Before receiving the Holy Sword, I was already aware of the existence of Saint Emily.
The clergy and clerics gathered on the battlefield were often elderly or women, given the nature of their roles. Although they rarely confronted the Undead Beasts directly, they came together out of a sense of duty and goodwill, even in the presence of such terrifying creatures. I held a deep admiration for them. Among them, Emily stood out.
Several cleric apprentices had also rushed to the battlefield, and among them were young boys and girls whose youth made their presence concerning. From a distance, I often caught sight of Emily, her bright voice ringing out as she smiled, spreading warmth amidst the chaos.
Her earnest efforts to save as many lives as possible made her a beloved figure among many knights, who affectionately referred to her as the Holy Maiden. It was said that my Holy Sword was a blessing from her prayers, spoken with fervor by the knights.
Once I obtained the Holy Sword and began to fight at the forefront of the battlefield, the injuries I sustained inevitably increased. While the clergy accompanying us would quickly treat any potentially fatal wounds, it became more common for Emily to rush to my side for purification as soon as we returned to the encampment.
Being still an apprentice, her healing took time. Yet, knowing how hard she worked, I could not feel bad about it. During the long wait for purification to finish, Emily would chat with me, her cheerful demeanor easing my silence, leading to more conversations between us.
“I’m actually terrified of the Undead Beasts too, you know. Look, I’m shaking even now. That’s why it takes me so long to purify…”
She began to share her vulnerabilities more often. At that time, many clergy had already gathered from across the country, and there were discussions about sending the younger children and women back home, but she stubbornly remained on the battlefield.
The encampment, where the main operations took place, was secured with absolute safety. Emily and the others were not exposed to danger, nor did they confront the Undead Beasts directly, yet they were still close to the front lines. I was deeply impressed by Emily’s courage and dedication.
“I sometimes envy the lady in the safe Royal Capital. I bet she doesn’t know how hard you’re working, Elliott.”
It was common for her to bring up the topic of my wife in the Royal Capital. Being somewhat tongue-tied, I would usually respond with, “You’re working hard too.”
Eventually, Emily began to approach me even outside of purification times.
“Elliott, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you…”
One day, she came to me with a sorrowful expression, revealing her troubles.
“…Actually, it seems I’m not very liked by the other clergy… Especially by the women.”
Indeed, I had often witnessed moments when the clergy would push Emily aside to perform healing and purification during critical injuries. The more experienced clergy would finish their treatments quickly, but…
Unlike the visible healing and recovery that came with wounds closing and pain fading, purification was not something easily recognized by those like me who were not clergy. Perhaps because of this, as I grew accustomed to Emily’s slow and careful purification, the quicker methods of the other clergy began to feel like they were cutting corners.
Feeling anger rise within me, I encouraged Emily.
“Don’t worry about it. Everyone recognizes your dedication. That’s why they call you the Holy Maiden. This Holy Sword exists because of your prayers.”
At my words, a bright smile returned to Emily’s face. By that time, I had already found myself drawn to her earnest and charming nature.
With the Holy Sword in hand, I could slay the Undead Beasts one after another, experiencing a rush of exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment. The praise from my comrades only added to that feeling. All of it was a gift from Emily.
As many knights spoke, I too believed it wholeheartedly.
In my days as a low-ranking knight, I often shared a tent with about eight others, but by the time I was recognized as a Holy Knight, I was treated like a senior officer and given my own personal tent.
As night fell, Emily began to visit my tent more frequently. We would gaze up at the night sky together, talking. Our conversations were simple, offering comfort against the fear of the Undead Beasts, praising each other for our daily struggles, and sharing trivial complaints and concerns. Though the topics rarely changed, my gratitude and affection for Emily grew deeper each day.
Of course, guilt lingered in my heart, but I could not distance myself from Emily’s charming smile, which had been a source of support since she had given me the Holy Sword.
It was Emily who comforted me when I was on the brink of despair after receiving news from the Royal Capital. That moment marked a turning point, and from then on, our relationship blossomed into something more intimate.
Many knights must have noticed, but those who were close to me at the time, including my superiors and senior knights, encouraged our bond, believing it only natural for a Holy Knight and a Holy Maiden to be together.
Alone in the room after Marcus and the others had left, I glanced at the report laid before me and let out a sigh.
—Extraordinary power can drive a person to madness.
I drew my Holy Sword from its sheath once more. Though the faint light was absent here, it felt like a companion forged through countless battles.
—How many lives do you think Emily and I have saved?
The guilt of betrayal that had once lingered within me began to fade as I reassured myself of the sword’s presence, replaced now by a sentiment akin to anger.