Chapter 1

“Just as lively as ever…”

 

After leaving the royal palace, Reina headed straight into the royal capital.

 

The city that lay right at the palace’s doorstep was bustling with people. Crowds gathered in a large square, where rows of street stalls were packed tightly together. The noisy streetscape reminded Reina of her hometown.

 

“It’s like walking through Shibuya or Harajuku.”

 

Of course, the scale was nowhere near comparable—but in terms of population density alone, this place might actually surpass them.

 

“Ugh… I’m going to get dizzy.”

 

It might have felt closer to being stuck on an overcrowded commuter train during rush hour. Frustrated by her inability to move freely in the direction she wanted, Reina pushed her way through the crowd toward a certain destination.

 

“Phew…”

 

What she looked up at was a beautiful temple located some distance away from the palace.

 

Built of white stone resembling marble, the temple towered above the city at the top of more than a hundred steps. Its architectural style was strikingly similar to a famous foreign temple Reina knew well. Not exactly the same, of course—but the thick, rounded columns, the triangular roof, and the carvings of gods along the walls all gave it a very familiar feel.

 

— Mardias.

 

This other world, known by that name, was what one would call a fantasy world—one where magic, nonexistent on Earth, was real. “Democracy? Is that something you eat?” seemed to be the prevailing attitude. Every country was ruled by a king or emperor. At first, Reina had thought it resembled the medieval world she’d learned about in school, but the cultural level outside of politics was far too advanced for that. It truly was another world. Most nations followed a monotheistic faith, worshiping the Moon Goddess Selene as their chief deity.

 

This country—the Kingdom of Raidhaunsent—was no exception. The reason Reina had been summoned here was because the so-called High Priest had received a divine revelation from the goddess. To someone who had lived her whole life in modern Japan, it was an utterly incomprehensible justification.

 

“Saintess… it’s the Saintess.”

 

As Reina climbed the stone steps toward the temple, a small child pointed at her and spoke. A woman who seemed to be the child’s mother hurriedly scolded them.

 

“That’s rude! Don’t you dare behave like that. Thanks to the Saintess, this world was saved. You must show proper respect.”

 

“Eeh…”

 

The mother chastised the sulking child. Others who had been watching Reina from a distance took that as their cue and began to gather.

 

“Saintess, thank you for purging the miasma.”

 

“That black hair… it must be the Saintess. Ah, how grateful we are.”

 

Being worshiped like some kind of living Buddha, Reina stared off into the distance.

 

As a Japanese person who had never dyed her hair, Reina’s hair was black. In Mardias, there were no people with black hair, so it was said to be proof of the Saintess. When she first heard that, Reina had nearly snapped back, “Then what would you do if the summoned person were American instead of Japanese?”

 

But considering that summoning rituals had been performed many times before without any issues, it was probably written into the summoning conditions that the Saintess must have black hair.

 

It was a summoning system she didn’t really understand, but Reina had decided not to think too deeply about it.

 

Because her hair stood out so much, she really wished she could change its color—but for some reason, the black hair rejected both magic and dye. Being told it was proof of the Saintess ended the discussion, but it was terribly inconvenient. It felt like walking around with a name tag pinned to her chest. She really ought to leave the capital as soon as possible.

 

Just as she resolved to finish her business quickly, Reina heard something outrageous.

 

“Congratulations on your marriage to the Crown Prince!”

 

She barely managed to suppress the instinctive shout of “What?!” that nearly burst out of her mouth.

 

But no matter how hard she tried, a low, angry voice slipped out. It wasn’t just low—it was trembling.

 

“There is no such thing. …That’s a completely baseless rumor.”

 

“H-huh?”

 

At Reina’s voice, which seemed to crawl along the ground, the people who had been about to join in with congratulations froze.

 

Realizing she had frightened them, Reina hastily tried to smooth things over.

 

“…I’m sorry. I’m not angry. I was just surprised. But what you said just now is completely untrue, so please don’t believe it.”

 

“…I-is that so? O-our apologies.”

 

Intimidated by her forceful smile that didn’t reach her eyes, the people scattered in a hurry. In no time at all, she was alone.

 

‘I only heard about that myself just now. So why do people in the city already know about it?’

 

Reina was leaving soon. The citizens should know that, too. So why was such a rumor spreading?

 

She took a deep breath to calm herself, then looked up at the temple once more.

 

‘The temple of the Moon Goddess… the goddess who gave the oracle to summon me…’

 

Vividly, the memories of the day she was summoned resurfaced.

 

The day she was brought from Earth to Mardias and asked to fulfill the role of the Saintes—Reina remembered it as clearly as if it had happened just yesterday.

 

 

***

 

 

—That day, her luck had been terrible from the moment morning began.

 

The horoscope on TV had ranked her dead last, and for some reason the clock at home was fifteen minutes off. She missed her train connection, hit every single red light on the way to school, and as a result, Reina arrived late.

 

‘The worst. Absolutely the worst—just like the horoscope said.’

 

She’d always thought TV horoscopes were nothing but nonsense.

 

Reina wasn’t someone who believed much in mystical things; she had always regarded so-called astrology with deep skepticism. That morning’s forecast had said something like: “The worst possible day. Nothing you do will go well. Stay home quietly today. To restore your luck, holding hands with your lover will be effective.”

 

She’d immediately scoffed.

 

“As if one-twelfth of the population is going to have a miserable day all at once. And what are people without lovers supposed to do?!”

 

And of course, Reina herself had no lover.

 

After venting her irritation, she wrung out a rag in a bucket of water and silently began wiping the classroom windows.

 

It was her first tardy in three years of attendance. As punishment, her homeroom teacher had ordered her to clean the music room alone after school. Sure, being late was her fault—but the music room was huge. Wasn’t that a little excessive?

 

“Whatever. I’ll just finish quickly and go home.”

 

She didn’t think anything worse could happen—but still.

 

With no mood to stop anywhere on the way back, Reina decided to focus on cleaning.

 

She opened the windows and carefully wiped the outside as well. Then, without thinking, her gaze drifted upward—to the moon shining above.

 

“Oh. It’s still evening, but it’s so clear.”

 

A white moon floated vividly in the sky. It just so happened to be a full moon that day. Enjoying a brief, impromptu moment of moon-viewing, she looked up—then turned her eyes away to resume cleaning.

 

That was when—

 

A beam of light suddenly stretched out from the moon and, in an instant, came hurtling straight toward the classroom where Reina stood.

 

“Huh? Wh—what?! What is—kyaaaaah!”

 

Falling was the only word that fit. A massive mass of light poured down as if it were about to crush her completely. Overwhelmed by the blinding brilliance, she squeezed her eyes shut.

 

She felt something touch her.

 

“H—huh?”

 

She tried to open her eyes to see what was happening, but it was far too bright. Whatever it was began touching her here and there, as if checking her over.

 

“W-what is this?! This is scary!”

 

That something lifted Reina’s body. She felt herself float—and the next moment, she was slammed down with a dull thud. She struck her lower back hard, a groan escaping her lips.

 

“—gh! Ugh… that hurts! What was that?!”

 

Wincing from the impact, she opened her eyes. It wasn’t bright anymore. Relieved, she lifted her head to see what had just happened—and found herself surrounded by people.

 

‘What… what is this?!’

 

Her shock was entirely justified. She was in a place she had never seen before, unmistakably resembling a temple. And on top of that, a crowd of complete strangers encircled her as though determined not to let her escape.

 

Everyone was dressed in outfits that looked straight out of a movie set—anachronistic to the extreme. Some wore long robes. Others looked like nobles from centuries past. Among them, one figure glittered especially brightly, dressed almost like a storybook prince. He stepped forward and knelt before Reina.

 

“Thank you for answering our summons, O Saintess. We humbly ask for your aid in purging the miasma.”

 

“…Huh?”

 

“Time is of the essence. If you do not prepare and depart immediately, it will be too late. The miasma is on the verge of engulfing our entire nation. We have no time to spare.”

 

“Um—wait, hey—”

 

“Though it may be presumptuous, we have already selected three individuals to assist you. Please allow them to accompany you on your journey—”

 

“Hey! I said wait! At least listen to what I have to say!”

 

Glaring sharply at the man who spoke as if he were reading from a script, smoothly and without emotion, Reina forced him to stop. Their eyes met—and she gasped.

 

‘W-what is this guy? A model? An actor?’

 

That was how strikingly handsome he was.

 

His shining hair, tied back neatly, was a pale platinum blond, fine as spun thread. His skin was so smooth it looked like porcelain—pale to the point of seeming almost bloodless, like a doll. His exquisitely sculpted features were so flawless they looked as though a master sculptor had labored over them for years. Honestly, Reina had never seen such a beautiful face even on television.

 

Yet despite standing before a beauty that could only be described as terrifying, Reina herself was surprisingly calm.

 

Her heart didn’t flutter even a little.

 

Because his eyes and expression ruined everything.

 

His transparent crimson eyes looked at her without truly seeing her, like glass marbles. His face was utterly expressionless, giving him an icy, distant air. Even when he spoke, there had been no warmth in his voice—his lines delivered flatly, devoid of emotion. It was more than enough to unsettle her.

 

’No. This guy… is creepy.’

 

No matter how handsome he was, this was a deal-breaker. Without realizing it, Reina took a step back. Perhaps sensing her reaction, an older man draped in a white long robe hurriedly stepped forward.

“P-Prince Chris! If it’s an explanation, I will do it myself. So please—”

 

“……Was it not you who said that welcoming each successive Saintess is the duty of the royal family?”

 

“Y-Yes, but… please, I beg you!”

 

“……Very well. High Priest. I’ll leave it to you.”

 

“Th-Thank you very much, Your Highness.”

 

The man looked as though he were lost in thought for a moment, but then he let out a resigned breath and stood up with surprising ease. He stepped back, putting some distance between himself and Reina. Seeing that, Reina felt a deep sense of relief.

 

‘Thank goodness. That man has no expression, and his voice is so flat and emotionless—I can’t tell what he’s thinking at all.’

 

But being called “Your Highness” raised questions. What did that mean exactly?

 

She still couldn’t grasp her situation at all. As she stood there at a loss, the man called the High Priest spoke to her.

 

“U-Um… I will explain everything so that you may understand…”

 

“……Please do.”

 

Though he wore a magnificent robe, he seemed far more human than the man from before. The way he looked at her so anxiously was, in itself, enough to put Reina at ease.

 

And so, at last, Reina came to understand what had happened to her—

 

“Huh!? You’re joking, right? Me—a Saintess? You want me to go on a journey to erase miasma? Are you all out of your minds?!”

 

“P-Please calm down, Saintess—”

 

“I told you, I’m not a Saintess!”

 

What Reina was told sounded utterly unbelievable.

 

She was in another world. She had been summoned using the power of the Moon Goddess as the only existence capable of erasing the world’s miasma… and to make matters worse, she couldn’t return to her original world until that miasma was completely gone.

 

“……You summon me without permission and then tell me I can’t go home until the job’s done? That’s ridiculous. I have no connection to your world, no obligation to you whatsoever…”

 

“We-We are truly sorry. But there is no other way to save the world without relying on the Saintess’s power…”

 

“I don’t care! In my world, this is called kidnapping! Why should I risk my life for your sake?! And you expect me to leave immediately? Don’t be ridiculous!”

 

As Reina raged, the High Priest—who served at the Temple of the Moon Goddess—prostrated himself before her. The other robed figures followed suit.

 

“W-We deeply apologize. But please… please…”

 

“……”

 

Watching the priests bow again and again, Reina began to feel as though she were bullying the weak. It left her with an awful taste in her mouth.

 

“……Is it really true that I can’t go home until this ‘miasma’ is gone? And what about my situation back home? I’ll be considered missing, won’t I?”

 

Not wanting to expose any more of her uglier self, Reina forcibly swallowed the anger threatening to burst out and addressed the High Priest as calmly as she could.

 

Intimidated by her forcefulness, the High Priest lifted his face slightly and answered hesitantly.

 

“Yes, Saintess. On the full moon following the complete eradication of the miasma, if you pray to the moon yourself, you will be able to return. I am afraid there is no other method known to us. As for the missing time, you will be returned to the moment immediately after your summoning, so there will be almost no time lag. Your physical age will also revert, so you will be able to resume your daily life without issue. Please do not worry about that.”

 

“……Even if I go back to Japan, I doubt I’ll adjust that easily.”

 

“Th-That is…”

 

Faced with her entirely reasonable concern, the priests averted their eyes. They were clearly aware they were in the wrong. Reina let out a long sigh and then forced herself to switch gears.

 

Reina was, for better or worse, extremely pragmatic.

 

Yes, being summoned against her will and deified as a Saintess was infuriating. Under normal circumstances, she would have refused outright. But if there was no other way home, then the situation changed.

 

If that was the case, then wouldn’t the fastest way be to stop complaining and focus on getting back as soon as possible? Her mind coldly reached that conclusion.

 

Erase the miasma as quickly as possible, then go home. If she did that, she might even be able to resume her old life as if nothing had happened. The longer this dragged on, the worse it would be for her.

 

After all—terrifyingly enough—Reina was an exam-year student.

 

Spending years in another world and then trying to pass entrance exams afterward was unthinkable. At worst, she might forget the historical eras she had memorized, the names of foreign kings—even her English vocabulary.

 

Her target school was already a close call with her current academic ability. If she stopped studying for too long, her scores would inevitably drop. And becoming a ronin student*… she wanted to avoid that, especially for the sake of her part-time-working mother.

 

[*T/N: Students who do not pass university entrance examinations at their first opportunity while they are in senior high school and who continue to study for the next entrance exams after graduating]

 

The priests were desperate—but so was she, in her own way.

 

‘Just get home as fast as possible!’

 

To win the exam war, she’d just have to overcome a trial like this.

 

The logic was questionable, but Reina used it to steel her resolve.

 

“……Fine. I’ll do it. I don’t have time to hesitate.”

 

“Th-Thank you very much, Saintess!”

 

“This is wonderful! The world is saved!”

 

At Reina’s answer, the priests—and everyone around them—cheered with joy. Every face was alight with relief. The miasma must truly have been a serious threat.

 

As she wondered how she was even supposed to erase such a thing, her eyes caught on one person standing off to the side.

 

‘Oh. That man from earlier.’

 

The man they called “Your Highness.”

 

His lips were curved in something like a smile, but his face remained oddly blank—resigned, detached. Just looking at him made her want to punch him.

 

‘He’s only a little older than me.’

 

He was clearly young. Far too young to look like someone who had already given up on life. And while everyone else was celebrating, he alone looked indifferent. That irritated her.

 

‘I’m not saying he has to be happy. But this is his country, right? Show some interest.’

 

Her irritation grew.

 

Even earlier, when he had asked her, it had been the same. Supposedly the world was on the brink of destruction, yet there had been no sense of urgency in him—no desperation, no fire.

 

It felt as though he were acting out of obligation alone.

 

That was no way to ask someone for help. And he was a prince?

 

‘Don’t make me laugh,’ Reina thought.

 

No matter how breathtakingly handsome he was, to her he looked no different from a perfectly crafted mannequin.

 

Though he noticed her accusatory stare, he simply turned his gaze away, expression unchanged.

 

‘Ugh! He’s really getting on my nerves.’

 

She felt her temple twitch.

 

As Reina struggled to rein in her anger, the High Priest spoke again.

 

“Um, then, without delay—we have prepared companions to assist you on your journey. They will surely be of help. Please allow them to accompany you.”

 

Thrown into another world, traveling alone was impossible. Grateful, Reina turned her attention to the three people summoned at the High Priest’s call.

 

Before her stood two men and one woman.

 

One man was tall and powerfully built, wearing leather armor with a sword at his waist. He looked to be over thirty—a ruggedly handsome man. His purple hair, dyed or not, was swept back casually.

 

The other man wore a dark, long robe and held something like a short staff. Reina had thought him an old man at first, but the face visible beneath the hood was young—mid-twenties, perhaps. He looked timid, and when his eyes met Reina’s, he quickly looked away.

 

The woman wore a dress straight out of the medieval era.

 

Her platinum-blonde hair was beautifully curled, and she smiled warmly at Reina.

 

‘Like a porcelain doll,’ Reina thought, bowing slightly.

 

The High Priest began the introductions.

 

“These three will accompany you. Representing the common folk, the renowned strongest mercenary of the guild—Ortega. From the royal court, the First Seat Court Mage—Seto. And as your attendant, the First Princess of the Kingdom of Raidhaunsent—Princess Restia.”

 

“A princess? She’s coming on the journey? Is that okay?”

 

Reina blinked in surprise and looked again at Restia.

 

She looked soft and gentle, about the same age as Reina. Reina was genuinely worried—but Restia answered firmly.

 

“It is fine. It has long been custom that one member of the royal family accompanies the Saintess. One representative each—from the people, the court, and the royal family. I came prepared for this duty. I will not be a burden.”

 

Her eyes sparkled with resolve as she spoke of royal duty.

 

And then, in the corner of Reina’s vision, she saw him again—the man gazing elsewhere, as though none of this concerned him.

 

Her irritation flared.

 

“Hey. If the royal family needs to send a representative, what about him? He was called ‘Your Highness,’ wasn’t he? Doesn’t he qualify too?”

 

“Eh?”

 

Everyone stared at her in shock. The High Priest hurried to explain.

 

“W-Well, you see… Prince Chris is the Crown Prince of this kingdom, so… such a dangerous journey would be—if anything happened—”

 

That answer made something snap inside her.

 

‘So you know it’s dangerous. Yet you send me, who has nothing to do with your world, while protecting your precious prince? …Unbelievable.’

 

Reina smiled—deliberately, unpleasantly.

 

“Oh, I see. But that has nothing to do with me, does it? If you need a royal representative, I’d rather have him than the princess. You’re not going to say no, are you? You force me into being a Saintess, then only take what’s convenient for yourselves? That’s awfully self-serving.”

 

“B-But the rules—! And besides, his fiancée would be worried—”

 

‘Oh? He even has a fiancée. Handsome, Crown Prince, and engaged. The ultimate winner.’

 

Reina’s gaze hardened. The High Priest quickly looked away.

 

This was going nowhere. Reina strode straight up to the prince.

 

Staring into his glass-red eyes, she said, “If you’re the Crown Prince, then you’re prepared to sacrifice yourself for your people, right? So what is it? Are you coming with me—or not?”

 

For the first time, the Crown Prince’s eyes wavered.

 

Seeing an actual expression cross his face made Reina oddly relieved.

 

‘So he can make normal expressions after all.’

 

Truth be told, she hadn’t actually wanted him to come. She just wanted to trouble him a little.

 

The idea that she had to go on a dangerous journey while the male prince stayed safe in the palace infuriated her. Maybe that was normal in this world, but it was unacceptable to someone raised in Japan.

 

That was all.

 

‘I’ve seen him flustered. That’s enough.’

 

Just as she was about to say “Fine, forget it,” the prince spoke, his voice resolute.

 

“……All right. I’ll go.”

 

‘What!?’

 

The shock was absolute.

 

As everyone stood frozen, the High Priest protested.

 

“Y-Your Highness! What are you saying?! From the royal family, one person other than the Crown Prince is to accompany the Saintess! That is tradition!”

 

“I know the tradition. But I believe she is right. A Saintess with no connection to this world is risking her life for us. Should we not repay that kindness with the utmost respect?”

 

“Th-That may be so, but—!”

 

Ignoring the High Priest, the prince turned to Reina.

 

Warmth lit the once-empty red eyes. The detached expression softened into a gentle smile.

 

“I will go as the royal representative. Christopher Yates Raidhaunsent. Please call me Chris, Saintess.”

 

“Brother!”

 

Restia cried out, her face pale.

 

“Please don’t! This is my role! I don’t care what happens to me, but you must not—You are to be the future king!”

 

“And what of it? If the world is destroyed by miasma, there will be no kingdom to rule.”

 

“I—I—”

 

“I’ve decided. Restia—step back.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

His final words were icy. With one sharp look, Restia lowered her head.

 

The hall fell silent.

 

“I have chosen to answer the Saintess’s request. Does anyone object to honoring the one who will save the world?”

 

No one spoke.

 

Satisfied, Chris smiled.

 

“Saintess. Please allow me to accompany you.”

 

He smiled at Reina as if the matter were settled.

 

But Reina felt a chill run down her spine.

 

‘I think… I might have awakened something I really shouldn’t have.’

 

Still, this was her own doing—and in this atmosphere, she couldn’t back out now.

 

Driven by stubborn pride alone, she introduced herself.

 

“……Hinoue Reina. My first name is Reina. Don’t call me Saintess. Just Reina.”

 

“Reina… Understood. Let’s do our best together as companions.”

 

“Y-Yeah.”

 

Chris stepped closer and took both her hands, smiling at her as though she might melt.

 

Reina barely suppressed a scream.

 

It felt like being targeted by a carnivorous beast—like there was no escape.

 

‘What am I thinking? No—no, it’s just my imagination.’

 

“N-Nice to meet you, Chris.”

 

Her smile was a little stiff.

 

She knew it. This might have been a mistake—but it was far too late now.

 

With a heavy sigh, Reina glanced up at the man gripping her hands far too tightly and let her shoulders slump.

 

Hinoue Reina and Chris.

 

This was how the two of them met.

 

 

***

 

 

‘After we became companions, Chris really did dote on me nonstop, sweetness turned all the way up.’

 

Thinking back on how she had met Chris, Reina started climbing the stairs again.

 

That utterly resigned, enlightened, expressionless face Chris had worn the first time she saw him—she never saw it again after that day. Reina didn’t like that version of him. She much preferred the Chris she knew now, the one who showed his emotions so openly.

 

“Seriously… I told myself I’d stop thinking about Chris…”

 

In the end, she was still thinking about the man she liked. She really had a bad habit.

 

What she should be thinking about was getting back safely to her family.

 

Shaking the thoughts away, Reina reached the top of the stairs. As soon as she stepped into the temple, one of the priests noticed her and hurried over.

 

“Lady Reina! Welcome.”

 

The man in white priestly robes bowed deeply. Reina replied lightly,

 

“I was nearby, so I thought I’d stop in. Would it be all right if I looked around?”

 

“Of course. This is the temple dedicated to Selene, the Moon Goddess. As her Saintess, there is nowhere here you are forbidden to enter. Please feel free to go wherever you wish.”

 

She nodded to the priest, who bowed once more, and told him where she was headed.

 

“Thank you. Then I’ll stop by the spring for a bit.”

 

“Yes. I will inform the High Priest. Please take your time—he will likely come to greet you later.”

 

“Got it.”

 

The “spring” Reina referred to was a sacred place that only the Saintess and priests with special qualifications were allowed to enter.

 

Leaving the priest behind, she walked through the temple with confident steps, following her memory. Up some stairs, down others—until she reached a set of double doors at the bottom of a staircase leading underground. Beyond them lay the spring.

 

A spell was cast upon the doors, preventing anyone without the proper qualifications from passing through.

 

When Reina gently touched the handle, the doors emitted a pale blue light and opened with a strained, creaking sound. Without hesitation, she stepped inside. The doors closed immediately behind her.

 

The interior resembled a cavern. Several small round openings dotted the ceiling, letting in thin beams of light that kept the space from feeling dark. Before her lay an oval-shaped spring large enough for four or five adults to fit comfortably inside.

 

At the center stood a statue of the Moon Goddess holding a jar, from which clear water flowed endlessly.

 

The water shimmered as it caught the light.

 

“Not even a year has passed, yet it already feels nostalgic…”

 

She approached the spring and sat on the stone edge. The water here—known as holy water—was said to heal wounds, neutralize poison, and possess many other effects.

 

One of those effects was awakening the Saintess’s power.

 

“…That time was so embarrassing.”

 

Recalling her first visit here, Reina felt her cheeks warm as she smiled to herself.

 

 

***

 

 

“First, Reina, you’ll awaken your power as a Saintess here in this temple.”

 

“Uh-huh…”

 

After departing the royal palace with an unprecedentedly luxurious party—Ortega the veteran mercenary, Seto the court mage, and Crown Prince Chris—Reina and the others had first come to the temple dedicated to the Moon Goddess.

 

A long staircase rose before them. Staring in awe at the majestic temple at its summit, Reina heard Chris turn to her with a gentle smile.

 

“Your hand, Reina. If you were to trip, it would be a disaster. I’ll guide you so nothing happens.”

 

“Eh? No, no, no…”

 

She stared at the white hand he offered so naturally. Being led up the stairs by the hand—was she an elementary schooler? She told him she’d be fine, but Chris wouldn’t listen. He firmly took her hand and started climbing.

 

“W-Wait, Chris! I said I’m fine!”

 

“Yes, I heard you. But I came in my sister’s place. Her role was to take care of you, so it’s only natural that I inherit that duty. I’m obligated to look after you. So please behave and let me hold your hand.”

 

‘W-What kind of logic is that?!’

 

She was left speechless by the words delivered with a radiant smile. Desperate, she glanced at one of their companions—Seto, the court mage—but he immediately looked away.

 

‘Hey, aren’t we companions? Help me out!’

 

Perhaps opposing the Crown Prince was impossible for a court mage. Left with no choice, she tried to seek help from Ortega—but he was already striding briskly up the stairs.

 

Chris leaned close and whispered, “See? Ortega’s already gone. Let’s hurry too.”

 

‘Eek!’

 

She felt his breath against her ear and shivered. Chris laughed in obvious amusement and tugged her hand more firmly.

 

“Wait—really, I can climb by myself—”

 

“Reina, you’re being quite stubborn. But I have my own ideas. If you keep complaining, I’ll simply carry you up the stairs instead. …Which do you prefer?”

 

“Y-Your hand! Just your hand, please!”

 

Faced with that ultimate either-or, half joking yet very real, Reina answered without thinking—and then immediately realized her mistake.

 

‘Wait, why did I even have to choose between those options?! I messed up!’

 

Looking up at Chris as he held her hand, she saw him laughing softly.

 

“That’s cruel. I think that’s underhanded.”

 

“Is it? I think it’s quite effective.”

 

When she first met him, she’d thought he was an expressionless prince whose thoughts were impossible to read. In a way, he still was. His expressions had grown surprisingly rich, and he treated her with great care—but he was overwhelmingly sweet.

 

‘What is this? Are all princes like this?’

 

If this was his default behavior, it was dangerous. Better than an overbearing prince, sure—but women were bound to misunderstand him.

 

“Hey, Chris. Are you always like this?”

 

“Like this? What do you mean?”

 

“Your tone. Your attitude. …If you don’t tone it down, people will get the wrong idea.”

 

It felt like none of her business, but she figured she should warn him—if only for her own sake, since they’d be traveling together.

 

But his answer left her weak at the knees.

 

“Thanks for the advice. But I only act like this toward people I want to misunderstand. I like you, Reina.”

 

“…Right.”

 

Despite having a fiancée, he said things like that without hesitation. Reina was honestly exasperated.

 

Still, arguing was pointless. She knew the answer she’d get—it would all be framed as “as companions.” She didn’t need it spelled out.

 

‘He’s definitely just playing with me.’

 

At his smiling confession, she merely replied, “You shouldn’t say things like that so lightly,” and decided to say nothing more.

 

 

***

 

 

“So? We’ve come all the way to the temple—what do we do now?”

 

Even after being told she needed to awaken her power as a saint, Reina had no idea what she was supposed to do. As she tilted her head in confusion, Chris leaned in and spoke as if sharing a secret.

 

“At the very back of this temple is the Fountain of the Moon Goddess. It’s said that by undergoing a ritual there, a saint awakens her powers.”

 

“Oh… I see.”

 

Reina nodded, vaguely satisfied. Apparently, it wasn’t a matter of suddenly being able to use mysterious powers right from the start. Honestly, that made much more sense to her. Being told, “Welcome to another world—here’s your magic!” would’ve felt far less convincing.

 

“Only one attendant is allowed to accompany the saint during the ritual. Normally, Restia would have taken that role, but…”

 

“I named you instead, so she can’t, right? Hmm… then maybe I’ll ask Ortega?”

 

“Me?”

 

Ortega raised his voice in surprise, clearly not expecting to be chosen. But Reina did have her reasons.

 

“You’re a civilian representative, right? I was just an ordinary person in my world too, so I thought I’d feel more comfortable with someone who has the same perspective.”

 

“Well—uh, I mean, that’s true, but I…”

 

For some reason, Ortega started acting suspiciously, as if trying to refuse. Reina was about to question him when Chris cut in.

 

“Actually, I hold the rank of priest. That means I can accompany you even into places normally off-limits to attendants. It’s your first time here—wouldn’t you feel more at ease if I came with you?”

 

“Y-yeah! That sounds better!” Ortega nodded enthusiastically.

 

Even Seto, who had been silent until now, agreed.

 

“I-I think that would be best too… His Highness really is a priest…”

 

“I-is that so? Then… I guess I’ll ask you, Chris.”

 

With everyone recommending him, it was hard to refuse. When Reina reluctantly named him, Chris smiled brightly.

 

“Thank you. I promise I’ll be of help to you.”

 

“…P-pleased to meet you.”

 

It felt less like she’d chosen him and more like she’d been steered into it, but Reina decided not to dwell on it.

 

“So, where do we go?”

 

“I’ll guide you. …You two, wait around here.”

 

“Yeah, yeah, we got it.”

 

“Understood, Your Highness.”

 

Leaving the two behind, Chris led Reina deeper into the temple. Along the way, the high priest she’d seen at the summoning rushed over in a panic, but one word from Chris—I’ll be conducting the ritual—sent him retreating immediately.

 

“Oh… so you really do hold priestly rank. You’ll be the one performing the ritual too?”

 

“That’s the plan. I thought it would be better that way—for you.”

 

“Better… how?”

 

As he opened the door leading to the fountain, Chris explained.

 

“The ritual involves a qualified priest bestowing a blessing upon the saint while she is immersed in the fountain.”

 

“…And?”

 

“You’re not planning to enter a sacred spring fully clothed, are you? That would be rather inappropriate.”

 

“…Eh?”

 

Reina replayed his words in her head.

 

Immersed in the fountain.

 

That meant—surely—

 

“W-WHAT!? No, no, no, no way!”

 

She shook her head violently. Being seen naked by that high priest was absolutely impossible.

 

“That’s why I thought I’d be better than him. I wouldn’t be able to tolerate someone like him touching your body, either.”

 

“I mean… I don’t think it’s okay just because it’s you, Chris…”

 

“So you’d rather have the high priest? Unfortunately, I believe only he and I have the rank necessary to bestow the blessing.”

 

Apparently, Chris was a far higher-ranking priest than she’d realized. Still, that didn’t make the decision any easier.

 

Chris… or the high priest.

 

If it had to be one of them…

 

Reina looked up at Chris’s gentle smile.

 

‘Chris is definitely better…’

 

Either way, without receiving the blessing, she wouldn’t be able to use her powers as a saint—and then going home would be impossible.

 

With a heavy heart, she spoke.

 

“Please… Chris.”

 

At her words, Chris beamed.

 

“I’m glad you chose me. …Though, to be honest, I never intended to let the high priest touch you anyway.”

 

“…What?”

 

“Oh, nothing. Shall we begin? Please undress and enter the fountain.”

 

“…Can I do it facing away from you?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Hearing that, Reina steeled herself. Complaining wouldn’t change anything. Better to get it over with.

 

“…Turn around and close your eyes until I say it’s okay.”

 

“All right.”

 

Chris immediately did as she asked. Relieved, Reina went to a nearby shelf and began undressing.

 

’This is so embarrassing…’

 

She was wearing her school uniform, along with several amulets given to her when she left the palace. She’d been told her clothes emphasized her identity as a saint, so she’d kept them—but undressing in a school uniform felt inexplicably more shameful.

 

Her fingers trembled as she undid the buttons of her blouse.

 

It took far longer than it should have.

 

“Sorry, Chris… I’m going in now.”

 

She dipped her foot into the water. It felt shockingly cold at first, but quickly adjusted to her body—neither cold nor warm, just comfortable.

 

‘That’s strange… maybe that’s what makes it special.’

 

She waded to the center, facing the statue of the goddess.

 

“I’m ready.”

 

“Can I turn around?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

She submerged herself as deeply as she could. The water reached her shoulders. She sensed Chris approaching—entering the fountain behind her.

 

“I’m going to bestow the blessing now. I’ll need to touch you… please endure it.”

 

“O-okay.”

 

She nodded stiffly, and felt him smile behind her.

 

“You don’t have to be so tense. I’m not going to eat you… not yet.”

 

The last words bothered her, but before she could react, she felt it.

 

A kiss on the top of her head.

 

“H-huh!?”

 

“I told you I’d touch you. Receiving a priest’s blessing—that’s what I said, right?”

 

‘Is… is the blessing a kiss?’

 

She’d assumed it would be words, or something formal. Frozen in shock, she felt his lips move.

 

“Mm…”

 

This time, they brushed her neck.

 

“Hey—does that part need blessing too?”

 

“…Of course. A blessing over the saint’s entire body—that’s my role.”

 

“T-entire body!?”

 

Startled, she turned around without thinking.

 

Her upper body was fully exposed.

 

“…Ah.”

 

“…I appreciate your enthusiasm, but if you could turn back around, I’d be grateful. My self-control won’t hold otherwise.”

 

His cheeks were faintly flushed.

 

Realizing what she’d done, Reina turned bright red.

 

“I-I’m sorry!”

 

She sank back into the water with a loud splash.

 

‘He saw me… Chris saw me!’

 

Hiding her face in the water, she heard him speak softly.

 

“…It’s regreful but if you want me to forget, I will. So let’s continue the ritual, all right?”

 

She nodded desperately.

 

“Th-thank you. But… what did you mean by ‘regret’?”

 

“Exactly what it sounded like. …Your skin is beautiful.”

 

“You said you’d forget!”

 

Laughing, he apologized—and kissed her shoulder.

 

“Mm… Chris?”

 

“The ritual is continuing. Be good, okay? You don’t want a repeat of before.”

 

“…Okay.”

 

She endured it, cheeks burning, listening only to the sounds of water and his kisses.

 

“…Not yet?”

 

“Not yet. Since you’re so embarrassed, I’ll stop at your upper body. Just a little longer…”

 

His voice, hoarse and low, sent a shiver down her spine.

 

“H-ha… ah…”

 

‘Why… why does this feel like this? It’s just a ritual…’

 

“Alright. That should be enough. —May the Goddess bless you.”

 

“…Huh?”

 

“It’s over. Do you feel anything different?”

 

She closed her eyes, focusing—and felt a warm mass deep in her abdomen.

 

“…Something hot… like a lump.”

 

“That’s it. That’s magic. You’ve awakened as a saint—one who can erase miasma simply by touching it.”

 

“…Just by touching…”

 

Chris climbed out of the fountain first and turned back to her—

“The ritual is over, so you can put your clothes on now. There’s a fresh towel on the shelf near the changing area, so go ahead and use it. I’ll keep my back turned just like before.”

 

“O-Okay, thank you.”

 

Realizing he was being considerate, Reina hurriedly got out of the spring. She grabbed the towel from the spot he mentioned, dried herself off, and changed. Once she was fully dressed, she let out a sigh of relief.

 

‘But I had no idea the Blessing Ritual would be so embarrassing…’

 

“Um, Chris… thank you for coming.”

 

“Hmm? What’s the matter all of a sudden?”

 

Hearing his gentle tone, Reina felt from the bottom of her heart that she was glad he had come with her.

 

If the High Priest had been the one to perform the ritual just now, she absolutely wouldn’t have been able to endure it.

 

She no longer felt that sensation she had at the start—like she had been captured by something terrifying. In fact, Chris was incredibly kind and considerate of her.

 

Thinking that inviting Chris had been the right choice, Reina thanked him again.

 

 

***

 

 

‘…Seriously, that ritual was so embarrassing.’

 

Gazing at the spring, Reina thought this deeply and sighed. Having her bare shoulders, neck, and back kissed—for Reina, who had never even dated a man, the stimulation had been too intense. Of course, she wouldn’t go so far as to say it was good that it was Chris, but compared to the High Priest, the somewhat familiar Chris was far better for her mental state.

 

“Saintess! My apologies for the delay!”

 

The door opened, and the person who entered was the rumored High Priest she had just been thinking about.

 

The High Priest was quite elderly, with a very prominent belly. perhaps due to the stress of being caught between the Royal Palace and the temple, the front of his head was completely bald.

 

‘Sorry. I know people might think it’s wrong to judge based on looks, but… yeah, no way.’

 

Observing the High Priest again, Reina made a calm judgment. It was good that it was Chris. Between him and the High Priest, there was no need to even choose.

 

“Don’t worry about it. I just felt like coming by.”

 

“Is that so? Ah, come to think of it, you received the blessing from His Highness Chris, did you not?”

 

“Y-Yes.”

 

Since she had just been recalling it, Reina pressed her hand to her chest, her heart skipping a beat.

 

“Although His Highness Chris proposed it himself, to receive words of blessing from His Highness, who is both royalty and a priest, is truly a godsend. It makes sense that the journey ended in merely a year.”

 

‘Huh?’

 

Reina stared at the High Priest’s laughing face. There was something odd about the words she just heard. Flustered, she questioned the High Priest.

 

“…Words? Hey, did you just say ‘words of blessing’?”

 

“Eh? Yes. As the Saintess surely knows, although it is just a brief phrase, receiving it in this place while immersed in the spring is what holds meaning. Immediately after the words were spoken, you felt your own magic awaken, did you not?”

 

“…Y-Yes.”

 

‘Wait a second, what does that mean?!’

 

While nodding along, Reina frantically recalled what Chris had done. She had taken off her clothes, immersed herself in the spring, and received the kiss of blessing or whatever it was. Words… certainly, she remembered Chris whispering something at the very end.

 

‘Eeeeh!? You mean just that one phrase was enough? Then what was all that kissing beforehand about?!’

 

Unaware that Reina was stunned, the High Priest continued talking.

 

“Come to think of it, there seemed to be no sign that the ritual robe was used. What happened?”

 

“Robe!?”

 

This time, her voice cracked. The High Priest nodded, looking surprised. Reina pressed her temples, overwhelmed. She confirmed with a trembling voice.

 

“H-Hey? Just a quick confirmation. Does this mean the ritual… consists of wearing that robe, soaking in the spring, and simply receiving a few words? …Is the kiss of blessing not necessary?”

 

The High Priest tilted his head, unsure of what he was being asked, but nodded in affirmation.

 

“Y-Yes. That is correct. Could it be that you received a kiss of blessing from His Highness? A kiss of blessing has a defensive effect that repels poisons and curses. If you received one, I believe His Highness did it out of concern for you, Saintess…”

 

“I-I see…”

 

For a moment, Reina trembled with anger thinking she had done something so embarrassing for no reason, but being told it was an act for her own sake, she couldn’t complain any further.

 

‘B-But, he didn’t have to do it all over the place! At first, he said it had to be the whole body. Ughhh! He was teasing me right from the start! I’m so frustrated!’

 

She wouldn’t be seeing Chris anymore, but she hadn’t realized she was being teased even in a place like this.

 

The Prince who toyed with her using sweet words and a gentle attitude.

 

She hadn’t thought she liked Chris at that stage yet, but looking back now, Reina slumped her shoulders, wondering why on earth she had fallen in love with such a man.

 

 

***

 

 

“P-P-P-Prince Chris! It’s a disaster!”

 

A man was running down the sacred corridors of the Radish Palace, making pathetic noises as he went.

 

The man, wearing a black long robe, didn’t even notice the court ladies frowning at him.

 

He held what looked like a letter in his hand and seemed quite panicked.

 

The man—Seto—arrived at his destination, threw the door open with force, and reported while stumbling toward the person inside.

 

“P-Prince Chris. A-A letter from Lady Reina! It seems she has fled the Royal Palace.”

 

“You’re loud.”

 

The person who turned around was a young man with eye-catching platinum blonde hair and red eyes, possessing incredibly symmetrical features.

 

Narrow, sharp eyes, a high-bridged nose. A tight mouth—every part was placed in the correct position on his face. It was a perfect beauty that exuded a sculpture-like coldness.

 

In contrast to Seto, who was wheezing for air, the young man—Chris—was extremely calm. One could even call him cold-blooded. Sending only a glance at Seto, he spoke icily.

 

“I know. A First Seat Mage shouldn’t be making such a fuss over something like this.”

 

“B-But…”

 

“Reina overheard the conversation between Father and me. She didn’t seem to desire marriage with me, so she likely ran away.”

 

As Chris analyzed the situation calmly, Seto replied with a trembling “Yes…” He asked fearfully.

 

“So… um… what do you intend to do, Your Highness?”

 

“Chase after Reina, of course. knowing her, she probably thinks she can just go home silently. But I won’t let that happen. She is going to become my wife, after all.”

 

“…Eh? Go home? You mean, Your Highness, you haven’t obtained Lady Reina’s consent for marriage yet…? Even after closing off all her escape routes? Eek.”

 

Seto accidentally let his true thoughts slip, and when Chris glared at him, he shrank back.

 

“Did you not hear me say that Reina does not desire marriage with me? I will pursue her. After that, I will let her swim freely while monitoring her, and secure her person just before she returns home.”

 

“R… Right.”

 

“Her running away was unexpected, but since I was planning to make a move soon anyway, it works out. Seto, don’t just stand there spacing out. If you understand the situation, hurry up and follow me.”

 

Chris turned on his heel.

 

‘The Prince is scary’, Seto almost said, but he desperately clamped his mouth shut.

 

‘He really is like a different person compared to a year ago,’ Seto thought, dropping his shoulders in dejection.

 

Originally, Chris was not a man with a personality like this. He was calm and composed… no, he was a man who performed his duties dispassionately, with empty eyes that looked as if he had given up on everything. He was an excellent Crown Prince who surely produced the required results, but he lacked humanity; even his father, the King, grumbled about worrying over letting him ascend to the throne as he was.

 

He had an arranged fiancée, but she didn’t think well of Chris either. Naturally. No matter how good-looking he was or that he was the Crown Prince, who would want to marry a man indifferent to everything?

 

That all changed the day Reina came to this world and he was ordered to accompany her.

 

While Reina was preparing for the journey, Chris had spoken to Ortega and Seto.

 

“Do not touch Reina. As soon as the journey to clear the miasma is over, I will make her my wife.”

 

Seto hadn’t understood the meaning of those words, which were spoken almost like a threat.

 

‘Who is this? Is this really that Chris, whose default setting was being emotionless?’ He had doubted his own eyes and ears.

 

The cold, threatening voice and the eyes glaring down at them were, unlike before, displaying an incredibly rich amount of emotion—it was like a lie. Seto was so surprised he couldn’t answer immediately. Ortega, standing next to him, also seemed bewildered, though for a different reason.

 

“No, even if you suddenly say ‘don’t touch her’… Besides, don’t Saintesses usually go back home once their mission is done? Making her your wife sounds like an impossible story, doesn’t it?”

 

Ortega’s question was perfectly reasonable. But Chris smiled faintly and denied those words.

 

“You know nothing. Most of the past Saintesses were courted by partners and remained in this world. Besides, I have already decided. I will definitely make Reina my wife. This is a decided fact. You two will be living with her during the journey, so be very careful with your attitude.”

 

“Y-Your Highness? B-But what about your fiancée…”

 

At Seto’s question, Chris smiled significantly.

 

“I will break it off immediately. She will likely be pleased as well. She seemed to loathe me, after all… If the engagement is annulled, she can be with the man she likes. She will thank me; there is not a one in a million chance she will resent me.”

 

“The man she likes?”

 

“Yes. That is part of why she previously asked me to annul the engagement. I didn’t pay it any mind, though.”

 

Seto was speechless at how casually this was said. Chris knew she had someone else she liked, yet he had still intended to marry his fiancée?

 

When asked this, Chris nodded nonchalantly.

 

“Obviously. Marrying that woman. That was the duty imposed upon me as the Crown Prince. But I no longer intend to obey. I want Reina, no matter what. I will do anything to achieve that.”

 

“W-Why go that far…”

 

Perhaps he had suddenly become obsessed. In response to Seto’s question, Chris twisted his lips and said:

 

“When I believed I was a bird in a cage and had given up on everything, a hand reached out to me from the outside… How could I not fall for her?”

 

“Your Highness…”

 

Seto didn’t really understand half the meaning behind Chris’s words, but something welled up in his chest nonetheless. Chris declared again with determination.

 

“Anyway, I will make Reina my wife. There will be no change to this decision. Understood?”

 

Seto felt something bordering on being moved by the words of Chris, who until now had never said he wanted anything and merely fulfilled his assigned roles.

 

The Prince had fallen in love with Reina. Thanks to that, his hidden emotions had finally surfaced; Seto was even happy about it.

 

“I-I understand. I will cooperate.”

 

Happy about Chris’s change, Seto nodded actively. Seeing this, Ortega furrowed his brow.

 

“Hey, hey, is it okay to decide such a big thing on your own without telling the young lady involved?”

 

“I will make her fall in love with me without fail during this journey… So do not get in the way.”

 

Being subjected to a glare that looked ready to shoot him dead, Ortega shrugged and gave a lackluster reply, “Oh, scary.” To such an Ortega, Chris spoke sharply.

 

“Stop screwing around, Ortega. This isn’t irrelevant to you, either.”

 

At Chris’s words, Ortega made a face like he had chewed on a bitter bug.

 

“…So you saw right through me. …Tch. This is why I hate competent guys… Fine. I won’t get in the way. But I won’t cooperate either. Do what you want.”

 

“Fine,” Chris nodded, and then smiled with true satisfaction—.

 

‘His Highness has been crazy regarding Lady Reina ever since back then…’

 

Recalling the events of a year ago, Seto looked at Chris with pathetic eyes.

 

“Um, Your Highness. Why do I have to go with you…”

 

After declaring he would chase Reina, Chris had practically dragged Seto out of the Royal Palace.

 

Seto knew that Reina had been completely won over by Chris halfway through the journey and had developed feelings for him. Seto did not want to get involved with a couple that was mutually in love but complicating things.

 

“You will serve as the liaison with the Royal Palace. What, you did it during the journey. It will be simple.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

At the strong tone that permitted no refusal, Seto nodded while in tears.

 

He was happy that Chris had become a man with emotions, but Seto, who had been dragged around by Chris throughout the entire journey, was utterly exhausted.

 

‘And here I thought I could finally return to the Royal Palace…’

 

The stomach-ache-inducing journey had finally ended, and he had been rejoicing from the bottom of his heart. Yet, Seto lamented his misfortune at having to be dragged around again by Chris, who turned into a tyrant the moment Reina was involved.

 

Chris walked up to the temple silently. There was no hesitation in his stride. Wondering how he knew Reina’s location, Seto asked Chris, still feeling puzzled.

 

“Your Highness? Did you cast some kind of magic on Lady Reina that allows you to pinpoint her location? It’s amazing she didn’t notice.”

 

In terms of raw magic power, Reina had more than anyone in this country, and she could use magic just by picturing it in her mind. The Saintess’s magic was of a completely different system than that of Seto and the others, who required spells and staves as mediums.

 

Seto looked at Chris with a gaze of respect, thinking he had managed to cast magic on such a Reina without her noticing, but the answer he received left him dumbfounded.

 

“If I cast magic directly, she would obviously notice. I secretly incorporated it into the protective amulet I gave her before the journey, telling her it was a present from the Royal Family. She wears it all the time.”

 

“…”

 

Before the journey. Hearing those words spoken so casually, Seto felt his cheek twitch.

 

Seto thought he understood Chris’s obsession with Reina, but he hadn’t thought Chris had set things up from the very beginning.

 

‘Lady Reina. You poor thing…’

 

He couldn’t help but sympathize with Reina. The indifferent and expressionless Chris had been worrying, but the current Chris was very scary in his own right.

 

‘I wonder which one was better,’ Seto thought, his eyes drifting into the distance.

 

As he followed Chris up the stairs, a child who realized Chris was the Prince called out happily.

 

“Ah, it’s the Prince! You’re going to marry the Saintess, right?”

 

The innocent words of a child.

 

The story of the marriage between Chris and Reina, which was already known throughout the Royal Capital, was received very favorably by the citizens. Everyone thought that the marriage between the Saintess who saved the world from crisis and their own Crown Prince was a match made in heaven, something to be welcomed. Although it was because Chris had orchestrated it, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say that Reina was likely the only person in the country who didn’t realize it.

 

A woman who appeared to be the mother admonished the child in a panic.

 

“H-Hey now… The Saintess said earlier that wasn’t true…”

 

Chris approached the mother covering her child’s mouth, wearing a gentle smile.

 

He looked like a different person from the pitch-black Chris of moments ago.

 

‘The Highness is so skilled,’ Seto thought, thoroughly impressed, as Chris offered a correction to the parent and child.

 

“I don’t know what she said, but it is of course true that I am marrying Reina, the Saintess. She is extremely shy, you see. I apologize for confusing you.”

 

“Eh? So it is true after all. If the Crown Prince himself says so, there can be no mistake. Um, congratulations! We are so proud to hear of the marriage between the Crown Prince and the Saintess who saved this country.”

 

“Thank you. Well then, we have business to attend to, so if you’ll excuse us.”

 

Having firmly asserted that he and Reina were getting married, Chris put his Crown Prince smile back on and ascended the stairs. Seto watched Chris’s back with a weary heart.

 

‘Lady Reina. I sincerely think you should run away, but you absolutely cannot escape His Highness. So please, just give up and marry him quickly…’

 

Otherwise, Seto’s stomach and lifespan would be in serious trouble.

 

“Seto, hurry up and come. Reina is on the move. We’ll hide in a suitable spot and watch how things play out.”

 

“Y-Yees.”

 

Called from the top by an impatient voice, Seto hurriedly began to climb the stone steps.