Kays Translations

Chapter 24: Forgiveness of the Saint

"Make sure to keep watch, Jurg."

"...Yeah."

Facing away from the spring and trying not to look in that direction, I respond. I can't understand why I ended up in this situation, but it was Fimia herself who insisted on swapping positions with Rolo.

I don't understand at all why it was me and not Rolo, even though she would have to expose her naked body depending on the situation.

The sound of clothes rustling, followed by a small splash, then a brief silence.

"Jurg."

"What?"

"I'm actually angry."

Not understanding what she's talking about, I tilt my head away while facing the rocks.

"If it's about this morning, I’m not apologizing."

"It's not directed at you. It's towards myself."

With a small splash, Fimia's presence turns towards me. Once you get used to being targeted, you can sense these things without looking.

"I made a light-hearted remark... but I should have considered your feelings more."

"Hey, did you eat something weird or what?"

"Don't make light of it. I'm confessing. I should have thought more about your feelings."

"You're the one who usually hears confessions. Don't worry about it. It was just a slip of the tongue, not your fault."

As if drowning out my sigh, the sound of water approaches me.

It's totally Fimia, and she's probably naked right now.

What will you do if I accidentally turn around? That's too careless.

Well, I'm surprisingly happy that people trust me not to do such things.

“I am sorry.”

Immediately behind me, I hear Fimia's apologetic voice.

If anything, I was slightly surprised by the strong "Saint"-sama's humble attitude toward me.

"I told you not to worry."

“But it was my mistake and something like that…”

"No, you're worrying too much. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time, so it just came out of my mouth by mistake. It's not your fault."

Waving my hands slightly left and right to show Fimia. Such worries are groundless and a misunderstanding.

"What about the purification?"

"I'm done with it. Now I just need to sleep with a calm heart."

"Then let me lighten your heart a bit more."

Speaking while facing away, I spoke to Fimia. I'm not good at this kind of thing, but it seems like she's worrying too much. I don't want things to be awkward, and I don't want her to be overly considerate. So, I decided to convey my honest feelings.

"Honestly, Fimia, just the fact that you're considerate of me like this is more than enough for me. You've seen and heard it, right? I'm not well-liked in this village... when I was a kid, Rolo and his family were the only ones on my side."

"Jurg..."

"But you know, when I went to Advante and met you guys, well, in the end, that Albert guy was a bust, but whether it's you or Saran, one way or another, you guys... what should I say, became my friends, right?"

Saying it out loud, it's somewhat embarrassing. And whether they're companions or friends, what's the difference? To me, who's not good at studying, I only know that both are important.

"Because you guys were there, I became a little better. But you know, I couldn't expect those villagers to understand that. When I was a sulking brat, I caused too much trouble for them. Being hated or avoided is only natural. That's why, after repaying my debts to the extent I'm satisfied with, I planned to leave the village."

"Isn't that too lonely?"

"Yeah, it is. But for Malhas, it's best if someone like me doesn't wander around."

As my words finish, Fimia's fingertips gently touch my back.

"What's wrong?"

"I still need you here."

"Did you really listen to the story?"

I couldn't help but smile wryly. This side of Fimia, who is so assertive, is the first time I've encountered it in the many years we've faced each other in Silhasta. I thought she was a woman who understood things well and avoided conflict on the surface... but it seems she was quite stubborn.

"I, as a priestess and a 'saint,' forgive your sins in the name of the holy gods."

"Huh?"

"I forgive you for repenting. I forgive you for the battles of redemption. I forgive the words of reconciliation. I forgive... being with people—forgive it."

A warm sensation gently poured down on me. Did Fimia use some kind of magic?

"Hey, Fimia?"

"Listen, Jurg. Because you're kind, you try to distance yourself like that... but I think people who have been rejected by you feel very sad."

"I haven't rejected anyone—"

"No, you have rejected. People change. You, who said the past can't be changed, didn't you change from 'Evil Jurg' to Heavenly Break Strike? Similarly, those who were once hurt by touching you will also change."

The gentle voice, along with the warmth touching my back, shakes my heart. I had always averted my gaze and completely given up on that part, but I surprisingly don't feel uncomfortable.

Fimia's words "forgive" seem to support me.

"...Alright, I'll try to make an effort."

"Being straightforward is one of your good points."

With those words, Fimia's fingertips leave my back, but the ignited "flame of the heart" remains within my chest.

Confidence... no, courage?

For a foolish person like me, some indescribable positive feeling was quietly flickering inside me.

"What's this...?"

"It's a magic that brings courage. How do you feel?"

"Not bad. Thanks, Fimia."

"You're welcome... *Kuchuun!*"

A small sneeze from the "saint" behind me. Even though it has warmed up considerably recently, being soaked in water can still make you feel cold. Before worrying about me, she should take care of herself a bit more.

"Your change of clothes is over there. Let's head back after you change."

"Sounds good. And if there's warm soup, that would be nice too."

"Got it, got it. I'll prepare something later."

There's an abundance of monster meat, and despite appearances, I have some confidence in monster cuisine. When you've been living the adventurer life for a long time, you get used to that sort of thing. Both on the eating side and the cooking side.

"Rolo, you can come out now."

When Fimia calls out after changing, Rolo smoothly appears from the nearby shade of a tree. As usual, he's skilled at using invisibility magic. Well, since I knew Rolo was there, I stayed close to Fimia while talking. No need to worry about being suspected as a home-wrecker later.

"You knew?"

"Just a little. You can make your form thin, but you can't erase your presence."

"You're unbeatable, Jurg..."

I lightly pat Rolo's shoulder as he laughs wryly.

"Hide-and-seek, I'm still better at it."

"Oh, want a rematch? I'll use magic to find you this time."

"That's cheating. What about you, Fimia?"

"I'll refrain. I don't feel like I can win."

Laughing lightly, the three of us walk along the path towards the village. Beyond the trees, the moon is quietly rising in the sky.

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