Episode 24
“If I had heard that in 21st century Korea, I would’ve taken it as some cult nonsense like ‘Do you know the way?’ and run away.”
But this was a fantasy world.
A place modeled after European culture, where religion and the occult ran rampant. A land where the one and only god, Mother Creator, actually delivered prophecies and divine messages.
So, when Cecil spoke of a “strange energy,” it must have been something that truly existed.
“Strange energy?”
More than shock or surprise at meeting the protagonist, it was curiosity that bubbled up first.
Could it be because I’m a transmigrator?
Or maybe it’s the influence of Ian Brighton?
“Ah, I apologize. I spoke to you so suddenly before even introducing myself. That was rude of me.”
Cecil smiled faintly, looking a bit flustered.
I watched him, almost entranced.
He was beautiful. Like a real angel.
Of course, Ian also had an angelic appearance, but the atmosphere between them was completely different.
Ian Brighton was like a rose with thorns—sharp, dangerous beauty.
But Cecil? He was a pure, sacred lily.
“My name is Cecil. I’m of common birth, so I don’t have a surname. I belong to the capital’s temple knight order, ‘The Pure Arbiter.’ I’m still lacking, but I carry the duties of a temple knight. As for my baptismal name…”
Cecil hesitated briefly before slowly parting his lips.
“Saint Cecilia. I was given this name, unworthy as I am.”
It had been a huge event that shook the entire empire.
He must’ve known how controversial that was, which is why he hesitated to mention it.
I held back my excitement, not wanting to put him on the spot.
“I already know, Cecil. I binge-read all three volumes of your Demon Hunting Chronicles.”
The only downside? All the demon-fighting methods I learned from it could only be used by Cecil. There was no way an extra like me could dream of pulling them off.
Swallowing back my silent tears, I smiled brightly at Cecil.
“I’ve heard of it. That a truly remarkable priest was born. So it was you, Sir Knight.”
Cecil blinked slowly.
“I’m not worthy of such praise.”
“No way! Just seeing you now, I can already tell you’re a wonderful person.”
“Th-then… would it be better to accept that gratefully than keep insisting otherwise…?”
He’s flustered. Fifteen-year-old Cecil really is as innocent as I thought.
I barely suppressed a laugh and widened my eyes.
“So, can I ask what that strange energy was?”
“Forgive me. I should have explained sooner. It’s not something too serious.”
Even as he said that, his clear blue eyes were locked entirely on me—like he was trying to observe something hidden.
“I sense someone’s deep, intense affection. Something closer to obsession… that kind of trace.”
“…What?”
I froze on the spot.
Deep, intense affection? A trace close to obsession?
“You can sense that… with divine power?”
I had no idea what he was talking about.
“Ordinary emotions don’t come across this strongly.”
Cecil paused for a moment, carefully choosing his words.
After a brief silence, he finally continued, speaking cautiously.
“So I believe the source of this emotion is not human.”
“Damn it. That only leaves one possibility.”
It was blatantly obvious. The only non-human being hanging around me was Ian Brighton.
“Wait… ‘affection’?”
Obsession, sure. He’s a demon. A momentary obsession, even a brief fixated interest—he probably did that in his sleep.
But deep, intense affection? That’s the single most ill-fitting phrase to describe Ian Brighton I could possibly think of.
“…Couldn’t it be a mistake? I mean, you’re a temple knight who bears the name of Saint Cecilia herself, so it must be true…”
“You don’t have any guesses?”
“Uhh… I’m sorry, but no.”
“Then the being may be an invisible one—like a spirit. Fortunately, Sister, it seems you already possess a form of protection. Not something to rely on completely, but still.”
“Protection?”
“You have a sacred object with you, don’t you?”
Cecil slowly raised his hand and pointed at my chest.
Right where I wore a silver cross necklace, now a part of my daily outfit.
Even though I had it covered with clothes, he saw right through it.
Of course. He’s the protagonist and a priest. He’s on a whole different level.
“But that won’t last forever.”
“Am I… in danger?”
I felt like I was getting a fortune told.
Like I was asking a shaman, “Will I get a job this year?” while kneeling.
Whether he knew how complicated my insides were or not, Cecil continued to look at me, enveloped in a holy, calm aura.
Around him, everything was peaceful.
It was as if the chaos of the world dared not come near.
“It’s hard to say for sure yet, but for a non-human to hold such complex, unreadable emotions… Yes, I’d say you are not safe.”
I felt a bit—no, very—overwhelmed.
So I wasn’t safe.
Well, of course not.
I had served the final boss by his side for three years, and planned to keep doing so. It’d be weirder if that were safe.
“Shall I bless you?”
As I sighed and pressed my forehead to a pillar, feeling like tearing my hair out, Cecil carefully asked.
I turned to him, stunned.
“…What?”
“I may not be a full priest, but as a temple knight, I am still considered clergy. So I can perform blessings for laypeople.”
After a brief pause, Cecil continued with a hint of hesitation.
“I’m embarrassed to say, but bearing the name of Saint Cecilia does come with certain… useful powers. It’s only temporary, but I thought it might help you, even just a little.”
Such a humble statement.
Saint Cecilia’s reincarnation. That was no small deal.
She was a figure worshiped by temple followers, priests, and knights for a thousand years. The hero who ended the demon war a millennium ago.
And he’d inherited her power directly.
He may speak as if it’s nothing, but that blessing saved countless lives in the story.
In other words, I had no reason to refuse.
“…It won’t, um… provoke the non-human being, will it?”
Yes, that was my special situation.
“I mean, just in case it causes something worse.”
“It’ll be fine. It’s only a blessing. It’s meant to prevent danger.”
Is that true? Can I really trust that?
From what I remember of the original novel, that blessing was used in very versatile ways. There’s a high chance Ian might notice…
Still, if I reject it here, Cecil might get suspicious.
My top priority: Don’t let Cecil find out about Ian.
In the end, I nodded slightly.
If worst comes to worst, I’ll just say I went to the temple for an errand and that’s why I’m glowing or whatever.
“『Oh Mother Creator, I pray to You.』”
At my permission, Cecil closed his eyes and gently touched my forehead, both shoulders, and chest, chanting softly.
“『Let me walk barefoot on the path to You. Let my heels bear no wounds.』”
His soft voice brushed past my ear, and a cool, pure air touched my cheek—it felt like even my soul was being cleansed.
“『This is the prayer of a mortal and the wish of a child of God.』”
For a moment, a light shone around Cecil.
By the time he opened his eyes, the light had already vanished, but I had seen it all, not missing a single moment.
To think I’d hear Cecil’s prayer from the book in person.
It felt… surreal.
“Sister, your sacred item is ready.”
“Ah, yes!”
Perfect timing.
Just as the blessing ended, the priest arrived to call me.
I exaggerated a sheepish expression and looked at Cecil.
“I’m sorry. I was in the middle of an errand, so I should go now. But I’m really grateful. How can I repay you?”
“There’s no need for that. It’s a priest’s duty to offer blessings to others.”
Cecil smiled kindly, then seemed to ponder something, his eyes lowering briefly.
Then, he looked back at me with those clear blue eyes.
“If you’re truly feeling burdened… would you tell me your name?”
At that moment, I remembered the ridiculous plan I made before I came here.
Get close to Cecil. Ask him to extract the demon from Ian and cover everything up.
Maybe… this is my chance.
“You can call me Sissi.”
“Sissi. Got it.”
Should I also mention that I work for House Brighton?
“I’m sure we’ll meet again,” Cecil said, instead of goodbye.
“Because… I have a feeling we will, very soon.”
