Chapter 179

Some might wonder how much the world could change in just over a decade, but with requests, the changes come quite drastically.

Take cell phones, for instance. Once, they were as bulky as shoes, and in just about ten years, they’ve shrunk enough to fit in your pocket, and suddenly, they’ve turned into portable personal computers we carry around.

Even without such daily changes, when something like a war happens, fundamental parts of society can flip upside down in just a decade.

Over ten years ago, a colossal event shook the world.

A gate that seemed only imaginable opened, and monsters poured out from beyond. The reason we managed to quell that chaos was due to magic, heroes whose abilities exceeded our understanding at the time, and faith.

For the existence of something akin to a deity to be proven is monumental enough to shift the perspectives of most people in this world.

If that power could heal the dying and cure diseases thought to be incurable, that would be something else entirely.

And while I never particularly wished for it, I found myself in a very high position within the organization of those who ‘changed the world.’

“Development, you say?”

Furthermore, if someone maintained connections with those forming a ‘nation’ in another world, they’d be viewed as an incredibly useful individual by others.

“There are people from our world who wish to purchase goods.”

A properly suited government official spoke as he showed me a tablet screen.

There were various items listed, but to summarize, it expressed a desire to ‘escape from the magical society.’

The request came from the beastmen.

“Well, if that’s the case, I shouldn’t really need to meddle, right?”

Curious, I asked, and the person replied with a smile.

“The items they wish to procure are sacred relics created by Sister Anna. It’s been said that making them using imported gems from other worlds is more efficient than using just the materials from this world.”

…And those people from the other world also had connections with me.

It wouldn’t be accurate to say I hadn’t established relationships with this nation prior. Gems were in absolute shortage on our side, and naturally, it made more sense to purchase from the gnomes.

However, that exchange had always been disadvantaged for us. As expected, nations from both worlds were wary of allowing their resources to be fully owned by the other. Every time a gate opened, they would scramble to secure new lands, ultimately to gain access to resources like gems that didn’t exist in this realm.

Yet now, we had a resource that only emerged ‘from our world.’

And I was at the very center of producing that resource.

“…Is that so.”

The government wanted to profit during this exchange.

I can’t deny that there have been a few problems with this organization. Internal scandals involving sexual misconduct, power struggles, and innocent folks being labeled as heretics occur regularly.

A significant power entity, to say the least.

But simultaneously, the authority the church holds has its limitations in many ways. Until now, I had traveled to various worlds for personal reasons, but that was starting to become burdensome. There were already folks referring to me as a saint too casually, and I could no longer claim “I’m not yet a saint.”

If I moved further, would that be interpreted as me encroaching on governmental diplomatic authority?

“I believe it would be beneficial for the church as well.”

The person sent by the government said.

“We will handle the negotiations, and if there’s a benefit, we’ll need to share it with the church.”

“…”

I stared at the person quietly.

What should I reply?

One thing was certain: just hanging on here would be utterly meaningless. The government… well, it’s the government. A bothersome presence that is hard to describe.

“I hope you’re not going to price it excessively.”

“Saint—”

“No.”

I answered.

“I don’t need any money that comes to me.”

I had a feeling I knew what that money would mean.

“I’m just a volunteer. I have no intention of profiting from Saint Power.”

This was also a matter of principle.

This wasn’t my power. If I hadn’t been aware of my status back then, I wouldn’t even have been able to wield such power.

When Ria suggested to me, I also said I wouldn’t make money from my powers.

Now, if I were to try to gain something with this power, that would essentially betray Ria.

Looking at Ria made her expression quite complicated.

She had a face that seemed to understand how stubborn I could be while half-smiling, as if she’d known I would react this way.

If I genuinely became a saint, would I have to resolve all these issues one by one?

“Let those with power handle such matters. I’ll just do what I do normally. What others decide to do with what they take is their business.”

The surroundings brightened softly.

It was a light that seemed to respond to the being that always looked at me with warm eyes.

Seeing that light that would bring tears of joy to church members, the government representative merely smiled.

If one were sensible, well, that makes sense.

Once a few people are cut out of the sharing equation, the portions of profit just grow.

*

“Are you okay?”

“I’m just living as usual. That’s all I need.”

At my answer, Ria seemed to think for a moment before falling silent.

“…Um, Anna.”

“Yes, Ria?”

I replied as I sat on the bed, and Ria also sat in front of me, at a good angle to face me, and with a serious expression, she spoke.

“Umm, is the current situation bothering you?”

I looked at Ria, pondering what she meant.

If I were to determine whether I liked the present situation or not, I would probably say no. Honestly, I really don’t enjoy having strange people hovering around me. No matter what, I’m not the kind of person who enjoys being used.

As for the ‘current’ situation, meaning sitting here facing Ria right now, I find that agreeable. I like Ria. There’s no way I could dislike being in a room alone with her.

Isn’t that just how life is? Liking something and not liking something, those two feelings intertwined.

…I disliked my family, who pressured me to believe in a god, yet after being away, I missed the homemade meals my mother made. I don’t regret it, yet at the same time, I do. I’ve felt that deeply.

“I—”

Ria opened her mouth and then closed it again.

I’m usually quite oblivious, but for some reason, I felt I understood what Ria was trying to say right now.

If I were to think about the most fundamental event that led to me living here, it would probably be my relationship with Maria.

From the moment Ria vowed to protect me and stayed by my side.

That’s how the connection began.

It might have seemed like a simple story from the original narrative, but at some moment, I realized I was getting too comfortable in this situation.

When did I truly fall for Ria like this—

Even when I think about it, I arrive at the conclusion that it’s been ‘since the beginning.’

Back then, I didn’t like everything about Ria, but from the moment I first saw her, I felt a fondness. She was just that beautiful.

It might have been an act of bravado when I called her pretty in front of Ria, but while it was sincere, there was really no need to say that on purpose.

…

So, I hoped Ria wouldn’t regret the moment she first met me.

Because even until then, I was unsure what to do, but making a decision was thanks to Ria.

That ‘incident’ was meeting Ria, but ultimately, what remains here is purely my own decision.

I stood up from my seat.

And then, I approached Ria who was still sitting on the bed and gently embraced her.

Gently stroking her head, I said, “I’m happy.”

Ria’s body stiffened.

Was it that she hadn’t expected me to act this way?

Now that I think about it, Ria usually approached me. She’d hug me from the side or sit me on her lap, that sort of thing.

“The decision to stay here initially might have simply been a result of indecision.”

But now, it’s different.

If I were to step outside and truly become ‘neither a nun nor a saint,’ then Ria and I would simply become friends.

With such closeness, our relationship would surely not sever.

But the reasons for us sharing this space, the reasons for us always being together would just vanish. Because we’d simply be ‘friends.’

I didn’t want that.

Yeah.

I’m still running away. Initially from the position of a saint. Now… from the position of not being a saint.

I have no intention of moving higher, nor any thought of letting go. For reasons completely different from what others think.

Ria’s arms slowly lifted and embraced my waist.

That felt nice.

The ‘good but not good’ ‘now’ has become enjoyable.

The reason I feel this way is solely because of Ria being here beside me.

I can’t believe it, I’m so hopeless.

Feeling Ria nestled like a child in my embrace, I let out a bitter laugh.