Chapter 5: Let Go
◇◇◇
In truth, Siesta had offered to accompany the boy on his journey. However, much to her disappointment, she was not chosen, and the current Saintess, Mika, was selected instead.
Yet, instead of feeling disheartened, she thought to herself, “Ah, this is a reasonable outcome.”
Though Siesta was among the top contenders among the Sisters of the Church, she was acutely aware that her abilities paled in comparison to the extraordinary Mana and healing speed of Saintess Mika.
Deep down, she resigned herself to the notion that she would never catch up to Mika, and this realization left her feeling dejected—this was the backdrop of the events that unfolded.
◇◇◇
By this time, the boy had experienced explosive growth, gaining the strength to hold his own against the Knight Commander, the Vice Commander, and four elite knights, totaling six opponents.
Initially, the boy had the upper hand against the six, engaging them in a grand display of skill. However, as the numbers began to overwhelm him, he gradually found himself at a disadvantage after an hour or two, ultimately ending up in a situation akin to being beaten down.
In the end, he lay sprawled out on the training grounds like a worn-out pair of Jikatabi.
The Knight Commander wiped the sweat from his brow and suggested that they take a break, realizing that continuing in this manner would not do. Siesta approached the collapsed boy, ready to help him recover during the respite.
“Damn it!! Next time, I’m definitely going to take you down!”
The boy, now a ragged mess, shouted as he grasped the dirt. It was then that he noticed Siesta nearby and fell silent for a moment. After a second or two, he turned to her, still lying down, and asked, “Is something wrong?”
Well… isn’t it you who has something wrong? Siesta thought, but kept her mouth shut.
“You see, I have a little sister, so I tend to notice these things,” the boy continued.
Well… I’m older than you, yet you treat me like a little sister? How should I respond to that?
“Could this be a Unique Skill that only older brothers possess?” he mused, puffing out his chest as he continued his strange train of thought.
“Ah, I see you’re skeptical, huh? No, really, I can tell! Because Siesta, you seem different from usual!”
Siesta had never shared her innermost feelings with anyone, as she usually kept her heart tightly sealed. Yet, perhaps it was because he was that boy, or perhaps it was the gentle aura he exuded at that moment, but she found herself opening up.
She confessed how she often compared herself to others and felt disappointed by her own inadequacies.
Moreover, she admitted to harboring the ugly and presumptuous emotion of comparison.
And above all—she simply couldn’t muster any confidence in herself.
Once she began to speak, the words flowed freely from her heart, surprising even herself as she confronted the emotions she had long avoided. Unbeknownst to her, the boy wore a dry smile.
“Well, just look at me. Being a □□□ is certainly an impressive profession, but the guy next to me is a △△.”
Indeed, the growth rate of △△△ was five times that of □□□, which had a growth rate of three times. It was easy to state the numbers, but during training, the decisive differences would soon become apparent.
Siesta struggled to find the right words to comfort him, unsure of how to respond. But perhaps sensing her hesitation, the boy said, “It’s okay. I’m fine.”
There was a resolute determination in his voice. She felt as if she had touched something deep within him.
“There will always be someone above us, and if we just sulk and look down, we’ll only become bitter. In the end, we can only play the hand we’ve been dealt.”
“Play the hand we’ve been dealt…”
As Siesta echoed his words, the boy seemed to realize something and asked, “Do you know about poker?”
Siesta nodded. Once, a summoned Hero had introduced several card games along with playing cards—one of which was poker. The boy muttered, “Knowledge cheats are just impossible,” and continued,
“There are always people around with hidden flushes and straights, and right next to me is someone with a royal straight flush—someone in the profession of △△△. It’s like, ‘What kind of ridiculous story is this!?'”
He paused for a moment, clearing his throat. He had expressed things like talent, wealth, and lineage in terms of cards, things he had no control over.
“In the end, we have to use every trick in the book, bluffing or whatever, and play with the cards we have.”
His analogy carried a hint of irreverent humor, yet strangely, it resonated deeply with Siesta at that moment.
“Well, this is all just something my grandpa used to say.”
Suddenly feeling embarrassed, he let out a loud, exaggerated laugh, “Gahaha!” Siesta found it amusing and couldn’t help but chuckle.
“But if you think about it, the premise itself is flawed. I’ve heard that Siesta is second only to the Saintess in strength and that you hold the same rank as the Archbishop within the Church. And you’re not that much older than me.”
She was used to hearing such flattery, especially from men who often had ulterior motives, and each compliment made her feel weary, thinking, “Not again…”
Yet when the boy said it, she didn’t mind at all. On the contrary, she felt a warm sensation spreading through her heart.
“Siesta, isn’t it okay to feel good about yourself?”
Without asking what he meant, she waited for his words.
“While it’s important to look up and think, ‘I need to work harder,’ it’s also necessary to occasionally look down and remind yourself, ‘There are many people below me.’ You should be gentle with yourself sometimes.”
“But that’s—”
Isn’t that a shameful thing to do? She couldn’t voice her thoughts, as he had already shaken his finger a few times from side to side.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. No one can see what’s in your heart. After all, they say thinking is free.”
She felt each of his words sink deep into her heart.
“Looking up and sometimes looking down—neither should be taken to extremes, but I think the important thing is finding that balance. Siesta, while you strive, also remember to praise yourself and think, ‘I’m amazing!'”
His eyes sparkled with sincerity.
“Oh, and this isn’t something my grandpa said; it’s just my own thought.”
The boy’s face turned red again as he laughed, “I win, gahaha!”
◇◇◇
Since that day, Siesta had never forgotten his words.
──────
This is the second chapter for today.
Please take care of it.