Chapter 45

I let out a heavy sigh. The Saintess and I shared a brief moment of silence.

I was at a loss for words, and as for the Saintess… I couldn’t see her expression from across the rosary, so I didn’t know what she was thinking.

However, we couldn’t just waste this time. It’s precious, after all—according to the Saintess. She only gets twenty minutes of “free conversation” per day.

Knowing that, staying silent would be disrespectful, right?

“Saintess.”

[Yes.]

“There’s something I want to ask.”

[Please speak.]

The Saintess calmly replied. Who would’ve thought that voice, steady as it was, came from someone enduring excruciating pain as if nails were being driven through their wrists? Truly, she’s considerate. If I were to label her, I’d call her a sucker—but the word doesn’t quite fit someone as divine as the Saintess.

A sucker refers to a dumb idiot. Therefore, the Saintess is no sucker. She’s wise beyond most.

“…What do you call someone who does good without expecting anything in return?”

[Do you mean someone practicing virtue without any reward?]

“Yeah, someone who doesn’t seek money, power, or influence—just pure-hearted kindness. What should we call them?”

[Isn’t it simple? They’re just people hoping to bring even a little hope to the world.]

“So…that means…”

[And aren’t there those who commit evil without gain too?]

At that, the Saintess paused briefly. Clearly, she was referring to me.

She’s right. Just like how I committed evil without seeking rewards, the Saintess pursued goodness without looking elsewhere. That’s all there is to it. No grand purpose.

[Once, I visited an orphanage.]

“An orphanage?”

[There, I saw a small child sneak into the sick caretaker’s room and leave behind their meal—a piece of bread—without anyone knowing.]

“Heheh, sounds like a good kid.”

[I merely follow the example of that child. Though smaller and younger than me, they possessed selflessness and purity I should learn from. After all, small acts of kindness accumulate to create a warmer world.]

“How about I share a story with you, Saintess? Similar but different from yours.”

I leaned closer to the rosary and began speaking. Coincidentally, one tale came to mind after hearing hers.

“Long ago, there was a strange urban legend spreading across the continent about a beautiful actress. One day, a mysterious intruder broke into her house.”

[Oh dear.]

“The intruder disfigured her face beyond recognition—ruining her career forever. Then, using glue, he made her hold two items in each hand: a dagger and a phone.”

[Items, you say?]

“One could call the police and go to the hospital despite her grotesque appearance, or use the dagger to slit her throat and become a victim of a wrongful murder case. After pondering, she chose the latter.”

As I narrated, my tongue danced gleefully. Curious about how the Saintess would react to this counterexample, I continued.

[You’re talking about Artlan’s fiancée murder case, aren’t you?]

“Exactly! But here’s the kicker—there’s a secret unknown to the public. Listen closely.”

[A secret?]

“Before choosing death, the actress asked the intruder to let her look at a few photos of cherished memories. Family photos, friends’ pictures, and a photo of her lover… As she rummaged through her home, she tidied up her regrets.”

[…]

“While reminiscing, the actress had originally planned to call the police and survive. Her large eyes gradually regained life as she relived these memories. However, while searching, she stumbled upon a newspaper tucked away in a corner. There was her face plastered on the front page, alongside the headline ‘Plastic Surgery Controversy.'”

[…]

“After reading that article, she ultimately took her own life. Her last words were ‘The world killed me.’ Though the intruder ruined her face, it was the cruel world’s gossip that truly ended her life. How’s that story sound?”

The Saintess fell silent. Taking that as a positive sign, I chuckled.

But then…

[How do you know about this, sir?]

“Huh? Because I *was* the intruder in that story.”

I grinned smugly, eager for her response.

Yet, the Saintess…

[To think I’d come to admire someone like you, Joker-sama. The ways of the world are truly unpredictable.]

“Hmm? You’re not scolding me? I expected that.”

Surprisingly, she didn’t get angry.

[It’s a past event, and something from your previous life that’s already faded. Just don’t repeat it in this cycle.]

“Heheh, who knows if I will or won’t?”

[Let me handle it. That’s my duty. By the way, Joker-sama, you haven’t answered several questions I had earlier.]

“Oh yeah, sorry about that.”

What did she ask again? Where I am, what I’ve done so far in this cycle, whether I met the Demon King, and… my relationship with Aru.

That’s right.

“First off, I’m currently in the Demon Forest. You know, the largest forest in the Demon Realm where dimensions twist between the Continent and the Demon World.”

[The Demon Forest ruled by the Demon King? Why are you there?]

“To meditate for 500 years. Staying cooped up in my family estate isn’t nearly as productive as hardcore training here. Plus…”

[Plus what?]

“In 500 years, you’ll be born, and war will break out. I need to prepare for that. If I want to play with you, I’ll have to stop the Demon King, right?”

[Ah… So that’s why you’re there. Plenty of strong opponents for practice.]

“Exactly.”

[Please take care of yourself. I’m worried.]

“Don’t worry about me, worry about yourself. You’re too kind, Saintess.”

“So far, I haven’t done much. Killed a few enemies I wanted revenge on, eliminated some obstacles, and took care of the Wolf Queen. I’m trying not to interfere with the human realm’s fate—I don’t want to mess with your birth.”

[Thank you for considering me. Still… please try to avoid unnecessary killings.]

“I’ll cut straight to the point: I don’t want to. Maybe if my heart changes later.”

[I understand. Every realm has its rules. I won’t push further.]

“Good to hear. Hey, maybe I’ll visit the human realm when you’re born? I kinda wanna see baby Saintess.”

[…Please don’t.]

“Hehehe, your reaction makes me want to go even more. Alright! I’ve decided! When you receive your baptism, I’ll sprinkle the holy water myself! Disguising myself as a priest will be a piece of cake!”

[…]

With half-joking intent, I whispered into the rosary. A flustered moan echoed back—clearly uncomfortable.

“You also asked if I met the Demon King, right? Well, long story short, yes, but nothing happened. At first, I tried to kill him when he was young, but stopped because I didn’t want to affect human history. Looking back, it was probably for the best. If he’s a reincarnated soul like me, he wouldn’t fall for such a shallow scheme.”

[You made the right choice. Don’t provoke the Demon King.]

“Feels weird hearing that from the Saintess who once reprimanded the Demon King directly in Tartarus.”

[My humble body can be sacrificed for the Lord’s will countless times, but losing you is absolutely unacceptable. Absolutely.]

Her firm declaration resonated deeply. It revealed just how much she valued me. I could feel her unwavering determination to never let me falter.

“And… you asked about my relationship with Aru, right?”

[You did.]

The sudden drop in tone betrayed some hidden misunderstanding. I needed to clarify things.

“I haven’t done anything strange, I swear. Nothing you’d worry about.”

[Is that so? Phew…]

“That’s right! You probably imagined me treating Aru like some slave, forcing her into submission, right? But no! I embraced her with love! With the noble love you taught me! How’s that for effort?”

[…!?]

“I’ll show you how obedient Aru is! Come here, Aru! Sit on my lap! Hurry up!”

After crossing my legs, I patted my knee. Aru, who was munching on the meat I tossed earlier, swiftly bounded over and settled onto my lap.

“Aru! Bark!”

“Grrr.”

[…]

“Louder!”

“GRRR!”

[…]

“Great job! Excellent! Our Aru is so cute! Growl for me!”

“Grrr…”

[…]

“Still more to show! Watch, Saintess! Aru, whimper for me!”

“Grrr…”

“No, no teeth showing. That’s an order. Or the magic staff comes out!”

“Yip, yip…”

[Stop…]

“How’s that? Doesn’t she listen to me perfectly? This is all thanks to the love you taught me!”

Sometimes she resists, but Aru follows my commands faithfully. Thrilled, I enthusiastically played with her. A surge of validation desire bubbled within me. Like a dog craving praise from its master, I wanted the Saintess to acknowledge my progress—”Look, I befriended the Wolf Queen just like you taught me!”

[Please… stop…]

Huh?

[Please…]

All I wanted was approval, yet the Saintess’ reaction felt odd.

“What’s wrong, Saintess? Why the change?”

[Isn’t the Wolf Queen female?]

“Yeah, technically a she-wolf.”

[Mmm…]

A faint, unsettling moan escaped her lips. From her demeanor, I detected a subtle yet undeniable ‘desire.’

“Saintess…?”

[Yes…]

“Could it be… you’re jealous? Of me?”

[!!]

Ripples disturbed her graceful breathing.

—

[…]

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