Volume 1 Chapter 80 My First Food Distribution With Lydia
In the rain of candy-colored sugar, the broken town is returning to its original state.
Children are jumping with their arms spread wide to the sky.
The adults have put down their weapons and are holding hands with their loved ones.
Mr. Wilshark, who was staring at the sky with a shocked expression, suddenly opened his eyes wide and stared at me.
Sir Ciel and Sir Roxas stepped forward to protect me.
Mr. Wilshark crouched down, placing both hands on the ground.
"...It's like a miracle."
As if triggered by those words, voices began to rise in the town, saying, "The saint is here," and "The saint has arrived," like ripples in water.
"I've always been... jealous of Ciel's talent. I'm not the only one. The Wisteria bloodline feels the same way."
Mr. Wilshark, bowing his head, spoke in a strained voice.
"He possesses an overwhelming amount of magical power that no one can control, beautiful despite being a monster, and has risen to the top mage of Saintwise without any backing, earning the king's trust. Every time I heard rumors about Ciel, called the ethereal demon king, I laughed at him. As long as I could mock him, I could think I was better."
"Wilshark. I'm not... talented."
"Regardless of what you think, your reputation reaches my ears whether I want it to or not. You single-handedly defeated a fairy dragon and took down a 4-headed Medusa that spread curses. Compared to that, I'm just stuck in a discarded Deus Via. And now, with this disaster, what can I do besides blame the Kirschtein people...! What should I do about this town, saint? I want to hear your words."
Mr. Wilshark's words were directed at me.
Mr. Lucian and Sir Rail also returned to my side.
"The buildings and the injured have all returned to normal. I didn't do anything. This is the power of the princess, isn't it?"
"Lydia... you really are the saint with the power of Goddess Alexandria."
When Sir Rail and Mr. Lucian said that, I flinched.
I didn't really understand.
I just thought── I don't want Sir Ciel to hurt anyone.
I don't want to hear the voices of people filled with hatred.
And then── it felt like something was overflowing all over my body.
"I... I..."
"Lydia. Everyone is looking for your words. ...Just be yourself. Tell us what you want, what we should do, what we need to do. You can convey it in your own words."
Sir Roxas said encouragingly.
"...Ms. Lydia. You saved me. ...Without your voice stopping me, I might have killed Wilshark. I was that emotional. ...What do you want to do? I want to fulfill Ms. Lydia's wishes with all my heart."
"Sir Ciel..."
Sir Ciel took my hand and spoke in his usual gentle tone.
The usual Sir Ciel.
I'm not angry anymore, I'm kind──thinking about others while neglecting my own needs, Sir Ciel.
"Sir Ciel... I want my usual, everyday life. I get angry a lot, and I cry and say bad things too. ...I'm not kind, and I'm not a great person like a saint. ...I even have people I dislike, and sometimes I wish they would just trip for no reason."
I can't be like a goddess who doesn't get angry, loves everyone, and is kind to everyone.
So when I'm called a saint, it makes me feel small.
"But... there might be many sad and unpleasant things, but... I want to be with the important people in my life, eating together and laughing. I don't want anyone to get hurt for reasons they can't control. I want to prevent sad things from happening again. The people of Kirschtein and the people of Bernard look the same to me."
It might be very difficult.
I want the town to return to normal, and for the injuries to heal.
I want hearts to return to normal too.
I know it's hard to change things that were originally filled with hatred. But even without weapons──there must be things we can solve.
"We might not be able to get along... but right now, I think it's okay to be happy together that we're safe..."
"──Everyone, did you hear? The saint's generous words...! The saint has not abandoned our town, which is fighting, but has saved us. Put down your weapons, hold hands, and check on everyone's safety!"
When Mr. Wilshark stood up, he raised his voice.
A beautiful woman and a small child rushed from the carriage parked behind Mr. Wilshark to him.
Embracing them, Mr. Wilshark smiled with a sense of relief.
The people who had put away their weapons and shouts were also hugging their families.
"...Lydia. Everything that happened is my responsibility. I must atone for it."
Watching that scene, Mr. Lucian murmured softly.
Sir Rail gave Mr. Lucian's back a hard pat.
"Are your eyes blind and your ears just for decoration, Lucian? Didn't you hear the princess's words? The princess wants to return to her usual life. You are included in that. ...Or do you not want to go back anymore?"
"I──."
"If it's hard for Mr. Lucian to go home, ...then I will──."
Honestly, I want everyone to come back to my restaurant to eat together again.
But I can't force Mr. Lucian if it's painful for him.
"That's right. You don't have to come back. Leave Lydia to me and my brother. You don't need to be here, Lucian."
"That's right. I'll be by Ms. Lydia's side."
Sir Roxas and Sir Ciel seem a bit cold.
Sir Rail shrugged and said, "Well, that's true. Losing one person is a blessing for us."
"Wait. You guys... Ciel, you told me to go back."
"I did, but I've changed my mind. The hatred in this town is deep-rooted, but I'll handle the issues with the Margrave Wisteria family. Protecting Ms. Lydia is something I can do alone."
"I also want to go back to my original self. If my sins can be forgiven, I want to stick to my lies. I want to live as Lucian Kilkade."
I felt relieved and looked up at Mr. Lucian with a smile.
Then──clap, I put my hands together.
"It's a bit early, but dinner time is coming soon, Mr. Lucian. Just candy won't fill you up. I wonder why it was just candy. It's already gone... I really want you to eat a proper meal."
"So, you mean you're going to cook?"
"Yes! I'm making a lot, so will you help me?"
"Ah, of course. Disaster relief is part of a knight's job. I'm used to cooking for it."
"That's great! What should we make, princess?"
"Then let's call Saintwise's subordinates too. The more hands, the better."
"I'll cover the ingredient costs. I'll write it off as a charity expense for Duke Girard's family, so no problem."
So, I made a hearty sweet curry in the big pot at the town square.
The square was filled with many people, and Mr. Wilshark was enjoying curry with his family, smiling.
The people from Kirschtein and Bernard were also eating together at the makeshift tables.
I don't think this will immediately make things better or solve everything.
But I hope that even a little──something can change.
The people from Saintwise quickly arrived using the teleportation magic circle, and then the knights from Leonsroar came with a large floating magic stone device.
By the time we finished serving the food together, the sun had completely set, and the town was quiet as if nothing had happened.
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