A hero who wants to help others wants to live a normal life - Chapter 28

Chapter 28   A Premonition of Trouble

“Do you really think things would go that smoothly? Even if they managed to kill the Saint… or, rather, the princess, it might cause some issues, but wouldn’t people just blame Qliphoth as the attackers?”

Even if someone died during a school event, if it was due to an external attack, it’s obvious the attackers would be blamed. Sure, the school might face some criticism, but it wouldn’t escalate into the conflict Qliphoth seems to be aiming for.

“Publicly, yeah, that would be the reaction. But deep down, people might start thinking, ‘Japan and the school should’ve been better prepared,’ or something like that. I dunno, someone said that kind of stuff once.”

“Someone, huh…”

Who was it that said that? She definitely knows, and judging by her words, she probably heard it directly from someone, but why is she acting like it’s none of her concern?

“Puh-lease. I don’t really pay attention at those meetings, you know? I only listen to the final summary at the end~. And remembering the names and faces of people I don’t care about is a total waste of time~. My ‘eyes’ aren’t meant for that kind of thing, y’know~?”

I could hear some rustling from her end of the phone, probably the sound of her rolling around in bed while talking.

This is just how she is, always this laid-back. Anyone who’s interacted with her could see that. In fact, the higher-ups must realize there’s no point in making her attend meetings. All she does is lighten the atmosphere. They should just stop inviting her to them.

“… Well, I’m glad to hear you’re living life however you want, as always.”

“Oh, no no~! It’s not like I’m doing whatever I want. I’m still working, you know~?”

She says that, but I don’t really trust her on this. I can believe her about other things, like what she just told me about Qliphoth, but when it comes to claims about doing her job properly, I’ve learned not to take her word for it.

“By the way, what was on your schedule today?”

“Eh? Uh, let’s see… I woke up around noon, listened to some conversations while eating, took a walk, did some drawing, had a snack and a quick nap, and when I woke up, the meeting was over, so they filled me in. Then I ate again… yeah, that’s pretty much it~. And that’s when I remembered to call you~.”

Of course. I figured as much. There’s no way you’d be working properly.

“… Sounds like a really fun workplace.”

“Yup! I can sleep as much as I want, and meals just show up on their own~…”

Is this what you’d really call ‘working’?

I understand that she’s actually doing her job, and I know that her role is important to the country. But still, everything outside of her ‘job’ seems way too relaxed.

“More than anything, being able to draw as much as I want is the best! It’s a hassle, but taking on the role of vice-leader of the clan was worth it~.”

The clan is one of the organizational structures used by the country to manage ‘Blessed’ individuals and ‘Skill Holders.’ More precisely, there’s a union that oversees the Blessed, and within that union, there are teams called clans. She’s the vice-leader of one of those clans—specifically, the largest one.

Even though she’s clearly not suited for the role, considering her work and the authority she needs, it makes sense for her to have a position of that level. In reality, though, it’s the other vice-leader who handles most of the actual work.

That aside, living a life where you can be carefree, do whatever you want, and just draw whenever you feel like it sounds incredibly enviable. No regular workplace would offer such an environment.

But this was a necessary condition to have her on our side, since her wish is “to paint the entire world.”

“If fish stop swimming, they die. Seems like you’d be the same if you couldn’t paint anymore.”

“Yup.”

That’s right—she wasn’t joking.

For her, not being able to paint is akin to having no reason to live. Her passion for painting is so strong that it manifested as a ‘Blessing,’ a reflection of her extreme desire. Honestly, she’s a bit of a crazy woman.

Apparently, there was even a time when she was so absorbed in painting that she nearly died. It’s said she once cut her own arm just to get the ‘red paint’ she wanted for a specific color.

Of course, all ‘Blessed’ individuals are a bit insane in one way or another, but she’s definitely one of the top-tier lunatics.

“Oh, right~. And then, that thing is about that other thing, so… you get it?”

“With just ‘that’ everywhere, I have no clue.”

If I could understand what she meant from that, it would be a ‘Blessing’ or a ‘Skill’ of its own. Not that I’d want such a power.

“Come on, just feel it~. You’ll get a ‘vibe’—receive my thoughts~!”

I bet she’s got her fingers on her temples right now, striking some sort of ‘psychic’ pose or something.

“Vibibibi~”

I actually heard the sound of her going “vibibibi.” But somehow, I don’t really feel like receiving that message.

“It sounds like some sort of weird or toxic radio waves, so I’ll just wrap my head in aluminum foil.”

“That’s so mean! But isn’t that an urban legend? Does it even work?”

“Well, I’ve never actually worried about strange radio waves, so I have no idea if it works. Maybe you should ask someone higher up?”

“Eh, sounds like a hassle, so I’ll pass~.”

I guess she wasn’t all that interested in finding out in the first place. Her voice was already drifting off as if she didn’t care anymore.

“Yaaaawn… I’m getting sleepy now. That’s it for today. Talk to you later~.”

Oh, she hung up… Seriously. As always, she just does whatever she wants.

“Ah… I didn’t even get around to asking what she actually wanted to say. Oh well, knowing her, she probably conveyed the important stuff. If it was something she remembered on the side, it can’t have been that crucial.”

If it were something really important, someone from ‘above’ would contact me, or at the very least, her secretary.

So for now, I guess it’s safe to just sleep as usual without worrying.

Still, what was she trying to say at the end? Hopefully, it’s nothing troublesome…