The zealot’s primary weapon is a sword—a greatsword, to be precise.
It didn’t suit his physique, but in this inflationary world, who cares about physical size?
Even though he seemed unarmed at the moment, I was certain his subspace pouch was stuffed with various types of greatswords.
After all, this man was as obsessed with swords as he was with the Saintess.
Maybe that’s why. Whenever he saw an opponent with a sword, he would show a belligerent side, regardless of who they were.
And… such an aggressive, charging style of swordsmanship often had openings for parries.
No matter how skilled he thought he was, one or two parries would surely make him pause and reconsider.
Confident in that, I drew my sword with a smirk…
“…Never mind. Let’s stop here.”
For some reason, he muttered that and began to back away.
What’s going on? I didn’t even do anything, so why is he suddenly retreating?
I expected at least a couple of exchanges, but the situation ended too anticlimactically.
Well, since he backed off, I sheathed my sword too. He looked oddly relieved.
“I will respect your consideration. Please take good care of the Saint.”
Seriously, what is with this guy?
Still, I got the outcome I wanted, so I guess it’s fine, even if it’s puzzling.
“Though my skills are humble, I swear to do my best.”
“Let’s skip the modesty. Honestly, I’m jealous. You get to stay right by the Saint’s side.”
“Just as a friend, though.”
Right by her side? That makes it sound like I’m responsible for Lilith for the rest of my life.
“If I could even be called the Saintess’s friend, I’d probably be so overjoyed I’d take my own life.”
“You should refrain from that, at least.”
“Of course, I’m joking. I’d only take my life if the Saintess herself commanded it.”
As he said this, he pulled something out of his pocket—a badge engraved with a strange symbol.
“It’s a token I give only to those I acknowledge as allies.”
Why is he suddenly recognizing me? Was being Lilith’s friend that big of a deal to him?
Wait, is this some kind of zealot buddy badge?
If so, I don’t really need it.
“What’s the point of this?”
“You’ll find a use for it. Just take it.”
He seemed adamant about giving it to me, so I reluctantly took it.
It didn’t look like any item I’d seen in the game, but since he said it might be useful, I decided to keep it.
When I put the badge in my pocket, he looked satisfied and pulled his hood back over his head.
“I look forward to meeting again when the opportunity arises.” With that, he left.
There wasn’t much point in watching him walk away, so I turned back to where I had been.
There, Seria and Lilith were looking at me with odd expressions.
Not sure how to interpret their looks, I decided to act confidently, as if I’d successfully handled the situation.
“Did you see that?”
“Oh, I saw it. I saw Rudion pull a sword on a tiny, frail citizen to chase him off.”
“You’re scary, you know? I didn’t tell you to go that far. If this becomes a problem, it’s all on you.”
What the…?
Thinking about it, they weren’t wrong. From their perspective, it probably looked like I was ranting and then suddenly drew my sword on someone smaller than me.
Yeah, that must’ve looked bad.
As I struggled to come up with an explanation, Seria burst into laughter.
“Relax. We heard everything, so don’t worry.”
“Well, that’s a relief… Wait, you heard everything?”
“Yes, of course.”
I glanced at Lilith just in case, and she shook her head.
I knew Seria had sharp ears, but this sharp?
“What was it you said again…? ‘No matter what happens, I’ll protect the Saintess.’ Right?”
“Wha—stop it. You really said that?”
“Well, I mean… yeah, I said it, but…”
“Wow… You’re disgusting. Flirting with someone while your girlfriend is right next to you? That’s cheating.”
Lilith said this while sneaking a glance at Seria.
Even in a situation like this, she managed to make such remarks. She really did enjoy teasing Seria.
And it seemed like her jab was quite effective, as Seria narrowed her eyes slightly and glared at her.
“…Lilith.”
“Oh, I see. Not official yet, huh? The princess-in-waiting, Seria.”
“I suppose that’s tolerable.”
“Tolerable, huh…”
“Enough. Let’s just go get some food. I’m starving.”
Sensing that the conversation was veering off into chaos, I quickly changed the subject.
Since neither of them seemed serious about the banter, they followed my lead without much resistance.
“So… if you weren’t threatening him with your sword, what was that all about? And what were you even talking about for so long?”
“Hmm… It’s complicated.”
“Yeah, it’s complicated.”
“You two are so unfair.”
Lilith’s question, thrown casually as we headed to the restaurant, was brushed off lightly.
There was no need to tell the Saint herself that the stalker had turned out to be a zealot.
“It wasn’t a big deal.”
“People don’t just draw swords over nothing. Are you crazy?”
“Not wrong.”
“You’re insane.”
Considering she’d soon be surrounded by devotees and tormented at the academy, I decided it was fine for now to let her think I was just a sword-wielding lunatic harassing a citizen.
After some deliberation, we ended up going back to the same restaurant we’d visited on the day we headed to the imperial palace.
It was a fine choice; the quality of the food there had been top-notch, befitting the recommendation of Alkine.
We, as customers, had no complaints about the repeat visit. However, the restaurant staff might feel differently.
“They really came back here…?”
“Shh. Pretend you’re too busy eating to notice.”
The atmosphere in the restaurant shifted noticeably the moment we entered.
Even though everyone was trying not to be obvious, it was clear they knew exactly who had arrived.
People slowed their eating, trying to act inconspicuous.
Shouldn’t they all be standing up and greeting the princess with formal bows?
“I’m sorry for causing a scene. Please don’t mind us and enjoy your meals.”
Well, maybe under normal circumstances. But since Seria herself didn’t want that, it made sense to let it slide.
Still, if the other customers felt this much pressure, how would the staff feel?
“…One more person than last time?”
“And… isn’t that the Saint?”
Even though we’d told them not to be burdened by our student status, it probably wasn’t easy for them to act naturally.
Last time, the restaurant had descended into chaos with the “Operation: Serve the Princess the Best Meal Ever,” and now with the Saint added into the mix, it must be even worse.
“I’m counting on you.”
“Manager… I’m quitting today.”
“I’ll pay you three times your daily wage.”
“It was three times last time, too.”
“…Fine, five times. And if you handle this well again, I’ll take you on as an apprentice.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Thus, the sequel, “Operation: The Empire’s Greatest Meal That Causes a Storm,” was underway.
The restaurant looked calm on the surface, but internally, it was absolute chaos.
Lilith slowly looked around at the scene before turning to Seria.
“…Hey, Seria.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t go outside anymore. You’re a public menace.”
She said it so bluntly.
Seria didn’t even try to argue, just avoided her gaze instead.
Meanwhile, in a less crowded area just outside the bustling streets, the zealot from earlier reappeared.
Sweat dripped from his forehead.
Though his face held a casual smile, it was clear he was nervous.
“…Hah. I almost disappeared without a trace.”
What replayed in his mind was the moment Rudion had drawn his sword.
Though Rudion’s movements were slow enough for him to see clearly, there had been no sound.
No sound of the grip being held, no sound of the sword leaving its sheath, not even the sound of it being raised.
“What level must one reach to achieve that…?”
Fear often stems from the unknown, and for someone who prided himself on his swordsmanship, the experience was especially jarring.
It was, of course, a misunderstanding. He had no way of knowing that it was just an effect of a random skill, nothing grand or profound.
But to him, it was an insurmountable enigma.
“Well then. I must do what I can. Now that I know someone of his caliber is an ally, it’s time to prepare for that dream I’ve always had.”
And so, he resolved to move forward toward his goal, certain that he would meet the Saint—and the man by her side—again someday.