Don't Be Holy! - Chapter 39
Even someone like Rubel Shinote couldn’t save all those people while dealing with so many monsters. It seemed clear that the situation was dangerous enough that he might die himself, let alone save those people.
If one had to weigh Eir’s life against the lives of numerous villagers and a great holy knight, what should be done? Though it’s difficult to put a numerical value on human lives, she had been taught countless times until her ears wore out that if a priest’s life was on the other side, it should be gladly sacrificed, that this was why God gave you that ability.
‘Yes. I’ve lived long enough after escaping from the temple. It wouldn’t be bad to die protecting the old lady’s grave as my last act.’
Finally, Eir closed her eyes calmly and recited a prayer.
“[Oh breath of Heintras who nurtures this land. Grant us your almighty power once again, and give us the strength to return this land, fallen to darkness, back to God’s side.]”
The divine words with their unique resonance mixed with Eir’s breath, flowing out as if creating echoes somewhere, and soon Eir’s hands began to shine brightly.
Eir willingly shot it up toward the sky. For all monsters to see and come running here for their tempting prey.
However…….
“Hah.”
That wasn’t meant to include Rubel Shinote.
Eir stood there blankly as she retrieved her sword that had been clumsily thrust into a monster. Blood sprayed with a splat, soaking her hands and sleeves.
“You…….”
Rubel was glaring at her with cold eyes while catching his breath. His aura was so menacing that Eir unconsciously raised both hands in surrender.
“Th-this is a misunderstanding! I didn’t untie that rope, I just came because I was worried about Sarah……. I was going to stay still like you said!”
Did she not realize what an absurd excuse this was at this moment?
“Are you saying this Sarah person led you here and disappeared?”
“Ah, no, that’s not it……. I did come here on my own.”
As she struggled to answer Rubel’s incredulous voice, something flew past with a harsh sound. Rubel had kicked away an approaching monster as if it was merely an annoyance.
The monster flew…… and crashed into a tree, its internal organs bursting as it died. Even if Rubel had grown stronger due to the divine energy Eir had released, that seemed a bit excessive.
He’s not just a regular person.
Just then, Rubel straightened his waist and briefly looked around.
“This grave again.”
Eir stepped back hesitantly. Though she knew he was helping her, she couldn’t help but retreat when he approached with such a death god-like appearance.
“This grave must not be corrupted. Was that the old lady’s request to you?”
“Yes.”
“What was your relationship with the old lady?”
“You know already. The old lady and I were teacher and student…….”
“Not that story everyone knows, tell me the real one. Do I look like I’m joking around?”
As Rubel extended his arm, a monster beside them fell with a scream. Eir pressed her lips shut as she saw the horrific sight of the monster impaled along with the old lady’s gravestone.
“Wh-what do you want?”
“The truth.”
“Y-you know I saved your life once, right?”
Rubel looked at Eir with an expression that seemed to say ‘So what?’ Eir clasped her hands desperately and took another step back from him, but lost all dignity as a benefactor when a monster suddenly grabbed her leg and made her fall.
“Ugh.”
Before she could be dragged away, Rubel cut the branch that had coiled around Eir’s leg.
When her chin hit the ground hard again, it felt like she would die from the pain. Rubel seemed to have no intention of hiding his identity as he created a barrier with divine energy to temporarily keep the monsters at bay.
Soon a large shoe entered Eir’s field of vision. He quietly knelt down and lifted Eir’s chin to examine how badly she was injured. Seeing the dark bruise, Rubel drew in his breath as if exasperated.
“This doesn’t look like it just happened.”
