Kays Translations

Chapter 3: New Rules for the Brigade

　The carriage rattled and shook as the Southern Brigade moved south.

　Looking out of the back window at the outer wall of the royal capital moving away, Hirune was deeply moved by the thought that they were really leaving the royal capital.

(This is the first time I've been outside of the Royal Capital ...... I wonder if there's anything good to eat.)

　She wants to eat good food and sleep in a good mood.

　This was the true great saint Hirune, with such desires hidden in her eyes.

　However, the profile of her starry-eyed gaze out the window looked like she was truly worried about the world. When she sighs, the trees and plants seem to sigh as well. The knight guarding the perimeter saw the look on Hirune’s face and became even more determined.

(I'll have some strawberry bread and take a nap later. After that, sleep on Jeanne's lap.)

　The Great Saint’s attitude was looser than the elastic of stretched-out pants.

　She thought the knights didn't have to be so stiff.

　Incidentally, Wanda, their educator, was riding in another carriage. In addition, one bishop and three priests, the office-bearers of the Mephistophelian priests, had joined them on this journey. They were accompanied by a choir, saints, and maids.

(The carriage over there is huge. It looks a little uncomfortable to ride in.)

 Hirune looks out the window at the brigade.

　The three-horse carriage was large, but it seemed to be swaying from side to side.

　As she gazed blankly out, a brown-haired knight on a white horse brought his horse toward the carriage.

　He was a handsome man with long slanted eyes.

“I'm sorry to be on horseback. My name is Jeremy Skett, the leader of this Southern Brigade. We can assure you of a comfortable and safe journey."

"Yes, sir. Thank you very much."

(Yeah, not bad for a handsome guy from another world, though I'd rather have a futon.)

　Thinking about this, Hirune made a smile. Grateful to have him as her escort.

　Even if it's not a problem for her, it would be terrible if something happened to Jeanne or Holly.

　The Commander, Jeremy Skett, saw Hirune smile and squinted his eyes as if he were looking at a dazzling light. 

“Great Saint ......, you are divine up close .......”

　He regained his composure, flipped his cloak with his hand and made the holy seal while on horseback.

“We will guard the Great Saint Hirune day and night. My men are determined to ensure that you sleep peacefully at night, so please expect a good night's sleep.”

　Great Saint Hirune. Also known as the Great Saint of Dozing.

　Commander Jeremy smiled knowing that Hirune loved her sleep.

　They’re going to have a rotation of sleepless shifts.

　But Hirune's face, which he thought would be happy, became cloudy as soon as he saw her.

　Jeanne and Holly, who were listening to the exchange between the two in the carriage, also noticed that Hirune's appearance had changed.

"Commander Jeremy. when you say day and night, does that mean you have soldiers who stay up all night?"

"Yes, that’s right."

　Commander Jeremy affirmed.

　Hearing this, Hirune looked up at the ceiling.

(All-nighters can really ruin a person…. I’ve been there…… I'm sorry you have to stay up all night for me as my escorts ......)

　Having experienced a three-day all-nighter in her previous life, Hirune knew how bad it was for the body.

　She felt dazed, and no matter what she thought, only negative thoughts came to her mind. It was also very hard on the body.

　Hirune thought for a while.

　Jeremy, the leader of the group, put on a cool face and put his hand on the reins, wondering if he had offended the kind-hearted Great Saint.

"Hirune-sama, are you alright?"

　Jeanne looked into Hirune’s face.

　　Hirune nodded, staring at her steeple-colored eyes.

“It's okay, Jeanne. I've just thought of a better way.”

　Then she leaned out the window and looked at Jeremy, the leader of the group.

“I don't want anyone to stay up all night on my trip. Are you planning to camp today?

“Yes. The next village is also far away and we will camp there.” 

　Jeremy, the leader of the group, straightened his back and replied.

“In that case, I'll create a ward to protect us all. Jeremy, please make sure you go to bed at ten o’clock, okay? Is that clear?"

"But when Hirune-sama falls asleep ......."

“I can do it. I can maintain the wards automatically. It's a lot easier than covering all of the Royal Capital, right?”

"No, but ......"

　Commander Jeremy was struck by the kindness of the Great Saint Hirune, but he also had a role to play as an escort. It's the role of a soldier to fulfill his duties. He agonized for a moment and then returned his gaze to Hirune. 

“We are very grateful for the offer, but we'll have to send out an unsleeping guard to protect you. This is also the duty of the Royal Guard. We've been ordered to provide the Great Saint with a comfortable journey.”

“I can't help worry if you're all awake. Please, I beg you, don't stay up all night.”

Hirune, who was more fond of sleeping than most people, looked up at Commander Jeremy with sparkling blue eyes.

(I know it's your job, so I apologize. ...... But I'm just going to use a little holy magic. ......)

Perhaps out of apology, Hirune looked up at him emphatically.

"......"

Even Jeremy, the leader of the group who had years of experience in relation to women, couldn't resist the Great Saint's request.

　Holly, who was watching from behind, muttered, "Oh, this is the one I can never refuse." Jeanne nodded deeply.

　Jeremy, the leader of the group, was struggling while saying "ugh" and "but", but he hung his head, defeated by the gaze of Hirune, who was still looking at him.

“I understand ... Then, for the time being, we'll accept having Hirune-sama put up a ward of Holy Magic… ... However, I still have to put a sleepless round ..."

"No you don’t."

"Ugh"

　When Hirune puffed out her cheeks, Commander Jeremy flinched.  

　Her normally sleepy eyes widened at this moment.

　Her own sleep was important, but if she was going to be traveling, she wanted everyone to be comfortable as well. That was her strong desire.

"I'll protect you all with holy magic. No miasma or thieves will be able to enter. Oh, we can come and go as we please.”

“….I understand, ....... I'll accept Great Saint-sama's suggestion today. However, can't I just stand in the no sleep watch? I just want to make sure the ward is intact.”

"...... If you think it's okay, Jeremy, will you go to bed?"

“Ha! I swear to the Goddess Sophia, this Jeremy will definitely go to bed!”

　The Commander, Jeremy, placed his hand on the silver plate he was wearing and bowed deeply from horseback.

　The horse also whinnied. Apparently, it agreed.

　He vowed to the goddess Sophia to go to bed.

　No commander had ever acted so strangely before. Neither he nor Hirune noticed that the conversation was somewhat dumb, as they were both talking seriously.

　Jeanne and Holly looked at each other.

　The journey of the Great Saint Hirune to the south would be told to future generations, but they had no way of knowing that.

　Hirune looked at Jeremy, the determined leader, and slowly nodded her head.

“ I understand. Then Jeremy-san, please check the ward and then go to sleep.”

(Did I annoy you in any way?)

Hirune raised her eyebrows and smiled, thinking she was sorry for pushing him.

The expression on her face was so fragile that Commander Jeremy felt his heart beat faster.

“Yes, ma’am. I will keep my promise to the Great Saint.”

“What time should I put up the ward?"

　To Hirune’s question, Commander Jeremy switched his mind to a soldier's and answered immediately.

“I think it would be best if you do it as soon as we arrive at the encampment. Since the brigade includes civilians, they will be relieved to have your blessing.”

"I understand. I'll do that then.”

　Hirune said, with a smile.

　Commander Jeremy bowed, maneuvered his horse, and slowly backed away.

(I'll set up the ward later. ...... Is it time for a snack?)

　It hasn’t even been thirty minutes since they left. It was a bit early for a snack.

　The sky was clear, as if blessing the brigade.

(I’m....... even more sleepy in the carriage. ......)

　The sound of the horses, the carriages rattling and the regular shaking lulled her to sleep.

　Hirune yawned loudly then turned to Jeanne and Holly.

Chapter 4: At the Abandoned Village

　In the evening, the brigade arrived at the encampment point.

　The plan was to use an abandoned village a day away from the royal capital.

(It looks like the scene of a vanished village. There’s no miasma. The air is ...... not so good, huh? I think I've become more sensitive to miasma since I became a Great Saint. Oh, there are traces of campfires from people camping along the road.)

　Hirune got off the carriage and looked around.

　A crumbling wooden house stood deserted.

　The village used to be bustling with tourists, but it rapidly fell into despair when demons began to appear. The entire village moved to live in the royal capital.

"Hirune-sama," "Good day, Great Saint," "Blessings of the Goddess Sophia--"

　The people in the brigade called out to Hirune as she walked.

　The people here are the lucky ones who have passed through considerable examination to join the Southern Brigade.

　They want to travel with Hirune. They want to go to the south.

　There are still many people in the capital who want to do so.

"Is Jeanne's village still far away?"

　Shaking her Great Saint robe, Hirune turned around.

“My village was located deep in Ixendahl.”

　Jeanne replied with a smile.

Hirune's chest tightened at the past tense ‘was.’

"I see. I'm sorry for asking that question so suddenly. ......"

"What? That’s okay. It's fine, it was a long time ago and I've managed to get over it. Besides, I don't feel lonely because  Hirune-sama is always with me.”

　Jeanne said in a cheerful voice.

　Jeanne, who was from the south, was looking forward to this trip.

　She was hoping that Hirune would lead the southern region in the right direction. It was a vague hope.

“Jeanne, let's hold hands. Come on, come on."

"Huh, um, Hirune-sama."

　Jeanne was bewildered when Hirune held her hand.

It would’ve been nice if it was in their own room, but she didn’t think it was very complimentary to have a great saint and a maid walking hand in hand in front of people like this, and Jeanne turned red.

　Holly, who was right behind them, came around to stand next to Hirune, her light blue hair swinging.

“Hirune, Jeanne is troubled. You should take your hands off her and be more dignified. You're too unaware of your role as a Great Saint. The other day at the ceremony, you yawned so loudly that the Pope was surprised. Besides..."

"It's not good to be left out. Let's add Holly together.”

“What? Why me too?”

　Hirune used holy magic to pull Holly closer and held her hand.

“I didn't mean you should hold my hand too, but ......”

　Holly tried to pull her hand away, but she couldn't pull her right hand back because she imagined the sad expression on Hirune’s face.

　The saint, the great saint, and the maid walked hand in hand to the center of the village.

　The soldiers and civilian participants who were preparing for the encampment laughed at how close they were.

“Yes, we are. We're always together."

(It's thanks to you two that the world looks so sparkling.)

　Hirune said happily, and Jeanne and Holly's desire to let go of her hand disappeared.

　As they walked to the center of the village, they saw a large white rock sitting on the ground.

“Did they use it as a guardian deity oy the village?”

　Hirune looked up at the pure white rock. It was about three meters high.

“It might have been.”

　Jeanne said.

　Holly also looked up at the white rock and held up her hand over it. She recited a scripture and nodded.

“It looks like it’s a purifying rock, though its power is much weakened.”

"I see."

　Hirune took her hands away from them, put her hands on the white rock, and closed her eyes.

(Holy magic--magic detection...... what kind of power does this rock have...... hmm...... hmm ...... I see, there used to be a lot of people here and it was fun. After the demons came, the villagers disappeared and the power of purification weakened. ......)

　As if the rock was speaking to her, images of the past flowed into  Hirune’s brain.

　It seems that when the village was bustling with activity, an annual festival was held around the rock. She could see the villagers dancing happily.

(I see. ...... Then let's use this rock as a starting point to build a ward for the encampment. I'll make it last as long as possible. ......)

　Jeanne became worried when she saw that Hirune had fallen silent with her hands on the rock.

"Hirune-sama?"

“Jeanne, she’s using holy magic. Let's wait until it's done."

　Holly gently put her hand on Jeanne's shoulder.

　The leader of the group, Jeremy, who was preparing for the encampment, came over to them, probably looking for Hirune.

　He wanted to talk about the ward.

　But he stopped when he saw Hirune with her hands on the white rock and her eyes closed.

"Great Saint-sama, ......?"

　He noticed that everyone's attention was on Hirune.

Some were chopping firewood, others were assembling tents, Phi Phi was baking strawberry bread, and Thomas, the manager of the Valhalla bedding store, was at the tail end of the brigade. Everyone stopped their work and looked at Hirune.

(If I want to make the warding magic ...... last longer, should I carve a scripture inside of the white rock? Then I'll put all my magic power into it. Okay, ......)

　The sooner she decides on a plan, the better.

Hirune kneads the magic power and activates the holy magic with the image of writing the scripture inside the rock.

"Ah--"

"Hirune!"

"The magic circle is ......!"

　An oversized magic circle appeared at Hirune’s feet, and stardust flew out with a pleasant shuffling sound.

The stardust bounced up and down, left and right, as if happy to be called by Hirune, then gathered around her as if dancing in a dance hall.

(Stardust, please protect this village...)

　When Hirune asked, the stardust glittered and entered the white rock.

"Wow, the stardust is being sucked in!”

"That's some serious holy magic, ......."

　Jeanne and Holly raise their voices as they look at the shining magic circle.

“I've never seen holy magic quite like this ......!”

　Jeremy, the leader of the group, who saw Hirune's holy magic up close for the first time, was so impressed by the sparkle that he repeatedly made the holy seal in front of his chest.

　Before nightfall. Under the pale night sky, the stardust bounces, twinkles, and leaps mesmerizing the people of the brigade. It felt as if they were being told that this journey was safe, and all the people watching Hirune looked full and relieved.

　When all the stardust was sucked into the white rock, a hemispherical ward appeared and slowly grew larger.

(If I want it to last longer, I should extend the ward to ...... the area of the river that the village seems to be using....... Good....... If I make it any wider, it won't hold well. I believe so. Stop, Ward.)

“The ward is up! The Great Saint has created a ward!"

 "We can camp in peace!"

　When the ward appeared and a translucent glow was visible, everyone cheered in unison.

　The encampment was next to the threat of demons.

　Even though they had excellent soldiers, everyone was worried.

　When the ward was complete, Hirune let out a breath, removed her hand from the rock, and turned around.

“That should be alright.”

(I used a lot of magic power, I might want to eat something.)

　After all the work she’d done, she was getting hungry.

“Jeanne, do we have any food yet?"

Hirune said while Jeanne’s mouth hung open.

Holly gently patted Hirune on the shoulder and let out a sigh.

“Hey, explain it to everyone. They won’t understand what's going on if you suddenly use warding magic right? They don't know how long it’ll last or how it works.” 

"Yes, that's true."

　Jeremy, the Commander who was nearby, knelt down as if he had heard Holly.*

“As Saint Holly said, please explain to everyone.”

"Yes, sir."

　Hirune stepped forward.

“─ Don't worry, everyone. Please rest assured, this ward will last a long time. I've made it so that it rejects miasma and demons and when touched by malicious people, will send them flying to the ends of the earth. You can sleep in peace today."

　Hirune said with a smile, and everyone cheered, "That's great!” Everyone shouted with delight.

　Jeremy, the leader of the group, was skeptical, but when he saw a small miasma fly by and disappear within a second of touching the ward, he hung his head as a soldier rushed over to report that a man who looked like a bandit had been blown away and disappeared.

“Thank you very much Hirune-sama. This will make your journey safer.”

“Yes.  Jeremy-san, you can do your best to stay alert during the journey.”

“Ha!"

　Jeremy stood up, saluted Hirune, and made the holy seal.

　It’s a great advantage on a long journey to be safe at night.

“I'm glad. Jeremy, you must go to bed at ten o'clock. That's a promise."

(Serious people like him don't rest properly. It was the same at the company. ......)

　Hirune was reminded of a senior employee who had been forced to work like a carriage horse in her previous life. He seemed to have voluntarily jumped into the fire. She had been surprised when she heard that the senior employee had retired due to overwork.

“Ha! In the name of the Great Saint Hirune, I'm going to bed at ten o'clock!”

　Jeremy, the leader of the group, saluted again with a serious face.

　Go to bed early.

　It was like an exchange between mother and son.

　Jeanne and Holly noticed and glanced at each other, unsure whether to laugh or not.

“I apologize for taking so long. Please return to your work.”

　Hirune said, and everyone resumed their work, more energetic than before.

　Jeremy, the Commander, bowed and returned to his post.

　He said to the passing soldiers, "The Great Saint wants us to go to bed at ten! Hurry up and check the supplies!”

"Now I can sleep peacefully."

　Hirune blinked her big eyes and said satisfied.

"You're amazing, Hirune-sama.”

“You're a big deal ......”

　Jeanne marveled and Holly praised her in disbelief.

“How so? Oh, look at that. Phi Phi is calling us. Maybe the strawberry bread is ready!"

　Hirune said.

“It's true!”

“Thanks for the ward Hirune. Now let's get going.”

　Jeanne and Holly smiled and started walking.

"Holly is surprisingly gluttonous isn't she?" 

　Holly raised her eyebrows in embarrassment as Hirune spoke from behind her.

“It's not that I'm gluttonous, it's just that Phi Phi’s invited us over, and we need to get going quickly, don’t we? As a saint, you shouldn’t indulge your appetite.”

"Fufufu, yes, that’s right."

　Hirune smiled and Holly looked forward with a pout.

“It's a disgrace to be gluttonous.”

　Holly said and walked quickly ahead of them. The pure white saint's dress she was wearing swayed from side to side.

　Hirune and Jeanne grinned and chased after Holly.

　The encampment was filled with sweet smells and the sound of everyone's laughter.

Chapter 5: Moving by Carriage

　The Southern Brigade was making good progress.

　On the way, demons attacked them twice, but they were easily defeated by the skilled soldiers.

　At night, they went to bed at ten o'clock in Hirune’s ward.

　Some of the soldiers said that they felt better than when they were in the capital.

(I wonder how long the ward I put up at the encampment will hold? I've made ten of them so far, but hopefully they'll last for a while. ...... so that people who come after us can use them. ......)

　No one knows that  Hirune’s wards on the Southern Roads will hold up for several hundred years.

　The Southern Road will develop around the wards, but that's a story for the future.

　The carriages rattled and shook as they made their way south.

(It's peaceful. ......)

　From the window of the carriage, she could see a meadow. The velvety grass swayed softly, making a rustling sound. In the distance, a goat-like creature was grazing in the meadow.

"...... Huuh!"

　Hirune yawned and slumped her face and arms out the window.

　You can see the ground moving forward, and when you look up you can see the wheels of the carriage turning beside it.

"I’m not busy....... Isn’t it time for a nap yet?"

"Come on, come on, Great Saints shouldn't strike such a sloppy pose."

　When Holly noticed, she picked up Hirune from behind and dragged her back into the carriage.

　　Hirune left her whole body to Holly.

“I'm a potato. I can't move. I can't live without Holly to carry me.

“What are you talking about? Sit down. Wanda's watching you from the other carriage.”

　Holly dragged Hirune inside the carriage and sat her down in a chair.

　The carriage is a two-way chaise longue with seating for eight. It was large enough to be used by the three girls.

　Jeanne, who was reading a book on business administration that Wanda had given her, chuckled.

“Take a lesson from Jeanne. She's studying to be of use to you.”

"Potatoes can’t study.”

“Where is there a great saint of potatoes? Hey, don't just lie down. Don’t put your head on Jeanne's lap.”

　The Great Saint of potatoes put her head on the lap of Jeanne who was sitting next to her.

(It's just the right height and softness.)

 "Sweet potato, brush my face."

　Hirune rubbed her face against Jeanne's maid's uniform, then turned on her side and nuzzled her face into her stomach. The freshly washed maid’s clothes smelled of the sun.

"Omomo, ohifu heshu hasu."

"It's ticklish, Hirune-sama."

　Jeanne's shoulders shrunk as her stomach chattered with moxie.

“This Great Saint has been getting lazier and lazier the longer this trip lasts. It's better to give you a saint job with fixed hours…...” 

　Holly shrugged her shoulders and took a seat across from them.

“Hirune-sama and Holly-sama worked all day in the royal capital without a break, so I think it's good for you both to spend the rest of their time relaxing during this trip, don’t you?”

　Jeanne smiled happily.

　Holly nodded vaguely, "I guess so," and opened her Bible.

The sound of the carriage rocking, the turning of pages, and the sound of Hirune sleeping echoed in the air.

　After a while, Holly looked away from the Bible.

“We do have a lot of free time. I've been practicing my scriptures and praying, but I guess I should consider it a good thing that I'm ...... safe."

　At Holly's words, Jeanne, who had been reading, looked up.

　Hirune was snoozing and sniffling in her sleep.

“That's right. It's due to the fact that Hirune-sama has put up a ward for us that we're able to do this. We can't show this figure anyone though ......"

Jeanne looks at the sleeping Hirune on her lap and smiles cutely.

Holly sighed and shifted her gaze to the book Jeanne was holding.

 "How do you like the book Wanda gave you? Is it difficult?"

“It's difficult. You need to be able to do math to understand it.”

　She turned the business administration book over and showed it to Holly.

“It’s refreshing to me. I have a good memory. ...... "

　Holly sat down next to Jeanne as if she was interested in the subject.

“Can you tell me a little about it? I'm going to be a Great Saint sooner or later, and I need this knowledge.”

“That's what Wanda-sama said. Wanda also said that if you have knowledge of territory management, you'll be able to calculate the development of the city and conduct purification patrols.”

"Mmm-hmm. That's good. I'm glad you're so efficient. It's a big world..."

　Holly murmured with a smile, “As expected of Wanda-sama.”

"You know, Hirune-sama is strangely good at math. She can do two-digit multiplications by heart.”

"Huh? Is that so?”

　In her previous life, Hirune was good at calculations.

　Holly was surprised, looking at the Great Saint of Potatoes sleeping with a stupid look on her face.

　And then her fighting spirit flared up, not wanting to be defeated. Holly hated to lose.

"Jeanne, please teach me how to do math. It's a good way to pass the time.”

“Yes. I can teach you if you like.”

　Jeanne smiled.

Serious Holly looked so dazzling to her.

　They continued to study until lunch time, with Hirune’s sleeping sighs as background music.

　At twelve-thirty in the afternoon, the carriage pulled into a village.

　The study session was interrupted there, and Jeanne looked out the window.

"I heard that the next encampment is in an inhabited town. There’s a beautiful lake and demons don’t come close to it. I'm looking forward to it.

“It's been a while since I've slept in an inhabited place. I'm glad."

　Jeanne and Holly smiled at each other and it took both of them to wake up Hirune.

Chapter 6: Hammock

　Two weeks by carriage since they left the Royal Capital.

　They arrived at a town.

　The town was called Moderna, and the houses were built around a lake.

　It flourishes as a transit point between the frontier city of Ixendahl and the Royal  Capital, and travelers using the southern road always stop in Moderna to restock and prepare for their journey.

　The reason for the town's development was that the lake suppresses miasma.

"It’s the party of the Great Saint!” “ Long live the Great Saint! "Peace to the South!" Great Saint!”

　The townspeople gathered at the entrance gate and waved at the report of the arrival of the Great Saint Hirune.

(Hmm? Have we arrived at the town yet?)

　Hirune had just woken up and rubbed her eyes. Her cheek was stuck to Jeanne's maid uniform, and her face was covered with red marks. The townspeople who greeted her didn’t think that the Great Saint was sleeping.

“Huh......Haaa ...... I appreciate your hospitality.”

　One big yawn. Hirune looked out the window and said leisurely.

“Hirune-sama, please don't stick your head out of the window too much because there are marks on your face."

　Jeanne tells Hirune.

　It's a shame to Mephistopheles for marks to be seen on the face of a Great Saint.

“There’re marks on my face? Where?”

“There. There's a pretty big line on your right cheek. ......"

　Jeanne traced her cheek with a finger.

　Holly looked at her with a look that said she had failed.

“I would have woken Hirune up first if I knew she was going to be so welcomed.”

　As she said this, she stuck her head out of the opposite window from Hirune and waved to the townspeople.

　The townspeople who had been watching the brigade cheered when the beautiful, light blue-haired Holly peeked out of the window.

"She's the one who was elevated to sainthood at the same time as Hirune-sama!” They shouted.

　The story of Hirune and Holly's adventure, which was transmitted from the capital, echoed throughout the south. For the south, where good news was scarce, they were a shining star of hope. Some of them were holding up pictures of Hirune and Holly.

　After receiving such a welcome, the group arrived at the lodging facility in Moderna.

　The inn was a three-story wooden structure with an idyllic atmosphere.

　Located near a lake, the inn had a nice view.

"Is it lunch time?"

　Protected by soldiers, Hirune got off the carriage with Jeanne and Holly.

　There, Hirune discovered something.

　She was so shocked that she stopped in her tracks.

(Oh, that can't be ......!)

" Hirune-sama?"

　Jeanne tilted her head.

Just beyond Hirune's gaze, in front of the inn's entrance, a hammock woven with rope was set up.

“What a surprise ...... to find a hammock in EverSophia. ......”

"Ham-moc-ku?"

"Let’s hurry up Jeanne. Come on, let's go!”

“What? Oh, hey, Hirune-sama?”

　 　Hirune rushed to the entrance of the inn. Her great saint’s robe swayed.

　The soldiers followed Hirune's lead.

 (This is a hammock. It's a hammock without a doubt.)

　 Hirune pushed it with her hand, and the hammock swayed. It seems to have been tethered to the beams of the inn at both ends.

“Hirune-sama, This is a bailiwick for drying fruit in the sun, isn't it?”

"No, this is a hammock. I changed the name today."

　Hirune said proudly. It was a mess.

　Holly gave her a worried look from behind. She knew she was about to do something odd.

"Hirune, what are you going to do?"

"--Holy magic, purification."

　The hammock was cleansed as stardust spewed from Hirune.

（I'm going to try to sleep in it, but it's too high for me to get on alone. I'm afraid my skirt will be torn ...... Oh, there's Thomas from the bedding store Valhalla in the right place.)

While the others shouted "Oh!" at the sight of the holy magic, Hirune locked on to Thomas.

"Thomas-san. Thomas-san."

　Hirune called, and Thomas, who had been standing at a distance, came closer.

　He was a nice middle-aged man that was the owner of a store that sold bedding for the common people in the capital.

“What's wrong, Hirune-chan-I'm sorry. Hirune-sama."

　Thomas said to Hirune.

　They've known each other for two years. Thomas cherished Hirune like she was his own daughter. The way he looked at Hirune was kind.

“Thomas, please lift me up.”

　Hirune held out her hands.

　Thomas looked around in confusion at the sudden request to lift her.

　Soldiers and the townspeople were looking at Hirune. He looked at Jeanne, the maid, and Holly, the saint, with the intention of asking for help, but they shook their heads in resignation.

“Come on, come on.”

　Hirune looked up at Thomas with sparkling blue eyes. She was like a child who had just discovered a new toy.

　Thomas, sensing that he couldn’t refuse, put his hands on Hirune’s sides.

“Please lay me down on this hammock.”

"Here? Are you sure?”

“Yes, thank you. I want to try to sleep.”

“Okay."

　Thomas slowly and quietly laid the slender and lovely Great Saint down on the net, as if she were a treasure.

　The people around them looked at him like, ‘What?’ They were having a hard time understanding what was happening.

　The Great Saint who had come to the town suddenly began to sleep on a net for drying fruit in the sun. They were struggling to understand what had happened.

"Oh, wow. Is this a hammock ......! The swaying makes me sleepy. The wind feels good too."

　A wish from a previous life.

　In her previous life, she wished to be able to sway in a hammock on a southern island and relax without thinking about anything.

(Another dream come true. If there’s a southern island, I'd like to go there. ......)

　Although this was not a southern island, Hirune was happy that one of her dreams had come true. A smile naturally appeared on her face.

　In this world, there’s no overtime, no bosses who yell at you, no work that you have to stay up all night to finish.  ‘I am free', Hirune thought once again.

“How do you like it, Thomas-san? It’s for naps."

　Hirune turned her starry eyes to him and smiled.

　Thomas noticed something, and his face lit up.

“I see, I see, you're right. It's a great idea to be able to sleep without touching the ground. I see. ...... it can also be used for camping."

"Oh, that's a good idea.”

　 Hirune was now completely ensconced in the hammock.

With her hands folded in front of her chest and her eyes closed, she could feel the southern breeze.

(I wonder if the wind blowing from the lake is carrying the scent of the grass and trees. ......)

 She was only doing this because she wanted to sleep, but from the side, the sight of the blond-haired, blue-eyed Great Saint in her drying net looked like a sacred ritual.

(This hammock will give me a good night's sleep. ...... May others sleep well too. ......) 

　A Great Saint in pure white sleeping in an inn by the lake.

　It was a picturesque scene.

　The unknowing soldiers and townspeople were making the holy seal gratefully.

　Thomas, the bedding store owner, was calculating gold coins in his brain to see if he could commercialize the hammock.

"Shouldn't we wake her up soon? Wanda-san will come if she doesn’t wake up.”

“I wonder if she could please stop acting weird so suddenly, really?"

　Jeanne and Holly whispered to each other.

　They laughed with a sigh when they saw Hirune, who was already flying in and out of consciousness after sleeping so much in the carriage.

　No one noticed, but stardust was coming out of Hirune’s back, and without realizing it, it was giving the hammock the blessing of a good night's sleep.

Chapter 7: The Taste of Youth.

　After a while, Wanda, who had finished her chores, found Hirune and quickly got her off the hammock.

　After lunch, she was given an hour-long sermon in her room about what it means to be a Great Saint.

（It's been a while since I've had a sermon from Wanda. Sleepy.)

　Somehow she managed to listen to the sermon without losing consciousness, but she almost did.

　At the end of the sermon, Hirune’s head was bobbing like a ship in rough seas.

　Wanda's sermons were always long.

     It’s all because she's worried about Hirune.

“Therefore, you must act with the awareness of a Great Saint etched in your mind. You should never act on the spur of the moment. Is that clear?"

　Wanda glanced at Hirune.

　She  was using holy magic to pull her eyelids and under her eyes as hard as she could to keep them open. The beautiful girl was ruined.

"......"

　Wanda huffed and sighed.

　It was torture for Jeanne, who waited by her side until the sermon was over.

　She wanted to laugh, but she couldn't, so she pinched her thighs, mumbling, "What a terrible face!”

“Understood?"

　Wanda, knowing that Hirune was trying to stay awake, put her hands on her hips and looked into Hirune's eyes.

"Yes”

　Hirune manages to reply.

　(Why do sermons make me sleepy?.... Mystery…..)

She asks herself as if searching for the truth of the world.

She’d like to think it's the sleepiness from eating lunch.

“And I hear from Holly that you’re getting lazy because of the long trip. I hear you’re like slime in the middle of summer. It's not right for a great saint to be like that. Human beings need to have a sense of balance in their lives."

　Wanda's sermon was about to begin again.

“Tomorrow, in addition to the pre-departure prayers, we will have Bible readings in the carriage. Let's correct the disorder in our lives. Is that clear?"

"Yes!"

　Hirune somehow managed to reply.

　Wanda gave her a worried look and then left the room as if she had already realized that she’d reached her limit.

　At that moment, Hirune went to sleep.

"Guu ......"

"Oh, Hirune-sama. Have you  fallen asleep already?”

"Guu......"

　Jeanne took Hirune and laid her on the bed in the room.

　She’s a high-spec maid who receives two blessings every night: ‘she never gets tired' and ‘she can move quickly.’ It's no problem at all to lift one Hirune.

"You got in trouble ..."

　Jeanne gently draped the comforter she always used over Hirune's body -her partner.

   Hirune's long eyelashes twitched.

　Her sleeping face was as beautiful as an angel's.

　Jeanne decided to read the economics book she’d brought into the room while watching over Hirune.

　After reading for a while, Jeanne suddenly looked out the window.

　Outside the window, she saw a blue lake with large white birds bathing in the water. Away from the lake, townspeople in straw hats were rowing small boats across the lake, probably to catch fish.

“It's a very nice town."

　Jeanne closed her book and opened the window.

　A refreshing breeze swayed Jeanne's ponytail. She could smell the sweet aroma of jam simmering in the innkeeper's garden.

“Oh, it's Holly.”

　She found Holly, who had been given some bread and jam by the townspeople and was eating it with relish.

　Holly's light blue hair stood out well.

　Jeanne smiled and waved her hand.

“Holly-sama.”

　Holly noticed Jeanne's voice and looked around, then looked up at the second floor of the inn.

　When Holly's eyes met Jeanne's, she quickly hid the wooden plate she had in her hands behind her and her cheeks turned red.

　She was embarrassed that she’d been caught eating jam.

“Jeanne, Is Hirune asleep?"

　Holly asked with a sober expression.

“Yes, she's asleep.”

“I didn't even have to ask.”

　Holly shrugged her shoulders.

"Is it Mini-berry jam? It's famous in the southern region of the country!”

　Jeanne asked innocently. Jeanne, being Jeanne, was a bit of a natural air-head.

　Holly's face turned red.

“Yes, yes, that’s right! It's a specialty of this town! They insisted on giving it to me as a thank you for helping with the purifying earlier.”

"I see. As expected of you Holly-sama."

　Jeanne smiled at her.

　The lady who made the jam nodded her head in agreement.

“Well, you know, as a saint, I did what I had to do. I am the youngest saint in the world.”

　Holly looked up, her cheeks twitching.

　　Then, Hirune suddenly appeared from beside  Jeanne, wondering what was happening before she knew it.

“I smell something sweet, I knew it.......Holly’s a foodie.”

　　Holly's cheeks flushed red again, though the redness had just started to recede.

“Don't say such a disgraceful thing.  Hirune, you should come down too. We're going outside the town. Let's reduce the miasma near the town as much as possible.”

"Ahh ......, I understand.”

    Since there was miasma involved, Hirune readily agreed.

　Thanks to the lake, the miasma hadn't entered the town, but she could feel its presence nearby.

　The woman making the jam smiled when she saw Hirune yawn.

(Let's purify it quickly and get a good night's sleep. Let's do that. And let's get some jam.)

"Jeanne, your coming with us."

"Yes."

　Jeanne fixed her sleepy appearance, put on her Great Saint's robe, and they walked out the inn's entrance.

(Oh, there's a line for the hammock.)

　The townspeople were lined up in front of the hammock where Hirune had slept earlier.

　A middle-aged man was sleeping in the hammock connected to a beam at the eaves of the inn, his eyes closed in a comfortable manner. The swaying of the hammock lulled him to sleep.

　Hirune called out to a nearby soldier who was manning the line.

"What's going on?"

“ Great Saint-sama!”

　The soldier made the holy seal and bowed.

“The Great Saint Hirune’s sleeping net has become the talk of the town, as it is said that you’ll be able to sleep within three seconds of lying down. ...... Many townspeople have gathered to try it out.”

“The hammock is as good as it gets. The breeze feels good, and it's perfect for napping.”

"Hammock? What’s a hammock?”

　An elderly man standing in line called out to Hirune.

　He was dressed nicely. He was an executive of the town.

"Yes sir. It's a net for people to sleep in. I named it a hammock.”

 said Hirune, proudly, as if it was her own achievement.

"Oh, so it’s different from Bailiwick. I'll be responsible for spreading the word.”

"By all means do so. I think it would be appropriate for a lake town.”

"Very well."

　The old man bowed reverently.

　After that, the hammock became a specialty of Moderna, and in cooperation with the bedding store Valhalla, it spread throughout the world. It would not be long before Hirune learned of it.

“Let's go then. Jeanne, thanks for waiting.”

"Yes. Let's go.”

　Without knowing that, the carefree Great Saint headed for the garden of the inn where Holly was waiting.

　　　　　　()

　Hirune took Holly and a few soldiers to purify the miasma around the town.

　Riding on a horse controlled by a female knight, the purification took place for about two hours, and all signs of evil disappeared from the surrounding area.

　Of course, Hirune was rewarded with jam and bread by the aunt, which made her feel like she was dreaming.

(There's nothing like a sweet treat after a hard day's work. ......)

　The mini berry jam tasted sweet and sour.

(Is this the taste of youth? Is it a little different?)

　Hirune smiled when she saw Holly and Jeanne talking happily with jam buns in their hands.

　Thinking back, she didn't have many friends when she was in school.

　Because they were poor, she had to help out at home and rarely went out to play.

　She wondered if this was what it would be like to do something with friends after school.

"Hirune-sama, is something the matter?"

　Jeanne ate a piece of jam bread and looked at Hirune.

　At first, she was adamant: "The maids can't take it.”, “No, I don’t want it.” But when Hirune strongly suggested it, she ate it. This is a world where sweetness is rare. She must have been happy.

"No no, it's nothing.”

“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

Jeanne laughed as she looked at Hirune, whose eyes were less sleepy and more open than usual.

“That’s right. I'm happy to be able to eat delicious food together like this.”

“Hirune-sama, ......”

　Jeanne nodded vigorously, suddenly under the illusion that Hirune was suddenly going somewhere.

“Yes. I’m also happy. We'll be together for a long time to come, won't we?”

“Yes, we will. I can't sleep at night without Jeanne, so please keep working with me.”

"Yes!"

　With a big smile on her face, Jeanne replied.

“And gluttonous Holly too. Let’s be together forever."

　Hirune looked at Holly.

　Holly, who had been standing next to her listening to the conversation, got spooked and turned away in panic.

"Hmm, well If you put it that way, I wouldn't mind staying with you forever. ......"

　Holly's gaze swung to Hirune as she said this.

“Rather I’ve told you I’m not a foodie. It's disgraceful, please stop.”

“You've got jam on the side of your mouth.”

　Hirune smiled, pulled a handkerchief out of her pocket and wiped Holly's mouth.

"--"

　Holly was at her mercy, grunting in embarrassment.

　She never thought she'd be taken care of by Hirune.

" .......Thank you."

　Holly said quietly and turned her back on Hirune and Jeanne.

　At that moment, a gust of wind blew from the lake.

　A large bird chirped and flew away.

　Several white wings spread out in the blue sky and disappeared like clouds.

　Hirune's long hair fluttered softly.

“I want to come back to this town. ......”

　 Hirune murmured, and Jeanne and Holly nodded.

"Yes, ......."

“Yes.”

　The three of them said, and the townspeople nearby smiled at their words.

(It's a lovely town. ...... After all, there's a lot of happiness in this world. ......)

　Hirune watched the glittering light reflecting off the lake for a long time.