Chapter 105
The Saint Recognition Ceremony ended up being unexpectedly extravagant, thanks to the blessing of the Holy Spirits.
As a result... although they hadn't voiced their opposition, the humans who weren't pleased with Clael becoming a Saint all backed off together.
Whether they liked Clael or not, he had now become someone who garnered reverence in both name and reality as a Saint.
"Lord Clael, that ceremony just now... you looked so cool!"
After the ceremony ended, Clael returned to his room.
Naturally, Reina followed him and praised him with excitement.
The two of them were alone in the room. The cardinal and other priests were still busy cleaning up after the ceremony, so the two had been allowed to rest first.
"As expected of Lord Clael! For light to fall like snow—surely even the goddess is blessing your ascension as a Saint!"
"No... that was more like..."
Could it be that Reina did something?
Perhaps she gathered the Holy Spirits to make it clear that Clael's status as a Saint wasn't just in name.
Clael looked at her with suspicion... but Reina was beaming.
There was no trace of guilt or hesitation—she just looked purely happy.
"Everyone looked at Lord Clael with such respect... Ah, it was truly wonderful. I'm so happy. So proud!"
"............Haa."
Seeing Reina so genuinely overjoyed made Clael feel it was pointless to question her.
With a sigh, Clael accepted the future where he would have to carry the hopes and admiration of many humans.
(Being recognized as a Saint also means being forced to uphold behavior and attitude worthy of it. Even small mistakes might lead to disappointment, so I have to be careful...)
People's perceptions are often selfish.
For example, a bully who shows a bit of manliness in a movie version might suddenly be seen as a good guy, as if all his past actions never happened.
Or a celebrity known for a clean image might get harshly criticized by the public and media for a minor scandal, as if they were some terrible villain.
The better the first impression, the more drastic the image drop from even the smallest slip-up.
By becoming a Saint, Clael now felt the pressure to be overly mindful of how others saw him.
(When I took Reina in, I was prepared that I could no longer remain just a countryside priest... but this is beyond what I imagined.)
"Lord Clael, is something the matter?"
Reina leaned in to peer at Clael, who was lost in thought.
Clael gave a gentle smile and slowly shook his head.
"No, it's nothing."
(Even so... I suppose I have to accept it. For the sake of my family. As a father, as a brother, I can't keep showing a pathetic side.)
It's for Reina's happiness.
As her guardian, he had to face others with dignity, so she wouldn't see him as weak or be disappointed.
Just as Clael renewed his resolve... there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
"Pardon the intrusion, Priest Clael."
"Oh... well, well, Bishop Carmine."
The one who entered after announcing himself was Bishop Carmine Imari, who had come from the Holy Nation of Shinecross.
The bishop, with eyes as narrow as threads, smiled gently and bowed his head calmly.
"Ah... I suppose I should call you Saint Clael now, not Priest."
'Saint' is an honorific given to humans who have been recognized as Saints.
It was an unfamiliar way of being addressed for Clael, but from now on, many people would likely call him that.
"Call me however you like. So... do you need something from me?"
In the game, Carmine was an enemy character who tried to abduct Reina.
Clael cautiously asked his purpose, careful not to let the other sense his wariness.
"No, it's nothing serious. I just didn't get the chance to greet you before the ceremony, so I came belatedly."
"Ah, I see. I'm the one who should apologize for not greeting you properly."
"Oh no... We may have more ties in the future. I look forward to working with you."
With a friendly smile, Carmine extended his hand.
Clael responded with a gentle smile and shook it.
"...!"
But the moment their hands touched, there was a sharp crackling sound, like sparks flying.
Carmine hastily pulled his hand back.
"Oh my, static electricity? Quite rare for this season."
"...Yes, indeed. Strange things do happen."
Carmine's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly returned to his usual expression.
"If the opportunity arises, please come visit the Holy Nation of Shinecross. I'll gladly show you around."
He said with a friendly smile, also turning to Reina.
"And Saint Reina, please join us as well. The entire nation will welcome you."
"Yes, if there is an opportunity."
"If I'm with Lord Clael."
"Well then, I shall take my leave..."
Carmine bowed once more and exited the room.
After the door clicked shut... Clael furrowed his brows slightly.
(He's a dangerous man... So he really did try to brainwash me.)
Clael had used Holy Arts to cast a defensive spell in advance.
Because of that... he was able to repel the brainwashing spell that had been attempted during the handshake.
"Reina, please avoid being alone with that man."
Reina was protected by the blessing of the Saint, so brainwashing or hypnosis shouldn't have worked.
Even so, just in case, Clael warned her to be cautious.
"I won't be alone with any man other than Lord Clael, you know?"
"............I see."
Reina tilted her head and said that.
It wasn't quite the answer Clael had expected... but for now, he convinced himself it was fine.