"I see... While trying to shake off the charging Bivora, I stabbed him with the knife that fell to the ground."
"Yes... I'm very sorry."
After Bivora died at Kleia's hands, the kingdom dispatched priests and knights after the church was notified.
The knights confirmed Bivora's body and investigated how he had breached the security magic.
Of course, the knights also questioned us... but it was too embarrassing to admit that my female, Kleia, killed him, so I lied and said I killed him while fighting with the invading Bivora.
This might affect Kleia's appointment as saintess... more importantly, I should be held responsible for my female's actions.
"Will you be punished for murder...?"
"Huh? How could you? This guy is a vicious criminal who kidnapped the family of a hero knight and possessed a crest issuer. You should be rewarded instead; punishment is out of the question." I asked tentatively with trepidation, but it seems there's nothing to worry about.
Truly a royal society. The fates of others are uncertain, but there's no mercy for the lives of criminals. That resonates with me.
"...However, the whereabouts of that generator haven't been found yet, which is somewhat worrying..." The knight, who was taking notes while I was explaining, forced an awkward smile.
That thing hasn't been discovered yet...? The thing the administrator saw wasn't something one person could move.
"...But it's alright. We'll handle this for now, so please don't worry, Divine Beast. You must have been quite shaken by this incident; leave the rest to us." The knight, having finished recording, gave a reassuring smile.
Alright. Thank you then.
Now that even Bivora, this major concern, has disappeared, it seems everything is truly resolved...
"Is there any problem with the Saintess's appointment ceremony tomorrow? If necessary, it can be postponed..." Beside the knight listening to our explanation, a priest asked Claire with a worried expression.
Since she's called a saintess, it seems that although the appointment ceremony hasn't taken place yet, in the priests' hearts, Clya's becoming a saintess is already a foregone conclusion.
Hmm… indeed. Although that guy deserved to die, it still took a life; Clya probably needs time to process her emotions.
Thinking this, I looked at Clya. Clya, who had been keeping her eyes closed, smiled slightly at me and told the priest not to worry.
"It's alright. Because of what happened, it seems we need to complete the appointment ceremony as soon as possible."
"Is that so? Then, the preparations for today's scheduled appointment ceremony should begin immediately…"
"Yes. I'll be there right away. Could you please go ahead and convey this message?"
"Understood. Then…" Watching the priestess leave and seeing the knights finish their preparations, Clya opened her eyes and smiled as she moved to the next room.
"Hehe. It feels so good."
"Clya is so cool~ She just smacked that trash's head! Ah~♡"
My females giggled as if they had played a fun game.
Anyway… Bivora was someone who had to be dealt with to prevent future trouble. That's fine.
"That trash is done… Master. I'm sorry, it seems we don't have time today." Claire bowed her head to me with a bitter expression that seemed genuinely apologetic.
Yes. Now that things have come to this, I must become a saintess.
Because of Bivora's sudden intrusion, my enthusiasm has cooled somewhat… Although it's regrettable, there's still plenty of time in the future.
"Hmm… Well, there's nothing I can do about it. Anyway, we have plenty of time, so let's enjoy it slowly. Shall we go straight there?"
"Before that, there's something I'd like to ask Master… Do you plan to continue operating in Ladia?"
"Hmm? Well, Ladia is indeed suitable for adventurers… but leaving Claire alone in the capital is a bit of a shame. I'm considering moving there. What's wrong?"
From what I've observed over this period, the capital isn't particularly suitable for adventurers.
The guild administration is actually smaller than in Ladia, and the adventurers don't seem to be very skilled.
The Kingdom's Knights already handle most affairs, and with monsters like the Hero Knights, there's not much need for adventurers here.
Besides, anyone with a bit of strength joins the Knights; the guild administration in the capital is basically just a place for errands and running errands.
In Radhidia, on the other hand, the lords and soldiers are mediocre, while the adventurers are far stronger than necessary. Completely opposite.
If I come to the capital… should I level up a bit and then consider joining the Knights…?
"Is that so? So, if I could choose, you mean Radhidia is better?"
"Sort of… I guess? The capital is too big, it feels a bit inconvenient."
"I understand. Then, I'll choose Radhidia."
Huh? Choose Radhidia?
"…I can choose that? Shouldn't the Saintess live in the capital?"
"Hehe…Leave it to me. As my master's female, I will show him the result you desire."
Claire smiled reassuringly at me as she said this.
"Furthermore, I've prepared an activity to make up for today's disappointment. Both are planned to be showcased at tomorrow's appointment ceremony."
"…Oh dear. It seems my female is planning something interesting."
"Hehe. If Master is truly curious, I can tell you now…"
"No need. Let me look forward to it."
Since she's keeping me in suspense like this, there's no need to know beforehand.
What exactly has Claire, now my female, prepared? Let's wait and see.
"I look forward to Claire's preparations."
"Hehe…I'm sure you'll be satisfied, Master♡" Claire said, a smile playing on her lips, her demonic eyes gleaming alluringly.
......
Then the next day. The day of Claire's appointment ceremony.
Claire had said yesterday that she wouldn't return to her dormitory but would attend the appointment ceremony directly.
In the square near the palace, citizens of the capital gathered to witness the new saintess.
Behind the high platform sat the archbishops of the Goddess Cult, followed by numerous priests, including Paul.
In the VIP section a little further away, the King and royalty watched everything as if overlooking the citizens and the entire platform.
In this square, filled with all sorts of people, today, Claire would finally become a Saintess.
"By the grace of Her Majesty the Goddess, a new Saintess is bestowed upon us today..." Thanks to the Church, Lisbeth and I, having secured good seats, watched as the Pope addressed Claire, who was dressed in a magnificent white Saintess robe.
After a lengthy eulogy to the Goddess, the Pope smiled and looked at Claire—"...In the name of __, I hereby proclaim the birth of a new Saintess of the Goddess's Church."
Finally, the news of Claire's ascension to the Saintess was officially announced.
Claire clapped along with the applauding citizens and waved in our direction.
Perhaps due to her Demonic Eyes malfunctioning, Claire's eyes were closed...but even in this state, she seemed to still be smiling at me.
Heh. My female is a Saintess. This feels quite nice.
Although the complete lack of revealing elements doesn't quite suit my taste, the saintess's robe fits her quite well... Hmm. So beautiful. My female.
"Now, please welcome the newly elected Saintess, Lady Claire, to give her acceptance speech." After the priest presiding over the ceremony finished speaking, Claire walked to the podium and stood before a magical artifact resembling a microphone.
Claire adjusted her breathing, and the sounds in the square gradually subsided as the citizens awaited her speech.
Claire held a piece of paper that seemed to contain what appeared to be her acceptance speech, gazing at it silently.
Soon, the newly elected saintess's powerful speech began.