saint ch39

might be the right approach to counteract the properties that interfere with Divine Power, surprisingly.”

Princess, please say that without averting your gaze.

“The problem is that it’s a direct approach that most people wouldn’t even be able to attempt.”

Please avert your gaze when you say that.

I’m always afraid I’ll be eaten alive because of those vertical pupils of yours.

I guess my body really isn’t normal. Just lying here and talking this much is making me sleepy again.

“Saint Ronan looks very tired. Even if you have more questions, please ask them next time.”

The princess, noticing my condition with uncanny perception, said that to the leaders, and they all withdrew readily.

“As a leader of the Orion Order, I must have a private audience with Saint Ronan!”

Correction.

Everyone except one withdrew readily.

I wouldn’t have a private audience with you even if I had one with everyone else.

I was already pretending not to hear and nodding off.

“I absolutely will not allow a private audience for the time being.”

“Saint Ronan is a Saint of the Orion Order!”

“He is currently an academy student under the protection of the Imperial Family and Duke Torf.”

“Saint Ronan! Let’s talk for a moment. It’s a very important matter for the Order!”

“Everyone, please withdraw. I will let you know again when he wakes up.”

Ah, I’m so sleepy I can’t hear anything.

Why am I so sleepy when I’ve slept for five days?

I need to sleep some more.

“Saint Ronan!”

Ugh, so sweet.

Is this sleep-inducing ASMR?

‘Orion would never threaten a human being for such a ridiculous reason. Please watch your words.’

The Cardinal seemed momentarily taken aback by Ronan’s unexpectedly firm tone, but he managed to continue.

‘Ridiculous? Do you not know how great a sin disbelief is?’

‘Helena had faith. You must not try to slander her.’

‘How could the Saint possibly know that?’

‘Because she had Divine Power.’

The Cardinal stopped as if his heart had stopped beating.

‘Helena… Helena had Divine Power?’

‘Yes.’

‘…This could be a revelation. Let us return to the headquarters and seek guidance from Orion. Surely Orion will show us the way?’

‘Coming out here, I realize how much I’ve lived like a frog in a well. I will stay here with those who are suffering because of Orion.’

‘That is something you can do sufficiently at the headquarters as well!’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘Are you truly…intending to turn your back on the Order like this?’

‘I have been praying to the Order and to Orion from the beginning until now. Please, do not turn your back on Orion.’

‘Saint…! Do you believe the Order will sit idly by after that statement?’

That was the end of the conversation.

The Cardinal was dragged away by the princess, and after that, no more clerics came to visit Ronan.

“I wonder if I should put it here…”

While reminiscing, Celia, who had arrived at Ronan’s room, put the necklace in the drawer and recalled Ronan’s face as he touched the necklace with complicated eyes.

Ronan never wore any accessories, yet he always wore this necklace…

Was yesterday’s boldness the decisive factor after all?

Has Ronan finally lost even the slightest trust in the Order?

Is that why it’s so hard for him to wear the necklace given by the Order?

Celia’s respect for the Order had already hit rock bottom, but she still thought it would be fortunate if Ronan felt even a little bit better because of the Order.

But now that she thought he had lost even that, she felt a sense of pity even as she thought he had done well.

It was a difficult feeling to express.

“I need to work even harder.”

Recently, the academy had an unusual atmosphere, even from Celia’s naive perspective.

Especially after Ronan healed the sick young lady, the number of people approaching her as his attendant had changed, to the point where the royal guard had assigned additional personnel.

In addition, the senior clerics of the Orion Order were all busy doing who-knows-what, so the trainee disciples were naturally swept up in the atmosphere and confused.

Now is the time for her to remain steadfast and support Ronan.

With that in mind, Celia closed the drawer and began running back towards the building where Ronan was.

…

The empty dormitory where Celia had left.

A figure appeared there.

“Ronan. Ronan. Ronan. What’s so special about that commoner…!”

A trainee disciple with a gaunt look.

Alter entered Ronan’s room in a fit of pique and began searching the place where Celia had just been.

“I’m the next Cardinal of the Orion Order. I’m essential. Not some commoner who came from who-knows-where.”

And finally, Alter opened the drawer where Celia had just placed the necklace and found the necklace inside, and began to laugh like a madman.

“That’s right! There’s no way a commoner with no background could suddenly become a Saint and have Divine Power increase! What grade of Divine artifact is this? I need to report it immediately…”

Alter stopped speaking and began to look around to see if anyone was nearby.

“If this disappears, his lies will be exposed anyway…and if I acquire the power of this artifact in the meantime…”

Without hesitation, Alter put the necklace around his neck, hid it deep within his clergy robes, and left the dormitory.

No one found it strange that a cleric was wandering around the church district.

Alter smirked, imagining Ronan falling into ruin soon.

Was it just his imagination, or did he already feel a warm energy from the necklace touching his neck?