Chapter 16 (1/2)

Senia smiled brightly after Carr curled his pinky around her and shook it once. There was a light blush hanging on her white skin. Even though it was a small and trivial matter, but she couldn’t help but thank him for indulging her. Carr just quietly smiled at her.

However, she would deeply regret the promise later on.

The two stayed in the city a little longer than they originally planned because Senia needed to calm the town’s atmosphere after the monsters’ attack. There were many priests who could use a light divine miracle, so Senia just had to treat those who were seriously wounded then spent most of her time to attend the scheduled prayer.

People’s anxiety subsides with the knowledge that the saint of the sun’s god was staying in the city and doing miracles. An attack by monsters that happened without warning. A demon who controlled it but hadn’t been caught. This was enough to unrest the people even though there was no significant damage because of Carr’s quick thinking and precise judgement. However, Senia knew well why the people needed her to stay in the city for longer although it took a toll on her.

While Senia was performing her duties as a saint in the town, Carr would always follow her around. Sometimes he would stay close like her personal guard and at other times, he would stay in the shadow, watching her from afar. When Senia wandered to the private residency of the people, Carr would watch her surroundings. When Senia entered the temple, he would sit on a bench outside and spent time quietly.

Senia wanted him to be more independent, but Carr refused as he had no intention of doing so. After all, only Senia trusted him and so he didn’t plan to leave her alone. And recently, sitting alone was not as boring as it used to be.

“Oh, you’re here again today. I’m glad I didn’t walk in vain. You’ve been travelling for a long time, haven’t you? What monsters have you caught before?”

After the incident, the captain of the guard came to Carr and ask for various defence measures also Dan came around to talk to him whenever he had time. At first, Carr wasn’t keen to talk but now he spent a lot of time talking with others. It was a development that he would never think would ever happen, after all, he didn’t trust people.

“You mean the scent of the Sadrans has the effect of repelling the harpies?”

Today, it was the captain of the guard that came to visit him first. He was very interested in Carr’s monster hunting knowledge. While mercenaries usually hired a lot as an escort or for security works, Carr only hunted monsters, so he had many experiences.

“Yes. I hate the scent of that flower. In highland villages where there are frequent territorial conflicts with harpies over territory, they prefer to use flowers called Sadran rather than window walls, so it’s good to squeeze the nectar. Ah, they are also good for perfume.”

“I see. We need to gather it in advance and grow it here.”

“Anything else you like to know?”?

“Oh, I have everything I want to ask you today, but I have a message for you today.” The captain took a letter out of his pocket. It was a simple paper that was folded in half, there was no seal on it.

“The woman I met on the street this morning asked me to give it to you, Sir Carr.”

“To me?” Carr frowned as he took the letter and opened it.

The captain watched Carr hesitation as he opened the note and wondered if it was bad news, “Did something happen? What’s wrong?”

“No, I expected it…. But I can’t read the letter.”

Literacy was rare, especially in those in the rural villages. After all, only people who lived and trade in the big city had the skills.

“Well, if you don’t mind, I can read it for you.” The captain said carefully.

“Please.” Carr nodded and handed the letter back. He leaned back, enjoying the morning sun while waiting for the letter to be read.

The captain looked at Carr for a moment, wondering where all his power and experience came from when Carr looked like any normal person right now as he basked under the sun. He couldn’t help but respect Carr, he is still awed by his performance during the fight.

Carr who noticed the stare, turned his head toward the captain, raising his brow slightly.

“Ah right.” The captain cleared his throat and started reading the letter, “I’m interested in you. Tonight at 8.00 p.m., please come to the Chrysanthemum Inn. Alone. That’s what the letter said.”

The captain flushed slightly, clearing his throat after reading the content of the note. “Hmm. This… She’s a passionate one. I’m sorry that I had to read it.”

To call a man you’re interested in an inn, alone, at night. Anyone would know the real message behind it.

The captain looked up from the note, curious to see Carr’s reaction about the sudden propositioned from an unknown girl.

“…. I don’t know what this is.” Carr murmured to himself while scratching his cheek expressionlessly.

“Wait? What? Isn’t it obvious?”

“The nature of the meeting is not written down, so it doesn’t seem to be an important thing. I don’t think I have to go.”

“Oh, no… but that’s….”

The captain of the guard was embarrassed, not sure how he should explain the subtle meaning behind the note and thoughtfully grabbed Carr’s shoulder.

“Sir Carr.”

“?”

“I think, as a man, you should go there. Even if your decision might change later.”’

“….?”

“You have to go without fail. It wasn’t a gentlemanly manner to ignore a woman’s courage and she was quite a beauty too.”

“I understand what you’re trying to say, but does it matter?”

“It is.”

Carr blinked a few times and, in the end, was convinced by the captain’s words. After all the man had a sterner face than during the monster meeting a few days ago. There’s also the fact that in terms of how to conduct social experience and anything touch ordinary life, Carr was completely incompetent, so it seemed he didn’t have anything to lose from following the other man’s advice.

“Well, if you say so. I’ll go and check out the situation.”

“That’s good. This is the fantasy of every man. Hm. To be honest, I’m quite jealous.”

“Why are you jealous of Sir Carr?”

“Oh, damn. Get up, get up. Hello, saint!”

Senia, who came out of the prayer, was standing next to them with a smile which surprised the captain who quickly got up and gave her a stiff salute. He was nervous that their whole conversation was heard by the saint.

Senia greeted the two in silence, looking at both before she opened her mouth again.

“It seemed you two have been talking in a friendly way, so I didn’t want to interrupt from afar, but it makes me curious what you’re jealous of, captain?”

“Well, that’s… hahaha. It’s just such an honour and blessing for us to be able to escort the saint. I was jealous of Sir Carr because of that.”

“Oh? Was it something like that?”

Carr shrugged his shoulder, not sure how to explain it to Senia but he could show her the letter. However, seeing how anxious and sweaty the guard was, he wondered if he should just keep it to himself.

Senia could easily see that the two were lying, but she decided not to ask more and smiled her usual pretty smile.

“Well, thank you for your words. We will continue to work hard and spread God’s grace.”

“Hmm. Well, even now the sun’s god blessing was still powerful. It would have been nice if the moon’s saint is also here. It’s a pity that you have to leave immediately.”

“Perhaps next time we will be able to meet again.”

The captain couldn’t help the overwhelming feeling that he was able to talk to the saint. The gentle voice, the beautiful smile akin to an angel and her benevolence to save the people, it just likes how she was rumoured to be. He felt like he was blessed just by standing next to the saint.

Soon the captain turned around, returning to his afternoon patrol, after saying his goodbye one last time to Senia and Carr.