Chapter 53 - Volume 4 (2/2)

The hero with the protection of the light was the hope of the people.

While the Hero was the guiding light that lit the way for the people, the Holy Crusader wielded the power of the light to avenge the people’s suffering upon their enemies.

In other words, it means that the Holy Crusader must be stronger than the Hero as an individual……

“I have to become strong as the [Holy Paladin]. If you head to the Daemon territory, I will too.”

“……Rick”

Rick is also following Noel……

“Although I thought that I could defend Yurushia, but every time you’ve protected me…”

He’s aware of it himself……… I’m unable to refuse Rick whenever he displays his straightforward [Masculinity].

Well, in any case, if Noel is coming, I can’t refuse Rick either.

To me, since Rick was a young kid when I first met him, I’ve always taken him lightly.

As I reminisced about the old days, the moment that the eyes of our chaperones were obstructed by the shade of a tree, Rick grabbed my arm and pulled me in.

“I cannot lose to Noel.”

“…………”

It’scloseit’sclose your face is too close! We’re almost stuck together!

Did Rick realize it too? His eyes went wide momentarily and drew apart, returning to holding my hand with only one hand and walking again.

What’s going on, hmmmph? …… You’re not meeting my eyes.

Anyways, various things happened, but it seems that the [Holy Kingdom Hero’s Party] can’t help but head out together.

But still, we’re being accompanied by a team of escort knights again…… Our Hero’s Party is basically being accompanied by chaperones.

“……eee~tto, are you all coming with us too?”

Since my departure has become public knowledge, naturally my guardian knights from the Ducal household, along with Vio, Fell and Min were going to be accompanying me as my caretakers.

“Naturally. Ria-sama specially instructed us to take care of Princess Yuru-sama.”

As Vio replied for them all, Fell and Min both smiled and nodded behind her.

“Aren’t we just sightseeing?”

I’m mostly focused on the sightseeing.

“Of-of course we understand. I haven’t hugged Yuru-sama lately, but I can’t force it even if I’m lonely.”

“Oh yeah, about those local guide books that Yuru-sama told us to order, I’ve made special arrangements.”

Oi………

Well, the maids that have been taking care of me since I was young… even now that they’re my ladies-in-waiting, these three girls still worried about me from the bottom of their hearts.

…… Isn’t that right? This doesn’t have a vacation-y mood?

Aren’t all three of them newlyweds…… is it alright to leave their husbands alone………?

These three girls… Now that half of their twenties have gone by, if I was asked to introduce them marriage partners, I would have decided readily on anyone that was convenient.

Vio was with a single bachelor steward who was in his 30s, Fell with a young knight under the Duke, and Min with the sous chef of the house.

Did you all ever date anyone else before? I think that the three of them just chose partners that would allow them to continue prioritizing their current work…… I’m okay with that, though.

Well, I interviewed them too, and I was relieved since they’re all good people.

Since I had a serious personal interview and put them under [Killing Intent] for an hour or so until they started to cry, I don’t think they’ll cheat even if they’re about to die.

Because of that, it seems that the husbands have all said that [If you are by Yurushia-sama’s side, I’ll be relieved] and I’ve acquired a strange trust.

I am but a weak noble lady……

If this trend continues in the following years, I wonder if I’ll have to be the one finding husbands for the 15 girls of the escort knights as well. To be blunt, it’s a pain in the rear.

Those girls, when they saw that the [Holy Saint-sama(me)] give the blessings at Vio, Fell and Min’s weddings at the behest of the priest, they’ve all been brimming with eagerness to receive my favor.

Oh, come to think of it, they aren’t my [Escort Knights] any longer.

It seems that they became the [Saint Guard Squadron] when I became the [Holy Saint].

They ranked up. Their equipment was completely changed too, and it can’t be helped that I had to turn to Zest of the Carpe Merchant Association and ordered 15 magic swords for them.

It was a huge expense. My private slush fund was halved.

Regarding my own marriage…… For me, since my sister-samas’ returns are a delicate matter, will I have to take a groom into the family?

Aunt-sama of the Shiguresu Royal Family’s fierce promotion of her son is scary.

When I brought up the topic with Mother-sama discreetly, it seems that seven marriage proposals have come from the royal families of the surrounding countries.

Including a newly-born third prince…… what are you all thinking?

……… Is that my bridegroom?

…Ah, I got off track; this was supposed to be a story about my Saint (idol) tour.

Since someone might ask [Saint-sama, sing us a song], I can’t avoid singing practice…… It’s just in case? I don’t really actually want to sing, promise…

The estimated journey will take several months, and it absolutely wasn’t purposely scheduled to be on my birthday.

So, Grandfather-sama, please stop throwing a tantrum. Please don’t try to inspect the border? …… Since I’m going to break through it with my ability.