Chapter 146

Maria hopes for the arrest of the culprit who hurt Stella.

But the truth is, it was me. A fact only Aru and I know.

So, my next move is to head straight to the police station and turn myself in. Lock this dangerous guy away to remove Maria’s source of anxiety…

“Ruff ruff!”

BAM!

Aru just smacked me upside the head with his front paw. It snapped me out of it, but dang does my skull hurt now.

“A-Aru-sama? Why did you just hit Evans-sama?!”

Maria immediately hugged me protectively while giving Aru a confused look.

Perfect timing. Leaning into Maria’s warm embrace, I smiled.

“I was having some weird daydreams. Needed a knock to the head to wake up.”

“Huh…?”

“Aru’s right, Maria. Don’t worry about it.”

“Umm…”

For a moment there, my sanity almost slipped and I was about to make a mistake. While fulfilling Maria’s wishes is nice, more important is spending academy life together.

I calmed my excited heart.

“Anyway, be careful. You too, Evans.”

“Huh?”

“You never know if that creep is still lurking around the city. If you run into him, don’t try to be a hero – call the cops immediately.”

Whoa, first thing tomorrow morning I need to call the police after washing my face. Though they’ll probably dismiss it as a prank call.

“Are you worried about me now? Thanks.”

“Evans-sama is just too kind-hearted…it’s a problem.”

Getting praised as a good person by possibly the nicest person in the world feels oddly satisfying, even through all my masks.

While I’m inwardly grinning like an idiot, Maria pulled away and asked:

“Still…why do those kinds of people act like that?”

“Who?”

“Those so-called ‘villains’ we talk about.”

Her question felt sincere.

“I find it hard to empathize with those people. Not because of their nature, but because of their environment.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are studies showing most villains and criminals come from bad environments. Or were influenced by corrupting figures around them.”

“Unlike Maria.”

“Yes…I was designated a Saintess from birth. My mother remained pure despite never knowing a man…”

“Must’ve been painful during childbirth.”

Indeed, the pain females endure bringing new life into the world varies greatly by species, but humans especially suffer. I know well.

“Anyway…I’ve been under the thorough protection and education of the Holy Nation since birth. So holy I never got dirt on my hands.”

“Sounds stifling. Didn’t you want to run and play as a kid?”

“No. This was Lord’s mission given to me, so such irreverent thoughts were forbidden. But I have always wondered…why do so-called criminals commit such acts in this beautiful world? It’s something I’ve always been curious about.”

I understand. Environment shapes people. Maria can bestow compassion and love on everyone because she was always surrounded by love growing up.

The exceptions to this rule are rare variants. Like me.

“Is your heart racing?”

“Hehe…not really. Just curiosity.”

“Pity. If you were truly curious, I could show you.”

“…?”

“Never mind. And Maria, don’t try too hard to understand villains.”

I said definitively. Maria’s white eyes widened comically. Too cute, so I reached out and cupped her pink cheeks. Her lips formed a perfect O.

“They’re dirty and despicable guys. Trying to get close might taint even you, Maria.”

“M-Me? Never! That could never happen!”

“Yeah, you’re the Saintess. Not easily swayed. But people are influenced whether we like it or not.”

“Is…that a bad thing? Eventually I’ll naturally interact with many people while giving divine healing anyway…”

She looked so much like a chick.

“I just want Maria to see only beautiful things. To keep those clear lake-like eyes pure and free of unnecessary shadows.”

Of course, experienced veteran Maria has its merits too.

But I don’t want you to suffer, Maria. Because of love.

With that sentiment, I softly whispered. Maria stared at me intently for a moment. A gentle curve formed on her lips.

“…You’ve known me for such a short time, yet you care for me so much, Evans-sama. Truly.”

“It’s because I like you, Maria.”

“Isn’t it because Evans-sama is such a good person?”

“Good and bad are subjective concepts not to be casually judged.”

Maria emits an endless stream of goodwill towards me. Each ray proves how far I’ve come. I feel immensely proud of myself.

“Right. Maria, I have a question for you.”

Thus, I opened my mouth.

Time to evaluate myself.

“Yes?”

“Have you already decided which crew you’ll join?”

“Hmm…Does Evans-sama wish to spend crew life with me?”

“Yeah, I won’t deny it.”

I’m curious about how much affection Maria has for me.

In the 500 years I’ve reformed, Maria should develop feelings for me too.

Of course, Maria showers benevolence on all living beings unrealistically, but she’s still human. She’d prefer good people over bad ones.

“First off, I’m considering Panthera.”

“Panthera? The one led by the Heavenly Hero?”

“Yes, unlike clubs, crews greatly impact academics too. Best to join the best possible one.”

“That’s true…Panthera is considered the top crew in the continent, and Maria is the most noble Saintess in the continent, so there’s no reason not to join…”

I hesitated briefly before clarifying my voice to ask.

“Maria, let me be honest. I’m starting a new crew. It won’t have many members.”

This is a gamble.

A small test evaluating everything so far.

Maria is someone who values academics. That’s why she was a model student in her past life, ranking first in the academy in both practicals and theory.

That was possible because the Hero was physically weak and the genius princess Albrecht was powerless.

Still, first place is first place.

Something achievable only by those without desires.

“Name’s Magic. Instead of focusing on grades, it’s a crew to find and enjoy the fun and interesting things in the world. Membership isn’t set yet. Currently recruiting minimum four members.”

“How many have joined so far?”

“Zero. That’s why I’m asking you first.”

Lowering my hand from her cheek, I gently grasped Maria’s pale hand.

“Maria, will you be a member of the crew I’m creating? Not a threat, but a request. No pressure. Even if you refuse, I’ll never distance myself from you.”

Accepting would mean getting to spend more time together as friends.

Just that.

But rejecting and joining Panthera instead would give her better grades and connections. Though as promised, our relationship wouldn’t change.

Logically and rationally, the latter is clearly better.

But human hearts are fickle.

And Maria is human.

“What an honor.”

“What do you mean?”

“To be the first member of the crew Evans-sama is founding.”

“So you’ll accept? What about Panthera?”

“Friends are those who walk together. Sharing pure joys, thrilling pleasures, harsh trials, and painful sorrows alike. That’s what I learned from scriptures.”

“…Well taught.”

I too once had friends.

But I usually betrayed them from behind. They cursed and hated me. In the end though, they became nothing but nutrients for me. And I stood victorious here.

Compared to that…

“Isn’t that what you need?”

“Yeah. Need to meet the minimum membership.”

“Should I try recruiting more people? I don’t know many, but there are some who’d help if I ask.”

“No. Can’t burden you with that, Maria.”

Without hesitation, gladly, without a shred of doubt or hesitation, she accepts.

Giving up grades, connections, reputation, and a guaranteed path. All for the sake of friendship. That’s what friendship means to her.

Of course, it helps that she’s closer to what I hoped for. Still, she surpasses me.

“Hehe.”

“Why are you laughing?”

“I’m happy to receive Evans-sama’s first request. Doesn’t it mean you thought of me first when looking for minimum members?”

“…You read me well.”

I like friends like you. Very much.

[End]

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