Chapter 12 - II -

 

I left the Saint’s room as soon as she stopped her tears.  Lily stayed with her all the time, so I’m confident that she’ll be safe under her watch.

 

“…”

 

There were a few more things I needed to do before I called this a ‘day’.  Quite a distance away from the Saint’s room stood the royal pair, Sir Simon and King Rambo.

 

“So, how’s Maddie?” the meathead grabbed the collar of my shirt while asking for the condition of Her Holiness.

 

“She’s fine now.  At least, she’s recovering.” I replied, trying to let his grip loose.  Well, if you’re that worried about her, you can at least see her for yourself.

 

As for Sir Simon, he remained silent.  He was averting his eyes from me as if he had done something wrong.

 

“Hey, Your Highness.” I tapped his shoulder to get his attention, “You alright?”

 

“I know I don’t have the right to talk to Maddie, nor be concerned about her.”

 

“Nah.  No one wants what just happened.” I tried consoling the prince, “Don’t pin the blame on yourself, Sir Simon.”

 

“But you know the reason behind Maddie’s actions was all because of me.”

 

“That’s right!” it was King Rambo, “It’s Simon’s stupid mistake to hurt Maddie like that, so he has to face his guilt.”

 

Shut the fuck up, Rambo.  I never asked for your opinion.  Anyway, I continued, “Well, if you truly are repenting, at least take proper responsibility for your actions.  And I’m not telling you to hurt yourself, Sir Simon.”

 

“What should I do then?”

 

“Well, grit your teeth and live by your decision to reject her.  Think about Her Holiness’ feelings once she learns you became a dejected person because of her actions.  You think she’ll be happy with that?”

 

Sir Simon was silent.  It seemed like he was pondering deeply about what I said.

 

“A mistake wouldn’t correct another wrong.  It would only make it bigger, Your Highness.” I suggested, “Best course of action is, reverse the mistake by doing right, which in your case is, pursuing what makes you happy.”

 

“That’s some deep words you got there, peasant.” King Rambo commented.

 

“I hope you find your happiness as well, Your Majesty!” Honestly, I’ve been itching to tell him ‘go die drowning in steroids’, but I decided not to pick up any new enemies.

 

“Hmph!  Thanks for the words, peasant!” he replied in his usual arrogant tone, “I may leave soon, but don’t think that someone like you can win against me for Maddie!”

 

 What the hell are you talking about, meathead?  Did you get high on steroids again?

 

“Kuro…” it was Sir Simon.

 

“Yes, Your Highness?”

 

“Thanks for your words.” he laughed a little, “I’ll try to follow it, I promise.”

 

“No problem, Sir Simon!”,

 

“Ah, if ever you wanted to come to Nerfes, drop me a visit!” the second prince offered, “My entire household is always open to welcome you, Sir Kuro.”  He bowed in gratitude before me, much to the surprise of his ‘blood’ brother, King Rambo, and myself as well.  But the steroid boy decided to remain silent.

 

 

Sometime later…

 

“His Royal Majesty of Nerfes, King James Walter Reed II!”

 

The carriages of the royalty of Nerfes had lined up once again at the courtyard of the palatial gardens, though this time, they were now facing the direction of the main gate.  The palatial guards, as well as the Nerfes’ royal guards, lined along the path that led to the first carriage, where the king was expected to take his ride.

 

I guess this was the time the guys from Nerfes would come back to their own country.

 

“…”

 

I could see the royal attendants preceding the entourage and carrying the various things the royals had with them in their visit.  And man, I’m impressed by the sheer numbers of the suitcases these people had brought; they had their entire house move with them.

 

“…”

 

King Rambo’s glare towards me never changed, though it mellowed down.  He had his painting made by Her Holiness in his hands, never planning to entrust it to one of his servants.  He guarded it with his entire life.

 

Heh, no one would want to snatch it from you anyway, Rambo.  Anyone who’d do it is blind or is nuts in the head.  Oh wait, I forgot about Sir Simon…well, he’s the only one who’d love him.

 

“…”

 

And uh, speaking of Sir Simon…

 

I turned around and saw him a few steps away from where I stood.  Lily was with him, along with the dignified figure of that silver-haired girl, the Human Saint of Chersea, Madelaine Ann Rubinforth.

 

I wonder what are they talking about…

 

For one, Lily’s face was something I couldn’t describe, though Her Holiness’ expression remained the same.

 

“…”

 

“Well, Sir Simon Hugh Reed, Second Prince of Nerfes, I guess this is goodbye…” the Saint said out loud.  Though her voice remained stoic initially, I noticed it trailed at the end.

 

“Yes, Your Holiness.” Sir Simon bowed in reverence, “I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude for welcoming us here in your presence.”

 

“As always.” Her Holiness was keeping up a brave front, “Anyone who is in need will be welcomed in this place.”

 

I’m having a painful feeling while watching these two talked.  There’s an invisible wall being put up between them…Oh well, I guess it’s pretty much normal.

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

But Sir Simon never moved from his position.  He kept his head low before Her Holiness…

 

“Your Holiness…no, Maddie!” he began talking, “I…I’d like to apologize for—”

 

“!!!”

 

Me, Lily, and most especially, Sir Simon, were all surprised when the Saint seized hold of him and embraced him tightly.  There were tears in Her Holiness’ eyes…

 

“Please don’t.” she told him, “Don’t regret that you chose to be happy.  I can manage somehow; I got Lily with me.”

 

Sir Simon, though he was surprised at the sudden gesture, finally gave in and reciprocated Her Holiness’ embrace, “Thank you!  Thank you, Maddie!”

 

“No matter what happens, I’ll always be a friend to you, Simon.” the Saint reminded the Second Prince, “So pursue what makes you happy and fulfilled.  I bless you with the gods’ favor.”

 

Silence prevailed as the two souls finally found the courage to confront and be at peace with each other…

 

 

The royal entourage from Nerfes had just left.  Sir Simon remained in solitude the whole time, after that scene with the Saint, while the rest of the royal entourage said their goodbyes.  Well, I could understand the second prince’s sentiments.  Of course, he’s still wracked with guilt over Her Holiness’ action, and I doubt if he’d ever get over that feeling as long as he lived…which is kind of sad.  But I’m hoping that Sir Simon could find the happiness he’s searching for…

 

“…”

 

After all, I doubt Rambo would ever return his feelings.

 

Man, the human heart is too complicated.

 

“Hello, Maddie!  Are you okay now?” it was the former slave boy, which was the Beastman Saint, Ruro of the Wolf.  She had shed off her disguise and greet Her Holiness as herself.

 

“You finally revealed your true self, Ruro!” the Human Saint replied happily, “I thought you let yourself be the slave of Kuro.”

 

“Haha!  So, you know it was me after all!”

 

“Of course, I would!  You’re bad at acting, you know.”

 

“Uuu…”

 

Well, of course, they’re saints.  Their godly powers were cheats that could see through anyone’s heart and mind.  It’s easy that Her Holiness could know about the Beastman Saint’s disguise.

 

“Thanks for saving me, Ruro.  I owe you my life.”

 

“Nah, don’t mention it.  I was there, so I smelled your blood; if you’ve got someone to thank for, it’s my master.”

 

“Uhh…I thought we have talked about this, Your Fluffy Holiness?” I corrected her, or there’ll be further misunderstandings if she continued with her nonsense, “I don’t need slaves, especially an esteemed Beastman Saint for one.”

 

“Well, I think you have no option to refuse, M-A-S-T-E-R.  This humble Beastman Saint was ensnared by your trap of words, and now she dedicates her life for you.”

 

“Please don’t do that, you have a land and a race to take care of.”  I don’t think I could accept the fact that a Saint would leave her people to ruin, just for some idiot from another world, even if it was meant as a joke.

 

Her Holiness laughed softly.  

 

Well, at least, if she’s able to do that, I guess it’s all fine.

 

“Yes, I’m pretty much okay now, Kuro.” she told me, “I’m still sad though.”

 

“It’s normal, Your Holiness.  Sir Simon had played a big part in your life, after all.”

 

“Thank you for your words, Kuro.”

 

“You’re welcome, Your Holiness.”

 

“Uh…if it pleases you…” she had a bit of difficulty in bringing out her words, “Can I request something, Kuro?”

 

“Sure, why not, Your Holiness.” I replied, “What is it?”

 

“It’s Maddie.”

 

“Hm?”

 

“Please…can you call me Maddie from now on?”