74 Lingering Feelings

An old carriage sped down a bumpy road, jostling its occupants uncomfortably. The

old man sitting inside sighed wearily. The girl sitting next to him frowned.

"Simon-sama, will you please give it a rest?"

"Don't be like that. Aaah, how depressing. I don't want to go back to the capital." He

sighed again, in a more exaggerated manner this time. The girl, who'd repeated this

exact same exchange dozens of times since they started on the road toward the capital,

had long since run out of patience.

"Gah, stop being so annoying, grandfather! Just accept it already! You've been at it

since we started, and we should reach the capital this afternoon, so stop whining! I

can't believe you have the gall to call yourself a bishop of the Holy Church!"

"But…"

"Don't stick your thumb into your mouth. It doesn't look cute when an old man does

it, it just looks creepy!" The girl slapped the old man's hand away from his mouth as

she said that.

The old man, Simon Levellair, nursed his hand and pouted at the girl. Despite his

immature attitude, he was 76 years old, and a bishop of the Holy Church. He had starkwhite hair, jade-green eyes, and swarthy skin.

"Heeey. Assist me, stagecoach! My granddaughter's bullying me!"

"Just ignore him, please! My grandfather's old and senile!"

"I-If you say so," the stagecoach replied hesitantly.

Simon frowned and started mumbling to himself about how youngsters these days

had no respect for their elders.

Simon's granddaughter, Sibyl Levellair, glared at him in irritation. She was eighteen

years old, had blonde hair, her grandfather's jade eyes, and the same dark skin. By all

accounts, she was a stunning beauty. But when she got angry, she looked truly

terrifying. That being said, Sibyl didn't normally get angry. She was aiming to be a

member of the clergy herself, and was usually as calm as a nun. Simon was about the

only person in the world who could get her riled up.

"Surely you can forgive an old man for wanting to grumble. You saw what unbelievable

things were written in Princess Liliana's letter! And she wants me to, to… Ulp, I'm

starting to feel sick."

"Well, I suppose I can sympathize… Though I wonder why she chose you, the bishop

who was relegated to one of the most backwater regions of the kingdom…"

"When I was still at the head temple, the princess was but a child. I would often play

with her before my banishment. I suppose that's why she still remembers me.

However…"

"Indeed… That doesn't make reality any easier to face. In fact, I wish I could pretend

none of this happened."

It had been about two weeks ago that a royal messenger had come bearing urgent

news. When Simon had asked what the matter was, the messenger had simply handed

over a letter. The handwriting on the cover had most definitely been Princess Liliana's.

While it was true that Simon had once been a bishop at the head temple, and on good

terms with Liliana, that had been almost ten years ago. He had been banished from

the capital when he'd spoken out against the persecution of beastmen, and sent to a

remote village in the northern reaches of the Grand Gruen Desert.

In fact, it was only because he'd recanted his statements that he hadn't been executed

as a heretic. Naturally, a clergyman with dangerous ideas like him had been barred

from interacting with royalty, and he hadn't spoken with Liliana since his banishment.

That was why his family had been shocked when they'd heard he'd received a letter

from her. And if they'd been shocked before, they were stunned when they read the

contents.

—The Holy Church's head temple has been destroyed. The pope and all clergy serving

within the capital have all perished.

What in Ehit's name happened!? His family had all thought.

Had the messenger not shown them his royal emblem to prove that he was indeed

bearing the princess' words, Simon would have thought it was some kind of prank.

Even now he wasn't sure he fully believed the contents. However, the reason Simon

was currently throwing a tantrum was because of the request that had come after that

bombshell report.

—I would like Simon Levellair to succeed The position of Pope. Consequently, I

humbly request that he head to the capital with all possible haste.

His family had been as surprised by the request as he was. Had the messenger not

shown them his royal emblem to prove that he was indeed bearing the princess'

words, Simon would have thought it some kind of prank. Even now, he wasn't sure this

was real.

For her part, Liliana had considered her options carefully before choosing Simon. But

to the man in question it seemed like a bolt out of the blue.

"But you know, I'm surprised. Her Highness did say in her letter that if you believed

yourself too old to accept the post, you could refuse. She's called in other potential

candidates, so even if you're her first choice it's not like you had to accept. Seeing as

you always talked about how much you hated the capital… I thought for sure you

would refuse."

"Mmm… Truth be told, there's a mountain of reasons why I wanted to refuse."

Sibyl twitched. Something about her grandfather had just changed. It was like she was

being sucked into his gaze. But then a second later, Simon returned to his usual

grumbling self. Sibyl adjusted her posture and asked the obvious question.

"Then why didn't you?"

"I remembered an old legend, which made me feel like going to check it out for myself."

"What do you mean? Is it one passed down through the family?"

"Indeed. In fact, I've told it to you every day, Sibyl. Well, part of it, at least."

Sibyl tilted her head in confusion. She started racking her brain, trying to think of what

legends her grandfather might have told her.

Simon smiled. She really is a serious one, he thought as he turned to the window beside

him. Off in the distance, he could see the capital. It was a rather nostalgic sight.

Upon arriving in Heiligh's capital, the first thing Simon did was ditch his nagging

granddaughter. He tricked her by using one of his practiced illusion spells and slipped

into the crowd entering the city. He also made sure to wear a simple traveler's cloak

over his bishop's vestments, making him stand out less.

Thank the heavens I brought my bag of holding with me. Simon's bag of holding was a

family heirloom, and an artifact. He mostly used this legendary artifact that could hold

far more than its size suggested to store all of his escape artist goods.

"Oh my, the capital is in far worse shape than I expected. Those demons sure are cruel."

It was only natural for the city to have changed over the past ten years, but it hurt

Simon's heart to see it so ravaged by war. He deftly picked his way across the rubble

in the streets, walking at a swift pace that belied his age.

"It seems the princess really was telling the truth when she said the temple had been

destroyed. But, hmm. Despite that…"

The citizens were surprisingly lively. Was the Holy Church's influence simply that weak?

Simon thought quizzically to himself.

Liliana's letter hadn't explained the details of the temple's destruction. Simon guessed

that the particulars were confidential, and that only the bishop chosen to succeed the

position of pope would be told the full story. It was actually for that reason that Simon

had wanted to see how the capital's people were faring with his own eyes first. And

frankly, he was surprised.

Figuring that the fastest way to get answers was to ask someone, he walked up to a

carpenter on break and asked him about recent events in the capital. The responses

he received left him dumbstruck.

Supposedly, an evil god had been using Ehit's name to spread malice, and then a pillar

of light from the real Ehit had come down and destroyed an army.

"Whoever came up with this story sure has a wicked sense of humor. And a grudge

against Lord Ehit, I wager."

Simon could tell what the carpenter had told him was a story fabricated to placate the

masses. His mind was whirling with more questions than before. But before he could

start sorting out his thoughts, he heard a commotion in the distance. Simon looked

over and spotted a group of men quarreling with each other.

"Not again. What are they fighting about this time?" The carpenter Simon had been

talking to frowned.

"Is this a common occurrence?"

"Lately, yeah. Everyone's been on edge since the Holy Church was destroyed."

As I thought, the Holy Church's destruction did have some effect on the people. As he

watched, the men's argument grew even more vehement. Finally, one of the men

shoved the other into a wooden beam that was being repaired. The pillar swayed

slightly, and the tools resting on top of it came tumbling to the ground.

"Watch out," the carpenter yelled. At the same time, Simon took action.

"Sacred Shields."

He muttered that under his breath, and a second later, numerous glowing circles

appeared above the man, catching the tools that were about to fall on him. Simon made

sure to soften his shields so that the tools didn't break upon impact.

"D-Did you do that, old man?"

Simon had cast with almost no incantation. No average mage could pull that off. The

workers all turned to Simon. It was then that he noticed that the earlier commotion

had blown his traveler's robe off, and his white bishop's vestments were visible for all

to see.

"Y-You're a bishop?"

"N-No, I'm just…"

A bishop had appeared in the capital that had lost all its clergy. It wasn't surprising

that the construction workers' eyes all started shining with hope. He knew that before

long, word of his existence would spread. Simon hurriedly wrapped his cloak around

him once more, but it was too little too late.

He'd snuck into the capital to see how the people were faring, but now it was just a

matter of time before his granddaughter found him and dragged him to the castle.

Worse, the citizens were pressing close, begging for guidance.

"Mrrr, I suppose this is as far as I go." Just as Simon was about to give up, he heard a

young, sharp voice call out from behind him.

"Hey! What's all the ruckus!? Are you guys fighting again!?"

A girl with chestnut-colored hair jogged over to the group. When the workers spotted

her they reverently called out, "Miss Apostle!" The girl grimaced at the word "apostle,"

but then spotted Simon and looked questioningly at him. Simon was surprised to see

one of the famed Apostles of God here, but right now, escaping this predicament took

priority.

Young lady, please save me! I need to get out of here, he implored with his gaze.

I'm not sure what's going on, but I think that old man wants me to get him out of here.

This Apostle of God was rather quick on the uptake.

"Everyone, I know these are trying times, but please don't fight with each other. We'll

be getting a new pope soon, so just hold on until then!"

The citizens bowed their heads while sneaking hopeful glances toward Simon. Cold

sweat poured down his back, but at the girl's urging, he followed her through the

throng of people. The girl led him briskly through the streets, until they finally stopped

in an empty alley.

"My, thank you for your help, young lady. You saved my hide. Would you be so kind as

to tell me your name?"

"Oh, uhh, I didn't do much, really." The girl scratched her cheek awkwardly and averted

her gaze.

"My name's Yuka. Yuka Sonobe."

"I see. Well then, Miss Yuka, let me once again extend my thanks. By the way, those

men back there called you an apostle. Would you happen to be…"

"Yeah, I guess. Though I'm not really anyone special. Just another student, really." Yuka

smiled self-deprecatingly, and Simon narrowed his eyes.

"Well, it is an honor to make your acquaintance. But should someone as important as

you really be out patrolling the city? Or is the capital truly that short on hands?"

"It's true that we need all the help we can get, but, really I just want to stop the fights

from getting worse. Everyone's worried now that they lost their pope. Plus, plenty of

people lost their loved ones too, so… I feel like the people who are still able should do

everything they can to restore the capital." As she said that, Yuka looked eastward, off

into the distance. In a tiny voice, she whispered "If I don't, then there would be no

point to staying behind…"

Simon, who had rather good hearing, caught every word. He examined this girl the

citizens venerated as their apostle. After analyzing her expression, he nodded to

himself.

"I see now. Miss Yuka, that's a rather lovely face you're making. Did the man you fell

for leave for the empire?"

"I-I haven't fallen for him or anything! Actually, wait, where'd that even come from!?"

Yuka blushed to the tips of her ears as she vehemently denied Simon's words.

And then, Simon gave a simple, yet shockingly accurate response.

"I only said what was written on your face. It seems clear to me that you wished to

travel together with this boy who departed, but were unable to due to various

circumstances. At the very least, that's what your expression is saying."

"How'd you come up with something so specific!? Anyway, you're wrong. Really. I-I

just…" Yuka looked ready to say something, but then shook her head and trailed off.

This wasn't something she should be discussing with strangers. Attempting to hide

her sorrowful expression, Yuka turned to go.

"I need to get going. I don't know exactly what was going on back there, but be careful

out—"

"Why not talk about it?" Simon interrupted her. Yuka turned to him with a confused

look. A second later she realized what he was referring to and looked into his eyes. It

was the bottomless kindness she saw in them that kept her from saying "No thanks,

I'd rather not," and leaving.

"Despite how I look, I'm a very good listener. Besides, when I see youngsters suffering,

I just can't leave them alone. What's tormenting you so? Trust me, you'll feel better

once you've let it all out."

Still, Yuka hesitated. After all, this really wasn't the kind of thing you could tell to

strangers.

Seeing her uncertainty, Simon continued, but there wasn't the slightest bit of coercion

in his voice. Just a warm, gentle, acceptance.

"Perhaps our meeting was fated. Fear not, this old man won't find your worries

embarrassing, no matter what they might be. I've spent my long life being an

embarrassment to others, so I'd know best!" Simon grinned playfully, and Yuka

chuckled in response. She couldn't help but trust this kind old man. Perhaps it was

because of the gentle aura that surrounded him. Normally, she wouldn't have told this

to anyone, but she instinctively felt as though it would be alright to open up to Simon.

"Ahaha, I guess I can tell you. Though to be honest, I'm not even sure this can even be

called a real worry." Yuka sat down on a nearby bench and sighed. Then, she turned to

this old man she barely knew, and bared her heart.

"There's someone who saved me. Twice. The first time, he saved my life." Yuka thought

back to that moment. The moment she thought she was about to die. She still vividly

remembered the ghastly skeleton that had swung its sword down at her head, but that

blade had never connected.

"Don't worry, as long as we stay calm these pile of bones are nothing."

Even though he'd been the weakest of them, the one everyone had ridiculed for being

useless, he'd saved her.

"The second time, he saved my soul." Yuka thought back to the time she'd been

drowning in despair after having her spirit crushed. She had known she needed to get

back up and fight, but the fear of death had traumatized her.

"A girl like you won't die so easily." After crawling out of the abyss, those were the

words that boy had said to her. Though there was no basis to what he'd said, she still

believed in them even now. As long as she kept trying, she wouldn't die. There was no

foundation for that assumption, but she trusted it anyway.

Thanks to his words, she'd overcome her trauma and found the courage to move

forward. It was because of him that she'd been able to react instantly when the capital

was invaded.

"I want to pay him back somehow. I want to show him that I made good use of the life

he saved. I know he probably doesn't even remember, but I want to do something for

him anyway." Yuka once again looked off to the east, and sighed.

"But, pathetic as it is, there's nothing I have that he would want. There's nothing I can

do that would matter. He's just so far above me, and he keeps on getting further."

"You didn't tell him to wait for you?"

Yuka smiled wanly.

"I couldn't. I mean, we don't even have that kind of relationship."

I wonder if that's truly the case, Simon thought as he observed Yuka's profile.

Yuka fell silent for a moment, then told Simon about what was really eating at her.

"I just hate how pathetic I am. I can't even do anything to repay him…" She looked at

Simon as if to say "See, I told you it wasn't even worth calling a worry."

Simon stroked his chin as he gazed at Yuka's bitter smile.

"So after seeing that person off, you've been helping rebuild the capital because you

think it's the least you can do?"

"Yeah, basically. A lot of my comrades still can't fight… and since I'm one of the few

who can, I thought it'd be best to stay behind just in case… And like, there's a lot of

fights breaking out in the streets, so I can at least help break those up… even if that's

got nothing to do with repaying him."

Simon nodded in understanding, then smiled broadly at Yuka.

"You're one impressive girl, you know that? It may seem mundane, but pushing

forward and always striving to do what you can isn't something just anyone can do."

"I-I'm really not that special…" It felt weird to be praised in such a straightforward

manner. Honestly, Yuka kind of felt like she was talking to her real grandfather. She

blushed in embarrassment and awkwardly looked away.

Simon smiled warmly at her and continued.

"Everyone comes to a point in their life where they hit a roadblock. Everyone. To keep

doing what you can and still push forward despite that… is far more difficult than it

sounds, which is why I really do think it's impressive that you can keep going, Miss

Yuka. At the very least, this old man thinks that as long as you keep going as you are,

that's enough."

"It is?"

"Indeed. One day, there will come a time when that boy you owe your life to reaches a

roadblock of his own. Whether it's because he's too tired to keep going, or because his

journey has come to an end, I don't know. But eventually, he too will come to a stop.

When that time comes, just keep going as you have been. Do what you can, and you'll

be able to finally repay him."

Yuka's eyes widened in surprise. It felt as if a ray of light had cleared away the darkness

gathering at the corners of her heart. Slowly but surely, her feelings started slotting

into place.

"Do what I can, huh…?"

Simon watched silently, waiting for Yuka to find her own answer. And, after a few

minutes of companionable silence, Yuka quietly muttered something.

"My family runs a western gastropub… Uhh, basically, it's like a restaurant."

"Oh?"

"It's pretty famous back in my hometown, and we've got a lot of regulars… I liked

working there, so I always thought I'd take over it one day."

Simon's expression clouded over when he heard her talk about her dreams in the past

tense, but he continued listening quietly.

"I know it's kind of arrogant to say, but… I think my cooking's pretty good, personally.

I'm good at brewing tea and coffee, too. So I was thinking… maybe after his journey's

over and we all go home together…"

The dark shadows that had hung over Yuka's face vanished. Or at least, that's what it

looked like to Simon. Charmed by her smile, Simon smiled back.

"Yeah. Once everything's over, I'll invite him to my restaurant and treat him to the best

meal he's ever had!"

"That's the spirit. Mmm, I'm glad you're finally feeling better. A smile suits that lovely

face of yours best."

Yuka joyfully swung her feet back and forth. She was blushing again, but this time

because she was happy. After watching her for a few moments, Simon asked her

something that had been nagging at him for quite some time.

"By the way, young lady. You called your restaurant a 'western gastropub,' did you not?

What kind of food—" Simon was interrupted by an angry yell.

"Graaaaaandfaaaaaaaaaaaatheeeeeeeeeeeer! I finally found youuuuuuuuu!"

"Wha—!? My granddaughter looks like a demon!" Upon seeing his granddaughter

charging toward him, Simon stood up faster than one would think possible for his age.

Then, he turned to Yuka, who was looking back and forth between the two of them

and spoke hastily.

"I'm afraid that's my cue, Miss Yuka. I pray your future is one where you can live

freely!"

"Huh? Uh, okay? Th-Thank you?"

"Farewell!" Simon crouched low, and dashed off at unbelievable speed. "Run like the

wind," he shouted, his voice trailing off into the distance. Sibyl chased after him,

running nearly as fast. A gust of wind blew past in her wake.

"Wh-What just happened?"

The only person left in the street was a confused Yuka.

"What kind of granddaughter strikes her own grandfather? How could Sibyl be so

cruel!" Simon rubbed the back of his head as he strolled through the palace courtyard.

After a long game of cat and mouse, Sibyl had finally caught her grandfather. Then, she

gave him a good smack to the head and dragged him off to the royal palace.

"Still… that's quite the tale we just heard."

Upon arriving at the palace, Simon and Sibyl had been ushered into the throne room

to have an audience with Queen Luluaria, Prince Lundel, and the prime minister. Once

they'd cleared the room, they'd begged Simon to take the position of pope, even if only

temporarily. The people were growing restless, and they needed religious guidance.

However, Simon had asked to hear the truth about what had happened to the head

temple before agreeing to anything.

Luluaria and the others had decided that if Liliana had recommended him he must be

trustworthy. After warning him that leaking this information to anyone would mean

his death, they explained everything. Sibyl had been so shocked upon hearing the

truth that she'd needed to go to her rooms and rest after. Thanks to his age, Simon had

been able to accept the story a little more calmly. That being said, he still needed time

to sort out his feelings, which was why he'd gone to take a walk alone.

As he gazed upon the courtyard's vibrant array of flowers, he noticed there was

someone else standing behind one of the hedges.

"Oh my, it appears I have company."

"Hwuh? Oh, good afternoon."

A short woman poked her head out from behind the hedges.

"Good afternoon, young lady. Did I disturb you?"

"Oh no, not at all! I was just spacing out anyway." The woman smiled wryly at Simon.

I see I'm not the only one who wanted a quiet place to sort out my thoughts.

"Mmm, I see. To tell you the truth, I was rather lost in my own thoughts myself. I was

hoping to find a quiet place to think things through. Would it be alright if I joined you,

young lady?"

"Oh yes, go ahead."

Simon rounded the hedge and realized that the woman must have been sitting on the

bench beside her before he'd arrived. He bowed his thanks and took a seat. Seeing no

reason to leave, the woman sat down next to him.

"Umm, who…"

"Oh yes, where are my manners. My name is Simon. I'm just a doddering old man."

"I-I see. My name is Aiko Hatayama. Also, I'm 26 years old, so I'm not exactly a 'young

lady.'"

"Truly!?"

That was almost as shocking a revelation as the truth about Ehit had been. Simon's

eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his skull.

Aiko smiled sadly to herself. I guess I really do look that young to other people. She

hated that she'd gotten used to being treated like a child.

Simon coughed loudly to disperse the awkward atmosphere, then sighed. He closed

his eyes and lost himself in his thoughts. The only sound in the courtyard was that of

the wind rustling through the leaves. The palace's courtyard was a rather calming

place. After quite some time, Simon spoke, his eyes still closed.

"Is there something you would like to say, Aiko-dono?"

"Hweh!?"

"You've been sighing and glancing my way for some time now. If I'm being a bother, I

don't mind going somewhere else…"

"S-Sorry. You're not a bother at all… It's just, you looked like you were worried about

something, so I thought…"

"Ah, this person is just like me?"

"No, well… yes, ahaha."

Simon slowly opened his eyes and smiled kindly at Aiko.

"I wouldn't say I'm worried. Rather, I'm simply sorting out my feelings."

"Sorting out your feelings?"

"Indeed. Aiko-dono, would you like me to help you sort out your own feelings?"

"Uhhh…"

Simon's gentle gaze reminded Aiko of one of her teachers from long ago, and she

accidentally whispered, "Sensei…" The moment she let that slip she blushed and

looked away.

"I don't mind. Why not tell this Sensei your troubles, Aiko-dono?"

"Ugh…" God, this is so embarrassing. What am I, a five-year-old who accidentally thought

someone else was my mom? Despite her shame, Simon didn't laugh, or ridicule her. It

was because he kept looking gently at her that Aiko felt comfortable opening up to

him.

"Anyway… there's this person I'm interested in."

"I see. I must say, I'm rather fond of this variety of gossip… However that's a rather

glum expression for someone who's talking about her crush."

"Well, there's a lot of problems with…" Aiko trailed off, but then she steeled herself and

plowed forward.

"R-Relationships between teacher and student are forbidden! Besides, he already has

someone he's set his heart on!"

"I see. So the man you love is your teacher, and he's already married…"

"I'm the teacher!"

"Oh yes, you're 26 years old. I almost forgot. Truly, it never ceases to amaze me…"

Simon stroked his chin and muttered to himself.

"Is it truly such an insurmountable obstacle? Surely there are paths open to you still.

For example, you could wait for him to graduate from being your student."

"A former student is still a student!"

"I see. Then perhaps you could quit being a teacher, Aiko-dono."

"That's the one thing I will never do." Aiko's expression turned serious. Simon was

momentarily taken aback by the vehemence in her voice.

"I see you take your position as an educator quite seriously. I think I understand now

why this is such a grave matter for you… Aiko-dono, what exactly does being a teacher

mean to you?" Simon responded with a gaze every bit as serious as Aiko's. She could

tell that it was more than mere curiosity that was driving him.

After a moment's hesitation, Aiko straightened her back and answered carefully,

making sure to choose the right words.

"Back when I was a student, there was a teacher who taught me something really

important. He was a strict, old-fashioned kind of teacher who almost never smiled."

Most of Aiko's classmates had hated him. He was getting on in years, and a lot of them

said to his face that they wished he'd just retire already. Truth be told, Aiko wasn't very

fond of him at first, either.

"I grew up in a really rural town, where the established families were like celebrities

and held a lot of power in town politics. And one time, one of the bigger family's child

broke the law."

He'd been a famous problem child within their small community. The kind of kid who

used his status to bully others. One day, he'd stolen from a nearby shop. He'd probably

just done it on a whim. But the thing he'd stolen was a high-end mountain bike. As he'd

been riding it around he'd spotted Aiko and an idea had sprouted in his mind.

"He hid the bike inside my family's shed. He probably thought he was just playing a

prank."

"Why did he pick your house specifically, Aiko-dono?"

Aiko smiled bitterly and responded.

"Well, I was one of those goody two shoes kids. The kind that always played by the

rules and told people off when they were doing something wrong."

She had been stereotypical class president. She'd always lectured the boys about

playing around too much, and when they argued back she said "I'm not the one in the

wrong here." Little wonder that all the teenage boys had found her a stuck-up prude.

"But regardless of that boy's intentions, theft was theft. When the store clerk

discovered his bike was missing, he filed a police report."

"And when they police found the bike in your shed, they suspected you of being the

thief?"

"Yes. Of course, I had no plausible motive for stealing the bike. I was too short to even

ride it. Still, the police claimed I had to be the culprit."

"I can see where this is going. That boy's parents must have bribed the police, right?"

Aiko smiled wanly and nodded.

"No matter how many times I told them I was innocent, people didn't believe me. Of

course, my family and friends did, but… well, rumors spread quickly in a small town.

The day after I'd been arrested, the townspeople were all treating me like I was a

criminal."

It was possible they might not really have believed she was guilty. Especially Aiko's

teachers, who knew her well. However, they all caved to peer pressure and scorned

her along with the rest. They knew that if they spoke out, they would be the next ones

shunned. And because they were scared of that idea, they pretended not to notice

anything. The teachers who'd always treated Aiko with kindness now acted as if she

really were a criminal.

"It was only that old teacher who listened to me. When he heard my side of the story,

he got angrier than I'd ever seen him. Not at me, but at the police."

Aiko's classmates, her teachers, and even her neighbors hadn't believed her, but the

teacher everyone else hated had.

"It was thanks to all of his hard work… that my name was finally cleared, but in

return…" Aiko's teacher earned the wrath of the town's most influential family, and

was forced to leave.

"So he put his livelihood on the line to protect one of his students. Sounds like a truly

honorable man."

"Yes. He's someone I respect from the bottom of my heart." Aiko gave Simon a proud

smile. It was because of that teacher that she had decided to become a teacher who

would always be there for her students. A teacher who would never abandon them, no

matter what they did.

"That's why I will never quit being a teacher."

"I see…" Simon muttered, and nodded in understanding. Her devotion to her cause

was absolute. However, life never made chasing one's dreams easy. Ever since arriving

in this world, Aiko's resolve had constantly been tested. She'd started harboring

feelings that she knew were forbidden, and had had the foundations of her beliefs

shattered over and over.

After numerous failures, Aiko had been forced to accept that sticking to her ideals

wasn't always possible. Anyone else would have compromised, or given up on their

goals. However, Aiko couldn't do that. Her pride as a teacher wouldn't allow her to. She

would continue being a role model for her students, or die trying.

At the same time, though, she couldn't just give up on her taboo feelings for Hajime. It

was a contradiction that tore at her identity.

"That was quite an interesting tale. However, I must say Aiko-dono, you have quite the

bothersome personality."

"E-Excuse me!? I mean, I know I can be kind of annoying at times, but…"

Despite his harsh words, Simon's expression was still soft. Hearing her story had

helped clear up his own feelings. He inwardly thanked her as he watched her flustered

reaction.

"If you absolutely cannot give up on being a teacher, then I suppose the only solution

would be to give up on your feelings… But if that was something you could easily do,

you wouldn't be worrying like this."

"That's exactly the problem…" I'm supposed to be a teacher, so I can't be thinking things

like this, Aiko silently berated herself.

Simon laid a hand on her shoulder and spoke up.

"No matter the situation, everyone has only two options. To turn back, or push

forward." Both his demeanor and his tone of voice had changed. Aiko returned to her

senses and turned to him. Simon's jade-green eyes looked deeply into her own. Until

now, he had appeared to be just a senile old man, but now he looked like a wise sage.

"If you turn back, you will likely have many regrets, but you will also be able to

preserve the identity you've built up. If you push forward, your desires may be

granted, but the image of the ideal teacher you've been striving so long to become may

forever be sullied, and by your own hands no less. Moreover, it's possible the boy you

love won't even return your feelings and simply find you a bother." Simon smiled a

little to take the sting out of his words. Aiko sat there quietly, waiting for him to finish.

"Choosing between your pride and your desires is no easy thing. It's difficult to even

compare them. I wouldn't be able to tell you which choice is right, but… you've finally

found something you truly desire. I think it would be far too cruel to abandon that

newly born wish before it's even had time to grow, Aiko-dono. Why not see where

embracing it takes you?"

"Embrace it?" Aiko looked down and considered Simon's words. The silence stretched

on as Aiko debated with herself. And, after what seemed like hours, she turned to

Simon again, a refreshed smile on her face.

"Well, that was a wonderful way to put it. Though I think the path you've advised me

to take will be a thorny one…"

"Is there any path truly devoid of thorns? And even if there were, is there any value in

treading down such a path?"

"I guess that's true. At the very least, I agree that it wouldn't feel right to cut off these

feelings. I suppose I'll try to look at things in a more positive light."

"Good, good. Feelings by themselves are neither good nor evil. I pray that you grasp a

future chosen of your own free will."

"Thank you very much!"

Simon then returned to his usual good-natured old man persona and spent some more

time chatting with Aiko. Once their conversation came to an end, he returned to the

throne room to tell the queen his decision. The queen thanked him for making such a

difficult choice, and the two privately discussed what direction to take the Holy Church

in moving forward. As he left the queen's private chambers, Simon heard his

granddaughter call out to him.

"Grandfather… judging from your expression, I gather you took the post? Why?"

It seemed she'd been waiting for him to finish. From the looks of it, she'd gotten over

the initial shock of hearing about the gods' betrayal. Her gaze didn't waver as she

looked up at her grandfather.

"Regardless of what Ehit may or may not be, this is something the people need.

Besides, I want to help this kingdom's apostles… No, the children who were

summoned into this world." Simon may have run off the moment he'd reached the

capital, but it wasn't because he'd wanted to play around.

Instead, he'd needed to gather unbiased information before he made such an

important decision. Sibyl realized that now too, which was why she furrowed her

brows in worry. Seeing how conflicted she was, Simon decided to tell her the legend

that had been passed down through the Levellair family.

"Sibyl. Remember back in the carriage when I told you I came here because of an old

legend?"

"Yes, of course. You said that part of the legend is something you've told me every day."

"Indeed. It is something that is told only to the current head of the Levellair family. It's

a little early, but I think it's time I told you."

Why now? Sibyl thought to herself. Simon cast a soundproofing spell and sang.

"Children of those who rebelled, live strong while gazing up at the heavens. The will

of god descends upon silver wings, and envelops all with its absolute authority. But

cling not to this false freedom. Keep your silence, hide your desires, and have hope.

For one day, there will appear a hero who once more raises the flag of rebellion. Watch,

listen, and decide for yourselves, children of those who rebelled. I pray the time comes

that you may live freely."

Those words reverberated inside Sibyl's heart, and she fell silent.

"That was a legend one of our ancestors from centuries ago left for us. No, perhaps it

would be better to call it a prophecy. Oddly enough, if any member of the Levellair

family hears it even once, they will never forget it."

"It certainly does feel like it's been engraved into my mind. What… What exactly does

it mean?" Though Sibyl didn't fully understand it, she could feel a sincere desire to

convey something in that verse.

"For the longest time, I had no idea. Until the queen told us the truth about Ehit,

anyway."

Sibyl gasped. Shivers ran down her spine.

I see now, so that's what grandfather meant by prophecy. To think one of our ancestors

from centuries ago had predicted such a thing…

"For generations, the heads of the Levellair family have puzzled over the meaning of

this prophecy. In fact, the only reason I answered Princess Liliana's summons was

because I hoped it might shed light on the meaning of those words. And so I watched,

listened, and decided for myself."

"Grandfather… you…" Sibyl trembled in awe as the weight of centuries of unbroken

history washed over her.

"I will become the pope… so that I can help the people of this world be free."

Simon's voice was backed by such a firm will that for a moment Sibyl wondered if this

was really her grandfather she was talking to. But then in the next second, he bowed

his head to her, as if beseeching her for help. Then, without waiting for a reply, he

walked off. Sibyl silently gathered her resolve and followed after him. Seeing that she'd

chosen to come, Simon spoke calmly.

"Oh yes, there's one more thing. It's something that accompanies the legend."

"I'm not sure I can take any more revelations today…"

"Oh, it's nothing important. Just that the Levellair family has a second family name."

"It does? You mean we're not just the Levellairs?"

"Indeed. Formally, my full name would be Simon L. G. Levellair."

"L… G… What do those letters stand for?" I guess that would make me Sibyl L. G.

Levellair.

"The L stands for Liv, while the G… stands for Gruen."

"Hohoho. I couldn't tell you why those are part of our family name, but I suppose far

in the past a place called Liv might have existed."

Sibyl considered that for a few seconds.

How come our family name was taken from the desert of all places!?