Chapter 28: Lazy Saint

“I can’t sleep…”

I was satisfied. I also comprehended.

I know this is the necessary time for us, the best choice we can make.

But, the restlessness and anxiety amplify the sound of my heartbeat, making it unbearable to sleep.

Despite being tired myself.

Just as I was about to get out of bed to ask for some alcohol downstairs… I heard a faint knock on the door.

“Come in, it’s open.”

As I said so, the door was gently pushed open.

With light footsteps and an unusually stealthy presence, I knew who it was.

“Did I wake you up?”

Fimia, dressed in her nightwear, stood there with an apologetic smile.

Though there was no need for further conversation, this “saint” seems to lack a sense of crisis or modesty, coming all the way to my room like this.

“No, I was awake. Just couldn’t sleep.”

“I couldn’t sleep either.”

“Shall I ask Rolo to cast a sleep spell on you?”

Fimia chuckled at my jest.

“That would be nice, but would you mind keeping me company for a while?”

“Hey now, has the saint turned into a drinker?”

I lightly teased Fimia, who had a bottle of alcohol hidden behind her back.

Back when we were in Silhasta, I never imagined her as someone who would drink this much, but it seems she’s been overdoing it lately.

Well, I can’t say anything, considering I was thinking of going for a drink myself earlier.

“As an apology, I brought something nice.”

“Apology?”

“I couldn’t help but feel guilty about slowing us down because of my incompetence.”

“That’s on me for losing control.”

“Even so, as a ‘saint,’ it was my duty to support you. I feel responsible for holding you back.”

“Wait. Listen to me, Fimia.”

I knelt before Fimia, who was sitting with her head bowed.

I learned that this is the urban etiquette when facing a lady.

“Before you’re a ‘saint’ or I, a hero, aren’t we comrades? Important friends. There’s no need for you to blame yourself for not looking out for me. And there’s nothing to apologize for, okay?”

“Jurg…”

“It was my fault. I shouldn’t have made you say such things.”

Fimia’s hand touched my lowered head.

It was surprising, considering how few times I’ve experienced being petted like this, but… it wasn’t bad at all.

“Jurg is always being kind even when it’s not necessary, and it worries me.”

“A little patience is a warrior’s virtue. Don’t spoil me too much, or I’ll become weak.”

“If you show a little dependence, it would be quite charming, you know?”

Though I couldn’t see her face, I sensed Fimia’s atmosphere lightening up.

Relieved by that, I lifted my head.

“Now, let’s go back to your room and rest. I’ll gladly accept the drink though.”

At my words, Fimia made a slightly annoyed face.

I know. Whenever she makes that face, it means she’s going to protest something.

“There’s no need to rush me out like this.”

“I can’t. Besides, you shouldn’t casually enter a man’s room like this.”

“But you said, ‘Come in,’ didn’t you?”

With that said, I found myself lost in thought.

What Fimia said was right.

Once I knew who was at the door, there was no need to invite her in.

So why did I say “come in”?

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… I just don’t get it.”

“What do you mean?”

Shaking my head at Fimia’s slight tilt, I replied,

“It’s nothing. Anyway, go back to your room. We have an early start tomorrow.”

“Why are you being so mean to me? Why are you being so nasty?”

Do you understand or not?

Maybe you are giving me too much trust as a friend or as a “saint”.

If not, is she seducing me?

No….., I don’t think so.

“Okay, okay. Now do whatever you want.”

“Then let’s have a toast before I go.”

With a grin, Fimia responded.

Though I wanted to give her a lecture, it was more important to put her to bed for now.

I’ll entertain her with drinks or anything else.

Thinking that way, I forcefully pulled out the cork from the bottle.

◆

The next day.

We finished breakfast at sunrise and left Advante promptly.

It seemed the care arranged by Saran last night had worked well, as the horses and Gregure were quite lively.

From here on out, it’s going to be another forced march.

Taking a proper rest here was the right decision for both us and the horses.

“…Jurg? You didn’t sleep well, did you?”

“Well, you know.”

I thought I was keeping it together, but apparently Rolo saw through me.

Well, I understand that I was in a pretty bad state this morning.

“Should we change the travel plan?”

“No, it’s fine. I’m just tough, that’s all. Let’s head to Marhas.”

I shook my head at Saran’s words and gathered my determination.

Even though I’ve sorted out my thoughts a bit, I’m still worried about my hometown.

We need to hurry as much as possible.

“Is Fimia okay too?”

“Yes. I’m fine as well. I rested properly, so both my physical strength and magic power are sufficient.”

Fimia’s response to Rolo’s question was strangely crisp.

“That’s good to hear. From here, we’ll take the Eastern Highway to the dairy city of Hilte. If timing allows, we’ll use inns, but generally, expect to camp.”

“Got it. We need to return to Malhas as soon as possible.”

Saran says this, but he should have planned the itinerary to reach an inn to some extent.

That way, our overall exhaustion would be minimized.

Given the information about the impending Overflow, there’s a high possibility that we’ll need to move as soon as we arrive.

Especially Saran, who has a lot to do with evacuation instructions and contacting reception centers.

The actual work will likely fall to me and Rolo, and Fimia will handle church-related matters.

…In other words, we need to hurry while also managing our exhaustion.

“Jurg, there’s no need to be overly tense. You’re just a piece in the puzzle. All the responsibility lies with me.”

“I can’t be that naive. I—”

“Then, please face forward with more confidence. You must be a reliable leader. In front of us, in front of the pioneering city, and in front of everyone facing ‘elimination.'”

That sneaky strategist of mine, delivering indirect motivational speeches.

But thanks to him, I felt a bit more determined.

“Yeah, I get it. So, I’ll leave the change of direction to you. Can you handle the reins well?”

“Even if you don’t tell me, I’m already planning to. You’ll listen to me, won’t you?”

“Of course. Making you listen is also your job.”

As we exchanged banter, we raced along the highway.

Fimia was looking at us with a strangely moist gaze again, but let’s consider that as her returning to her usual self.

It’s much better than being heavily burdened with apologies like yesterday.

“Let’s hurry!”

Already, the heavy winter sky has disappeared, and flowers are beginning to peek along the roadside.

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