The Saintess in the Birdcage Knew Love, and Then She Fell Into Madness - Chapter 04: Aria-san, Looking Happy

Chapter 04: Aria-san, Looking Happy

“…”

The day after I met Aria-san, I found myself at the kingdom’s famous library before heading to work. This place gathered wisdom from not only our kingdom but from various countries. Despite its extensive collection of knowledge and information, I couldn’t find anything about the kingdom’s Saintess, no matter how hard I searched.

“…So, it’s really not here.”

The fact that Aria-san mentioned, about being unrecognized by anyone… I didn’t think it was a lie, but it seems it was indeed true. I approached the receptionist, who almost knew every book in this library, and casually inquired about the Saintess…

“Are you referring to the Saintess of the Mirastear Theocracy? If so, you’ll find books about it on that shelf over there.”

“…Thank you.”

I expressed my gratitude, but what I really sought was information about the Saintess of our kingdom.

Even when I vaguely asked about our kingdom’s history, if it had a history like the Theocracy with a Saintess, they said there was none… There truly was no information about Aria-san anywhere.

“…Sigh.”

The more I searched, the more I found myself sighing. The reason was simple… I was pitying Aria-san on my own accord.

We had only met twice and talked just once. I didn’t believe everything, but I couldn’t believe she was lying either, which made me think so much.

“But… if that’s the case, why do I…”

Could I have met Aria-san in that room?

Honestly, even now, I can’t shake the thought that perhaps Aria-san and everyone in the castle are just making fun of me… Isn’t that possible?

I’m not someone special, nor do I possess any unique powers. Yet, if I’m the only one who knows Aria-san’s existence, and if it’s true, it would mean I’m aware of a being indispensable to this country.

“But if I think about it calmly, there’s no reason for the castle folks to mock me for fun… Could it be an order from my family?”

No, that’s unlikely, I shake my head.

My parents probably aren’t interested in me, and while my brothers might find it amusing to see me in trouble, it doesn’t seem like they’d spend their time on such a thing.

After much thought, I decided to believe that it’s something special that only I can see… Of course, there’s still a lot more I want to investigate, but I believe Aria-san isn’t lying. That’s my gut feeling.

“…The magical shield… The barrier Aria-san mentioned.”

Stepping out of the library and looking up at the sky, I see a view that has become familiar, not just to me but to everyone in the kingdom.

(I remember a time long ago when I was really curious about something.) 

Back when I still conversed with my parents, I had asked about the magical shield floating in the sky.

“Um, why is that always up there in the sky?”

“That’s just how it is.”

“That’s just what it is, dear.”

Not just my parents, but the people I knew always saw the magical shield as a normal part of existence, never questioning why it was unique to our kingdom. 

But I remember I couldn’t stop wondering at times… Why was it only in our kingdom?

“I guess even that was considered heretical once.”

Well, it doesn’t matter now. 

After watching the magical shield for a while, I headed straight to the castle… and then stood in front of that door.

“…Phew.”

Why do I feel so tense? It’s understandable, given that it’s still an unknown space for me, but more than that, I’m nervous because Aria-san is just too beautiful. 

The princesses are considered national treasures for their beauty, but to me, Aria-san seems even more so… Perhaps because she seems like a gem without any impurities?

“…But still, I can’t stay inside for too long.”

While I’m inside, I disappear from sight. That would worry Captain, Darren-san, and Luke, who occasionally check on me… Well, I can’t skip work, so it looks like it’ll just be a short conversation again.

After knocking, I entered.

And then…

“Ah, welcome, Laurent-kun!”

“Awa… Awawawa!?”

The moment I entered, Aria-san greeted me, completely naked. It was just like the first time we met, but before I could avert my eyes, she bounced over and stood there, smiling brightly.

“Um… if you could put on some clothes…”

“Oh my… I forgot that’s the norm outside. Sorry, I’ll get dressed right away!”

This person… really lacks any common sense!

(Well, she probably knows it’s common sense, but maybe it’s because she’s never interacted with people before.)

Thinking this, I can’t help but feel a bit sad, even if she doesn’t mind it.

Soon, Aria-san was clad in a pure white robe.

“There, all set… But I read that men are usually happy to see a woman naked.”

“That varies from person to person! Sure, it might be pleasing, but showing off one’s skin isn’t something to do lightly.”

“I see… Got it. But… fufu♪”

“What is it?”

“Nothing, just thinking how fun it is to talk with someone. I still don’t want to go outside or stray from my mission… but I find joy in this interaction.”

Some people prefer not to interact with anyone. I’ve heard that some who graduate from the Royal Academy and immerse themselves in magic research choose to cut off all ties with others… I think that’s a shame. 

Well, I’m one to talk, having cut ties with my own family.

“But… it wasn’t a dream.”

“Aria-san?”

“…May I hug you?”

“Eh?”

What does that mean? 

Confused, I couldn’t just nod… but seeing Aria-san looking a bit sad, I couldn’t bring myself to shake my head. As soon as I nodded okay, Aria-san hugged me.

“I’ve never interacted with anyone before. For a very long time, I’ve been spending the same moments alone. But the freshness of talking to someone, finding joy in it…”

“Aria-san…”

“I don’t know why you were able to enter here, but if this is a miracle… then I’m very happy about it.”

Hearing someone say they’re happy just to meet me… might be a first. 

Wrapped in warmth and softness, with a scent like flowers, my face turned red… yet I couldn’t ask to be let go. 

Because Aria-san seemed so happy.

The Saintess must not know love

The Saintess exists only to use her powers for the protection of this country

The Saintess must not know love

The Saintess should not harbor feelings for someone, for anyone

From her birth until she exhausts her powers, the Saintess must never change her way of living

But that’s a needless worry

Because the Saintess is unrecognized by anyone, unable to meet anyone