第１５５２堀：残っていた人たち (Part2)
Besides, it’s unheard of for a Prince Consort to personally ask to be introduced to others.
If anything, keeping royalty waiting usually warrants some form of punishment.
And since when were supplies being funneled through the Ratz Merchant Company? That’s news to me.
Does that mean they’ve been supporting Vinosia for quite a long time?
I turned to look at Yuki-sama, wondering what this was all about, only to find the other wives looking at him as well, clearly just as surprised.
"Ah, regarding the supply support, I didn't specifically designate Vinosia as the recipient. I provide monthly supplies to the Litea Church, and it seems they were being transported to Vinosia from that stock. As for who orchestrated that..."
"I see. So, it was Onee-sama, then."
"Oh my~, did you figure it out?"
She showed absolutely no sign of remorse.
It was, quite frankly, just like Lilishe-sama.
Still, the fact that it wasn't entirely a lie is what really...
"We figured it out. Honestly, Onee-sama, you always hide your own achievements like that. But, Yuki-sama, the fact that we owe this to the support from Weed is an undeniable truth. Thank you so much."
"Very well. If this is your way of expressing gratitude for recognizing Lilishe-priestess's actions, I will accept it graciously. Now, could you tell us more about your relationship?"
"Oh, yes. My name is Kunoshia. I was one of the priests dispatched from the Litea Church headquarters to this Vinosia. When the others fled with the able-bodied citizens, I was one of those who remained behind. Or, to be more precise, I and a few others swapped places with them. Lilishe-oneesama had taught us that there are times when one must act. Originally, I was just a helper at the same church in the Hinsua region as Lilishe-oneesama. I couldn't even call myself a sister back then."
"She was quite the handful back in the day. Going around calling herself a female vigilante and whatnot~"
"Please, stop. At the time, I thought that was the best course of action. *Sigh*, well, I have that embarrassing past. Lilishe-oneesama beat some sense into me, stopped me, and taught me everything I know as a sister, which led me to where I am today."
"So, you are a formal sister now?"
"Yes. By this ring."
Kunoshia-san held up her hand to show the ring she wore.
It was a mark of status within the Litea Church, and the stone set in it was red.
It was a magic stone of a color common to lower-level monsters, a rank held only by high-ranking sisters.
For reference, mere helpers only wear the sister's habit and have no ring.
There are no "apprentice sisters"; those who pass the examination are simply granted a basic ring.
And red, if I recall correctly...
"I see. So you are already capable of mid-level healing magic."
"That is thanks to Lilishe-oneesama's guidance. Well, I also have a fair bit of physical strength to go with it."
"There is nothing to be ashamed of there. There are those known as Holy Knights, and being able to defend oneself is a virtue. My wife is the same. Now, let me introduce her properly. Rurua."
"Yes."
At Yuki-sama's prompt, Rurua-sama, who had been waiting behind him, stepped forward.
"Nice to meet you, Sister Kunoshia. I am one of the concubines of my husband, Yuki-sama, the Prince Consort of Weed. I am also in charge of negotiations with Litea. It might be presumptuous to call myself 'former,' but I am Rurua, who once served as a Litea Saintess."
"Yes. It is an honor to meet you, Saintess-sama."
Kunoshia-san bowed respectfully.
Even if she is a "former" Saintess, her name still echoes not just across this Rogari continent, but even to others.
I, too, was saved by her after a grave injury.
Well, Yuki-sama performed the initial treatment, but she was the one who patiently oversaw my subsequent recovery.
I truly believe she is a Saintess in every sense of the word.
However, Rurua-sama wore a deeply apologetic expression.
"Please, address that title—that honor—to Alstaire-sama. I was unable to do anything."
I suppose it was to be expected; seeing the people who have been working so hard here in Vinosia clearly brings out her sense of guilt.
While I think it’s just like the kind-hearted Rurua-sama to feel that way, I also feel that she has no reason to worry about such things.
"No. You did so much for us. The citizens who were here in Vinosia know how much Litea helped, and they know that you helped us through Lilishe-oneesama. That is why it is an honor to meet you, the Saintess. Thank you, truly."
Kunoshia-san said this with a smile.
Seeing that smile, I couldn't help but think that she was indeed worthy of Lilishe-sama's affection.
The sisters trained by Lilishe are truly resilient.