Under the instruction of Lord Lionel to wait by the carriage, we had the opportunity to rest early yesterday. As morning broke, we were informed of the developments that had come to light during the night.
“Once preparations are complete, we will head south along the Ureri River, checking the coastal areas as we make our way to the Royal Capital… If the Duke regains consciousness before our departure, I would like to hear his thoughts,” Lord Lionel said, opening a leather map with a serious expression.
I couldn’t help but worry about whether Lord Lionel and the others were able to rest. The Undead Slime we encountered yesterday could spread throughout the country, and we could not predict what might happen. This was the critical moment, and Mr. Dolf nodded with a grave expression. The clergy had already begun preparing Holy Water. After I finished preparing breakfast with Ms. Barbara, I planned to repair my armor.
“Miss Flora, um… are you alright?”
When I returned to the carriage, Mr. Gilbert gently asked.
“Yes, of course! If I can be of help…!”
I responded by making a fist, and Mr. Gilbert smiled awkwardly, his face showing a hint of concern.
“…Well, if you’re not worried anymore, perhaps I shouldn’t ask. I just thought the Royal Capital might hold some painful memories for you, Miss Flora…”
It seemed he was being considerate.
“I’m fine! It seems I’ve grown quite strong in spirit while traveling with all of you.”
I said this while flexing my arm, though unfortunately, I couldn’t quite manage a muscle. Still, that was how I felt now.
“And… there is someone important in the Royal Capital.”
“Someone important…?”
“Yes. A dear friend named Miss Chelsea still lives in the Royal Capital. Without her, I might not be here today.”
More than the painful past that had faded into the distance, the fact that my irreplaceable friend was safe and sound was far more important. As I conveyed this sentiment, Mr. Gilbert’s expression softened into a gentle smile, as if his tension had eased.
After a moment, he stepped a little closer to me and spoke in a hushed tone, as if sharing a secret.
“By the way, Miss Flora… I have something I want to discuss… It’s about the pattern on this Battle Axe…”
He shifted the tanned leather covering the axe head slightly to reveal the blade, which was adorned with an intricate Ivy Relief that followed the crescent shape of the blade. I felt a jolt of surprise. The reason was—
“…Actually, I found something similar as well…”
On the edge of Ms. Barbara’s pot, a small Ivy Pattern had been carved without my noticing.
“It wasn’t there before, was it…?”
“That’s right… Even if Mr. Dolf and Ms. Barbara had secretly crafted it, it seems too intricate to have appeared suddenly…”
We both gazed at the beautifully intricate pattern, which was far too exquisite to have been carved by human hands.
“…Perhaps it could be a sign that the goddess has lent us her power.”
I thought of this suddenly. I had heard rumors that the Holy Sword bore a similar pattern. Furthermore, when the clergy cast a large Barrier, the light of the Ivy Pattern had appeared.
I recalled how, yesterday, I had managed to defeat one Undead Beast with this pot while trying to protect Ms. Barbara. This pot contained the prayers of the people of Kelvim when making Holy Water, and I believed that its remnants had protected us. Yet, it felt like there was more to it than that.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed an old church near the Duke Jiemeld’s residence. Early in the morning, I saw many people from the Jiemeld territory heading toward that church. Most were elderly couples, those with physical disabilities, and some were pregnant women. They seemed to be people who could not escape from this town for various reasons, coming to pray.
“A clergy member once said that the power of blessings is the gathering of countless voiceless prayers. There is also an old teaching that states, ‘The humble prayers of the people become the foundation of the goddess’s blessings.’ If that is the case, then this Ivy Relief may signify the blessings of many people’s prayers.”
As I shared my thoughts, Mr. Gilbert nodded seriously in agreement.
“Well said! I’m glad you reached that conclusion.”
When I turned around at the sudden voice, I found Priest Sidney standing there with a pleased expression.
“Just as Miss Flora said. Gilbert, until recently, you fought with the blessings of many people around you. But now, you possess even more, countless blessings. This is proof of that.”
Hearing this, Mr. Gilbert straightened his back and adjusted his grip on the Battle Axe. I took a deep breath and straightened up as well.
“Haha… No need to be so formal. Blessings grow stronger when combined; I told you that before, didn’t I? You will be able to take what you have received and amplify it without losing its essence. And you will be able to return that blessing to the innocent people without power in the form of peace.”
With that, Priest Sidney left, humming a cheerful tune. His words felt almost prophetic.
But if we could amplify blessings through prayer, then if I could protect what is dear to me, as well as what is dear to someone else…
“That’s a heavy responsibility, though…”
Mr. Gilbert smiled awkwardly, and I couldn’t help but mirror his expression.
“Why are you so tense? It’ll be fine. Everyone prays for what is important to them. It’s just a matter of combining those prayers; you can act as you always do.”
Ms. Barbara, who had been quietly working while listening to our conversation, spoke in her usual calm voice.
“That Ivy Pattern symbolizes the bonds between people.”
With that, Ms. Barbara smiled brightly.