## Chapter 592 – Is Spring Coming?

“How did I hear it? I heard it so well I engraved it in my heart. I even consulted with Claudia about what I heard.”

It seemed Elysee was a bit too worried. Of course, as a Divine Friend, it was understandable.

Let’s ease Elysee’s worries a bit.

“When you think about it, I’ve always been someone who saw women as rocks. I even overcame the succubus’s temptation last time, right?”

I became a Demon Friend with Hildegard, but I overcame the temptation itself.

Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her in a while. I should call her and say hello next time I go outside the city.

I think of him every time I see an Alraune.

“I never succumb to desire.”
“That’s…”

As I declared, Elysee tilted her head.

“…Yes, that’s right. You’re definitely right. I don’t think I need to worry about that part. It seems my concern was excessive.”
“Right?”

Elysee seemed convinced.

No matter how many wives I have, if I overcame the temptation of a true demon like a succubus, there’s nothing to worry about.

Elysee is a religious person, so she just worries too much.

“Still, succubi are demons, aren’t they? As a saint, you are so devout that you would eradicate demons at their source, but you tend to be more lenient when the opponent is human.”
“That’s true, too.”

I tend to be a little soft-hearted when dealing with people.

As much as I strictly separate monsters from people, I become somewhat lenient when the opponent is a person, not a monster.

This can be said to be my weakness.
So I always try to compensate for it.

“But it’s not like my wives are going to harm me, right?”

If I can’t trust my women, who in the world can I trust?

“Of course not. I don’t think your wives would ever harm you.”

Of course, Elysee wouldn’t think that.

“However, what I want to talk about is other women. If you become a Paladin, there will definitely be many women who approach you with that background in mind. You said you’re going to the capital? There might be some there.”

What?

“Women approaching me with my background in mind…?”
“Yes. Those corrupt women intentionally approach and lead men to ruin. The goal is probably wealth. Our order also has records of such cases. They are mainly used when educating about corruption.”
“Such…?!”

Certainly, as a church that values ​​justice and morality, if such a case occurs, they would record it and educate the members to give them a lesson.

Elysee had seen it and was telling me about it.

“They’re no different from demons!!!!!!”
“They are all demons in human disguise. You need to be wary of that.”

As she said, if I were to rise to a high position, such women might approach me!

“Mosquitoes approaching me to leech off of me after I become a Paladin!!!”
“That’s exactly it. That’s what I’m worried about. I think you misunderstood slightly.”

Elysee smiled and continued.

“Elysee, thank you!”

I need to think seriously about this too. Claudia seems to like it if my women just increase, but who knows what that woman is really thinking!

Of course, I don’t think I’m so incapable that I wouldn’t be able to see through something like that. I’ve even heard Elysee’s advice, so that says it all.

I won’t fall for such tricks.

“Of course, that won’t happen, so don’t worry. If such a woman approaches, there’s no way I wouldn’t know, and my wives would notice it too.”

As I confidently affirmed, Elysee stared at me.

“…Is that so?”
“Yeah. So you don’t have to worry. I can say this for sure to you, my Divine Friend. Trust me. It’s a bit much to say this myself, but I know women very well.”

I said, looking into Elysee’s eyes.

“…I see.”

Elysee slowly opened her mouth while meeting my gaze.

“That’s a relief.”

Does she understand?

“I was just worried, so I said it.”
“Elysee, I’m actually worried about you as much as you’re worried about me.”
“What do you mean?”

In fact, I’m quite worried about Elysee too.

Religious people like Elysee live as if they’re risking their lives. No matter how strong they are, this world is a place where people die all the time.

She could end up dying while carrying out a dangerous mission.

“Now that you’re going back and becoming a mid-level nun, you’ll be doing even more dangerous things. Alone, forever.”
“Nothing will be different from usual. I have often carried out missions alone. Of course, if I can’t meet you, it will be quite unfortunate and inconvenient.”

She has overcome many adversities with me so far.

But if I go to the capital, I won’t be able to do that. I can’t help her.

“…But I couldn’t always receive your help. Yes, I may have wanted your help too much.”

Elysee said apologetically.

“No, it was a mutually beneficial thing, so it’s okay. And it’s natural. You’re a Divine Friend.”
“Divine Friend… Still, I think I relied on you too much.”
“You rely on someone when you can, you can’t do it if they’re not there.”

Anyway, I’m worried.

“Elysee, no matter what happens, don’t lose your reason and respond calmly. If you recklessly jump in, you’ll only lose your life.”
“I know that very well too. If I give in to momentary anger, there will definitely be nothing but ruin. I am only serving to bring about paradise, not to become a martyr. Don’t worry.”
“Hehehe, why are we just telling each other not to worry?”
“…That’s true.”

Well, I am quite worried.

“…”

Elysee, who had closed her mouth, continued to stare into my eyes.

Then, she nodded.

“…Actually, there was nothing to worry about. I think I just felt that way because I thought we were parting. I’m not used to this kind of farewell, so I ended up thinking that way.”

There aren’t any people Elysee’s age in the church.

Strictly speaking, I can’t be said to be her age either, but I’m the closest friend she has in age.

She must have been worried more out of regret.

“…Me too.”

Elysee was one of the few friends I made after coming to this world.

The vagrant bastards who were my friends in the early days all died in the kobold cave. Now, the only friends I have left are Copson and Elysee.

Of course, I also feel heavy-hearted when I think about parting with my Divine Friend.

“I feel heavy-hearted thinking about how it will be difficult to see you.”
“…You feel that way too?”
“Of course I do.”

As I said that, Elysee smiled.

“I somehow feel relieved to hear that. Yes, I also feel heavy-hearted.”
“You feel heavy-hearted but you’re relieved?”
“Hehe, that’s just how it is. Anyway, please be careful of women. That’s all I want to say.”
“Hehehe, I get it.”

Whoever approaches, I will first recall what Elysee told me.

“Elysee, so when are you going back?”
“…”

Elysee was silent for a moment at my question.

“…Tomorrow.”

She’s going tomorrow?

“I’m planning to go back tomorrow. I need to report on this situation to the church as soon as possible. I think I’ve been dragging my feet too much.”
“Tomorrow…”
“Saint. Even if you go to the capital, you must never forget me.”

There is only one thing to answer to such a question.

“No, don’t say such obvious things. You are my only Divine Friend. I will never forget you until I die.”
“Hehe, Divine Friend… Yes, I am a Divine Friend.”

Elysee stood up from her seat.

“I will always think that way. Then, Saint. Since I’ll be going back tomorrow anyway, would you like to go sightseeing in the city with me today?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”

Elysee, who had stood up, began to prepare to go out.

Since she’s going back tomorrow anyway, let’s hang out with Elysee today. I told them everything this morning, so they won’t say anything even if I go back late.

And so, I went outside with Elysee.

We ate as usual and went sightseeing in the city. I tried to go to the arena, but there were only human matches today, so I couldn’t go.

And I went to the slum and to the building where I had defeated the Evil Giant last time, but there was nothing left but ruins.

“It seems the Brass Celestial Society properly took care of the aftermath.”
“That’s what it looks like.”

Elysee said, looking around the ruins.

“If such an evil religion were to infiltrate again…”
“It won’t happen twice. Well, this is under the jurisdiction of the Brass Celestial Society. You don’t have to worry, they’ll take care of it. More importantly, what about the Krasheim slum?”
“Ah, after finishing the job last time and returning, I did a major investigation, but there was nothing special other than a large number of illegal criminal organizations being arrested.”

That sounds special enough.

“There was a human trafficking ring targeting children, but it wasn’t a group related to the heretics. Of course, all those involved have been executed.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I could guess the purpose of buying and selling children without being told.

“Hehe, I didn’t think about it because it was quite a while ago… Anyway, I’m relieved to see that it’s been taken care of.”
“Hehehe, me too.”

I spent time with Elysee, going here and there until sunset.

I moved diligently out of regret, but there was nothing particularly special.

“So… you’re leaving tomorrow morning, right? Let’s meet in front of the city gate. I’ll come early.”
“…I understand. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

Elysee, who had stopped, turned to look at me.

“Saint. I really enjoyed today. So much so that I would like to meet you again like this.”
“Me too. We’ll have a chance to meet again. Then, see you tomorrow.”

I was just as sad.

“Saint, just a moment.”

As I was about to turn around and leave, Elysee grabbed my wrist.

“Hmm? Why?”
“Th, no…”

I wondered what it was and looked at her face, and she was hesitating quite a bit.

“…It’s nothing.”
“Hehehe, are you doing this because you’re sad?”
“Hehe, I think that’s probably it. I’ve done something that doesn’t suit me. Then, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

With those words, Elysee left.

I also dragged my heavy feet and returned home.

* * *

The next morning, I went to the city gate and saw Elysee off.

“Saint. When I see you next time, should I call you Paladin Saint?”
“Hehehe, just call me Saint.”

Elysee looked very sad.

My face must have looked the same.

“Hehe, I will. Still, thinking that this is the last time, I feel very strange besides being sad.”
“…Me too. But I’m telling you it’s not the last time.”

As I always say, even if I go to the capital, we won’t stop having things to do. If I go around here and there, I’ll have things to do in Krasheim, and above all, if I’m a Paladin, I’ll be able to contact you.

“Still, the fact that it will be difficult to meet right away is what makes me feel this way. Saint… you are my only Divine Friend.”

Elysee said that with a truly sad face.
I’m about to cry now.

“Elysee… I’m about to cry now.”
“Please don’t cry. I don’t want to see you cry.”

As I was about to cry, Elysee smiled and comforted me.

“We’re departing!!”

At that moment, a man’s shout was heard and the merchant wagon began to depart.

“…Saint. It’s time to say goodbye.”
“Elysee…!”

Elysee, who had lowered her head, turned her body.

“Take care too!!”
“Please stay healthy. Then, goodbye.”

With that, Elysee began to follow the merchant wagon procession.

Her figure gradually became smaller.

If we part today, I won’t be able to see her for a while at least.

I immediately took a stance.

“Elyseeeee!!!! Diviiiiiiine!!!!!!!!!!”

And looking at Elysee who was leaving, I shouted very loudly.

From now on, Elysee will be in that merchant group and will continue her journey for several days.

ㅡ…

Did my shout reach her? Elysee, who was moving, turned to look at me.

“Frienddddddd!!!! Saint! I’ll see you next time! I hope you will remember what I said!!!!”
“I will definitely be careful of women!!!!!”

With that, Elysee left for Krasheim.

“Huuheoeong!!!!!”

I ended up shedding tears.

Winter is finally over.