Let’s go to the sanctuary from a different entrance than the one Catherine and Gordon headed for.
“Master, if that’s the case, I will guide you. Please, this way.”
Leaving the saintess’s office, Kent and his companions moved into the hallway. As Kent spoke, thinking about what lay ahead, Emily took Kent’s hand and offered to guide them. She and Al had been to the temple often to help Catherine, so they were able to move freely even within the large building. Kent saw no reason to refuse her offer, as she was knowledgeable about the interior, and decided to let her guide them.
“Hm?”
Kent was being pulled along by Emily’s right hand, but soon he felt someone grasp his left hand.
“It’s unfair that only Emily-san is holding Kent-san’s hand. I’ll hold his free hand too.”
Josette was holding his left hand. Seeming to perceive a good relationship between Kent and Emily, Josette spoke to Kent with a protesting expression.
“I want to get along with Master too. Here goes!”
“Whoa!”
Al, left behind, hugged Kent’s back. To save face for all three of them, there was no other way but to move in that state.
“I can’t help it. Let’s compromise here. Well then, I’ll guide you.”
Emily actually wanted to hold hands with Kent alone, but considering Al and Josette, she decided to move as they were.
“We’re here.”
Led by Emily, they moved quickly through the temple and opened the door leading to the sanctuary.
“There are so many people.”
“You’re right. With this many people, it’s good we cleared away the chairs and desks, as they would just be in the way.”
Josette and Kent were surprised by the number of people inside the sanctuary. Over a thousand people were in the sanctuary, seated in family units on mats marking their respective territories. The size of the mats varied depending on the number of users, and while they were large enough for each person to lie down on, they were by no means spacious. Furthermore, long tables and chairs, usually arranged for worshippers, had all been removed to make the most efficient use of space. As it was a sanctuary for prayer, the refugees seemed to be spending their time quietly, albeit with anxious expressions.
“Ah, it’s the saintess.”
A ripple of murmurs went through the crowd.
A male voice called out in the quiet sanctuary, and at that moment, conversations began to be heard within. The gazes of the refugees turned forward, where Catherine stood, flanked by Holy Knights clad in white armor, standing guard.
“It seems we made it in time.”
“It would appear so.”
Kent and Josette, who had thought they might not make it before the start due to Catherine and Gordon leaving first, were pleased to be able to hear both their speeches from the beginning, thanks to Emily’s precise guidance. Kent and his companions were at the staff entrance at the rear of the sanctuary. Although they were at a distance, making Catherine’s face unclear, the sanctuary’s acoustics allowed her clear voice to be heard even from their position.
“I apologize for bothering you all when you must be tired. Please lend us your ears for just a short time. Oh, but you don’t need to be so formal. Please listen in a relaxed state.”
Upon the saintess’s appearance, those among the refugees who knew of her presence straightened their posture and bowed deeply. However, Catherine spoke in a gentle tone, urging them to listen without formality.
“You’re truly admirable, Catherine-san. When you speak in such a tone, one can’t help but listen attentively.”
Josette, hearing the saintess’s opening remarks, whispered in admiration.
“I imagine many of you were told to evacuate suddenly, and without understanding the situation, you’ve sought refuge here at the temple, leaving you with many anxious feelings. I will honestly tell you about the current state of the city of Tiol. Many of you may be shocked. But please, rest assured. All those who have taken refuge here will be protected in the name of the saintess. The temple is guarded by strong Holy Knights and guards. Please listen without fear.”
Before getting to the main point, Catherine reiterated her plea for the residents not to be anxious.
“The reason we asked the residents to evacuate this time is that our country’s Royal Castle is currently under attack by an unidentified army. The unidentified army has infiltrated the castle, and fierce resistance is being put up by units centered around the Royal Guards.”
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Catherine, while omitting that the attackers were from a neighboring Duchy, spoke the information she knew without concealment. Naturally, the residents who learned of the current situation were agitated, and a clamor spread throughout the sanctuary.
“Is the King safe?”
“What will become of this country?”
“Will they perhaps attack this town too?”
Some of the uneasy residents raised questions to the saintess.
“Yes, yes, everyone, please calm down. I do not know the King’s current condition. It is absolutely impossible for this country to cease to exist in its current state. If there are detachment units outside the castle, we unfortunately cannot deny the possibility that this town may be exposed to danger. However, as long as you are in this temple, you are safe.”
Catherine answered each of the residents who posed questions in a gentle tone. However, some of her answers were not entirely reassuring.
“It’s amazing. Everyone said different things, yet she answered them all after listening.”
“I think so too.”
Although it might seem like only three people spoke up, it was actually around twenty, with several exchanges omitted due to adult reasons. Catherine’s abilities seemed to have greatly improved since she first became a saintess. Josette and Kent watched their younger sister figure’s growth with gentle eyes.
“The information I have shared with you all was provided by Lord Gordon, the Second Prince. Lord Gordon was able to escape thanks to the Queen’s desperate efforts and has taken refuge here at the temple.”
Another murmur swept through the crowd.
“It’s Lord Gordon.”
“I’m glad he’s safe.”
Catherine revealed that Gordon was the source of the information. As one of the Holy Knights on the right moved aside to create a gap, Gordon appeared. Upon seeing him, the residents voiced their relief and bowed deeply, almost all of them.
“Everyone, you may raise your heads. As the saintess said earlier, I too wish for you to listen to my words in a relaxed posture, without formality.”
Gordon addressed the bowing residents, asking them to continue listening in a relaxed posture as Catherine had requested. Hearing this, the residents raised their heads but remained hesitant, glancing around at those nearby. In this country, royalty held absolute power, and commoners could be apprehended on the spot for disobedience or disrespect. Although exceptions were made for equality at the academy due to the wishes of royalty, this was a temple outside the academy, and such special treatment did not apply. Therefore, they worried that adopting a relaxed posture as instructed might be considered disrespectful and could lead to their arrest, their faces showing signs of anxiety.
“I can’t help it.”
Kent, wanting to put the hesitant residents at ease, thought of an action to take.
“Since His Highness said it’s okay, just lie down and listen!”
Kent shouted at the top of his lungs, walked with an exaggeratedly arrogant stride to the center of the sanctuary, and then dramatically lay down where the residents could clearly see him.
“We can’t let you take all the responsibility, Kent-san.”
Seeing his actions, Josette made up her mind and followed Kent.
“I’ll lie down with my boyfriend and listen while being lovey-dovey.”
Josette’s voice carried clearly, reaching everyone in the sanctuary. All eyes were on the two as they began to act in such a shocking manner in front of the Second Prince, with looks of pity.
(Josette-san, what’s with that tone?)
(I’m just imitating Kent-san.)
Kent found Josette’s unusual tone refreshing and whispered to her.
“I loooove you. Chu!”
“Mmmph!”
Josette then leaned over the lying Kent and kissed him loudly. Kent was taken aback by the suddenness of it all. The refugees, who had been watching, were too surprised by their bold actions to even make a sound.
(Kent-san, Josette-san, you’ve gone too far!)
(I’m a little jealous, but it seems the atmosphere among the residents has shifted.)
Catherine, watching the exchange between Kent and Josette, muttered quietly in exasperation. Gordon, though wearing a complex expression, understood the meaning behind their actions and began to formulate a direction for how to address the residents.
I had announced on X that I would be hospitalized for about a month, during which time I was unable to update. I sincerely apologize to those who were looking forward to updates. I have been discharged safely and will resume updates while monitoring my recovery. Thank you for your continued support.
