Disclaimer: Fate series and Persona series belong to their awesome owner, I don't own anything.
Also thanks for my beta reader Zuskato Zyus for proofreading this and making it much better!
"I'm fine with becoming a demon… if it's for everyone else's sake."
- Ayanami From AzurLane
After successfully making their escape. Astolfo in on their way home back to Lundy until he felt a hand tapping his shoulder. When the paladin turns around, he saw Ren finally awake. "Have gotten enough rest, Ren?" He happily asks the half asleep young man. "I am. Thank you for not heading straight to Lundy." Astolfo beamed a smile at him before answering. "I'm just glad you are fine now. I bet everyone is starting to get worried. I mean look it's already evening."
The paladin remembers the simple request Ren asks him to do. He asks him to not go straight back to Lundy. The saints will get even more worried if they saw him in this state. So he wanted to get some rest and look a bit better when they saw him. After hearing his reason, Astolfo agreed to it and they just fly around to waste some time.
"Anyway, we're here now." He said after the Hippogriff feet slowly hit the ground. "We're back!" He yelled in front of the church. Suddenly the blond hair saint and the pale-haired girl named Leysritt immediately greet them. "What took you two so long?!" Leysritt asks in concern and a little angry at the two. "Some stuff happened," Astolfo said before mounting the beast.
"Ren, are you alright?" Jeanne worriedly asks the raven-haired boy. "You look a little tired." She pointed out. Hearing that Ren gives the female saint a friendly smile before answering. "I guess I'm not used to high places." He gives his fabricated excuse. "I told you not to be reckless! You know how worried we are when we didn't saw you returned with those people?" Ren could tell that Jeanne is mad at him.
"You don't consider what other people feel about you," Leysritt commented while feeling disappointed at him. "I'm sorry." Was all Ren could answer and feeling genuine about it. "Come on, all that matters is that we safely returned." Astolfo tried to lighten up the situation. "Let's go inside." He said at the three. "I'm hungry, so please?" He then pleaded at them.
"Alright." Leysritt is the first one to answer and returned inside the church. Ren, Jeanne, and Astolfo followed afterward. They opened the door leading to the dining area and get greeted by a large group of people. Saint Martha, Saint George, Charlemagne and Sella smiled at them after seeing them standing near the doorway and also the people they saved smiled in relief.
"I'm glad your safe. Welcome back, Ren!" He heard from the girl named Altera. "Altera you need to finish what in your mouth before talking." Told by the brown-haired girl beside her. "Welcome back. Thank goodness you two returned safely. You make us very worried." She said at Ren while looking genuinely worried at him.
"My name is Hakuno Kishinami." She introduces before standing up. "It's nice to meet you, Ren Amamiya." Hakuno then looks at the people around her. "Unfortunately everyone is still engaged in their food." She sheepishly smiled at them. "I don't think anyone could help it. The food tastes great, compared to what we usually eat at the castle." said the man in blue. "Anyway, I'm Cú Chulainn. If there is anything you wanted to kill, please call me. I could at least return the favor for saving us."
"Forgive his manner. He has a short term memory and forgets that his inside a church." Commented by the man staring coldly at Cú Chulainn. "But thank you for saving us on that cave." He then looks at Ren before introducing himself. "Call me Archer. I heard that this curry originally came to you. I'm impressed that something simple as this could taste this delicious."
"Indeed it was. This simple to cook food yet taste this delicious will surely help us knights to keep our energy up all day." Added by the voice that sounds very formal and kind. "My name is Gawain. Thank you miss Sella and you as well from this delicious food." Sella and Ren look at each other before smiling back at the knight on his compliment.
"Curry is a good civilization," Altera said very innocently and happy after having another scoop of the curry. "Yes, it is. But my cooking still comes on the top right, my husband?" The fox eared girl asked the Hakuno who's beside her. "Stop! We both know that the praetor liked my cooking more than yours!" Answered by the blond-haired girl and wraps her arms at the Hakuno. "Right praetor!?" she eagerly asks.
"What!? when did this have something to do with you, Ms. Nero?" Angrily replied by the fox-eared girl. "For all we know, your cooking skills cant even compared to my superior skills. Also, don't compare your roman dish on this delicious curry." She said while pointing her finger at the girl named Nero. "For all we know, everyone enjoyed my Roman cuisine for the whole month. It seems you forgot Ms. Tamamo." Nero informed the foxed eared girl named Tamamo.
"That is because you forcefully assign yourself as the cook for the whole month!" Tamamo then crosses her arm and looks little-tired dealing with Nero. "We also just don't want you to whine, it's not cute, mine is cuter. Yours is just annoying." She said while giving her rival a cold stare.
"Ha! Do you think I will believe all you said? Praetor, tell me you enjoyed my cooking. Wait you don't need to tell me, the smile from your face tells me everything I should know." Nero said and rub her head into Hakuno arm. Ren looks at Hakuno reaction and saw the smile on her face. She just gave a friendly smile yet at the same time feeling awkward from what the two are showing at everyone.
"Forget about them." A female voice commented. "Also before I forgot. My name is Medusa." She then looks at Ren's eyes. "No reaction on my name?" She smiled before continuing. "Well, that is better. "I guess that bravery isn't for just show then. Thank you for saving us." She said after giving him a genuine soft smile.
"I'm glad that everyone likes the curry I made." Sella happily said. "All that hard work finally paid off." She then proudly smile at Ren. "I learned it from him and I'm very happy to create it like how he does." Tamamo and Nero look at Ren in curiosity. "Really?" Tamamo asks. "Then can you teach us as well?" Nero asks in a very pleading tone.
"You should ask Sella if you wanted to know the curry recipe," Ren replied. "You're giving me the spotlight now?" Sella laughs softly at Ren. "Anyway, it's a trade secret anyway. You're free to guess what's inside." She then and give Nero and Tamamo a wink. Ren knew where she learned that and because of it, he could not help but to chuckle from Sella's comment.
"I wonder what is it," Hakuno ask in curiosity. "But regardless thank you for letting us stay here." She said at the saints. "It's no problem. We're happy to help the sovereign of Seraph," said Saint George. Ren and the paladins look at the saint in confusion. "Oh, maybe a proper introduction is needed. Hakuno Kishinami is the winner of the Moon Cell Holy Grail War and also the sovereign of all here in Seraph."
"No way! We saved the sovereign of Seraph!" Astolfo cried out after realizing what they just did. "But then what does the sovereign is doing here in our town?" He asks Hakuno. "We were planning on exploring the new lands on Seraph. As the sovereign. I wanted to explore this world and know more about it."
"But then that happened." She then looks downcast. "We got attacked by those servants." Hakuno then shows the ring on her hand. "They wanted to dethrone me on my position. They wanted to be the one to rule Seraph and not me." Ren saw Charlemagne looking guilty about it. "Do you know who those servants are?" Jeanne eagerly asks.
"One of them named Karl der Große." The saint of Orleans looks very shock after hearing the servant's name. "He seems the one leading these servants." Hakuno shakes her head to remove the servant's image on her head. "I'm sorry about what he has done to you." They heard a sorry voice coming from Charlemagne. "I don't know why he suddenly acted like that."
"You seem to know who he was," Medusa asks the paladin. "I do," Charlemagne answered. "Karl der Große and I are the same people." The paladin revealed to everyone. "But I embody the fantasy aspects of the legend. Meanwhile, Karl der Große embodies the reality. The aspect of Charles the great manages to get summoned into separate servants. I don't know the reason for that but I remembered how terrified I am when I saw him face to face."
"He tried to absorb me but he failed. The look on his face when he failed. I don't want to remember about it, but I remember running away from him in terror." Charlemagne took a deep breath before continuing. "Since then we individually live our lives. But now I know what he's up to. Which is why I wanted to apologize on his behalf. Sorry for being a coward. None of this should ever happen if I stayed there and stop him." Hearing his sincere apology. Hakuno could only smile on his direction. "You don't have to apologize to us. After standing against him, I think it's safe to say that you are brave from facing what you fear." She said.
"It must be very hard for you to do that. But I think it's very cool to see a paladin bravely protected us." Hakuno keeps her smile on her face while Charlemagne staring at it. "Did you hear that Charles? She thinks your cool!" Astolfo said after putting him in a headlock. "So don't feel bad about it okay!" He told his king who looks very surprise about it.
"Thank you," Charlemagne said while giving everyone a full smile. "But I would like to know what you planning against him." He asks the sovereign of Seraph. "We're planning to stop him of course," Tamamo answered for her master. "But then I think we still haven't seen all of his cards," Nero commented after. "Someone like him must have something more than those servants." She added.
"I agree," Gawain replied. "I think we're not just facing just five servants. I feel like there is more than that." The knight then looks at Hakuno. "What do you think, my sovereign?" He gently asks. "He's fighting the entire world for this position. So he must have an army that can fight against it." She said and heard Tamamo sigh. "But then again we only have like two territory. Sure there are new places here in Seraph or perhaps new nations. But we still haven't seen any of them."
"Do you think this servant will ask for the help of these new nations?" Medusa asks. "He must be. I mean he's a king, he can easily persuade a country to join his crusade." Tamamo replied before looking at her dearest. "If that is the case. The world itself will go against us, my dear husband." She saw how Hakuno faces become concerned after hearing what she said.
"Then let us make our own then?" Nero excitedly offered what's on her mind. "I mean it's time for the praetor to make her name across Seraph!" She confidently announced to everyone. "That isn't a bad idea," Medusa replied. "Fighting fire with fire huh? I like it." Cú Chulainn said with a grin on his face. One by one everyone agreed to Nero plan.
"Then please, let me join your forces. Hakuno Kishinami." Charlemagne asks. "Let me lend my sword for your cause. I'll swear that I, Charlemagne, will stop him and his plan." The leader of the paladin swears at the sovereign. "We will gladly welcome you on our side." Nero happily accepted the paladin on their ranks. "I cannot leave my king alone. So let me the great Astolfo of the paladins join as well." Hearing another offer. Nero almost jumps in joy from it. "You are very welcome as well." She said with a smile on her face.
"I'm glad that everything got sorted out. But I think we should get a rest now." Saint George told everyone. "Saint Martha will show you, your rooms." The female saint nodded after hearing her name. "Please follow me. Also you three have a lot of work tomorrow." The saint said with a smile at Ren, Charlemagne and Astolfo. "For real!?" Astolfo let out in disbelief. "I'm going to help so don't worry," Jeanne assured at the three before they separate their way back to their room.
Waking up from his nightmare Charlemagne quickly gets up from his bed. Sweat started to build on his forehead as he catching his breath. Dreaming about his life as the king of paladin then suddenly turned into a nightmare when Karl der Große's dreams started to mixed in. "Again?" He whispers under his breath. Shaking his head, Charlemagne decided to take a walk.
Leaving the room that they are using. He slowly found himself outside the church. The light of the morning sun hit his face. It feels warm and refreshing, birds humming to their tune, the sound of brooms coming from the people that cleaning their front yard. Another day has come to Seraph.
'Just what happened to you? Why are you planning to take over this world?' The leader of the paladins asks himself. They are both kings and both the same person. And yet it's frustrating for him not knowing Karl der Große's goal or vision on this world. "Good morning." Came from a young female voice. It snaps the paladin on his thoughts. Charlemagne turns around and meets the young girl named Altera from yesterday.
"Good morning to you too. You are Altera right?" He asked. "Yes, my name is Altera. You are?" Altera asked in polite. She is still not familiarizing with the name of those who save them. Except for Ren and Jeanne. Altera almost jumped to the saint arms when she saw her again. She remembers everything that happened in her life as the leader of the faction that the only goal is to destroy Seraph. She remembers those who help her. She remembers Jeanne that joined her force, not because of destruction, but because she saw something in her.
A person that needs to be saved.
"My name is Charlemagne." He introduces and smiles. "Charle-magn-e?" Altera tried to say his name but failed. "I'm sorry if I didn't say it right." She bowed at him. "It's all right." Charlemagne keeps his smile. "It sounds cute, to be honest." It meant to be a compliment but Altera took it as a form of teasing. A small blush form to her cheeks and she soon struggle to make eye contact with the paladin. It was unintentional but it brings joy and finds it very cute for the paladin.
"Cute? Are you teasing me!? Teasing is a bad civilization!" Altera pout and blush at the same time. Charlemagne immediately feels bad from unintentionally teasing the girl. "Wait! hold on, I meant it as a compliment." He said as calmly as possible, but the panic voice from the beginning thrown it away.
"So you are complimenting me?" Altera asked as she pointed her finger to herself. "Getting a compliment to a boy that is older than me. Is this what Tamamo warned me about." Even though she whispering to herself, Charlemagne heard everything the girl said under her breath. "Eh? What are you talking about?" Altera stopped whispering to herself and then look directly at the paladin's eyes. She looks very serious and cute, Charlemagne could only look back and tried his hardest not to look nervous to the front of the girl. "Mister bad civilization. Answer me honestly. Are you into little girls? If yes then I need to call Mr. Lu Bu and arrest you." After hearing her question, Charlemagne didn't answer immediately. But the color on his face suddenly turned red.
"Complimenting a young girl. Do you do this often? Are you into that stuff? Tamamo told me to avoid people like that?" Hearing Altera's explanation. The color remains as he tries to defends himself from the possible accusation that may come to this girl. "No! Just hear me out before anymore accusation comes out. I'm just complimenting you! I'm not into that stuff! I don't regularly do this to young girls!" The panic voice from the paladin makes Altera quiet.
Catching his breath the girl started to giggle covering her mouth with her hand, Charlemagne doesn't know why. But he is hoping to the god above that the girl doesn't misinterpret his explanation. "What now?" He asked. Its early morning and Charlemagne feels like his energy left him already. Altera is still giggling for a minute before she stops. "I cannot wait to tell this to Master when she wakes up."
"Wait for a second! Do not tell her about this! I'm begging you Altera." This gonna embarrassed him in the front of the last remaining master in the moon. What would she think of him now when she heard that the great Charlemagne got teased by a young girl. That is so uncool and he felt his parameters started decreasing from just imagining it.
"You don't have to worry. Technically I'm older than you." Altera said trying to comfort the paladin that got tease hard by her. "I should apologize as well. But talking to you, even though we're are just strangers just a minute ago. It feels comfortable."
"Oh, I see. Apology accepted then Altera."
"Its fun to talk to you. It is like having a little brother!" Altera exclaimed. "How about this. In exchange for me not telling this to master. You gonna let me treat you like a little brother?"
"That worse than getting a tease."
Hearing Charlemagne reply. Altera looks downward. Her eyes are set on the ground. "I want to experience having a little brother." Altera quietly said. From what Charlemagne could see. It feels like Altera been alone for a long while. Being the king of destruction. No wonder why anyone would want to interact with her. From that long time she is alone, facing hardship all alone, no one to rely on just herself.
Seeing how sad the girl is, Charlemagne feels a sting in his heart. She just wanted one thing from him, yet he hesitated due to his pride. Now he feels like he doesn't deserve to be called the leader of the paladin. Helping people while having a sense of justice on every action they make. That is what a paladin he thinks it is.
"Fine. I can be your little brother. Big-" He doesn't want to see Altera alone, she endure being alone for a long time. Now is the time to make up for all of it. Charlemagne needs to do his part. Taking a deep breath, he then said what his struggling to say. "I can be your little brother. Big Sis."
Hearing the paladin calling her big sis. It brings tears of joy to Altera's eyes. Finally, she has a little brother!
Both Charlemagne and Altera look at each other eyes, both are smiling at each other. "Hey, what's going on here?" Astolfo who just woke up see his king and the little girl at the entrance of the church. The two seem to have fun and Astolfo is all about fun.
Seeing the newly woken paladin member. Charlemagne and Altera sent him a smile and said. "Nothing at all." They said in sync.
"Welcome to-" Leysritt stop herself when she saw a group of people entered their cafe. "Oh, the stupid magician. What are you doing here?" She asks the raven-haired man that very familiar to her. "Stupid magician?" Hakuno let out in curiosity. "Hello, Liz. Hello Sella." He greeted the two owners of the cafe. "By the way Liz, did you already brought a birthday present for Sella?" Sella pops her head after hearing her name.
"Birthday present? My birthday is already finished." After hearing that. Ren looks at Liz who startled when she felt his gaze at her. "Wait then why did you ask me to help you?" He asks the girl. "Well- oh I forgot. I have to wash the dishes. See you later stupid magician." Leysritt said and immediately dash toward the kitchen.
"Wow, you're going to clean all of that?" They heard Sella's voice inside the kitchen. "Really?" Then they watch Leysritt pushed Sella out of the kitchen. "Well." Sella awkwardly said before clearing her throat. "Welcome to Sella's Cafe! What can I do for you today?"
Ren made a sigh and forget everything that happened. "Well, I'm giving Hakuno and her friends a tour here in Lundy. So I decided to introduce a well-known cafe in the town." He explained to the older girl. "That is very sweet of you, Ren." Sella smiled at him. "But we've become famous because of your curry so your part of our fame as well."
"By the way, have a seat. The coffee is in the house!" Sella announces before making her way to the brewing machine. "Hot choco for the cute little girl. Is that alright?" She said while looking directly at Altera. "Yes, thank you very much. Miss Sella." Sella giggled after hearing that. "Please, just call me Sella."
"Unfortunately my little sister is busy washing the dishes inside. But her name is Leysritt." She introduces her little sister. "Mind if I ask. How far the city of Lundy for your liking, Hakuno-chan?" Sella asks while she starting to brew their coffee. "Everyone seems nice. It was also so peaceful here. To be honest I think I'm going to like this town."
"Oh really? I'm glad. But Ren, I think you should introduce our goods to them so they have souvenirs when they return home. You know what I mean right?" She told at the raven-haired boy. "I know what you mean. I'm planning to tour them around town after this." Sella gives him a thumbs up because of that. "By the way where's Jeanne? I find it weird to not see the two of you together."
"She's finishing some chores on the kindergarten," Ren replied and decided to help Sella at brewing the coffee. "Thank you." She said before hearing the doorbell ring. "Welcome-." Sella stops herself when she saw two familiar girls in the doorway. "Saint Martha and Saint Jeanne, Welcome!" She greeted with a smile at the saints.
"This smell. Are you preparing coffee right now, Sella?" Saint Martha happily asked. "Yes, I'm guessing you two wanted one as well?" She asks and saw the full smile of the saints. "Yes please!" She heard from Saint Martha. "Oh, mind if I help as well? I've been very interest in brewing coffee after tasting one." The saint of Orleans asks.
"Really!?" Sella let out feeling overjoyed by Jeanne's interests. "Go ahead. Ren will teach you how." She said and Jeanne walks towards them. "I've been meaning to asks. But are you two a thing now?" Sella's question got everyone's attention and now looking at the two. "I mean you two are always together and helping each other. I'll be not surprised if that's the case, I mean you two been together for a month now right?"
"So how about it? Come on now, tell us the dirt!" Sella demanded an answer on the two. Everyone inside the cafe is looking at the two reactions and saw the flustered saint and the surprise raven-haired young man. "Maybe it's better to ask the man himself. Ren, are you hitting Ms. Jeanne?" She asks and sent him a mischievousness.
"Well-" Jeanne tried to answer. "We're friends that help each other a lot." Ren simply answered. "Just friends?" Sella look at him in disbelief. "Come on, Ren. Someone like you probably knows how to steal a girl's heart. To be honest you look like a heart breaker underneath that innocent look of yours." Hearing Sella's comment. Ren could just only give a friendly smile to her.
"I wonder how many hearts he already stole." He heard from the female servant named Medusa. "Regardless, don't get carried away alright? Or else Karma will find its way to you." She warned while giving a soft chuckle at him. "She took the word out of my mouth! So take that as a warning okay?" Sella said to him after finishing preparing the coffee.
"Anyway back to the topic. So Ren? Are you hitting Jeanne? Or any girl in particular?" The cafe owner didn't let Ren off the hook after those warnings. "You're surrounded by beautiful girls, surely you have someone you like right?" Suddenly she stared coldly at him. "If you are hitting my little sister. I'm gonna beat you up." Sella warned then a moment later she back smiling at him.
"Sella!" They heard Leysritt voice inside the kitchen. "Okay, So?" All eyes are on Ren. He doesn't like having this kind of spotlight. But then he could not find a way to divert the subject. He could tell that even Jeanne is looking at him and waiting for his answer. "It will be bad if I said it here out loud," Ren said. "I might end up suddenly confessing in front of this many people. And I don't want her to feel very embarrassed about it."
"Wait the one you like is inside this cafe?!" Astolfo out of everyone suddenly cried out. "That's a secret." He said with a wink. "Anyway enjoy the coffee we made." Sella just let out a sigh after hearing his answer. "You made us girls think about it." She said and made Ren laugh softly and replied. "I'm not the one who pushes the subject."
Hakuno giggled after drinking her coffee. "This is very delicious," she commented after taking another sip. "I'm not a coffee type of person. But this one is an exception." Tamamo replied in delight. "Umu, I would like to have this back on our palace, my Praetor," Nero said. "I'm glad you liked it." They heard from Ren.
"Well then after we finished our drinks. We can go and visit other places" Ren said to the group. Seeing everyone enjoying their drinks. The saints, Ren, Sella, and even Leysritt started to feel even prouder about the town their living.
The group finished exploring the town of Lundy. But before they return to the church. Some of them decided to visit shops and buy things that got their interest. Once they returned, they got greeted with a smile by Saint George who's waiting patiently to their return. "How was the tour miss Hakuno, did you find our small town good? Did our people treated you okay?" Saint George asked.
"It was okay. They showed us every shop in this town, there are lots of things here that aren't familiar with me and some of them got my interest. We also get introduced to the townspeople and they treated us all right." Hakuno passively answered. "But that not how your face is showing." The male saint points out.
"What do you mean?" Hakuno asks. She genuine answered Saint George's question. She enjoyed the tour that they offered to her. Which beg the question. What kind of face she making that made his claim that she did not answer truthfully. "You see, there are a lot of people that visited this town. Each one of them has a smile from their faces. I've seen a lot of smiles that I can tell which is true and which is not. Those smile, they are filled with joy, excitement, happiness as they answered this same question I'm asking you right now."
Hakuno stares wide eye open at the saint. "They also return here with full of items they brought. Items that took their interest, items that they want to give on their friend or family. You all return with items with you, except you miss Hakuno. I'm sure financial is not the problem, but perhaps something is making you hesitate."
"What is it miss Hakuno. What makes you different from those people that answered?" She didn't answer. She wanted to say something, but it feels she got muted. Thinking over it, perhaps the saint was right. Perhaps she didn't enjoy the tour, her servants at least enjoyed it. They bought everything that interests them.
She didn't do anything of that sort. Truth to be told, she tried to buy those items that she wanted, she tried to make friends with the town people. But their eyes look different. It made her hesitate to do the things she wanted. The feeling of being judged on a court, she felt the same when she face these people. She confesses to the saint. What makes her hesitate. All of it. Under the gaze of the saint, she cannot tell what expression is he making.
"You can just show the regalia to prove your sovereign here in Seraph. They will treat you like how a sovereign should get treated. Why did you not do that?" What the saint said is true. She can just show the regalia, the ring that proves her authority as the sovereign here in Seraph and then the people here in Seraph will respect her.
"But that is not what I wanted." She says under her breath. Hakuno wasn't sure if the saint or anyone, in particular, heard her. But this time she makes sure everyone will hear her. She looks at the saint's eyes and said. "I wanted to get treated equally. I wanted people to see me as Hakuno Kishinami. Not a sovereign but just Hakuno Kishinami."
"You know that is not possible." He said. "People will know you as Hakuno Kishinami the sovereign of Seraph. You cannot just throw that away just because you don't want it. People will not see you as Hakuno Kishinami. You need to accept it because, in the end, you need it."
"Respect as a sovereign is what this newly created world needed." Hakuno looks downcast as she heard what the saint has to say. It was the truth, she needs to face reality. Seeing her master's face. Nero is about to say what is on her mind, but Saint George beat her to it.
"It's not a wrong action and I even find it respectful one." When Hakuno heard it, she manages to gather some strength to face the saint. "I understand and respect what you wanted to miss Hakuno. Because believe it or not, We both want the same thing."
"People respect me and treat me differently because I'm a saint. Which is sometimes hard because I cannot show who I'm really is. But that is okay, it just how being responsible really is. You need to accept that your position is different from everyone here. Hakuno Kishinami the sovereign of Seraph. You do not have to worry that people will forget the real you. Because that will never happen. Most people you knew know who you really are."
"Like everyone around you." Hakuno looks behind her. She saw everyone that help her so far. Nero and Tamamo on her side, Altera is in the middle of the two. Archer, Cu Chulainn, Medusa, Lu Bu, and Gawain every single one of them is behind her. "To meet people like them. It is the greatest gift we can have because we can be whatever we want, but they can still see who we really are."
It brought tears to the girl's eyes hearing what the saint just said. They can treat her whatever they want, Sovereign or not this people know her who she really is. And she like that idea more than getting treated equally. "Why did you ask all of this Saint George?" Tamamo asked. Seeing her master on tears of joy, it gives her a warmth feeling. But she cannot let the fact that someone made her master cry off the hook.
"I want to help her. Being a ruler is not an easy task. Seeing her still new to her task, she might get stressed on all it. I'm afraid one day this will cloud her vision of her judgment. So I help to lessen it little by little."
"I see. Thank you, it was a great help." Hakuno answered with a smile on her face. "To be honest it really giving me stress when I think about it."
"Then perhaps you don't need to take everything alone. We are always open to you."
"Your right. I'll be sure to remember all you said to me. Thank you."
"By the way. I remember that you sorted out your plan against those servants that ambush you right?" Saint Martha asks. "What happened yesterday is very concerning." Hakuno started to explain the situation therewith. "Right now, I want to make an alliance with every possible towns, cities, tribes or village. I want us to be part of this alliance, this is the most efficient way to deal with rebellions."
"That is why I'm hoping for the town of Lundy to join." The girl asked the male saint on behalf of everyone living in this town. He didn't answer immediately. While waiting for their answer. Hakuno is really hoping that they will join. She wanted to make the alliance look powerful so every possible rebellion will easily deal off. An alliance will also be a form of a new family, which consists of many different nations and races.
Saint George nodded to himself and extend his hand at the waiting girl. "The town of Lundy will give it support to you." Hakuno took and shake the saint hand. Lundy will be officially the first that joined this alliance besides the territory they already have. "Seeing that the two paladins already joined and look like they have a personal issue with that king. We hope that you'll take good care of them. They are like family to us now." Saint George asks.
"I will do my best to protect them," Hakuno answered sent the two paladins a soft smile. Charlemagne and Astolfo could not help themselves but smile as well. "Come join us, Ren! You will be a great help on this alliance." Astolfo cried out at the raven-haired man. "I don't know. But I'll think about it." He answered. The two didn't expect that answer on him. They thought Ren will be up to adventures and helping.
"Why not?" Astolfo tried to use his puppy eyes to get Ren to join but it doesn't look like its working. "Just let me think about it. I'll give my answer as soon as I already decided." Astolfo just pouts at him. "It will be fun!" Before Astolfo could throw his tantrum. "Then perhaps we should all get ready for dinner," Jeanne stop him. "Ren, can you help me to cook our dinner?" She asks. "Of course," Ren replied and the two leave everyone and head to the kitchen.
"I'm sure he's going to join." He whispered under his breath. He's hoping for him to join and perhaps the three of them could make a friendly rivalry. "I'm sure he's going to be a great rival for us paladins and to me as well." He smiled and decided to rest in his room.
The evening finally came. The moon and the stars are watching the town of Lundy above them. Under the celestial gaze, a boy with raven hair is enjoying the evening wind touching his face. He is also enjoying the peaceful evening his experiencing right now. "You're still up?" Ren heard behind him. Turning around, he saw Saint Martha who is approaching him. The two then now standing side to side and both are attracted by how the beautiful the evening sky.
"I could say the same to you." He replied and welcome the saint presence. "I just woke up and find hard to sleep afterward. So I decided to walk around." She answered and she felt the cool breeze touches her body. "How about you?"
"Just thinking about some things," Ren answered. Even though he did a lot of work today. His body still not tired and his mind keeps thinking about something. He remembers that tower on his dream. He wonders if that is all just a dream and nothing more. "Did you know that Jeanne will join them and fight this king that ambush, Hakuno, and her servants."
"Really? Well, I guess she could not just ignore stuff that threatens this world." Martha said and Ren could not agree more. "But then Jeanne is the type of person that thinks over the other first before herself. Thinking about it does worry me about her." She said in concern. "Your also similar to her you know. Maybe that is the reason why you two become close friends."
"You two always worry us. I know what you doing is for the good cause. But I could not help myself but worry." Ren felt bad about it. But then he cannot stop himself from helping someone. He can say the same for Jeanne as well. "Anyway, are you not going to help them?" She asks. "This might be the best chance for you to explore this world."
"But then who's going to help you saints?" Hearing that makes Saint Martha chuckle. "We're not some kid you've been taking care of in the kindergarten you know. We can handle ourselves, you don't have to worry about us, Ren." She then gives him a gentle smile. "So don't let that stop you from exploring this world. I mean you still wanted to find those people you know right?"
"That's true." Ren agrees after remembering everyone on the phantom thieves. He actually hoping that they eventually ended up here as he did. But then again his been staying here for a while and no one came. "What about you? Don't you want to explore this world as well?" Hearing his question, Saint Martha got surprised but managed to recover quickly. "I've done that before. I just wanted to stay here and take care of this town."
"Also I can't let my job on that kindergarten go. I mean teaching those children and seeing them so happy from it is what I wanted. Also don't you agree that they all look so cute?" Said by the saint in a joyful tone. "Just looking on those kids makes my heart burst with joy." She said and Ren could almost see her imagination starting to materializing.
"I can tell how much you like them, I'm the same as well. But I think you are starting to your journey from motherhood, Saint Martha." Ren said to tease the female saint. "That is not true!" She immediately replies. "So you don't want to have one?" Ren asks and this time a bit curious about it. "That not what I mean! I just enjoyed taking care of kids. But that doesn't mean I don't want to have my own!" She cried out and ended up with a pout.
"To whom?" Ren knew that it's quite personal. But he cannot stop himself from teasing people. "That is none of your business!" She said with a blushing face. "Why are you even asking me those kinds of stuff?" She then crossed her arm and look away from him. "Besides my luck in love is still hasn't come. So that possibility is still far away."
"No one hasn't confessed to you yet?" Ren let out in disbelief. "That is impossible." He said but the saint disagrees with him. "Maybe there are some who have feelings for me, but no one has the guts to say it." She then releases a sigh. "Doesn't matter to me though." She then pumps up her chest and looks very proud of herself. "I Saint Martha will not let her heart be taken easily."
"Anyway, why are we still talking about my love life!?" She said while looking angry at him. "Can we not talk about it?" The saint asks the young man. But the young man just put up a charming smile at her. "To be honest though. I don't find it hard to fall in love with you, Saint Martha. I mean your the perfect girl every man could ask for."
"What?!" Saint Martha cried out in surprise and embarrassment. "Just stop it or else!" She warned the young man who is still smiling at her. "I mean it. I really do." He keeps up the smile and Saint Martha could not stare at it any longer. "Really?" Her voice suddenly turned very innocent while asking Ren about it. "Why would I lie in front of the church?"
'I Saint Martha will not let her heart be taken easily!' She yelled inside her head. Ren watches the saint fighting herself internally. Her body is shaking while her face is turning bright. "Too much?" He whispered to himself while continue watching the saint. "I need to stop then. I felt my karma is coming closer than I expected." He then taps the saint shoulder.
But instead for her to stop. Saint Martha startled from it and suddenly let out her fist fly and hit Ren Amamiya in the face. "Oh no!" She cried out and check the raven-haired boy lying on the ground. "Are you okay? Sorry I didn't mean it." She said while trying to get him up. "It's fine," Ren replied while rubbing the bruise on his cheeks.
"But still that hurts." He said while feeling his mouth bleeding inside. "I'm sorry." She said while playing at her finger. "But it was your fault anyway!" She then accused him. "That is what you get from playing around!" Ren continues caring his cheek. "I guess that is true. But I really mean it though." He said.
"Also I think I know what I wanted now." Ren then gives a friendly smile to her. "I decided to help them. To help Charlemagne. To help Hakuno. And to help Jeanne as well. Because that is what I aspire to do?" He said while tilting his head. "Anyway thank you, Saint Martha."
"I did not do anything. All I get was getting tease by someone younger than me." She said in confusion. "But then again I hit you in the face. I guess that is fine." Saint Martha chuckled after saying that. "Really? You enjoyed hitting me on the face?" Ren said. "No wonder that dragon looks very sad. Its domestic abuse, does it? You tame him with your fist!"
"What did you just say?" Saint Martha asks. Ren saw her veins pop up from that. "Then again maybe it was the kind word who tame him." Hearing that made her smile once again. "Good boy!" She said giving him a smile.
"Anyway, it's not fair that we talk about my love life!" He heard her protest. "I actually getting tired now," Ren said and immediately go inside the church. "Hey don't avoid the subject!" The night ended up with the two arguing and making fun of each other. One is smiling one the other is blushing. It keeps going on and on until the two finally settle for a cup of coffee and saying goodbye to each other.
"We would like to join as well." Ren Amamiya and Jeanne D' Arc announces at everyone that is present inside the church hall. It was early morning and Hakuno group is getting ready to leave. The look on everyone's faces can only be described by surprise due to their sudden announcement.
Charlemagne almost drops his bag from the surprise. Astolfo immediately runs at the boy due to his happiness. Altera cried in joy and launch like a missile at Jeanne. "Are you two sure about this?" Hakuno asked. The addition of the phantom thief and the saint of Orleans will make their alliance much stronger. "We are." The two answers in sync. "I see." Hakuno is still unsure but at the same time felt relief from it. She then looks at Saint George who sent her a nod. "Then I welcome you two to the team."
"Thank you," Ren and Jeanne said before giving them a friendly smile. "You better find a way to communicate with us okay?" They heard coming from Sella. "Yeah, you better," Leysritt says while looking directly at him. She felt sad that he's leaving. But as long as she can talk to him and know his fine. Then she can let it go.
"Don't worry. I'll do something about it." They heard from the caster servant. "Just give me a few days and everyone can talk to each other," Tamamo said which makes everyone feel relief. "By the way Kishinami-san. Just where are we going?" Charlemagne asked."Well, we are going to this city called New France. I heard that soon enough it will be big enough to become a country like on earth." She answered.
"By the way are we just going to walk?" Medusa asked. It's going to take them days before making it to France. Fortunately, Charlemagne has an answer for that. "I got us covered." Charlemagne excitedly said. "Come outside and I show you." Everyone then did what he said. They now all outside the church. The paladin king drops his bag and closes his eyes. Then they started to feel the energy that is building up around the paladin. First it was invincible, but later on, something started to materialize. It was big, very big that looks like taking the form of a building.
"Charles Patricius: Our Transient Glory!" Charlemagne shouted on what must be the name of the thing he is getting materialized. Above them, they saw a big floating fortress. Hovering above the town of Lundy. Charlemagne turns his back and faces the surprised look on everyone's face. "Now then, shall we get going." He said to everyone while they staring at it in awe.
Changelog:
1. Not much changes from the original chapter.
2. But added new scenes.
3. Remove the part where PQ2 has something to do with Ren being on Seraph. Decided not to make things complicated and make something simpler.
Author Note: This chapter will going to get proofread soon and the same for the others. But for now, try to ignore the bad things on the writings XD.
Well, that is all for now, leave a review and follow this story if you're interested. Favorite this as well if you like it. Bye-bye~