I Wanted a Cute Girl to Cast Healing Magic on Me, So I Kept Protecting My Allies—and Ended Up with an Overprotective Party - 46

Chapter 46: The Reason the Main Character Is Absent

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Thanks to the kindness of the Saintess, we moved our base of operations to the royal capital. It would probably mean we needed to go on another house hunt eventually, but for the time being, we were going to stay in an inn for an extended period of time.

Since it was only the second day, we had agreed to have breakfast together in the inn’s dining hall to discuss our plans for the days ahead.

When I arrived, the dining hall was already bustling with people. The inn seemed to cater to adventurers, though at this early hour, few adventurers were dressed in full adventurer garb. Even I was wearing casual clothes.

It seemed I was the first to arrive, so I grabbed a seat and waited for the three of them. After a short wait, they all arrived together.

“Good morning, Rikuto. You’re up early today, too.”

“Good morning, Rikuto-san!”

“Morning, Rikuto.”

“Good morning, everyone. I didn’t expect all of you to come together.”

“Oh, that’s because when we left our rooms, I happened to run into Emil and Miya. It looks like we all opened the doors at the same time.”

“I see… I didn’t know that kind of coincidence could happen.”

Everyone took their seats and gathered around the table. We ordered items suitable for breakfast—bread, salad, yogurt, and the like.

“Karinka-san, what’s the plan for today?”

“I’m planning to visit the Saintess today.”

“Understood. We’ll get ready after we finish eating  then.”

“Sorry, Rikuto, but today I thought the three of us—Emil, Miya, and I—should go. I think you shouldn’t come along with us today.”

“I see. So, I’m finally being excluded, huh?”

“Really, you… You know that’s not why we’re going without you, right? We’re just going to have a conversation between us girls. There’s something we don’t feel comfortable talking about with boys around.”

Of course, the comment about being excluded was a joke, but hearing it said that way made me nod in agreement. Besides, I trusted these three completely, so I was certain there was no ill intent or plan to leave me out. I was well aware they didn’t do this out of malice.

After finishing our meal, the three of them left the inn to go to the castle.

【Later, at the castle – Saintess’s POV】

Karinka, Emil, and Miya were escorted to the usual room inside the castle. The Saintess stood a couple of steps above them, with a large stained-glass window behind her. On either side stood a knight, presumably her guards.

“Karinka-san, what would you like to discuss today?”

“Actually, there’s something concerning Rikuto that we’d like to ask about.”

“Speaking of Rikuto-san, he performed remarkably during the recent unexplored dungeon expedition, didn’t he?”

“Yes. We, as his party members, are proud of him for that. However, he has a tendency to take reckless risks. His dedication is evident, but his risky tendency is worrying to the rest of us.”

“That’s true. The desire to care for and protect your comrades is a very noble sentiment. It should not be denied. But there are times when it’s necessary to rely on one’s companions, too.”

“I agree with the Saintess. The desire to protect one’s comrades is shared not only by me, but also by Emil and Miya here. That is why we hope you can guide him.”

“I understand. Then could you come again with Rikuto-san at a later date?”

“Yes. Thank you, Saintess.”

It seemed the conversation had reached a temporary conclusion. However, the Saintess hesitated, wondering if it was truly appropriate to speak on this matter now. Still, she couldn’t hold back. Despite knowing she shouldn’t, she spoke her mind.

“Um…Allow me to change the topic, Emil-san, you’re aiming to become a Saintess in earnest, right?”

Hearing this, Karinka looked at Emil. Emil seemed to notice and spoke of her own accord.

“Yes. If I have the ability, and if it brings joy to many people, then that is what I want to do!”

Hearing her words, the Saintess felt relieved that Emil’s resolve had not wavered.

“Understood. Then could you come alone tomorrow, Emil-san?”

“Saintess, I understand this is for Emil’s guidance, but may I, Miya, and Rikuto accompany her?”

“I’m afraid that, given my position serving the nation as a Saintess, I cannot invite anyone other than the person herself. Additionally, if you were to come, you would be made to wait outside. I’d hate for you to waste your time in naught.”

“Your consideration is much appreciated.”

Karinka and the others bowed deeply and left the room. The Saintess then instructed the knights to leave as well, leaving her alone. She lightly sat in her usual chair with a backrest, relaxing her expression.

I made a promise with her! …No, I must remember this is my duty as a Saintess. Stay composed. I have to do my role properly! But Rikuto… He’s clearly well-liked by the others. Karinka and the others came to me because they care for him. The only reason Rikuto wasn’t here is obvious now. Alright, time to prepare for tomorrow! Maybe I’ll even bake some cookies. It’s been a while since I last baked some cookies after all!

The next day, Emil came alone. From now on, it would be just the Saintess and Emil. It was time for one-on-one guidance between Emil and the Saintess.

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