Chapter 107
The Saint Recognition Ceremony ended, and Clael was granted a brief moment of peace.
By becoming the Saint presiding over 'education', he became a respected figure among the shrine's clergy, but that didn't mean Clael's life changed dramatically.
He simply prayed for the people as a priest, healed the injured and sick with Holy Arts, and... accepted Donations.
(Well, the effectiveness of my Holy Arts has improved. I suppose it's because people have started to believe in me more.)
He sat at the table, gazing out the window in contemplation.
Holy Arts, with a few exceptions like the Saint, were not innate but rather abilities acquired later in life.
They could be learned through training at the shrine, by accumulating virtue and faith.
By becoming a Saint, Clael gained a position that garnered reverence from the people.
Because of that, the faith directed at him from those around him enhanced his skill with Holy Arts.
(I guess they say the role shapes the person... At this rate, maybe I really can become a proper Saint-like human being...)
"Lord Clael, I'm back."
Reina approached the table where Clael was sitting.
Today, instead of her usual sister's attire, she wore a white shirt and a light blue flared skirt. In her hands was a tray carrying coffee.
The two of them were at a café in the royal capital.
The shop, called 'Polar Bear's Hideaway', was located a bit off the main street, but it was a well-known gem for those in the know, thanks to its delicious coffee.
As promised, Clael and Reina had come to enjoy tea together.
"Here you go."
"Thank you."
The coffee Reina brought was in a glass container, and to his surprise, ice floated in it.
Iced coffee was, of course, common in places like Japan... but in this world, it was a rare sight.
In a place that wasn't a snowy region, the only way to get ice was through magic, but there were few Mages, and even fewer eccentrics who would make ice just to serve it in a café.
He heard that... the owner of this café used to be an adventurer and a Mage. After retiring, they opened this shop and used magically produced ice to make iced coffee for customers.
"So that's why the shop is called 'Polar Bear's Hideaway'..."
"That's what I heard. Oh, Lord Clael, would you like milk?"
"Yes, please."
"I'll put it in for you."
Reina cheerfully poured milk into Clael's coffee.
Whatever was making her so happy... she had seemed in a great mood for a while now.
"The sweets here are delicious too. Did you know? They have a dessert that turns coffee into jelly."
"Ah, coffee jelly, right? I've never had it, but I've heard of it."
"Since the coffee here is so good, the jelly must be delicious too. Let's order it later, okay?"
"......Sure."
"Oh, how about cookies? I heard they sell ones with chocolate chips in them."
"............"
Reina was unusually excited.
Ever since they entered the café... no, ever since they had left the Grand Shrine together.
"Y-you're really cheerful today."
"I've always wanted to come here with you, Lord Clael. That's why I'm super happy today!"
"I see... That's a lovely thing to say."
Cute. Incredibly cute.
The beautiful girl in front of him shyly held the glass with both hands.
It was a situation that never could have happened in his previous life.
It felt like he'd stepped into a dating simulation game.
(...Ah, right. It was a dating simulation game.)
He had almost forgotten.
The girl before him was, in name and reality, the heroine. A perfect beauty.
They had spent so much time together that she no longer felt like just a game character.
(It's partly because we've known each other so long... but the Reina here is nothing like the one in the game.)
Reina Laurel, as a game character, was an introverted, somber-type beauty.
That was because she had been abused by her family as a child, and even after being taken in by the shrine, she was subjected to overly strict education.
(Changing the educational approach really turned her into a different person... Well, she's still a beauty though.)
"By the way... Lord Clael. Summer vacation is almost over, isn't it?"
"Ah... yes, it is."
"You're going to become a teacher, right? When are you moving into the staff dormitory?"
"I plan to move in over the weekend. Apparently, there's already furniture provided, and I've already sent my belongings, so all I have to do is unpack."
"Wow... Can I come visit?"
"No. It's a teacher's room."
A student shouldn't casually enter a teacher's room.
It might be tolerable if it were the same gender, but even more inappropriate if it were the opposite.
There were also the eyes of other teachers to consider, and he shouldn't let Reina into his room.
"Muuu..."
"No."
Reina pouted in dissatisfaction... but some things just couldn't be compromised.
Clael firmly said no, rejecting Reina's silent protest.