Now, I don't know how many people in this world have picked up abandoned puppies or kittens, only to have their mothers tell them, 'Take them back to where you found them.' At least, I had never experienced that before.
In the first place, I hardly ever come across abandoned cats or dogs, let alone stray cats. Back when I was in Asteris, I used to catch stray kids and send them off to acquaintances who were craftmans or merchants' apprentices.
So, I've had more experience picking up people than cats or dogs, but...
"‥‥"
"‥‥"
I never thought I'd end up picking up a girl on Earth. Sitting on the floor, I was silently observed by a beautiful girl with vivid golden hair tied in a single braid and red eyes. As a Hero by profession, I've been approached by beautiful women and girls before, but her beauty surpassed them all. Her beauty was almost eerie, as if it were crafted.
Her proportions were exquisite, and she had a feminine figure that matched her tall height, if not exceeded it. However, her age was probably younger than mine, most likely.
I had helped this girl from some fire dogs trouble and brought her to my apartment, but for some reason, she hadn't uttered a word in about ten minutes. She had drunk the barley tea I offered, so I didn't think she was completely wary of me.
By the way, I had already dispelled the magic, and the armor that had covered my body had disappeared. I mean, it was a hindrance indoors.
But what to do now?
I pondered over it. Normally, if someone pick up a girl, they report it right away. In fact, even the expression "picking up a girl" is already a crime.
However, I couldn't do that. This girl undoubtedly knew magic. What would happen if I handed her over to the police?
If she were just being targeted by magicians, I could just say, "I happened to help her this time," and say goodbye before things got troublesome. By the way, I had been wearing the armor to avoid revealing my identity.
However, the problem wasn't that simple.
"‥‥"
The girl squirmed under my gaze. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't looking at her with any lewd intentions. Well, maybe there was a bit of that too.
What I was actually looking at was the clothing she was wearing.
It could be summarized in one word: nun's uniform. It was primarily white with red lines, and even at a glance, it was clear that it was a highly detailed piece of work. Despite being a nun's uniform, it pursued functionality in its design, and magic runes were intricately incorporated with threads.
Above all, there was an emblem embroidered on the cleavage, pushed up by her ample chest. The emblem depicted white wings and a red heart, and to my knowledge, it represented a certain affiliation.
"Hey, I've got a question."
"‥‥What is it?"
Her voice was stern, but it seemed she was willing to engage in a conversation.
In that case, there was one thing I had to ask.
"You, you're from Asteris, right? And you held a significant position in the Holy Goddess Church, like a bishop or archbishop?"
"‥‥!?"
Her reaction was dramatic. She looked at me like "How do you know that?" And it was because of this very reason that I had brought her to my home. The clothing she wore was the nun's uniform of the Holy Goddess Church, a faith practiced by humans in Asteris. Moreover, judging from the size and intricacy of the emblem sewn on her chest, it should have belonged to a higher rank.
As for why I knew all this, it was because the title of "Hero" was bestowed upon humans chosen by the 'Goddess.' Conversely, the "Demon King" I had defeated was a term for the demon who received their title from the 'Demon God.'
Well, I couldn't just help her and say goodbye.
"Why is someone from Asteris here? And do you have any idea why you were attacked?"
I had a mountain of questions, but the girl interrupted me and spoke up.
"‥‥Indeed, I was born in Asteris and am associated with the Holy Goddess Church. However, before I answer your questions, may I ask one as well?"
"What is it?"
I'm sure she wanted to know why I knew about Asteris.
The girl looked at me with a serious expression.
"Earlier, sir knight, are you... um, the same person as him?"
Huh, from that?
"...Well, I mean, you were watching me dispel magic, weren't you?"
The girl hadn't fainted or anything. I had simply made her sit down and then dispelled the magic right in front of her. There was no need to ask.
But when I responded, the girl's expression turned shocked, and she let out a voice as if it were the end of the world.
"I can't believe it... You're the one inside that knight..."
"Why are you so shocked? That knight's armor was undoubtedly created by my magic."
"But still! Can people believe that the person inside that knight, who seemed so extraordinary, is actually such an ordinary man like you?"
"Hey! I'll blow you away, okay?"
Oops, that was way too rude, and my true feelings slipped out unintentionally.
"...I-I'm sorry."
The girl lowered her head in response to my words. It made me feel guilty, scolding someone younger like that.
"Is this man really the knight..."
Nope. Why is this girl muttering so quietly?
"Sigh..."
I let out a sigh unintentionally, and it seemed like the girl realized it was impolite as she deeply bowed her head.
"I'm truly sorry. And thank you for helping me when I was in danger."
"Ah, no, it's fine. I'm used to it, to be honest."
To tell the truth, I was quite accustomed to such reactions.
The name of my proficient magic was "My True Name." To put it simply, it was a magic that created highly efficient armor and weapons. It was a convenient magic for battles, but for some reason, ever since I started taking off the armor, people looked at me as if I were a different person. While they treated me as a Hero when I wore the armor, it was only natural that they wouldn't believe me when I was in my regular state.
According to my magician acquaintance, there seemed to be some kind of recognition-inhibiting magic applied directly to the armor, making it impossible for people to associate my regular appearance with the Hero. So, don't doubt me when I undo the magic right in front of them.
As I remembered all this, I realized something.
"By the way, what's your name? I'm Yamamoto Yuusuke, but just call me Yuusuke. As you can see, I'm an ordinary magician now."
I didn't need to mention that I was once a Hero. That was in the past.
The girl corrected her posture and looked me straight in the eyes.
"I'm Lisha. I don't have a last name, just Lisha. I know I'm being persistent, but thank you very much for helping me."
Lisha lowered her head again.
Maybe the stark contrast between my knightly appearance and my current state had left her confused, but it seemed that she was fundamentally a serious person. Though it was somewhat impolite of me to think that way.
Lisha continued.
"And one thing I must correct is that while I am a member of the Holy Goddess Church, I am neither a bishop nor an archbishop."
"Huh, is that so?"
"Yes."
Lisha nodded. However, priests and deacons shouldn't be allowed to have the emblem that Lisha had sewn on her.
"I hold the title of 'Saint,' which grants me authority similar to that of an archbishop, but I am not an archbishop."
"――I see?"
I couldn't help but ask again.
"It may not be very familiar in this world, but as a 'Saint,' I had the role of offering a dance to the Goddess."
"...Is that so?"
Of course, I know. Actually, I have an acquaintance who is a Saint in Asteris.
I had heard stories about multiple Saints in Asteris, but I never expected to meet one in person.
In Asteris, Saints live lives even more secluded than the royalty or nobility. Unlike heroes whose job involves appearing in front of the public, Saints spend most of their lives dedicated to the Goddess's worship, isolated within the church.
Their rarity is to the extent that some elderly people claim they can't die until they've seen a Saint.
Well, even if she's a Saint, it's not all it's cracked up to be. I wanted to tell that to the elderly folks.
"So, why did this Saint from Asteris come to Earth?"
"...I'm more curious about how you know about Asteris. People here shouldn't be aware of it, even if they are magicians."
Well, that's certainly intriguing. But I had no intention of revealing that I'm a former Hero. The past is the past... and besides, I have a feeling that revealing it would lead to a lot of trouble.
"Did you know that there has been research on magic to travel between worlds in Asteris for a long time? Many people have disappeared due to accidents. Some were sent to unknown places, while others, fortunately, ended up on Earth, like my ancestors."
"You have Asteris blood in you?"
"That's how it would seem."
That's a lie. I'm a pure-blooded Japanese.
I nodded in agreement, and it seemed like there was no doubt in Leisha's mind. It's a piece of cake to fool an inexperienced saint like her.
"Alright, now it's your turn, Leisha. From the looks of it, it doesn't seem like you were accidentally sent here."
Personally, I'd prefer a reason as silly as that, because it'd be quite entertaining.
Leisha took a sip of barley tea and began to speak quietly.
"Yuusuke-san, are you familiar with something called the God-Demon War that takes place in Asteris?"
"...No, I'm not."
"In our world, there are two opposing factions: the human tribe, who worship the Goddess, and the demon tribe, who worship the Demon God. We are irreconcilable enemies, no matter what happens. The human tribe and demon tribe are enemies to the core. That's what the God-Demon War is about."
"So, it's like a religious war?"
"In terms of perception, that's not entirely wrong. The God-Demon War, which occurs at regular intervals, typically involves a 'Hero' chosen by the Goddess and a 'Demon Lord' leading their respective races in a battle for the dignity of their species and the power of the gods."
"Sounds pretty straightforward."
I nodded in understanding. By the way, one of the Heroes who fought as the standard-bearer in that God-Demon War was me. It brings back memories.
In Asteris, the human and demon tribes truly cannot get along. It's not a matter of having a bad relationship or trying to find a way to coexist; it's that both sides absolutely refuse to accept each other. They are absolute enemies.
Leisha continued her explanation.
"A few years ago, the God-Demon War occurred again. I wasn't there to witness it, as I was at the church. In the end, the Hero defeated the Demon Lord, and it concluded with a victory for the human tribe."
"Oh, that's good then."
I already knew, but I was a key player in that. It's nostalgic.
However, Leisha's expression darkened at that point.
"But the story didn't end there. During a conversation between the Goddess and the Demon God, it was revealed that something injustice was happening in the God-Demon War."
"Injustice?"
What could that mean?
I don't think there's anything injustice in war.
Or maybe, tricking the demons and attacking them from behind? Or forcing captured demons to spread false information? There are quite a few possibilities.
Looking back, I was quite young.
"Yes, the Goddess relied on forces from outside Asteris, and that's against the rules of the God-Demon War. As a result, an unprecedented Second God-Demon War was declared. The rules are simple: a game on Earth where the 'key' individuals given roles by the Goddess will compete. The demons will try to kill the 'key,' and the humans will protect them. The deadline is until the end of this year according to Earth's calendar. And..."
Leisha paused there, and suddenly, she opened the collar of her nun's uniform. Her porcelain-like white skin revealed itself, and my gaze was inadvertently captivated. There, a tattoo of the Goddess appeared, as if to signify her ownership.
"I am one of the 'keys.'"
"Really?"
That was all I could mutter.
And now, let's organize the story.
The injustice that Leisha was talking about probably had to do with the fact that I, an individual from another world, was made into a 'Hero.' In reality, it was an irregular occurrence, and I was strictly told never to disclose it. Only a very small number of people were present when I was summoned and when I was sent back.
But then, the Demon Lord found out, and he said, "No way, there's no way this doesn't break the rules. A rematch is inevitable." That's how it went.
That's all fine. It's Asteris's problem, and I sympathize with those who were forced to go along with the whims of the gods. In fact, I don't feel guilty at all. I was summoned and made to fight against my will, so I consider it their fault for forcing me. I'm even angrier that they call it an injustice when I was coerced into it.
The problem is...
"Why go through all this trouble on Earth?"
That's where the issue lies.
"That's because the magical balance of the world was disrupted during the First God-Demon War, and it hasn't fully recovered. So, it's impossible to continue the God-Demon War in Asteris any further."
"Then just don't fight."
Even a kindergartener could understand this logic.
"It's not that simple. If there's no winner, the balance of the world can't be maintained."
"..."
The situation was giving me a headache. It's probably not just because of the alcohol.
I thought I understood the selfishness of gods, but I must have forgotten after being away for a while. It's really messed up.
However, I could grasp the situation.
Leisha was being pursued by the demon tribe, who wanted to kill the 'key.'
Hmm, I see.
I got up and started searching in the cupboard for something. I hadn't used it in a long time, so I had a vague memory of where it was... Ah, there it is.
I placed it in front of Leisha.
"Here, take this."
"What is it?"
"It's a first aid kit. If you ever get hurt while stumbling around, you can at least treat yourself."
If her clothing's magic is functioning, she probably won't even get a scratch from a fall, but it looks like Leisha has very little magical power left.
"Th-thank you."
Leisha opened the first aid kit with uncertain hands. I hope she knows how to use it.
Well, never mind.
"Alright, once you've treated yourself, you can head back. I want to get some sleep for class tomorrow."
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Leisha looked at me with a bewildered expression. Did I say something strange?
"W-wait a moment, please. What do you mean, 'head back'?"
"Don't you guys come from Asteris to protect the 'keys'? So, return to the person you're guarding."
She has a proper guardian, after all. It's only natural to return her to them.
However, Leisha shook her head vigorously.
"Well, you see, I got separated from my escort quite a while ago, and since then..."
"Huh?"
What? Separated? Seriously?
"How long ago was this separation?"
"It's been about half a month."
"How have you been surviving since then?"
It's not easy for a girl who looks like she could be either a nun or a cosplayer to live alone in today's concrete jungle.
"Well, I've been managing thanks to the donations from devout people. And if necessary, I can rely on the rain and dew..."
"..."
Oh, Saint-samaaaaaaaaaa!!
I had to hold back the urge to scream.
What is she, a saint or some kind of hermit? Is she planning to become an ascetic and endure rain and dew?
With tears welling up in my eyes, Leisha turned to me with a determined expression.
And she said.
"So, please. Would you protect me as my knight?"
It was a sincere request.
A girl who had been used as a pawn in the games of the gods, risking her own life for the fate of the world. Her one pure wish.
Even if I'm not a Hero, any guy would probably think the same. They'd want to lend their strength to this fleeting yet beautiful girl trapped by such an unreasonable destiny.
I, Yuusuke is no exception.
So, I smiled reassuringly at Leisha and said.
"I decline."
The air froze.
"W-w-w-w-what?"
Leisha's voice sounded like a glitchy music player.
She probably hadn't expected to be refused. Saints are usually pampered and, while I was surprised by the story about donations earlier, I think if she stood in front of a station, she could easily make more than 30,000 yen per hour.
That's how special saints are; they are extraordinary individuals who captivate people.
"A-a-aren't you a descendant of the Asteris human tribe? Don't you have any desire to fight for your homeland?"
"My homeland is Earth. Please solve your problems over there."
Leisha looked bewildered, and I replied indifferently.
Her red eyes started to fill with tears, but too bad. I've experienced enough honey traps during my Hero days. Crying won't shake me.
But thanks to my previous interactions with the saint, I was saved. If I had encountered a saint for the first time like this, I might have unconsciously agreed.
"That's...!"
"Sorry, but I have my own daily life to worry about. I don't intend to get involved in such troublesome matters. For now, you can stay at my place tonight, and from tomorrow, try to find the person you got separated from."
It may sound cold, but it can't be helped. Because, saying irresponsible things here and giving her false hope would be even worse in my opinion.
I'm no longer a Hero. The burden of Leisha's mission is too heavy for just an ordinary college student like me.
"P-please!"
"Even if you plead, it won't change anything. I'm going to sleep now, so you can use the shower, change clothes, and help yourself to the bed."
With that, the conversation was over. If I let it drag on, I might start feeling sympathetic.
I casually used my bag as a temporary pillow and lay down on the carpet. Fortunately, it's not the season to catch a cold. Arguing about who gets to use the bed and ending up with a scenario where we both sleep together is something best left for fiction.
Even as a former Hero, I'm now just a college student living in the modern world. My academic credits are more important than the fate of another world.
I began to drift off to sleep without paying much attention to Leisha, who had started moving around. I suddenly remembered that I hadn't explained how to use the first aid kit when I realized it, but my intoxicated mind had already succumbed to slumber.
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