While I’ve kept the tone light up to this point, this story will shift to a heavier subject for a while. Please be aware that some brutal expressions may appear as you continue reading.
“Kent-san, everyone, wait!”
Kent and his companions were a short distance from the shop when Catherine caught up to them, looking flustered.
“Catherine, what’s the rush? Did someone forget something?”
“But you didn’t bring much, so what could be forgotten?”
Kent and Rachel thought Catherine had chased after them because someone had forgotten something.
“It’s not something forgotten! I only found out recently, but the bell ringing now signifies an emergency. This is a secret known only among nobles. Josette and Caro, you know this, don’t you?”
“Naturally. When this bell rings, nobles must prioritize the protection of commoners.”
“I knew it in theory, but hearing it ring for real has left me so shaken I can barely move.”
Catherine explained the meaning of the bell that was currently ringing. Josette and Caro’s pale faces were a testament to their knowledge of its significance.
“I don’t know what’s happened to cause the emergency bell to ring yet, but I can’t let Kent and the others go to school like this. While attending school is a student’s duty, I will use my authority to prevent everyone from going until we understand the situation.”
Catherine’s serious expression conveyed her strong resolve.
“If Catherine says so, then I understand. Everyone, let’s go back to the shop for now.”
“We will follow Catherine’s instructions.”
“That’s right. It seems better to go back.”
“Rachel, let’s go back.”
“Okay.”
Kent and his companions followed Catherine’s orders and decided to return to Marie’s Bakery.
“I heard from Catherine about the bell’s meaning. I’m relieved you all came back.”
When Kent and the others returned to the shop, Marie greeted them with a look of relief. Though they had only walked a short distance, she seemed to be welcoming people returning from a long journey.
“What in the world is going on?”
“Why are we being kept in the shop?”
“I need to get to work.”
It seemed Catherine had instructed the fairies to keep the customers in the shop as well. Dissatisfaction arose from customers who hadn’t been informed of the reason. Some customers tried to leave the shop, but they were blocked by three fairies, making escape impossible.
“Excuse me.”
Inside the shop, the customers’ frustration was mounting, creating a dangerous atmosphere on the verge of explosion. At that moment, a young Holy Knight clad in white armor entered the store. The knights’ appearance calmed the agitated customers, and the shop regained its quiet.
“Everyone has surely heard the bell. It signifies an emergency. We are currently investigating the situation, but to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, you will all be moved to the adjacent sanctuary, which has been designated as a shelter. We Holy Knights will guard you and ensure your lives. If you seek safety, please follow me. This is voluntary, and no one who chooses to remain will be punished. Those who understand this, please follow me.”
The Holy Knight led the way, and the customers in the shop, with anxious expressions, walked towards the sanctuary.
“We don’t have to go?”
All the customers in the shop followed the Holy Knight to the sanctuary, leaving only Kent and the employees. Since Catherine, who was in a position to command the Holy Knights, showed no signs of moving, Kent and the others hesitated, unsure of their next action as they watched her.
“I’ve decided that gathering information is important right now. With Hanako, Al-chan, and Emily here, our safety is practically guaranteed. Hmm, they should be here soon.”
Catherine seemed to be waiting for someone.
“Excuse me.”
“Ah, they’re here.”
Just then, the shop door opened, and Otsupain entered, breathless. Catherine had been waiting for her.
“Um, it seems everyone here is involved. I will report to the Saintess. Currently, due to the emergency alarm, the Holy Knights and shrine staff are being fully mobilized for the evacuation of nearby residents. I am acting on my own initiative. I apologize for reporting after the fact.”
“Thank you for your hard work. This is an urgent matter, so Otsupain’s actions as the Captain of the Holy Knights are acceptable. Now, Hanako, what exactly is happening? You should know, shouldn’t you?”
After receiving Otsupain’s report, Catherine turned to Hanako and asked what was happening and why the emergency bell was ringing.
“Hmm, I couldn’t sense anything until a little while ago due to magical interference, but now I know. The castle is being attacked by someone.”
“What! What do you mean? Tell me more!”
Otsupain exclaimed loudly upon hearing Hanako’s shocking news.
“An attack on the castle? Shouldn’t the guards and royal knights be defending it? What happened to them?”
“Hmm, they seem to be resisting, but they are being pushed back.”
“The way you say that, does it mean the attackers are not just one person, but a group?”
“Hmm, affirm.”
Josette and Caro asked Hanako with concern.
“Is… is Gordon safe?”
“Hmm, I don’t sense his presence from the castle.”
“No…”
Patty asked Hanako about Gordon’s safety, as he should have been at the castle. Hearing the shocking truth, Patty collapsed to her knees in shock.
“Can’t Hanako do something with her power?”
“Hmm, impossible.”
Kent, seeing Patty’s despair, asked Hanako if there was anything she could do.
“Why? I thought you could easily bring him here with your usual teleportation magic, couldn’t you?”
“Hmm, if you ask if it’s possible or impossible, it’s possible. However, I cannot use my abilities due to restrictions.”
“Restrictions?”
Kent made a suggestion considering Hanako’s abilities, but it seemed there were circumstances preventing her from helping.
“Hmm, we ‘Country Gods’ have a restriction against directly participating in wars between countries. The ones attacking the castle now are the regular army of the neighboring country. Therefore, I cannot intervene.”
“Aren’t you a ‘Country God,’ Hanako?”
“Hmm, I quit being a ‘Country God.’ However, my position doesn’t change until my successor is decided.”
Hanako explained this to Kent.
“I see. So, Hanako can’t do anything about this situation. Let me change my question: how long do you think the castle’s defenses will hold?”
“Hmm, I don’t know. It might fall immediately, or it might hold for several days. I can’t grasp the exact forces and their positions from here.”
Hanako answered vaguely, as she couldn’t accurately assess the situation at the castle.
“I see. Assuming the defenses hold for a few days, the priority would be to recall the army from the training exercise. Messengers are likely already heading from the castle, but if it takes a day to reach them, it might be faster for Hanako to go to Elnet’s location now and report the situation. What do you think, Catherine?”
“Yes, if the situation can be communicated faster, that would be better. But is it okay for Hanako to do that?”
“Hmm, it’s fine as I’m not directly participating. If I receive an order from my Master, I can move immediately.”
Kent asked Catherine, and she confirmed with Hanako again if it would violate her restrictions against directly engaging in war.
“Well then, Hanako, report the current situation of the castle being attacked to Elnet and urge them to recall the army to the castle. Your subsequent actions are up to you, Hanako. Within the scope that doesn’t violate your restrictions, please work to avert this national crisis.”
“Hmm, understood. I’ll be going then.”
Hanako disappeared from the spot, saying this.
“With this, the information will reach the army at the training exercise faster than a messenger. Thank you, Kent-san.”
“This is all I can do.”
Catherine, as the Saintess, bowed her head and thanked Kent.
“There was no event like this in the game. What’s going on?”
“I don’t know about that either.”
Rachel said to Kent with a worried expression. The original game didn’t have an event where the castle was attacked. Kent was aware of this. He was struggling with how to act without knowing the precise situation.
