saint ch27

Lesson (8)

I never thought I’d be eating school cafeteria food again.

Lost in thought, I subtly looked around.

People here.

People there.

There were so many people milling about, it felt like this was a space for youths enjoying life.

Honestly, when I was in class, there were only a few people gathered in a relatively small space, so they were all too aware of me.

Here, perhaps because there were so many people, I could still feel the bustling energy of everyday life despite my presence.

…Though, no one was sitting around the table I was at.

This is what being an outcast is all about.

I should have taken the class before lunch with Celia.

Or at least gone to get food with the princess.

After class, the elven princess stubbornly followed me, and I eagerly accepted the offer to sit in the princess’s seat to get away from her even for a little while, and this is the result.

That princess is too much of a burden.

Unlike me, she’s the real deal, so I feel like she’d quickly notice something was off if we talked.

By the way, how does it make sense that meals are served cafeteria-style when there are so many nobles around?

I at least expected a wide dining hall with food laid out like in Harry Potter.

Considering the academic curriculum is all over the place and everyone has different meal times, I guess this is more efficient, but I feel somewhat betrayed…

The area around me was empty, but I could feel gazes from afar, so I was trying to distract myself with random thoughts when—

“Unbelievable! Trainee Cleric Ronan! It’s good to see you.”

A group of people approached me, speaking to me.

Wait, weren’t these guys extras who already left the stage?

Alter.

Lenox.

Demian.

That detestable trio reappeared.

But somehow, their numbers have increased.

The way they’re swarming around is like a peacock puffing up its body to look stronger.

Looking them over, the others weren’t clerics but noble scions.

Looks like you guys are adapting and living well.

Not that I’m particularly happy about it.

“It’s been a while, Lord Alter, Lord Lenox, Lord Demian.”

“It’s been a while? You wound us, Trainee Cleric Ronan.”

The trio was taken aback when I said it had been a while, but they immediately puffed up when I called them by name. I knew why they had come to me.

I felt a sense of déjà vu from when I first met the trainee disciples after my reincarnation.

Even the way they meticulously called me “Trainee Cleric” showed their intentions too clearly, making me feel nostalgic.

They probably want to show off their friendship with me to the other scions around them…

I briefly weighed their value.

Now that I’ve left the main branch, their usefulness has decreased.

A few days ago, it might have been different, but the noble scions next to them aren’t particularly attractive options either.

Still, just the fact that they’re the Cardinal’s grandsons makes them useful, so should I grease the wheels a bit?

I might be able to use them someday.

“That’s just how happy I was to see you. Are you three coming from class as well?”

I said something that sounded appropriately friendly and focused on the three of them more than the other people around.

“Yes, we’re here not only to spread Orion’s teachings but also to gain deeper knowledge.”

“Even if it’s not theology, there’s no end to learning, is there?”

Anyone listening would think you guys were the pillars supporting the Order.

If things continue as they are, you’ll inherit the position of Cardinal without a doubt, so you are pillars.

It’s just that the foundation of those pillars is rotten.

“I see. It’s good to see you striving so hard. But who are these people…?”

Can you just chat for a bit, introduce the kids next to you to me, and then leave?

If I wanted to gain the favor of the nobles, I would have listed their names one by one and led the conversation, but there’s no need to go that far, so I gave the trio enough reason to brag.

The justification of being introduced to a Trainee Cleric is enough for them to brag about in their group.

Take this and get lost.

“Haha, why are you in such a hurry? Trainee Cleric Ronan, you must have taken a class too. You seem to be alone, so why don’t you join us and chat?”

“That’s right. Aren’t you curious about the class we took today? The world is much wider and full of hidden principles than Trainee Cleric Ronan thinks.”

…These guys definitely took some classes like politics, economics, or diplomacy that nobles often take and are full of hot air.

Hidden principles of the world, my ass.

Did Adam Smith preach the invisible hand theory here too?

Moreover, the guys who came with them were looking at them with the same admiring eyes as when they were praised in the Order, so they were even more out of control.

The piece of meat I threw them wasn’t enough to make them back down.

They’re more annoying than I thought…

As I was wondering how to get rid of these annoying guys, the princess and the queen returned just in time.

“Saint Ronan, who are these people?”

The princess asked as she handed me a tray of food, and I could feel surprised gazes from the group.

Did you see that?

Someone who makes the imperial princess carry their food.

That’s me.

Can you feel the difference in power?

“They’re trainee clerics and their friends who were in class with me.”

Even this much should be enough for the princess, who knows that I’m not as loyal to the Order as she thinks, right?

Please chase them away for me.

The princess’s eyes quickly scanned the faces of the trio and the guys next to them.

She showed displeasure when she looked at the trio, but she seemed relieved when she looked at the noble scions.

Relieved?

Why relieved?

It would be really annoying if the princess asked to join us.

“Were you in the middle of introductions?”

“Something like that.”

“We were just about to have lunch.”

They’re shamelessly trying to join us first in this situation.

You guys are really something.

“We’ll have to join you another time. We’re about to eat, so I’d like you to leave.”

However, the princess rejected them outright, to the trio’s embarrassment.

“Ha, haha… Princess, we’re old friends of Trainee Cleric Ronan.”

The princess turned to me as if to ask if that was true.

Of course it’s not, but I can’t exactly say no here.

The princess is very displeased, so even if I said it was true, I don’t think she’d let them join us.

Then I can comfortably let her protect me.

Princess, chase them away!

Thinking that, I smiled ambiguously and nodded.

As expected, the princess didn’t take my gesture at face value, and her displeasure didn’t subside.

However, she seemed to be deep in thought, trying to figure out what to do.

Unexpected support came at that moment.

“Do you have any special status that I’m not aware of?”

The queen, who had been quietly watching the situation, asked the trio.

Why all of a sudden…?

She was even more displeased with the situation than the princess, or perhaps even more so.

It was an emotion closer to anger.

Everyone here knew the elven queen’s appearance.

She had shown off her extraordinary holy magic at the welcoming ceremony.

“We, we’re trainee disciples of the Orion Order…”

It was only natural that they were flustered when the queen, who was clearly displeased, snapped at them.

“So, how dare mere trainee disciples try to be equal to a Saint? Is there some other position that I don’t know about?”

It wasn’t support, it was indiscriminate bombing.

I might get caught in the crossfire with those remarks.

Was it really necessary to go that far?

Were you a fanatic too?

“Trainee Cleric Ronan was originally a trainee disciple like us.”

Hey, even if I’m like a trophy, can you just say whatever you want and undermine my integrity like that?

“The Orion Order has its own rules!”

I thought this was the first time a Saint was born.

Where are the rules about that?

“Besides, we’re descendants of the Cardinal…”

Demian… I’m glad you’re consistent.

I hope you become a Cardinal.

It would be a great excuse if I ever need to attack the Order later.

“Enough!”

Even in the midst of all this, they were admirably trying to maintain their position, but the queen cut them off with a loud voice as if they were worthless.

The attention that had already been focused on us from afar reached its peak thanks to the queen’s voice.

Everyone inside the cafeteria was looking at us.

“It doesn’t matter whether the Saint was a trainee disciple or whether you’re descendants of the Cardinal. Is there an Orion Order rule that says it’s okay to treat a Saint like that? If there is, our Ariel Order can’t possibly condone it. We’ll have a lot to say at the next meeting.”

A faint light green light began to emanate from the queen’s body.

It meant she was drawing on Divine Power.

“Queen Iris, the use of force within the academy is prohibited unless it’s a legitimate duel. Please calm down.”

Even the princess said that, trying to stop her.

“That’s right, Iris. Calm your anger. I’m fine.”

If I don’t do anything here, I might get caught in the crossfire, so I pretended to defend the trio.

“Saint Ronan, your complacent attitude is what caused this situation. You must recognize that there’s a huge gap between a Saint and a trainee disciple.”

Her intention was to worry about me, but her words sounded like a reprimand, so I probably won’t get caught in the crossfire.

Still, should I do what I can?

“It’s because I’m not that great of a person. Iris. It’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”

“So, that kind of mindset of the Saint’s is… Never mind. It’s not a problem that can be solved in a day or two. You guys over there.”

The queen, who shook her head as if feeling sorry for me, turned her attention back to the trio and the group of nobles.

“Don’t ever think about committing such blasphemous acts in front of me again. It won’t end like this next time.”

“This, this is crossing the line with religious interference.”

“That’s right. We won’t let this go.”

The trio protested like that to protect even a shred of their remaining pride.

“Get out of my sight right now.”

At the queen’s resolute voice, which didn’t even deem them worthy of a response, they eventually turned tail and ran.

I mean, wouldn’t it have been better if you had just introduced your companions and left when I told you to?

You didn’t even break even.

I hope they’re rational enough to remember that I defended them when they come to their senses later and their shame turns into anger.

“I know that Saint Ronan is magnanimous enough not to dwell on such rudeness, but there are many people in the world who will take advantage of that attitude.”

The queen, who was coldly staring at the fleeing figures, turned her gaze back to me and gave me a wistful look as if she were looking at a naive younger sibling.

“Saint Ronan, you must be aware of your position. To be below God means to be above humans.”

A sense of class discrimination that comes out of a religious person’s mouth so casually.

It’s always strange no matter how many times I hear it. Scary. The best.

Oops, my true feelings.

“I will always gratefully accept your teachings. However, please don’t be angry at others because of me. Be angry at me instead.”

I’m just saying it out of courtesy, so please don’t actually get angry at me.

“…I’m afraid even a scratch will mar a flawless jewel. Princess Azelia’s mission is a heavy one.”

“I agree.”

Why are they forming a bond without me?

Is it because they’re a princess and a queen, so they have something in common?

“Let’s eat now. Saint Ronan has classes in the afternoon, doesn’t he?”

I watched the Queen take her seat first, then subtly offered my thanks to the Princess as well.

Winning favor always requires taking care of these small details.

“Thank you for standing up for me.”

“I make sure to be aware of the basic personnel information of the Order. Those three are the Cardinal’s grandsons, aren’t they? Are they really your friends?”

So that’s why she reacted that way, knowing that.

Even though the Queen went on a rampage in the middle, it was admirable how the Princess stood her ground.

“That depends on how I take it.”

I haven’t decided where to use them yet.

“But there were also children of noble families present. Won’t that be a problem for the Princess?”

More precisely, won’t it be a problem for us, specifically for me?

“There were no children from powerful families among those associating with them. They were all mediocre figures. There’s no need to worry too much.”

So that’s why she stepped forward with confidence.

The Princess is a reliable partner after all.

“At first, I thought the quick-footed nobles were already making moves. Please be careful in the future, Saint Ronan. The academy is a place where it’s difficult to interfere recklessly due to the complex web of interests, but many people are watching you.”

That’s why I deliberately chose general education subjects, but it was all useless because of the different races…

If impressive people from other countries are taking unnecessary classes because of me, I’d develop an interest even if I didn’t have one before.

“As Queen Iris said, let’s have our meal for now.”

Following the Princess’s words, I was about to start eating when I suddenly noticed.

The majority of the people in the dining hall were still watching us.

It felt like I would choke if I swallowed even a spoonful.

How am I supposed to eat in this state?

Is it just me?

Looking at the Princess and the Queen, they were starting their meals with sophisticated composure, as if they were used to this kind of attention.

It’s just me, then…

Is this the difference between a commoner and royalty?

It was a lunchtime where I felt slightly alienated.

In the end, I couldn’t eat properly.

It was absurd how the Princess, seeing that, worried unnecessarily and looked at me with pity.

No, even if the Order is a mess, they wouldn’t let a Saint starve.

I just can’t get the food down.

As expected, nothing I said sincerely had any effect.