Chapter 202

There was nothing particularly new around the Gate leading to the Elf Kingdom, but calling it a remote area seemed like an exaggeration. After all, it was located in Gyeonggi Province.

After that incident several years ago, most people had relocated to the urban areas. Now, there were hardly any people left in what could truly be called remote regions.

It seemed that the urban areas had cast spells here and there to prevent the Gate from reopening, but there were rumors that some remote areas lacked proper protection…

Regardless of any arguments, thanks to that, if a calamity were to strike, having the Gate in a ‘remote’ location would minimize the damage.

Thus, the Gate to the Elf Kingdom was decided to be located not at its original position but rather at a site further away, in a place with as few people as possible.

“The location of the opening isn’t the big issue. Our Dwarf Kingdom has been researching ways to access this world. What really matters is whether someone has been there before. Being good at handling magic power would be a plus too.”

According to Emeli, having the Elf Princess and Davi with us was a significant advantage.

“Finally, it’s time to pay back the debt. As royalty, it wouldn’t be right to accept without any reciprocation.”

“If the princess is going, I shall accompany her.”

“Pertia, it’s not the princess, it’s Paina. I’ve said it many times, haven’t I? As long as we’re in the same nun outfits, we’re sisters.”

Sisters wouldn’t make each other moan while entwined in bed.

“A-Ah, E-Elder Sister.”

“Hehe. Or should we have another detailed talk today?”

This area had ‘lodging’ that was basically tents, so I hoped they would let it slide just for today.

Well, anyway, despite the religious significance of calling us ‘sisters,’ Ria and I did stick closely together every night, so it wasn’t something I could fuss about too much—let’s just gloss over it.

Paina and Pertia.

Paina was a princess born with formidable magic power, strong enough to harbor a demon within her. Pertia was the daughter of a noble family, inheriting some royal blood.

The magic they possessed greatly assisted in replenishing the magic stones.

Plus, they were right here with us for emergencies.

In the distance, an army was gathering, observing the situation, while Hunters were stationed around where the Gate would open.

And among them was Ria’s father.

“……”

The gaze fixed on me without a word held a mix of emotions.

I pondered for a moment.

Ria, who had always been by my side, was now a bit further away after a long while. It appeared she was on the fighting side, so she wouldn’t sit still.

She checked her sword multiple times and inspected her armor again. No, this time, the armor she wore was proper plate armor, not layered over nun attire like before.

This was something very valuable among all the armor here, having been consecrated several times during its creation, and I had added blessings on top of that.

Of course, it needed to be checked and rechecked.

Ria genuinely wanted to protect me. That’s why I stepped out for a moment to catch some fresh air, not wanting to interrupt her serious expression as she checked her gear and planned in her mind.

And then, I ran into Ria’s father.

At first, he laughed heartily upon seeing Ria and me, but after that, he showed an expression that couldn’t be put into words when he saw us together.

What kind of thoughts went through his mind after realizing his daughter liked women—especially the ‘Saintess’ she was meant to protect?

When he laughed at us, it was likely because he understood Ria was following the path of a hero, but if that was influenced by personal feelings…

I sank into thought for a moment, took a deep breath, and approached him.

“Hello.”

“Greetings, Sister.”

Ria’s father replied to me in a voice that held no particular emotion.

“Thank you for your help this time.”

“No, it’s my honor. As long as people still call me a hero, it makes sense to fight as one, doesn’t it?”

He kept fighting even after losing his wife on the battlefield.

I didn’t quite grasp the meaning behind it. I guess it was a story only he could know.

“……”

A brief, slightly uncomfortable silence lingered between us.

What should I bring up? I was the one who initiated the conversation, but now that I was in this situation, I had nothing to say.

“My daughter…”

However, before I could speak, Ria’s father opened his mouth first.

“What did my daughter… say to you?”

I pondered once again.

If it were a father, wouldn’t it be okay if he knew the truth?

We weren’t in a relationship yet. I wasn’t sure if it was fine to say ‘yet.’

Still, I felt we had grown closer rapidly since we became ‘sisters’. After all, without intimacy, one wouldn’t share kisses, nor would one accept them.

I had no idea how long we could maintain such a relationship…

But couldn’t a father hold some hope? The hope that Ria might date a boyfriend after parting ways with me.

“…… If it’s like this, you said you could stop her from ascending to saint status.”

In the end, I revealed the truth.

“Is that so?”

With an expression that seemed to understand something, Ria’s father closed his eyes and sighed.

However, he didn’t get angry or anything. He simply maintained a calm expression.

“If that’s the case, what did you think of my daughter?”

“Huh?”

“It was acting, but you both managed to match your lips. Chaeun had… pulled you into a tight embrace, didn’t she?”

“Aah.”

“If that situation was displeasing, I can talk to Chaeun on your behalf.”

“Ah, um, well…”

It wasn’t displeasing.

Honestly, I wished for more.

I wouldn’t mind if we crossed the line. No, it wasn’t just a matter of being okay—I would have been glad if it could lead to something more.

But I couldn’t exactly talk about that in front of Ria or her father.

If I were to bring it up, it would have to be to Ria first.

“It wasn’t… that unpleasant.”

I could barely say that.

“Is that so?”

Ria’s father’s expression softened a bit.

“So, it means Ria didn’t forcibly do something like that?”

“Ah, yes, um, well, I guess so.”

I was at a loss for words and just mumbled something vague in response.

Ria’s father gave a slight smile and said.

“I was worried that it might lead to a conclusion where my daughter forced herself upon someone who might become a symbol for the church.”

“Ah, no, no, it was absolutely not forced.”

Well, it was a type of teasing, but…

“……”

Ria’s father looked at me for a while before finally opening his mouth again.

“Sister. I am Ria’s father.”

“Ah, yes, that’s right…?”

“So, even if I spend my life in the home I knew Ria best, I can’t help but say that I have cross feelings. Of course, I have also fought recklessly even while knowing her feelings.”

What should I say?

That’s how parent-child relationships tend to go. Well, I’m not sure what regular parent-child dynamics look like, since I don’t know much about them in either life. In a way, Ria’s relationship with her father might remind one of how I feel about my own parents… No, but it was much closer and warmer than that.

“So, I can’t believe Ria would do something out of malice.”

“……”

That statement left me dazed for a moment.

Ria’s father smiled, as if that was all he intended to say, and turned to leave.

“A-Excuse me, sir!?”

Before I even realized it, I shouted and covered my mouth with both hands. The heads of those around us who had previously shown little interest suddenly turned our way.

Ria’s father looked at me.

I felt embarrassed, but there was still one question I wanted to ask.

“If, um, if Ria were to stay by my side… what kind of hero would you want her to be?”

However, upon hearing my question, Ria’s father laughed.

“Sister, what do you think a hero is?”

“Huh?”

“In my opinion, if it’s someone who risks their life to save people, that’s enough to be called a hero. If they save the world, even more so.”

“……”

“Yes, I still have my wishes. I want Ria to be a hero. However, from what I can see, as long as she’s by your side, she deserves to be called a hero.”

“U-Um.”

“I apologize for the previous incident. In fact, I wanted to visit as I was getting anxious that my daughter might be on her way home. I guess I’m still an inept father who struggles to be honest in front of my daughter.”

Ria’s father slightly bowed his head towards me, and I awkwardly mirrored the motion.

“Sister, please take good care of my daughter. I will do my best to assist you in any way I can.”

“Ah, I, uh, yes…”

“Anna!?”

As we both stood like this, Ria’s scared voice echoed from afar.

“Oops.”

After that, the sound of running footsteps approached, and Ria’s father made a sound as if he were flustered, then said,

“Then, Sister. I will leave now as I’m unsure what kind of words I might hear.”

Leaving those words behind, he turned and disappeared.

“Anna, what did that uncle say!? Huh? It wasn’t anything weird, right? Like for us to break up, or—”

But I couldn’t quite catch what Ria was saying.

Somehow, it felt like…

This, somehow felt like I just got permission.

Seeing me freeze with my face flushed red, Ria seemed to be in a panic, but in the end, I didn’t properly relay what we had talked about.