Kays Translations

Chapter 28 - The Freelance Saint

“Simply put, all that water is holy water.”

　Hirune pointed to the fountain with a small finger and said without any hesitation.

　The water, which had been gushing up, almost reaching the roof of the steel mill, was slowly calming down.

"Holy water ......? What do you mean? All that?"

"Yes. If you wash the iron ore with that water, there won’t be any black smoke.”

“….oh, really?!”

　Master Zuguri immediately rushed out and rang the steel mill bell.

　The bell rang loudly.

“Stop working! Gather in the courtyard!”

　Perhaps it was an emergency signal, all the craftsmen came running at once.

　They all lined up with serious expressions, taking notice of the magic circle that spread from the courtyard.

 (I've made such a huge magic circle,……….I'm sure all of them have realized I'm a saint.)

　The craftsman whose eyes met Hirune’s bowed happily to her.

　She gladly returned the bow, thanking them.

(That's right! Let's just keep going with the " saint of the stream " approach.)

　When everyone had gathered, Master Zuguri took a deep breath.

“Alright you guys! The stream saint here, Makura-chan, has turned all the water in the fountain into holy water!”

　Everyone made a variety of expressions at the master's words.

“Gentlemen! I'm sure you've heard of her. The stream saint is.... You know….that one uh. I’m sorry. ...... What is it?"

    Master Zuguri turned his head to Hirune.

　Doesn't matter what he says, Hirune thought, but she couldn't come up with any good words to say either.

(I have no choice but to say something like this...!)*

“I'll tell you what, a stream Saint is a freelance saint.”

"Freelance?"

　Everyone had a doubtful expression on their face.

“Yes, she is a freelancer. This world is too big for the saints currently working to cleanse the miasma, so there is a secret occupation of freelance saints who can move freely. Since they are freelancers, they travel from place to place and perform their activities by disguising themselves as citizens like this.”

"Oh!"

　Everyone knew that Hirune was a Great Saint, but their eyes lit up when they heard the story.

　It must be difficult for the Great Saint Hirune to act alone if she remains a Great Saint. That's why she uses a false name. That's what everyone assumed.

　Besides, the word "top secret" seemed to tickle the men's fancy.

(Everyone's reaction is good. ......)

　Hirune, in a fit of late-night tension, clenched her fists like a politician making a speech with her hands outstretched.

“I am focusing on the small events that are troubling our citizens. I'm a community-based freelance saint, so to speak! And today, I have discovered the true nature of the black smoke!”

　The craftsmen were buzzing with excitement.

　Black smoke was a problem that had plagued the steel mill for years.

　Many of the workers suffer from lung diseases after working for long periods of time, and it was also a nuisance to the neighbors.

　However, they couldn’t live without continuing their economic activities. So the entire community, including the Craftsmen, had to endure. Such was the painful background.

“The cause of this is - there is a small miasma attached to the iron ore. The miasma is so small that it can only be seen by the eyes of a saint. And if you burn the ore without purifying it, it will smoke!"

　The place buzzed even more.

　When everyone heard this, they were shocked and asked questions such as, " miasma," "Really? "I’m sick", "what about the steel mill?” Some of them began to discuss the matter with their colleagues nearby.

"Quiet! The freelance saint, Makura-sama, hasn’t finished talking!”

　At Master Zuguri's command, things quieted down quickly.

　It was a very controlled scene.

　Hirune cleared her throat.

“I've made the fountain semi- permanently let out holy water! From now on, please use the holy water to wash the iron ore, okay?”

(You'll have a good night's sleep now!)

　Hirune smiled.

　All of them alternately looked at the fountain and at Hirune, and then opened their mouths.

　If she had told them that she was going to hand out a hundred gold coins to everyone, and that they should open their hands, they would not have been so stunned.

(Oh, was that fine.....? they’re not saying anything, but ......)

　She was sure they would be happy to hear that but there was no response at all.

　The only sound was that of the fountain.

“Oh, um, ......."

　As Hirune opened her mouth to follow up, everyone threw their hands up in the air in unison. Master Zuguri tried to hide his tears, exaggeratedly wiping his eyes with his sleeve, and muttering, "Oh, water is dripping.”

"Long live the saint!" "Hail, Freelance Saint Makura!" "Hail, Makura-sama!"

　They all rejoiced with happiness, jumping up and down, high-fiving and hugging each other. Men with loose tear glands were shedding tears. The joy of the men echoed through the night streets.

(Thank goodness ......, it was originally for a good night's sleep, but it seems to have helped them. ......)

　Hirune also became happy and raised her hand, saying, "I did it!”

　Hearing this, everyone shouted, "Yeah!”

　　　　　　() ()

　Then, under the direction of Master Zuguri, an experiment was conducted.

　Iron ore was washed with holy water and melted in the iron-making equipment.

　The iron ore melted red and slid down the lane on the burning demon coal furnace.

"There's no ...... smoke ......!"

　About three hundred men, who had been watching with bated breath, shouted with joy.

"Now we can say goodbye to the smoke."

　Hirune smiled at Master Zuguri.

“Makura-sama…. how are we to thank you, ....... Can you at least accept money? If we don't thank you, it'll ruin the reputation of the Morgul Steel Mill, which is famous for its loyalty.”

“I'm very grateful for the offer, but Saints cannot accept money. Please forgive me.”

（I want some money. But I'm a saint, so I can't accept it.)

　She'd like to buy and eat with the money, but she couldn’t give in to this.

　since she called herself a saint, she wanted to act in a way that wouldn’t bring shame to Jeanne and Holly.

“Well, you're right. ...... But that's not going to make us feel any better. Isn't there anything we can do?"

　Master Zuguri asked as if he was about to make the holy seal and kneel down.

　The three hundred or so craftsmen around him nodded their heads.

　As they pondered what to do, one of the craftsmen who was refining the iron poured into the mold with a hammer shouted in a panic, "Master!”

"Master! My goodness!”

“What is it?”

　Master Zuguri immediately rushed out.

Chapter 29: Sparks and Stardust.

　Master Zuguri ran out, and everyone followed, including Hirune.

"Look at this!"

　The craftsman shouted as he lifted the reddening iron rod with special pliers and dipped it in holy water to cool.

　The holy water evaporated, blistered by the iron at several thousand degrees.

　The iron crackled in the holy water, turning from red to silver as it scattered stardust, and when the craftsman lifted it with his pliers, it shone brilliantly.

"This is without refining!"

"What purity, ....... We can sell this for a lot of money. ......!

　The master and the craftsman looked at each other and nodded, as if they saw a future where they could escape their financial difficulties.

"Master, look at this one too.”

　This time, the young craftsman next to him held the second reddish iron with pliers and struck it with a hammer.

　　Clang, clang, clang, a small sound echoed. 

(Oh! There’s Sparks and stardust dancing in the air. ......!)

　Hirune was surprised by this and admired the beauty of the glow.

　The moment the hammer touched the steel, glitter and stardust sparkled, followed by sparks, and then disappeared in the air in a stream. It was like sparklers.

(Amazing ......The shape keeps changing steadily. ......) 

　The Rod-shaped iron ore was transformed by the hands of the craftsman into the shape of a flat square.

(Beautiful ......)

　The men who had gathered there couldn't take their eyes off his hands, and they watched the iron get refined with bated breath.

　After repeated tapping and dipping in holy water, the silvery smelted iron was completed.

"Master, please confirm.”

“Oh, ok."

　Master Zuguri took the refined iron with the pliers, squinted at it, and inspected it vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

　With a grunt, the master produced a loupe from his pocket and stared at the surface.

(Sensing magic--clear vision--magnified eyes)

　Hirune also walked underneath the master to observe the refined iron.

(The miasma has been completely removed. .......  ...... I think it's more dense than the original iron ore.　　It seems to have tightened up. )(...... The holy radiance has also penetrated the surface and interior. ......)

　Hirune groaned and crossed her arms.

　 She was smiling, like a little girl imitating her master. The Craftsmen were also smiling at Hirune, who was adorably staring at the iron with stardust in her big eyes.

“The inferior products we've seen so far are all a lie. ...... This is top quality stuff.” 

　The master looked up.　

　At the same time, a cheer went up for the umpteenth time that day.

（It was so sparkly when it was being tapped. ......!)

　Hirune suddenly remembered her mother from her previous life, and then the face of the goddess Sophia came to mind.

(My mother was sick, but she lived her life like a little spark. ....... If it wasn't for that spark, I think I would have lost the meaning of life much earlier. Then I met the Goddess Sophia and learned that this world was as beautiful as the stardust.......)

"Let's take a closer look, Makura-chan..."

      Master Zuguri was at a loss for words as he reached out to hand the refined iron to Hirune.

　Hirune's gentle eyes were looking somewhere far away, not there.

　The girl with the starry blue eyes looked for a moment like the goddess Sophia, and Master Zuguri's heart jumped. She looked a little out of it and sleepy, but she was the Great Saint, he thought again.

"Master. You said earlier that you wanted to do something  for me, right?*

“...... Oh. What is it?”

　The master came back to himself and replied.

“I'd like to try it too!”

      Like a ten-year-old girl, Hirune smiled carefree and pointed at the hammer.

“Refining…..It's heavy, don’t you know?”

“Please join me then! I want to see those sparks and stardust up close."

　Master Zuguri twisted his head and looked around at his men.

　They all had a look on their faces that said, "Why not, just once?”

“Normally, I wouldn’t let you do any refining until you've worked for at least three years. ...... but I can't say no to a request from a Saint.”

　The Craftsmen responded to his thoughtful words with "That's great! "You're so generous!" I'm so glad you're here, Makura-sama!”, and others just applauded.

　Hirune sat down on a steel, cloth-covered chair and grabbed a hammer, while being watched by everyone.

"Hmmm ......."

(It's heavy but ...... somehow ......)

　The craftsmen were on edge.

　Then the master's thick arm reached out from behind and assisted Hirune's hand.

　It was a thick and dependable arm.

“Be careful," he said. “ We'll take it slow.”

"Yes!"

　As soon as she gave a positive reply, liquid iron flowed from the lane and was poured into the mold.

　One of the craftsmen skillfully cut off the liquid iron and sliced it one after another.

　Picking up a pair of pliers from a subordinate, Master Zuguri lifted the red-hot iron.

"Listen, Makura-chan. When you lift it out of the water, give it a quick tap. It doesn't have to be hard. The trick is to hit it evenly and with the same force.”

“I got it.”

（It’s all bright red! It's so powerful up close!)

　Hirune followed the iron with her eyes.

　The master stretched out his arm and dumped the iron into a large vat of holy water. The water bubbles up for about 20 seconds. He quickly lifted it up and placed it on the pounding table.

“It's ready.”

“Yes, sir.”

   Hirune swung the hammer down with a "Heave-ho.”

　The hammer was heavy, but thanks to the assistance, she was able to hit the iron.

　A light Clang was heard, and sparks and stardust scattered.

(It's beautiful. ...... Very beautiful. ......!)

　She rhythmically struck it with a clang, clang, clang. The master quickly dips it in holy water and puts it on the table again.

　The people around her cheered, " Good!”

　The master's hand wrapped around her small hand was big and reliable.

"Master."

　Hirune turned around, still holding the hammer.

　She looked up at the master, with a big smile on her face.

“It's so nice to make steel!”

"......"

"It's sparkling! It's like everyone’s smile!”

"…Oh!”

　Seeing Hirune's dazzling smile, Master Zuguri was reminded of his dead son.

　At the age of ten, he said he wanted to be a steelmaker, at twenty he became a full-fledged steelmaker, and at twenty-seven he died of a lung disease. He was a cheeky but serious son who loved his companions. When he smiled, he had a single wrinkle at the edge of his eye, just like his mother.

"Dad! I want to be a craftsman like you!”

　His ten-year-old son, who had always wanted to hold a hammer, was also smiling with a crinkled face, just like Hirune.

　As a father, he wondered, would he have been able to make his son’s dream come true?

　Would he have died if he had stopped his son from forcing himself to go to work?

　Master Zuguri looked at the smokeless iron and clenched his back teeth.

“Look! I'm still going!”

"Oh!"

　 With Hirune's call, the refining process resumed.

　The iron struck by the master and Hirune gradually transformed into a flat, square-like shape.

(Everyone has worked so hard. ...... You can see it in the walls and things. ...... It's old and dented in places, but it's been carefully maintained... ...A lot of things have happened here .........)

　Hirune stared at the sparks and stardust and imagined.

　There were many things that happened at the steel mill.

　The lives of the craftsmen working there. Families. Their lives.

(They're all alive ......, just like these sparks ......!)

　Clang, a momentary glimmer of light bursts forth and disappeared

　When Hirune thinks of the craftsmen at the steel mill, stardust spills from her body.

　She was too absorbed in her refining to notice.

　The stardust floated softly and flew into everyone's head.

　The stardust happily entered Master Zuguri's head as well, creating an image in front of his eyes like a movie film.

　It brought back memories of the distant past.

"You idiot! The temperature is wrong!"

　He was a young man, being yelled at harshly by his master at the time.

"It's done!"

　　The day when he was entrusted with refining for the first time. He was so happy that he showed it around to his colleagues.

"Dad! I want to be a craftsman like you!”

　　The smiles of a son who wanted to work at a steel mill!

　Then ......, he heard words of his son that he had never heard.

“I couldn't tell my dad this, but I'm really happy to be working here. ......The hours are long and the pay is low,...... but ...... without us, Ixendahl would be swallowed by demons, so I’m proud to work here. I’m proudly ...... making iron. Hey, don't tell my dad because it's embarrassing. ......"

　The image looked like a worn out film, but his son was certainly smiling.

　He wondered if it was an image from the past that Hirune's thoughts had shown him.

　There was a single line of wrinkles next to the son's eyes, just like his mother's.

"Are you glad ...... that you ...... worked here ......? ......"

　Hot tears were running down Master Zuguri’s cheeks.

　He wanted to stop, but he couldn't.

　His vision became blurry and his nose runny.

　But that didn't stop him from refining. The sensation of the hammer that he had wielded so many times had become ingrained in his body.

　He took Hirune's hand and the sound of the hammer rang out. Clang, clang, clang.

“It's now a shiny silver color! What do you think, master?"

　Hirune turned around.

"Huh......?"

　For some reason, they all put their hands on their chests, or covered their faces with their hands, crying or smiling.

　The stardust from Hirune seemed to have brought back memories of the past.

"What's wrong, guys? Master?"

　Hirune looked up at the master who was still holding her hand, worried.

“Ugh ... ggh,... it’s nothing ... Just a little ... I just got a pain in my chest ....I’m sorry…..”

　He didn’t want to be seen crying, so he took his hand away from Hirune and covered his face with his arms.

　Seeing the crying master, Hirune used the holy magic of healing.

( I'm sure it was hard for all of you ......, but unlike me in my previous life, you take pride in your work, and I can't help but feel envious.)

　A magic circle unfolded and stardust rained down on the steel mill.

　The pain in the hearts of all the craftsmen was cleaned away.

“I used the Holy Magic of Healing. Now you no longer have chest pains, do you?"

　At this, they all bowed their heads and made the holy seal at once.

　Master Zuguri also made the holy seal reverently.

“It's okay, it's ......”

　It was a shame to be so revered.

　Hirune scratched her cheek with her finger and tugged on the master's arm, saying, "Please stop."

　Zuguri smiled tearfully and said, "Thank you.”

( I guess I should also try my best to be a Great Saint ....... When I think about that...... I kind of want to see Jeanne and Holly. ......)

　Hirune yawned loudly, her eyes fluttering open and closed.

　Suddenly she felt sleepy.

　She couldn’t stop yawning “ahhhhh”.

　Seeing this, Master Zuguri and the craftsmen laughed and said, "You're sleepy, aren't you?”

　They were all happy to see the Great Saint of Dozing yawning.

"Well, everyone, the Freelance Saint Makura is leaving. I'll come back to visit you.”

"Oh! Come back anytime!"

　With a wave of her hand and a yawn, Hirune left the Morgul Steel Mill.

　Even as she turned away, she kept hearing people saying, "Thank you, thank you.”

(When I get back, I'll slip in while Jeanne and Holly are asleep. I'm sure they'll be soft and warm. ......)

　Unable to overcome her desire for sleep, Hirune made a flying carpet with holy magic and returned to the Great Church, to her bed.

　It was 3:30 in the morning.

　 Hirune squirmed and slipped in between Jeanne and Holly. She had never stayed up this late before.

　Feeling happy, she quickly departed into a dream.

　　　　　　○ ○

　From that day onward, there was no more black smoke rising in the frontier city of Ixendahl.

    The holy water fountains were freely used by the citizens, and the lives of the people became more prosperous. There was also a strange phenomenon that when people tried to resell the holy water, it somehow became just water.

　After that, Morgul Steel Mill became famous as the number one steel mill in the kingdom.

　The high purity and holy power of the iron, known as "Makura Iron," became popular throughout the land, and orders continued to flow in.

　 Master Zuguri also engraved on the Makura iron the lily-of-the-valley flower that was dug into the outer wall of the Great Church.

    The lily was a graceful, glossy flower with six petals. 

　  As a result, the frontier city of Ixendahl would come to be known throughout the world with the symbol of the lily, but that's a little further down the road.

　The refined iron struck by Hirune would be carefully stored as a sacred object at the Morgul Steel Mill, and would become one of the tourist attractions as the mysterious iron that didn’t rust or deteriorate even after several hundred years. This was also a story of the future.

　Incidentally, Hirune didn't wake up until 7:00 p.m. that day, and when the existence of the freelance saint, Makura, reached the ears of Wanda, the educator, she was sentenced to clean the thousand-hall corridor as punishment for going out at night without permission.

    Wanda was worried that Hirune might get kidnapped.

　“I was worried when I heard that Hirune-sama went out last night," Jeanne said.

"You woke up in the middle of the night, that's the biggest surprise of all." Said Holly.

"I was also surprised. I never wake up ... Aah."

　Hirune yawned while holding a mop in one hand.

"The steel mill would now be a white company. And I'll have a good night's sleep. Ah, the wonderful life of napping."

　The carefree Great Saint leaned against the mop and began to sleep while standing.

"Oh, Hirune-sama!"

"Are you asleep already?! You never learn ..."

As she listened to Jeanne and Holly's voices, she dreamed of a momentary glow of sparks and stardust scattering.

“ It's ...... sparkly. ......”

　 　The world was at peace that day.

Chapter 30: The Story of the Clock Tower

　Three days have passed since the black smoke from the steel mill stopped coming out.

　The town was abuzz with rumors that the Great Saint Hirune was saving the town in secret.

　If you go to a tavern, you'll hear the beginning of a conversation that starts with "The Great Saint..." over and over again.

　The Steel Mill, Morgul, was also the center of attention.

　Incidentally, since Master Zuguri did not tell anyone that the fountain had been turned into holy water, it would be some time before the rumor spread.

　It would be the righteousness of Master Zuguri.

　The Great Saint Hirune was going around changing her name. She seems to think that she should be the one to tell everyone what she’s going to do. 

　The person at the center of the rumors, Hirune, was currently in a village on the outskirts of Ixendahl.

　It was a village that had somehow managed to control the miasma and damage caused by the demons. It had not lost its function as a village.

　Hirune looked up at the sky and waved to the villagers who were hard at work on their farms.

　Her long blond hair fluttered in the wind. She was dressed in the pure white dress of a Great Saint.

“So the vigilantes are protecting the village from the miasma, right?”

　she turned her gaze to the village head walking beside her.

(He looks like an uncle but is the village head. He's a simple but kind man.)

　He bowed his head and made the holy seal.

“Yes. We have been working with the Saints to protect the village. If the miasma contaminates the village, Ixendahl will run out of food.”

“So this is the kitchen of the frontier city.”

　 Hirune nodded in agreement, looking at the vast farmland.

　As the wind blew, the wheat that had begun to bear fruit shook in unison, changing color like ripples.

“The people of the village are delighted to have the Great Saint Hirune here today, and we are also grateful to you for sending soldiers from Ixendahl .......We can’t thank you enough.”

“I'm not doing anything special.”

　Hirune smiled.

(I just reserved magic in the statue of the goddess in the Great Church and added holy magic to the fountain at the steel mill ......)

　The village head, who took Hirune's words as humility, was so moved by the Great Saint's profundity and humility that he burst into sobs.

　Eventually he began to cry, Hirune was surprised, and Jeanne, who was walking behind them became worried about the village head. 

“I'm sorry ......, but when I look at you, I feel like a boy in a story. ......”

"I see. Well, then, is there any kind of lore left in the village?”

　Trying to change the subject, Hirune asked a question.

　The village head pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket, blew his nose and nodded.

“It's not a legend, but the great saint Martine, who was once in the frontier city, built a clock tower.”

"A clock tower?"

(Hmm, I've never heard of it .......)

　In fact, the topic of clock towers had come up in the church, but  Hirune was too sleepy to hear it.

“There is a large bell in the clock tower, ...... and its beautiful sound reaches all the way to this village. When I was young, I used to live with the sound of the bells ringing day and night.”

“Beautiful sound ....... It has to be a big bell, for it to reach all the way to this village, right?”

“It's a very big bell. I've heard that the Great Saint Martine made it with holy magic.”

　The village head spread out his hands several times to emphasize the size of the bell.

　He then opened his mouth wide, as if he was getting excited.

“When you hear the sound of the bell, it gives you a strange sense of peace. I used to say, 'If you want to quarrel with your wife, do it just before the bell rings.”

"I see. ...... So it might also help you get a good night's sleep. ......?"

　Hirune narrowed her eyes and looked at the village head.

　Jeanne, walking quietly from behind, stretched her neck slightly, knowing that this was a sign that Hirune would act on her own impulses. She steeled her attention and focused her ears to make sure she didn't miss anything.

(I think I just heard a seriously old story.)

　The village head wavered slightly as Hirune stared at him.

“Of course, I think so, but it was a long time ago, so I may not be so certain.”

“No, no, thank you for the useful information.”

“..okay?”

“By the way, where in Ixendahl did the clock tower stand?”

“I think it was in the center of the city. I heard from a soldier that it was the first building to be destroyed by demons because it was so conspicuous.”

"I see. ......"

(This is a time-sensitive matter. Bells, whose sound can give you a good night's sleep. ...... And if Wanda hears it during the sermon, her anger may subside. It's a deal.)

　 Hirune decided that she would fix the clock tower and bell that her predecessor, Great Saint Martine, had built.

"Ahhh ... ahhh"

　When she has to do something, Hirune starts to get nervous. She also can't stop yawning. In the afternoon, the air in the village was relaxed and drowsiness overcomes her.*

“Hirune-sama, let's go to the next village.”

　Jeanne confirmed the schedule and told Hirune to return to the carriage.

　Today's job was to make rounds to the villages around Ixendahl and purify the crops.

(Clock tower..... Bells ...... Sounds of a good night's sleep: ......)

　The bell that would give her a good night's sleep was bothering her, and she couldn't concentrate on her plans for the rest of the day.

-------------------

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Chapter 31 - The Most Important Store in a Frontier City

　After visiting the villages around Ixendahl, Hirune immediately headed for the center of the city.

　Pushing aside Wanda's advice to go by carriage, she went on foot. There was a reason for this.

(There's a place we need to stop at on the way.)

　She walked down the main street with Jeanne and Holly, dressed in the pure white dress of a Great Saint.

　The Mephistopheles Church priests followed behind.

　Before Hirune's arrival, the city had been in a gloomy state, but now, thanks to the giant ward, it was beginning to come back to life. People were busy doing their business, and children could be seen playing.

"Hirune-sama! Oh ...... how divine." "My son is back in town! Thank you so much!" "How wonderful to see you so close, ......."

　When the citizens saw Hirne, they would make the holy seal and smile at her.

　Hirune dutifully returned the holy seal and walked on.

(My power was given to me by the goddess ...... so I must not get carried away ......)

　With this in mind, she was not in the mood to boast about her power.

　In fact, she was grateful for the good fortune of being reincarnated in this world.

　In her previous life, Hirune was so busy with work that she never felt at ease, but now she felt surprisingly calm. She doesn’t have to be in a hurry for anything, no phone ringing in the middle of the night, no clients complaining, no boss throwing work at her.

(The first time I saw this city, it was gloomy, but now I've grown attached to it. )

　 The streets reinforced with steel plates were neither colorful nor fashionable, but she’s grown accustomed to this scene since being transferred to Ixendahl. When she imagined that the iron was made at the Morgul Steel Mill, she felt proud.

　Zuguri and the craftsmen are using the iron that they have worked so hard to produce for the city.

(Not only the iron, but also the ...... houses, the cobblestones on the ground, and the products in the stores were all made by everyone.)

　When she thought about it, everything in the city seemed so lovely, which was strange.

"Ixendahl is a wonderful city, it has come this far because of people helping each other.”

　Holly, who was standing next to her, blinked her big eyes as Hirune mumbled something like that.

"What's going on?"

“I just thought of something.”

　Hirune smiled at the pretty, light blue-haired saint.

　Holly blushed a little when she saw Hirune gently squinting her starry eyes, and turned her face away to cover it up.

“Hmmm. ...... Well, it's easy to spend time here because everyone is so kind. People from the south are bright. Anyway, where do you think you're going?"

　Holly smiled back at a child waving at her and asked as she made the holy seal in a fluid motion.

“Yes, I'm a little worried about something. This is a very serious matter."

　Hirune looked around with a look she didn't usually show, as if a sniper was trying to kill her.

“That seems seriously unlike you......."

　Holly smiled at the citizens but stiffened a bit.

　 After a short walk along a street named "Wind and Sand Boulevard", Hirune shouted happily, "We're almost there.”

“We haven't reached the Central Goddess Square yet, have we?”

"No, Holly, we haven't."

　Hirune shook her head.

　Jeanne, who was behind her, saw this and knew what was going on. She let out a somewhat dismayed murmur, "Again ......?”

　The destination of the group was the southern branch of Valhalla, a bedding store facing the main street.

　Holly held her forehead with her right hand, saying, "You ......".

　Hirune held out her hands as if showing off limited edition goods, nodding like some great scholar.

“I've just received word that a new product had arrived, so I thought I'd give it a try, a test sleep.”

“What do you mean, "test sleep"? I was actually so nervous, guess I was wrong!”

　Holly let out a sigh when she saw the bedding store Valhalla.

　The priests who had followed her seemed happy for some reason, saying, "So the Great Saint of Dozing ...... the rumors were true.”

　The bedding store Valhalla was run by Thomas, a nice middle-aged store manager who accompanied Hirune from the royal capital.

　He was busy arranging for a new hammock and a Pyory down comforter. People were coming in and out of the store all the time. The store had just been bought out of a vacant store, and the hastily made signs were noticeable.

“Don't worry. We'll be done in no time."

　Hirune set out to enter the store, feeling excited.

“Wait."

　But Holly grabbed her by the shoulders and almost knocked her backwards.

“oofh! What's the matter, Holly?”

“We're going to see the broken clock tower, aren't we? It sounded great, so we all came along, right?　right?”

“Holly is getting more and more scary every day. Jeanne, help me."

　Holly was relentless, she was constantly being pushed around by Hirune for good measure.

　Jeanne smiled bitterly and bowed to Hirune.

“You aren’t going to be able to get up for thirty whole minutes if you try to sleep, so please don’t do that today.” 

“Jeanne is also an enemy. This is not fair.......”

　The trial sleep was rejected with one in favor and two in opposition.

　Hirune had no choice but to give up on going to the store, instead she held her hand to the store.

(If I can't get in, I'll give you the usual blessings. Since we’re short on time, I’ll omit the scriptures and start with..... Purification……reduce fatigue-give a good night's sleep……improve luck…..prevent rot-insect repellent-…Penetration protection……shock resistance…..Heat resistance-)

　A magic circle shined brightly, and Hirune used holy magic on the bedding store Valhalla.

　 Holly, Jeanne, and the priests who accompanied them were dazzled by the speed of the work.

　The stardust glittered gold and silver, then was sucked into Valhalla.

　The people in the store didn't notice, probably because the stardust didn't reach the inside of the store.

　The people who had been watching the Great Saint from afar cheered, "Wow!”

"Hmmm......, that's good."

"Hey, hey, what did you just do?"

　 Holly, who had been holding Hirune's shoulders, lifted her hand and turned her head to ask Hirune in a whisper.

“I cast a holy spell on the bedding store Valhalla.”

“It's not just one thing, right? I feel like you were using a very advanced magic. ......"

　Holly crossed her arms and looked at the bedding store Valhalla.
　 It looked like an impossible level of holy magic that would take ten Saints to use.

“Well, first purification, then reduce fatigue and give a good night's sleep. In addition to that, there is a holy magic that will make you lucky if you get injured in an accident - this is just a comfort level, though. I'm also worried about the store, so I've cast anti-corruption, insect repellent, water-resistant, shock proof, and heat-resistant blessings on it.”

　Hirune said without hesitation.

　 Holly was amazed, "That's more protection than the royal palace. ......" Jeanne giggled, half in dismay, half in happiness, " Hirune-sama is just worried, isn’t she?”

“The bedding store Valhalla is indispensable for the reconstruction of Ixendahl. If we don't protect it, where will we protect?”

"You're being overprotective!"

　Holly unintentionally said loudly, clearing her throat to calm herself down.

“But if that's what you want to do, why not? There's no doctrine that says you can't use holy magic om a bedding store.”

“Holly, you really know your stuff.”

“It's just too much. Please just act like a Great Saint."

　As Holly said this, Thomas, the owner of Valhalla, noticed the group and came out of the store.

"Great Saint Hirune, Saint Holly. Welcome to my home.”

　Thomas smiled, showing his white teeth. He seemed to be in excellent physical condition. It's probably not her imagination that he looked younger than when he was in the Royal Capital. It's probably because of the reduced fatigue and restful sleep.

(It's the effect of the blessing, isn't it? Good.)

　After five minutes of conversation with Thomas, Hirune was satisfied with the promise that “you would definitely get the product” and “You could come back.” she turned to the square with the broken clock tower.

“There's no Great Saint freer than you.”

　Holly's sighing words were not heard by Hirune.

Chapter 32: At the Clock Tower

　Hirune arrived at the Central Goddess Square in the center of Ixendahl.

　The place, which once housed the main facilities of the city, was a sight to behold with its collapsed clock tower.

(Looks like the miasma and demon attacks were fierce. ......)

　The clock tower had fallen from the middle like a broken branch, and the lower part was full of holes as if there had been an explosion. If she hadn't been told that the tower was there, she would have thought it was just a pile of rubble.

"I’ve been expecting you, Hirune-sama.”

　At the place where the clock tower used to be, Archbishop Zigitoria was waiting for them.

　He was a priest called the Father of the South, whom Zekyutos admired. He had a smooth forehead with a star-shaped bruise.

　He smiled softly and made the holy seal.

　Hirune and Holly also made their seals and approached.

"Zigi-sama. It's been a while.”

“That’s right. I've been on a lot of business trips lately, so we haven’t been able to see each other for a  long time.” 

“Yes. I've missed you.”

　Hirune adored Zigitoria as if he were her grandfather.

(That's the air of a grandfather. It's gentle and warm.)

　When Hirune smiled at him, Zigitoria also smiled, happily.

"Hirune-sama, who told you about the clock tower?”

“The Head of Diego village told me about it when I asked. There used to be a clock tower built by the Great Saint Martine, right?"

"......Yes."

　Perhaps remembering the old days, Zigitoria looked at the collapsed rubble behind him and turned his gaze to the sky.

“It was a big, beautiful clock tower. ...... When I was little, the sound of its bells echoed through the city.”

"I see."

　Hirune also looked up at the sky that Zigitoria was staring at.

(I'm sure it was a beautiful clock tower. ......)

“Unfortunately, the miasma was too strong to be prevented, so it was abandoned until now.”

　Ixendahl, desperate for survival, had no time to repair the clock tower.

　The economic situation had gradually improved since Hirune's appointment.

“I'd like to ask you a few questions. ...... If I’m thinking of building a new clock tower, Is there anything I can do to help?"

　When Hirune turned her big eyes to him, Zigitoria pulled the corners of his mouth to the side and nodded several times.

“Actually, I was hoping that would be the case. I am ashamed of my expectations as a priest, but I am sure that the Great Saint Martine will be pleased. ......"

　Zigitoria repeatedly made the holy seal and mumbled a scripture to the sky.

　The other priests did the same.

“Hirune-sama..... would you be willing to make a bell for the clock tower?”

"A bell?"

“Absolutely. The Great Saint Martine made the bells. We, the Mephistopheles Church, together with the craftsmen of the city, built a clock tower to house the bells.”

“I understand. If I’m going to make the bells, I have an idea.”

    Hirune thought of Morgul Steel Mill, took a breath and turned her gaze to Jeanne

“By the way, my personal maid, Jeanne, would like to say a few words as well.”

　

　When The village head had told them about the clock tower, Jeanne had said that she wanted to talk to Zigitoria. It was unusual for her to want to speak up on her own.

　Jeanne stepped forward and bowed reverently.

“I have spoken to the stonemasons about rebuilding the clock tower, and they are willing to do it for a minimal wage. I have also received requests from an architect, a sculptor, a woodworker, and a clockmaker, all of whom are eager to help.”

　Jeanne bowed then stepped back.

“Jeanne, have you been planning ahead of time?” 

“Yes. I knew this would happen and asked Wanda-sama to help me.”

　Jeanne smiled and nodded.

　It was Jeanne's desire to contribute to Hirune in any way she could.

　She had been trained in economics by Wanda, and at the age of ten, Jeanne had begun to acquire a business sense. It would not be long before she would become the most powerful maid who could handle anything.

“How about it, everyone? Isn’t my maid amazing?”

　Hirune began to boast with pride.

"I'm afraid so."

　Holly nodded her head in admiration.

“No, please stop. I was just doing what any maid of Hirune-sama's  should do!”

　Jeanne, who was not used to being praised, flinched. Her ponytail swayed erratically as she wiggled her hands.

(embarrassed Jeanne ...... is still so cute.)

　Zigitoria was surprised, but then he smiled.

“The citizens of Ixendahl will be very pleased. I'm sure they'll all help us.”

“That's very kind of you! Then I will immediately go and make a wonderful bell that will give you a good night's sleep ...... and peace of mind. Good things come in haste."

　Hirune turned to walk to Morgul Steel Mill but then stopped moving.

“Um…Zigi-sama, can I ask you to take care of the clock tower?”

“Of course. I'm so ...... excited to see the clock tower come back to life.”

“If possible, I’d like the tower to be white and pretty. It’ll be like a meeting place for families and lovers.”

　When Hirune used to work for a black company, she used to look at the plaza of the nearest station as if it were someone else's problem.

　There was a flower bed and a statue monument in the square, and it was a meeting place for people.

　She was reminded of the bitter memory of coming to work on only two hours of sleep, looking sideways at happy people.

　Anyway, if she was going to build a new building, she wanted it to be cute and stylish.

“That's a wonderful idea.”

　Zigitoria smiled broadly.

“That’s right, about the design of the tower ...... I'm sure Holly knows a lot about it, so I'd like her to be the general supervisor.”

　Holly's mouth dropped open as she was suddenly asked to speak.

“Wait, wait, wait, You can't just say that. ......"

“I know that Holly reads and studies more than anyone else. Besides, you like pretty things, don't you? I know, I’ve seen the dolls lined up in your room--"

"Right! I'm the next Great Saint, you know. I’ve been studying hard!”

　Holly panicked and put her hand on her chest loudly.

“And I've seen a lot of Clock Towers!”

“Of course you have. Well then, Holly, I'm counting on you.”

(You study biographies and scripture until bedtime, don't you? You also read a lot of illustrated children's stories. ...... I'm sure you'll do a great job.)

".......Huh."

　Holly, who had just agreed with the flow, was at a loss for words and sighed, brushing her hair back several times. 

“I'll do the best I can."

　Holly politely bowed to Zigitoria.

　

"If the design is Saint Holly's idea, I'm sure everyone will be pleased with it.”

　The combination of Hirune and Holly was very popular in town.

　The most popular song that bards are asked to sing in taverns these days is the one about the Great Saint Hirune and Saint Holly working together to save the capital. Also, Holly's trademark light blue pigtails was a very popular hairstyle among girls.

　Holly was a serious person, so once she decided to do something, she acted fast.

　She began to ask Zigitoria about the previous design of the clock tower.

“Jeanne, let's go to Morgul Steel Mill. ...... Haaah, ...... Oh, I'm so sleepy. ......”

"Yes, let's go!"

　Hirune yawned as she and Jeanne headed to Morgul Steel Mill.

　It was not by carriage, but by walking.

　She was in the mood for a leisurely tour of the city that day.

“Don’t stop at the Valhalla Bedding Shop on the way!”

　Holly's voice came from behind her.

(How did she know!?)

　Hirune puts on a tight face to cover it up and turned around to look at Holly.

　But the drowsiness didn't stop, and the dignified face disappeared in two seconds.

“Ahhhhhhhhh ... ohhh ... it's okay. I won't make a detour…..huuuh."

"You yawned so loud! You need to straighten your back and stand up straight!”

Instructions flew from the caring Holly.

 "Jeanne, let me know if Hirune falls asleep and doesn't wake up. I'll use holy magic to carry her.”

“I understand!”

　Jeanne, who was standing beside her, smiled and agreed.

“I'm not a baby,...... aaaah, not at all,...... fwaah."

“You’re not convincing at all, Hirune-sama.”

"Mmm ...... can't beat sleepiness."

　Jeanne giggled and waved to Holly.

    Hirune also waved her right hand while holding her mouth with her left. They stepped out of the central goddess square and onto the main street of Wind and Sand.