Episode 128: The Shape of Salvation
“Somebody, help me!”
I, Andrews, was arrested by a swordswoman named Collette, who is apparently the Fourth Princess’s attendant.
It’s basically an unlawful arrest, or rather, she shouldn’t even have the authority to arrest me, but in this world, if a person of power (a strong person) says white, then black becomes white too…
When you’re caught by someone you can’t physically beat, you have no choice but to beg for mercy.
“You! Are you the one who drove Oswald mad?!”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about!”
Collette, the female Elf swordswoman, is seriously pissed.
Well, it seems this Collette is also a Holy Knight.
Becoming a Holy Knight as a woman and an Elf must have taken extraordinary effort.
The Church has officially stated that they accept even other races if they are baptized and adhere to the teachings of the Church (except for the Mazoku, of course).
But even so, in reality, other races tend to be disliked. It’s not to the point where they aren’t recognized as people, but it’s like… in Japan, Zainichi Asians? Something like that. Or maybe like black people in the American South?
No, but that’s a matter of being looked down upon as a person. Heretics and the Mazoku aren’t even recognized as people.
So… to summarize. If you have a rare talent and work your ass off for decades… you can make it to the top. At least, in the Church.
And I was being glared at by such an upstart.
“Because of you!!!”
“Whoaaa!!!”
D-Danger! I’m gonna die!
…Just then.
“That’s not good.”
‘Hookclaw’s’ prosthetic arm.
The hookclaw, true to its name, caught Collette’s short sword.
“He’s not involved, Collette-san. Taking your anger out on others isn’t a good thing.”
“Taking my anger out?! This guy made you—!”
“It’s true that Andrews-kun’s ideas influenced me, but they aren’t the fundamental reason I left the Church. Besides, he’s the only investor who makes large donations to this slum, and he’s a dear friend of mine.”
“Then, is it…? Are you really doing this ‘to save people’…?”
“That’s right. That’s my reason for existence.”
…Ah, crap.
It was a waste, but I tore the fabric of the collar Collette was grabbing and ran away with all my might.
“Such… a ridiculous thing…! I won’t allow it…!!!”
That’s bad… what is that?
It’s almost in the realm of magic…
She’s solidifying Magical Power on the surface of her sword, making a Lightsaber…
I can tell, I’m a pro when it comes to magic, Magical Power.
That’s… not good.
Was that a car braking or someone screaming? A high-pitched sound kept echoing.
It’s the sound of Magical Power bouncing off the atmosphere and exploding.
“People… people aren’t equal! Lives have value, there are differences! No matter how much you talk about ideals, in the end, there’s a difference between ‘people who should live’ and ‘people who can die’!”
“Is that really true? And… can you really say that from the bottom of your heart?”
“It’s not good! But as a practical matter, that’s how it is! If the king and nobles die before the people, chaos will ensue! If citizens die before refugees, even more people will be in trouble! Therefore, even when saving people, you have to choose who to save!”
“…Maybe so. But I’m tired of that. Besides, it’s not me who ‘chooses who to save,’ it’s the Church’s bishops. There’s no longer God’s will there.”
“Even so! Rather than desperately picking up lives in front of you! Someone who shouldn’t die!”
“That’s why, someone within reach.”
“Should be saved!”
Explosion.
“Dowaahhhhhh!!!!!”
The fortress blew away, and I went rolling.
The wall of the command room, which was the epicenter, was blown away, and from there, two people with Lightsabers.
Damn it, I’m glad this world isn’t a rom-com. If it were a rom-com, I would have made a human-shaped hole in the wall and collapsed… Can’t it become a rom-com now?
But, if I turn into a woman when water is splashed on me… Is female ejaculate considered water? If so, I’d turn into a girl during sex.
Even as I escaped reality with such trivial, lewd thoughts, the two’s battle didn’t end.
Countless sword flashes danced, and metallic sounds rang out.
For such excellent warriors, it was more of a dance than a battle. It was in the realm of art.
“You are—!!!”
“Please understand, Collette-kun. It’s not the best, but this is how I want to be.”
Whoa… they’re still arguing.
In reality, it’s usually impossible to chat while killing each other like in manga and anime.
“Breathing” is important in battle.
In a battle between excellent warriors, even a moment’s break in consciousness while inhaling can be fatal.
And yet, they can slash at each other while talking, as expected.
No… but, still.
At this rate, the slums are in trouble.
If the bottom-of-the-barrel scum that ‘Hookclaw’ is suppressing with donations start rampaging, my mansion near the slums and the red-light district will be in danger.
I have to stop them…
“Stop it! Don’t fight for me!”
I shouted.