I Wanted a Cute Girl to Cast Healing Magic on Me, So I Kept Protecting My Allies—and Ended Up with an Overprotective Party - 45

Chapter 45: The Saintess Is Always Close By

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While replaying the sound the Saintess had let slip during Emil’s Heal in my head, I advanced through the dungeon with the national knights and the Saintess. It resembled a ruined castle, and most of the monsters we encountered were undead types.

In games you could often attack them with healing magic, but I wondered if Emil’s Heal would work like that here. Ah, but I didn’t want her to use it. Emil’s Heal was a blessing allowed only for us, her party members.

At last we joined up with the vanguard, and the group became a fairly large force of several dozen people. From there, we pressed on together. In most cases, dungeons seemed to have a monster boss.

Eventually, we came to a grand hall laid with a red carpet, and at its end stood a massive iron door. The Saintess announced that the boss was likely beyond it, and the leader spoke to everyone.

“Who knows what kind of monster awaits us. No matter what happens, we must protect the Saintess.”

The knights nodded silently. This was a dungeon, after all—best not to raise one’s voice carelessly. Inside, a giant skeleton in a robe awaited. Its body was semi-transparent, but the twin scythes it carried were sharply defined, glinting unnaturally bright. It was like the Grim Reaper itself.

“We split into two groups—one to attack, one to protect the Saintess!”

I was sure Miya and I would only be a hindrance in the attack. So our party stayed close, ready to protect the Saintess and Emil. Thanks to the holy-element enchantment magic the Saintess cast on everyone, the knights’ attacks landed. They seemed to be dealing steady damage. 

Please, let it end this way…!

But of course, things weren’t so easy. The Grim Reaper appeared right before us.

“Saintess, Emil-san—this way!”

With quick judgment, the guarding knights led the two of them to safety. Looking around in confusion, I realized—that thing had split into two bodies. This divided the defensive unit even further, leaving the remaining knights no choice but to hold their ground against one of the figures.

“No one gets past me!”

Karinka-san charged toward the Grim Reaper.

“I’ll stay with Emil!”

While Miya chose defense.

Attack or defense… Which side was short-handed? Glancing at the Grim Reaper, I saw they lacked enough attackers. The huge scythe kept them at bay, preventing a good opening. Then attacking from behind would be effective.

“Damn…! If only we could get behind it…!”

Karinka-san’s voice was strained. I currently had damage adjustment set to 『Unharmed』. Which side would keep everyone safest if I joined?

“I’ll join in! Karinka-san, please use the chance to strike from behind!”

“Rikuto! …All right!”

She looked like she wanted to say more, but this wasn’t the time.

“H-hey, you there…! You’re only D-rank, aren’t you? Don’t be reckless.”

One of the knights voiced his concern. Of course I wasn’t about to show off in front of the knights.

“Yes! I won’t act recklessly. But even so, I can’t just stand here and watch!”

Even being bait was a proper role in a party. While the Grim Reaper swung its scythe at me, Karinka-san and several others managed to slip behind it. I had no idea how long it went on, but at last the boss collapsed, turning into a massive magic stone. It seemed that would be taken to the kingdom’s research institute.

After that, everyone returned. Though there were some injuries, the expedition could be called a great success. That evening, I shared what the Saintess had told me over dinner.

“Making the capital our base of operations… I see. If the Saintess is willing to guide Emil, that would be an incredible advantage.”

“The royal capital, huh… It’s bigger than this city, so it’ll probably be a lot of fun.”

“To think I would receive guidance from the Saintess herself—I’m honored!”

Everyone agreed, so we made preparations that night and set out the very next day. After two days, we arrived in the capital. Leaving our luggage at the inn we had booked, we headed to the castle to greet the Saintess.

In a hall resembling a church, crowds of people still waited for their chance to meet her. Finally, our turn came, and we entered the familiar room.

“Thank you for coming such a long way.”

“It is we who are honored by your proposal, Saintess. Rikuto told us you would be guiding Emil yourself.”

“Yes. Emil-san possesses the potential to become a Saintess. So I thought I could help in some small way. It is something I wish to do, so please think nothing of it.”

From that day, a new chapter began—our activities in the royal capital!

【Right after Rikuto and the others left the room – Saintess’s POV】

After Rikuto and the others departed, the Saintess, as always, instructed her two knight escorts to leave. They obeyed, and once the room was empty, she remained alone.

Looking somehow delighted, she sat down in her usual chair with a backrest. Then, placing both hands on her cheeks, she recalled the earlier scene.

Kyaa! They all came! I’m so glad I worked up the courage to say that. Emil-san is wonderful, but that Rikuto boy… There’s something about him too. I’d love to see his true power someday. But first comes Emil-san! Let’s see… Oh, I really need to tidy up my room!

Even in such a mood, when it came time to meet the next wave of visitors, her manner returned to her usual perfectly composed and dignified.

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