A new kingdom of God, founded by the saints after a forceful departure from the Holy Kingdom of Qualia in the middle of the year.
Renéa God Kwangoku used to be full of vitality as if it were a lie, and as a religious state, it was surrounded by so much hustle and bustle that it frowned when it lacked character.
It is easy to say that you have been reborn.
However, from those who only knew the Southern Province before, it would be said that it was a blue sky.
The man, dressed in beautiful armor with a distinctive Paladin sword and white decorations, was surprised and opened his eyes as if he had visited his hometown for the first time in a long time.
"Oh my! There are some rare people here!"
The man looks back at the casual voice from behind.
Although the country has changed, the Holy Knight is a kind of authority that receives more respect than the people.
However, the man who would be equal to anyone because of his unconventional personality is insensitive to the customs around him, and therefore has a wide friendship relationship.
Politically hostile people are not priests, and they are not called cowards, but there was high support from some people.
This is why it is natural that something that calls out in this way appears, and the other person who looked back was also a person that the man knew well.
"Nh? Ah... you're an aunt who sells medicine." It's been a long time.
The grand woman, who is the owner of the pharmacy that the man personally uses and has known since she was a child, slaps the man's waist with a bassin, as if she were the opponent of her son who returned to her parents' house for the first time in a long time.
The man seemed to say no to the rough response, but he didn't seem to dislike it at heart, so they celebrated each other's reunion after a long time in the city.
"I didn't show my face for a long time, but why were you here?"It's not like you were skipping work again, is it? "
"Shut up! I'm already a kid!"What's the change in the city?There's no sign of them, and it's like they're in a different country. "
The man quickly reveals his doubts.
It was a bad attitude of the Holy Knights, but the other woman didn't seem to care about it either.
On the contrary, I waited and lightened my mouth to the man's question.
"What are you talking about!"What a change! What a change! My country has changed! "
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Yeah, I've been out of information for a while on a mission.If you have time, let me know. "
"Oh, leave it to me!" "First of all....."
... in the end, it was a man who spent more time than expected following the long story of a woman who derailed in places, but I was able to find out the information I wanted to know, so I was convinced that it was good.
Rather, it may be honest that I was surprised that I could not afford to be distracted by such matters.
"... hmm. I can't believe that ever happened.I'm really surprised, it's a big deal, isn't it? "
"That's right! I don't know what you've been doing, but you really are a bad boy when you're not here in such a tough time."Do your duty as a Holy Knight! "
"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, noI've been desperate to destroy the evil one.What I don't know is that it's part of the Great God's plan. "
Gradually, people gathered around the man who clapped his mouth while waving his hand.
Everyone is a citizen who admires and respects him for a long time.
I don't think they're going to let me go yet.
When a man does so, he always responds appropriately to the citizen who is giving an alternative greeting.
"Still. It's been a long time since I've met you."You've been a mess for a long time.I didn't feel like I was peeing for someone else somewhere until recently.But after all, God didn't abandon us and you. "
A woman who sells medicine speaks for what people think.
From the broken face, I felt the relief from the bottom of my heart, and at the same time, I was overflowing with joy that I was able to resume to the man.
Yes, to him. "To a man whose whereabouts have not been known for a long time..."
"- Welcome back. We are proud, Advanced Holy Knight Verdell"
With a pure welcome from people who were not malicious or harmful, Verdelle shrugged and returned the words “I'm home.”
◇ ◇ ◇
The Paladin Verdelle appeared at the headquarters of the Order of the Holy Knights of the Old Southern State at a time when the sun was soaring and people were having lunch.
Not far from the cathedral, the building was, to Verdel's knowledge, a simple and modest one, with a training ground for holy knights and single occupants, a prison for criminals and an interrogation room.
But now there are many Knights and some sort of merchant, and the cafeteria, where the knights eat, is piled up with various documents, like the offices of the Grand Chamber of Commerce.
When the clergyman, who was not close to him but knew his face and name, whispered to himself in front of the paperwork with a ghostly expression, the apprentice knight boy said, "Another drunken quarrel has broken out!"and jumped in with a change of blood.
Then, the junior holy knight who had fallen to the floor just now rose up and walked out with a sneaky expression on his face.
As if in a hurry as on the eve of the war, Verdel looked indescribably "hehe..." and went to his favorite spot where he used to be to stay out of the way.
Sitting there was a holy knight who was characterized by a bigger haircut than a normal man.
Just like those around me, when I smiled bitterly at the state of fatigue, I slapped my shoulder hard enough that I was busy running a pen through the paperwork.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoaIt's like the dead are moving, Holy Knight Thomas. "
"Shut up. How many days do I have to be asleep?"
The intermediate knight, called Tomas, raised an unhealthy face in the neighborhood and shouted with excitement, mixing surprise and joy.
"Verdel! You're my friend Verdel!"Without even giving me a call... this guy! "
Where did the fatigued attitude go? Tomas jumps up with the momentum of the chair bouncing and spreads his arms, hugging him with emotion and congratulating him on his return.
From that attitude, it seems that Verdel's relationship with him is clear, and the fact is that he and Verdel have done various dangerous missions together, and they can be called surviving comrades.
Verdel's response to such comrades was as usual.Rather, I was tired of exchanges like this, and I pushed Tomas's inclusion away.
"Yes! I'm shouting loudly."Get away from me! It's as hot as ever.More than that, do you have time right now? "
The commotion must have stood out.A gaze from the other Paladins slammed through them.
Though a little surprised, they don't exaggerate like Tomas because they belong to a different faction than Verdelle.
Due to the long and peaceful history of the Holy Kingdom of Qualia, there are various factions, large and small, each holding each other back.
Renéa, who was reborn as a new nation, has unfortunately passed on its history, and although there is no obvious conflict, we still can't measure the distance between each other.
It was like that. Due to prejudices in the past, few people actively tried to engage with problem children like Verdel, and few people understood the righteousness of the heart in them.
In that regard, it could be said that Holy Knight Thomas had long been a valuable comprehension figure for Verdel and was truly a companion.
That's why there are stories only he can tell.
"Is it time? I'm just about to take a break."... what, you can't talk about it here? "
"Well, that's where it is." Come on, I'm bothered by the people who are staring at me.If possible, I'd like to talk in a calm place. "
Tomas frowns at the words.
Despite the existence of factions, the Knights are united by a strong bond based on their faith in God.
Whenever there is an encounter between political positions and interests, they are fundamentally in the same direction.Each situation is always hand in hand before every evil.That's what Tomas knows about the Knights of the Holy Knight, and how he is a follower of the Holy God Arros.
Nonetheless, Verdel's attitude was somewhat unexpected.
Well, I guess we're not in trouble again, huh?If so, what did you do this time?With a strange expression, Tomas turned his gaze to his friend.
"Well, well. It's not that big of a deal to have such a scary face."Oh, and keep quiet about the old man in the fjord.I want to heal the fatigue of my journey before I say a few words to Rikishi. "
"What? You haven't reported to the Commander of the Holy Knights of the Fjord yet?"That's why I call you the Advanced Holy Knight, so it's strange in the world. "
"Well, that's what you do on a daily basis."Then I'll wait outside.
Tomas sighed heavily as he waved his hand and dropped off Verdel in a light gesture.
Then he went out to tell one of the holy knights, who was watching from afar, to take a little late lunch break.
………
……
…
Tomas was guided to a house in a corner of the city.
Somewhat like a house for the less affluent, it was small overall and coarsely made.
On the contrary, it seems that it has been an empty house for the past few years, and although there is no damage to the pillars, it smells moldy and dusty.
If you're still good at finding places like this, you'll be half stunned by all your friends with skills that don't almost look like the Paladin.
Since I didn't know Tomas' heart, Verdelle's interest was in him.
"Renéa, Divine Guangguo... right?" The Holy Maiden will do the same. "
"Yeah, but this place has changed.Many people are smiling back, and many injustices are being corrected. ”
In the conversation we had earlier, we decided to tell Verdel about the recent movement in Southern California.
This was done in the first place in a strictly confidential manner.Even though the Paladins had a lot of secret information, they still knew more facts than the people of Ichii.
I washed them up and left them on a long-term mission to tell Verdelle, but the words I returned were exactly what I said earlier.
It seems that he is not as moved or joyful as he is surprised.
"Fraudulent... hey, I always thought there were no geezies and they'd all be killed."
“Tell me that the divine punishment has come.As a matter of fact, the priests who have a deep relationship with us are getting away with it.... well, some of them seemed to have suffered the wrath of God. "
"Now the wind and the street are better?"Well, you can't disobey a saintly lady who has the honor of killing the Doom King.What a mythical achievement.Speaking of the center, hey, I can't do that. "
Without worrying about the dust, Verdel sits down at the table.
It was Tomasu who frowned at the work that lacked the product, but I understand that it is a personality that does not change the attitude when I say it, so I just lightly stroke it.
Sighing heavily to Verdelle, who shrugged his shoulders with fear, Tomas communicates his concerns in order to get back to the subject.
"The priests in question have been rightly judged, and we are the mainstream now.Many of the things that I once missed in my heart, now I can bounce loudly.Justice is done. "
There's even something fanatic about those eyes.
Verdel narrows her eyes slightly to the look that her longtime friend showed her, and returns to her usual disheveled and somewhat frivolous attitude.
“On top of that, Verdel. I understand your inner justice, but not all of this country.The Sage Maiden of Nirvana doesn't know you.It's a mistake to be holy, can you change your attitude and be a little more quiet? "
"That's right, but this is all about character..."
"What?" replied Verdell.I need you to be serious. But I'm really worried about this. "
"More than that, Tomasz. It's been a lot of noise for a while now, but did the Saintess decide all of that holiness?I think it's a little bit extreme. "
Sounds good about holiness, but it's called execution.
It's the edge of the clergy compared to Verdell.I have taken various problematic actions so far, but I have never crossed the line.
In fact, in the past, caution was mostly a small word from superiors and priests.
I presume that I am more nervous than I appear to be when I am afraid of execution.
"No... it's not just the Holy Maiden."The Commander of the Order of the Holy Knights of the Fjord and Lord Erakino are running for the Holy Maiden.Perhaps they were the ones who made the harsh decision. ”
"Huh? Who's Ella Kino?"It looks like someone I don't know.... "
"Erakino-sama...... Somehow, you're standing in the position of a friend of the Saints of Hua."Yes, it must have been. "
"Hmm... hey, friend. If I'm sure of my memory, I think it's unprecedented for a saintly lady to make friends."
"You have no right to tell me about it."Anyway, many people are now gathered at the Hua Saintess Sou Arena and the face-down Saintess Fenne.The relationship between the Holy Kingdom and the Spirit Pact Union is unknown, but I'm sure you will understand our thoughts. "
Verdel organizes the information in his head as he sees the thrust of the conversation.
Verdel did not know what kind of person the Saintess of Hua and the Saintess of the Face on the Face were, but he knew very well that the Saintess was offering something to God at the price of the miracle.
As a result, they are mentally unstable.
Something that made them obsessed with the end of their sacrifice must be the driving force behind the founding of the nation.
"If you ask us, the Diary of Our Lady will be ours."
"There is no such story." I don't have a face to match. "
"I see... I'm sorry."
While thinking of a girl who hadn't been around for a long time, Verdell tongued.
It's all over.
"Hey, Verdell, we're going to change this country from now on.Do you remember when I used to be an apprentice knight and walked out of the bar and talked about it in a tavern? "
“Oh, I miss you, you were young back then.”
"I haven't forgotten my vows of that time."For the sake of men, for the sake of a world in which there is never a sorrow, I intend to fulfill the mission of God as a holy knight. "
Like a running lantern, memories of the past flow.
He believed in God, he believed in men, he believed in himself, and he ran madly.
It's all over.
"How about you, Verdell?" And the vows you made back then won't change?Has the sword you have dedicated to the people yet lost its radiance? "
"Of course not? Don't ask me anything stupid.My sword is still shining and my faith in God is still spreading.Well, I don't know what it looks like. "
Yes, there was faith. The oath was there.
It's all about the past.
"Speaking of which, you said you wanted to talk."It's late, but what the hell is that?I'll bow my head to Captain Fjord with you. "
I wonder if it was because of the tough talk that followed. Tomas turned his shoulders and walked toward the window as if he had come up with something.
When I opened the hard wooden window because it had not been used for a long time, I looked outside.
We are measuring time from the position of the sun.
"On his back..."
"Oh, that's right. What, it's easy."
"It's easy? Then I guess I didn't have to go out of my way to talk about it here, Verde!"
Verdel thrust his holy knight's sword.
"What, what...?"
Thomas stares at the Paladin's sword sticking out of his belly with a dazzling expression.
However, as a holy knight, I could unconsciously move my body. I almost lost consciousness in severe pain, but I pulled out my sword and looked back desperately at the distance.
There was certainly one of his ancient companions, a man who had suffered with him.
Without mistake, he was a senior Holy Knight Verdell.
"Why...."
"--because it's all over."
The last word contains no emotions, and in the blink of an eye, a blood-stained Paladin Sword is swung through.
The cold eyes staring at themselves did not change until Tomas' consciousness was dragged into eternal darkness.
◇ ◇ ◇
The Holy Knight's enclosure was overflowing with pathetic people who were constantly being killed for their work.
A senior holy knight suddenly finds a shadow at the entrance and calls out, wondering where to spill the missing troop budget.
"Mmm, you're back?"... what, are you alone? "
I thought you were coming back with me, but I don't think so.
I'm curious what the two of them were talking to each other, but I don't want to pry too much if I don't have enough trouble with other factions.
The other person didn't seem to have any intention of saying anything in particular, just nodded silently, and there was nothing wrong with it.
"Well, I have a lot of work to do."It would have been a good break with him for a long time. I'll keep asking you to do it. "
Then all we have to do is get rid of the work in front of us.Sadly, these tendencies are increasing if left unattended, so they need to be addressed quickly.
The senior knight man raises his face as he grabs a bundle of paperwork as he remembers more work as he goes out.
"Yes, I'm afraid I have more to add, can you do that too?"
I'm sorry I bothered to come here, but I'm just going to hand over the paperwork to him.
I'm sorry, but I don't know what to do.
Instead, I will thank you with gratitude.
"Thank you. Holy Knight."
That's what the senior holy knight said to the man returning to his desk.