and I left the guild.

Next, I explained the situation to the inn where I was staying and canceled my reservation. Then, I headed to the central square to the 'Flodia Cathedral.' Here, I might be able to gather information about Tertia, and if I have time, I might meet Roy, who seems to be an important person for the 'Maiden' class quest.

The cathedral was as beautiful as ever.

Many people were visiting, and the popularity of the goddess Flodia was evident. However, there didn't seem to be any significant changes from the last time I visited... or any unusual behavior from the priests and priestesses.

I decided to check at the reception.

"Excuse me. I would like to meet Roy. Is he here?"

"Roy, you say?"

"Yes."

I felt the atmosphere change slightly, but I didn't let it show on my face.

...Maybe I shouldn't mention the guild's request.

"Actually, when I came here to pray before, he guided me... I wanted to thank him."

"I see."

The priestess at the reception nodded with a smile. It seemed she believed me, which made me feel relieved. Of course, it wasn't a lie that he guided me, so I wouldn't have known what to do if she didn't believe me...

"Thank you for coming, but unfortunately, Roy is no longer affiliated with the 'Flodia Cathedral.'"

"Is that so... Then, if you happen to see him, could you tell him that an adventurer wanted to thank him?"

"Of course."

Thinking it wouldn't be good to press the matter, I ended the conversation.

—What should I do now?

I decided to walk around the cathedral for a bit. It seems Roy left for some reason, but where did he go? Given the timing, I have a feeling he's involved with the 'Pope.'

"Hmm... Maybe I should pray and sort things out?"

As I was thinking this, a familiar voice reached my ears: "Why are you being so mean?"

"..."

I wanted to pretend I didn't hear it and leave the cathedral immediately. However, the next words made me frown.

"I am going to become the 'Maiden.' I don't think you should speak to me like that..."

Become the 'Maiden'!? I turned to look at the source of the voice, and there was the person I had imagined. Why is she here... I can't understand. The person there was Emilia, the lover of my ex-fiancé, Prince Ignatius.

...I want to leave immediately, but I need information.

I had heard a rumor that the hero and the prince from the neighboring country were here. I thought the prince was a false rumor because I met Frey right after, but it seems both were true.

"The 'Maiden' is not something you can become just by wanting to. You must pray to the goddess Flodia and undergo training..."

"Isn't that all you talk about? Is it because I'm not part of the cathedral that you won't tell me how to become the 'Maiden'?"

"No, the 'Maiden' doesn't currently exist, and no one knows how to become one."

The priestess explaining to Emilia seemed cheerful, but her voice was tired. Perhaps she has been listening to Emilia's questions about becoming the 'Maiden' for a long time. Besides, what does Emilia plan to do if she becomes the 'Maiden'?

...The quest to become the 'Maiden' hasn't even appeared yet.

However, if Emilia is trying to become the 'Maiden' and is hanging around the cathedral, I need to be careful not to run into her. She is probably with Prince Ignatius.

Not only did I fail to meet Roy, but I also ran into Emilia. Feeling that today was not my day, I left the cathedral.