The most powerful group in the human realm is the Empire.
This is unquestionable.
However, even the Empire has an opponent it cannot act recklessly against: the
Holy See, which holds the power of religion.
The Pope, the Emperor, and the Hero.
It is generally agreed upon that these three powers maintain the “balance of the world.”
Recently, a joyful event occurred within the Holy See, a group of such immense power.
A new Saintess was selected to join the Hero Party.
After the disgraceful incident involving Teresha, who was expelled from the party, it had been a long time since such a selection trial was held.
Sister Esther Nirvana was chosen as the new Saintess.
The Pope blessed Esther.
“Saintess Esther Nirvana, may you assist the Hero in defeating the Demon Lord and lead humanity down the path of peace. I trust that, as you are wise and humble, you will not repeat the mistakes of the previous Saintess, Teresha. I believe you can achieve great things.”
“Yes, Your Holiness. I will do my best to live up to your expectations.”
The Hero Party truly needed a Saintess.
Esther was the perfect candidate, possessing both beauty and exceptional wisdom, as well as a humble character.
However, there was one thing on her mind.
“Your Holiness, may I ask for a favor?”
“What is it?”
“I would like to speak with Teresha… no, the former Saintess Teresha.”
The Pope frowned slightly.
“Why is that?”
“I have questions for her. I want to prepare myself properly for the role of the Hero Party’s Saintess. Please, may I be permitted to speak with her?”
“Hmm… If it’s you, I trust you won’t do anything inappropriate. You may go. However, Teresha has been locked in the dungeon for nearly a year for embezzling the Hero Party’s funds. I cannot guarantee her state of mind.”
“I understand, Your Holiness.”
Esther was certain.
Having known Teresha for over ten years, she was confident that someone like her would never lose her sanity after a year of hardship.
After all, Teresha was Esther’s role model.
Teresha was more beautiful than Esther, wiser than her, more sociable, and more humble.
Teresha was the epitome of perfection, and Esther had always believed that such a person was meant to be a Saintess.
When Teresha was chosen as the Saintess, Esther had been the happiest.
And when Teresha was expelled from the party, Esther had been the most bewildered.
So now, as the newly elected Saintess, Esther was desperate for Teresha’s advice.
With the Pope’s permission, Esther made her way to the dungeon.
She met Teresha in the deepest part of the dungeon, where she was bound and blindfolded, a pitiful sight.
Esther spoke cautiously.
“Senior… Teresha? Can you hear my voice?”
After a year of being bound, one’s sanity could easily falter, but Teresha responded.
“I hear you… Is it you, Esther? It’s been a long time.”
“Senior!”
Esther was moved by Teresha’s still beautiful voice.
“I… I’ve become the Saintess of the Hero Party in place of you.”
“Is that so…? Congratulations. You always wanted to be a Saintess, didn’t you?”
“But I thought I would never have a chance as long as you were around. How… how did this happen? I can’t believe someone like you would embezzle the Hero Party’s funds.”
“What are you talking about…? I was poor from the start. When one finds great wealth in front of them, greed naturally arises. My younger siblings needed tuition fees for the academy… That’s all there is to it. There’s nothing strange about it.”
“No… There must be something more to it. Could you give me some advice, as the new Saintess?”
Teresha stuck out her tongue instead of answering, revealing a tongue marked with intricate magical symbols.
“Look, Esther. Because of this brand, I am unable to disclose anything about the Hero Party.”
“Then… Does that mean you can’t give me any advice?”
“No. I can still speak about normal matters. Has the Hero Party’s lineup changed, Esther?”
“The Hero has been replaced.”
“Hmm…”
Teresha flinched at this response.
Esther continued speaking.
“After the incompetent Hero Victor was kicked out, Lord Raul became the new Hero. According to the Minister of National Defense, he is said to have incredible qualities as a Hero.”
“The Minister of National Defense…?”
“Those words, huh? I don’t know much about Raul, so I’ll keep my opinions to myself, but I’ll share what I know.”
Teresha began reminiscing about her old companions.
“First, Cynthia. Cynthia Leaagrove. She’s the mage in charge of the rear in battle. She may appear cold, but in reality, she is a person full of warmth. Cynthia’s older brother, Lesia, is the Four Heavenly Kings’ Lesia Leaagrove, who betrayed humanity and crossed over to the Great Continent. Because of this, Cynthia has lived her life bearing the stigma of being part of a traitor’s family, always ostracized. To fight against this ostracism, she worked harder than anyone else and became a mage. She has a strong sense of pride and is quite sensitive, easily hurt.”
“Next is the elf, Tiffany. Tiffany Lace. She is the archer who provides long-range support. She was once the princess of the Elven Kingdom, but after being captured by humans, she lived as a slave for a long time. Because of that, she carries a huge emotional scar. Perhaps because of her slave experience, she tends to be cautious and easily swept along by the opinions of others. I’d recommend not crossing paths with Tiffany.”
“Finally, Jeanne. Jeanne Grave. She was the princess of the Grave Kingdom, but when her kingdom was destroyed and absorbed by the Empire, she lost her royal status. She entered the Knights’ Order to earn her living and became a knight. She is very proud of her own skills, and that often causes friction with those around her. As long as you’re cautious of that, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Thank you for the useful information. But…”
Esther felt uneasy after hearing Teresha’s words.
It didn’t seem like Teresha was lying, but something important was missing from her account.
“Senior… Is there something else you want to tell me?”
“Esther…”
Teresha spoke softly.
“There is a great secret hidden within the Hero Party. Whether or not you can uncover it depends on you. Please… don’t die. I have no more to say.”
“A… secret…?”
With a dull thud, Teresha’s head fell forward.
It seemed like she no longer had the strength to speak.
Perhaps it was the effect of the brand on her tongue.
In any case, it was clear that further conversation was impossible.
Esther said her final words and left the dungeon.
“I’ll come see you again, Senior… after I finish my long journey.”
With her preparations made, Esther’s next destination was the port at the edge of the continent.
A ship bound for the Great Continent was waiting there.
The legendary Hero Party would likely be there too.
Esther’s heart swelled with excitement and nervousness.
The true adventure she had long dreamed of was about to begin.
No matter how difficult and painful the journey, as long as it was for the noble cause of saving humanity, she would endure any trial. With that resolve, Esther arrived at the port city.
The first thing she saw was a feast filled with excess food and drink.
A burly man was sitting with a woman on each arm, drunkenly enjoying himself.
“WOOOAAAHH! Bring all the beauties in this village to me! This is the Hero’s order! Anyone who defies the Hero’s command is an enemy of humanity! Bring all the drinks and meat you have! I’ve got plenty of money!”
“Eh…? Is… is that the Hero?”
Esther stared, dumbfounded, at the man who called himself the Hero.
No matter how much one should avoid judging by appearances… he was simply hideous.
A short, stocky figure with a protruding belly.
His hair was balding, his eyes were small and slanted, and his nose was flat and bulbous.
He had thick lips, protruding cheekbones, and a jutting jaw.
He was an extremely unattractive man. But that wasn’t all.
His behavior, using his status as a Hero to demand women and alcohol, made it clear that his character was as rotten as his appearance.
Just as Esther was sinking into doubt about whether he was truly the Hero, Raul spotted her and shouted.
“WOOOAAAHH! Hey!! I like the one in the nun’s habit! Bring her to me! Hey, Sister! How much will it cost for you to have some fun with me?! I’ve got plenty of support funds from the Empire! I’ve got all the money you need!”
“No, no, I’m… don’t you recognize me? I’m Esther Nirvana, the new Saintess of the Hero Party!”
“Huh? Saintess? Haha! You mean I can have fun with the Saintess? I’m even more excited now… this is so… perverse!”
“E… Excuse me, but… are you really the Hero?”
“Yes! Look here!”
Hero Raul drew his holy sword from his waist and began to swing it around carelessly.
His movements were so awkward and pitiful that Esther almost lost her mind.
But despite how terrible his form was, it was undeniable that the sword he held was indeed the Holy Sword.
All Esther could do was accept this horrific reality.