Because of the Hero Summoned from Another World, I Got Replaced and Made the Backup—And My Childhood Friend the Saintess… - Chapter 08: I Was Already Prepared for This—Long Ago

Chapter 08: I Was Already Prepared for This—Long Ago

His hair, slicked back with oil, had a dark green tint. A monocle rested neatly over his right eye.

He always wore a stern expression, his brow constantly furrowed like he was forever judging the world.

Back straight, posture flawless—an older gentleman who radiated that classic air of nobility.

That was my teacher.

He’d been in charge of my education ever since I was a kid.

He used to be the head of a marquis family but had since passed the title down to his son.

Even after retiring, he still showed up now and then to help train young nobles at the castle or academy.

After I grew up and finished all my formal education, he stopped coming around to see me.

But that day, just as I was heading back to my room after training, I suddenly heard his voice again.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has, Professor.”

His eyes were as sharp as ever.

Even though I wasn’t a kid anymore, just one glance from him had me standing up straighter without even thinking.

Old habits—and all the memories of being scolded—kicked in instantly.

“The Saintess is to become the adopted daughter of the marquis family once she returns from the journey. Have you heard anything about that?”

The words came out of nowhere—and completely caught me off guard.

Arianna, adopted by a marquis family?

Sure, technically, she was still a commoner—no title, no noble status.

But that had never really been a problem before… so why now?

Thoughts raced through my head as I answered.

“No, this is the first I’ve heard of it.”

“I see. Well, it doesn’t matter.”

“Um… why now, all of a sudden?”

If they were going out of their way to register her as a noble, then there had to be a reason.

Most likely, it meant she was being lined up for a position only nobles could hold…

Or she was being married into a high-ranking noble family.

“His Majesty intends to move forward with the marriage between the Hero and the Saintess once the Demon King subjugation is complete. He’s also planning to grant the Hero a marquis title—though it’ll be mostly honorary.”

“I… see.”

So basically—

Once the Demon King was defeated, Kanda and Arianna would get married.

I’d kind of seen that coming.

But hearing it spoken out loud still hit harder than I expected.

Seeing my half-hearted reply, I wondered what the professor was thinking.

“I raised you to be someone who can hold their head high anywhere. So… be ready.”

That was all he said before turning on his heel and walking away without waiting for a response.

Even the way he left was perfect—back straight, posture flawless.

Like something straight out of a textbook.

But still… what did he mean by be ready?

Was he talking about mentally preparing myself… for the fact that Arianna was going to marry someone else?

If that’s what he meant—

Well, I’d already prepared myself for that… a long time ago.

As they got closer to the Demon King’s location, Arianna’s letters started arriving less and less often.

Physically, the distance between us was growing, and monster activity was picking up along the way—so yeah, it made sense.

Even then, the letters that did make it through were mostly filled with everyday things from the journey, or little stories about the towns and villages they passed through.

She never really wrote much about the hard parts.

The further you get from the center of the kingdom, the stronger the monsters become.

The Demon King was holed up just beyond human territory—and the monsters out there?

Even the knights wouldn’t want to tangle with them unless they had no other choice.

They weren’t just strong—they were a serious pain to deal with.

But still, not a single word of complaint from Arianna.

She just kept sending me letters with calm, peaceful little updates—like everything was totally fine.

If she really was doing okay, then that was all that mattered.

Kanda was probably doing his part, keeping her safe.

Honestly… I wished I could’ve been the one by her side.

But wishing doesn’t change the fact that I wasn’t.

All I could do was write back—letters filled with nothing but hopes and prayers for her safety.

“Sister Teresa. Could I ask you again, today?”

The chapel was quiet and solemn, with long benches lined up beneath the soft glow of stained glass windows.

At the far end stood a statue of the Goddess, watching over it all.

This was the same church connected to the royal castle—

The one Arianna used to visit all the time when she still lived here.

And now, here I was again… speaking to a familiar face.

“You really are thoughtful—every single time. Of course, leave it to me.”

Sister Teresa, dressed in the usual clean black-and-white robes, had deep blue hair and golden eyes that sparkled with warmth.

She was a few years older than me and Arianna, and ever since we were kids, she’d always looked out for us—like a kind older sister.

“Here’s the letter for this time… and the flower to go with it.”

“Yes, I’ve got it. I’ll bless them with the Goddess’s magic before sending them off to Arianna.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Whenever I sent a letter to Arianna through the church, I always tucked a flower inside.

Nothing fancy.

Just a simple seasonal bloom from the castle gardens.

Back when we were little—or going through tough times—we used to look at those flowers together to cheer ourselves up.

They grew everywhere.

But for the two of us, they held memories.

I didn’t know if those flowers still gave Arianna the same comfort they used to.

But even so, they were one of the few ways I could send a piece of my feelings to her.

“Arianna’s lucky. Even from so far away, she has someone thinking of her this much. I’m sure your letters give her strength.”

“…I hope so.”

I really did hope that was true.

Arianna… was going to marry someone else.

It was already decided.

And from now on, there probably wouldn’t be much I could do for her anymore.

Did she already know?

No… there’s no way she didn’t know.

She must’ve been told—either before the journey began, or sometime after they set out.

But from the way she acted… from the letters she sent…

I couldn’t tell.

What did she feel when she found out she was going to marry the Hero?

Was she surprised?

Happy, maybe?

Back when she was still in the castle, she always seemed friendly around Kanda.

I had no idea what kind of conversations they had when I wasn’t around.

And even now, I still didn’t know—Arianna rarely mentioned Kanda in her letters.

Still, they’d probably grown closer on this journey.

They were comrades, facing life-or-death battles side by side.

Compared to someone like me—stuck far away in the castle—it wouldn’t be strange if her heart started leaning toward Kanda instead.

And if that’s how it turns out… I’ll accept it.

If Arianna can find happiness, that’s all I need.

If there’s even a small part of her that feels a little sad about not marrying me—

Then honestly, that’s more than enough.

“She’s the kind of girl who’d treasure anything you gave her. That’s just who she is.”

Sister Teresa’s voice felt strangely distant in that moment.