Chapter 12 Nostalgic Jimna I
As me, Ceres, I secretly came back to Jimna, my old hometown, hiding my true self.
Before I leave for another world, another land, I wanted to see this place one last time and burn it into my memory.
Everything began here.
After my parents passed and I was left alone, this village raised me.
I even tried inviting Shizuko-san and the others, but they didn't come.
Well, unlike me, they all had complicated issues with their ex-husbands. Maybe it's natural they didn't want to come.
Shizuko-san and her group, along with Marianne-san and the others, are traveling through the three kingdoms — the Dhamar Kingdom, the Galban Empire, and the Holy Church Nation Gandale — while I stay here in Jimna.
Thinking about it, Marianne and Frey are princesses. Cecilia holds a high position, right below the Pope, so even if they're not here, I should at least greet them properly.
That's why I disguised myself and sneaked in from the sky, hiding my identity.
With this, I should be safe.
It's still early — about 6 AM. The sun is rising, but the streets are quiet and mostly empty.
I find it a little lonely.
Back when this was a simple farming village, people would already be working in the fields or caring for animals at this hour. Now, hardly anyone is outside.
This once rural village has grown into a busy commercial town. The dirt path I used to walk is now paved with bricks.
I'm glad my hometown has grown, but... is it selfish to feel a bit sad about the change?
Then, what is this...?!
The statue of Ceres in the center of town has grown enormous.
It's over 20 meters tall, and half of it is shaped like a dragon — a bit dramatic, like something from a chuunibyou fantasy.
It looks like a mix between a Buddhist statue of Fudo Myo-o and an ancient masterpiece.
The plaque reads: "Welcome to the town of God Dragon Jimna! Statue of the Holy Dragon Ceres."
Did Uncle Sector make this!?
I knew he was good at this kind of thing, but I never imagined he could create something this huge. That's amazing.
"Oh, do you like this statue? I made it! It's the statue of the Holy Dragon Ceres who saved this world. Pretty amazing, huh?"
Uncle Sector and Chihua were walking on the other side of the statue.
Since I'm disguised, they didn't recognize me.
But Uncle Sector looks hurt.
Well, Chihua — his current wife — is a total spoiled brat and super jealous, so she probably suspects he's been cheating.
"Haha, it's awesome!"
sniff sniff "Sec-chan, wait! That person! It's Ceres-sama!"
"No, no, he's definitely someone else."
Because I'm disguised as a middle-aged man, it's hard to tell.
"No way! That's definitely Ceres-sama! I can smell it, no doubt!"
Chihua is a beastman dog.
Her sense of smell is way better than a human's.
Disguises don't fool her, huh?
"You got me! As expected of a beastman!"
"Normal beastmen wouldn't notice. But I'm a dog beastman — once I smell someone, I don't forget."
"That's amazing!"
"Yeah."
"But, Ceres-sama, why disguise yourself? This is your hometown. You could come openly. Any reason?"
I don't want to be the center of attention.
"If everyone knows I'm back, there'd be a huge fuss. I want to quietly look around."
"I see. Then it's better to stay low."
"Thanks for keeping it secret."
"I won't tell anyone you're here. Promise."
"Thank you! Also, please stop with the '-sama.' It makes me feel lonely."
"Then just 'Ceres,' okay?"
"Well, Uncle Sector is like that."
"But calling you Ceres — a divine dragon beyond a hero — feels kind of scary. Still, if that's what you want, I can do it."
"So... what about that injury, Uncle Sector?"
"That's on me. I'm just insanely jealous."
Uncle Sector, did you cheat again?
"Uncle Sector, did you cheat again?"
"No, no! I swear I didn't."
"Then why is that?"
"It must have been because she's jealous!"
"Uncle Sector! No cheating! Didn't you say you stopped?"
"No, really didn't! Chihua got jealous..."
"──Liar, Sec-chan! Didn't you check out that female adventurer who just came to town?"
"I was just looking! That doesn't count as cheating, right? Don't you agree, Ceres? I don't think a punch to the face is fair..."
Just looking isn't allowed... and a punch to the face is serious business.
"Ceres-sama, that's cheating, isn't it?"
If they were really fighting, I'd step in. But it's playful banter.
Both of them were smiling and holding hands.
"No comment."
After that, I quietly slipped away from the scene.
Notes:
• Cecilia - Former saintess. Ceres' wife.
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