The Saintess in the Birdcage Knew Love, and Then She Fell Into Madness - Chapter 06: Distorted Sky

Chapter 06: Distorted Sky

“…Well then, what should I buy for her?”

I immediately start pondering what kind of food to buy for Aria-san tomorrow.

It’s not like I’m buying it today, but tomorrow; however, I believe this choice holds great significance.

After all, isn’t that the case? In Aria-san’s experience, she’s never had to eat before, and even if she somehow needed to, there wasn’t any food available… which means, whatever I choose will be the first thing Aria-san has ever eaten.

“…Hmm.”

I won’t say that any food is fine as long as it’s edible, but I’ve never been one to ask for luxuries. 

Compared to my brothers, who are engaged, and have been out to eat with women more times than I can count, I don’t even know their preferences… This is going to be a tough decision.

“If it were Luke or the captain, they’d probably choose meat, but that seems a bit too intense for a girl… Maybe sweets then?” 

Girls are said to like sweet things, so let’s go with that!

“Hey, Laurent! I’m done over here too.”

“Alright, let’s head back.” 

Our duties for the day were complete, we were about to head outside together. I noticed that there were a lot of knights around, more than usual, and among them were people one would normally never have the chance to see.

“Is that… No way!!”

Luke next to me was visibly shocked. 

Although I’m also feeling incredulous internally, it’s not as much of a surprise since we occasionally see them from a distance… No, actually, it is a surprise. 

Our gazes were fixed on the figures ahead of us – none other than King Areus of our country and Princess Philia, the second princess.

“Maybe that’s it? King Areus and Princess Philia often tour the castle like this, encouraging the knights.”

“Ah, right! So, it looks like us low-rankers are not involved then.”

I chuckled bitterly at this realization.

It was to be expected. Those people, not only familiar with the knights but also trusted and relied upon by the nobility, were truly revered… It might not be appropriate to speak of the king in such terms, but I definitely felt fortunate to be born in a country governed by him.

“…Your reaction is quite obvious.”

“Yeah, it is.”

Our gaze then shifted from King Areus and Princess Philia to the nobles and knights who were staring at Princess Philia. As I mentioned earlier, Princess Philia, like the other princesses, is considered a national treasure for her beauty.

“They’re drooling over her with hope, but it’s futile.”

“Yeah… Let’s head back quickly.”

“Right.”

Still, we made sure to bow our heads respectfully before leaving. Just as we started to walk away, King Areus’s resonant voice vibrated my eardrums.

“For the protection of our country and our people, we must do our utmost. The presence of the magical shield in the sky is not something we should take for granted.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Of course! Even if that shield were to disappear this very moment, we are here to protect everything!”

I sighed internally at their enthusiasm. 

However, contrary to King Areus’s words, I felt no weight in the knight’s words who had just spoken. 

He didn’t doubt the shield’s disappearance, taking its existence for granted… After hearing Aria-san’s story, I couldn’t simply nod in agreement as I used to.

“…?”

I hadn’t shown any particular expression… Yet, when I felt someone’s gaze and glanced over, I saw Princess Philia looking in my direction.

Well, it was more accurate to say she was looking towards this area, but without paying much attention to it, I left the scene with Luke.

“Then, Luke, I’m counting on you again tomorrow.”

“Yeah! See you tomorrow!”

The unchanged days with colleagues I had become friends with since meeting Aria-san… I never imagined that changing my workplace would make life this enjoyable. I was thinking about having a good meal and then going straight to bed for a pleasant sleep, but…

“Hm? Is that Laurent over there?”

I turned around at the voice I heard from behind. For a moment, I thought it was a voice I recognized, but it was more than that… because it was my brother who was there.

“…”

“So it is Laurent.”

“Laurent-kun?”

My elder brother, Dugares, and his fiancée, Niall, were there.

Honestly, I wanted to click my tongue at this annoying encounter, but having Niall-san there was a relief. 

Even though I’m a black sheep of the Bless family, Niall-san cares about me, and because of her, my brother refrains from using foul language in her presence.

“It’s been a while since you left home, but we haven’t seen much of your face. You seem to be doing well, huh?”

See, he would never ask such things if we were alone. I understand his desire to wear a mask in front of his beloved fiancée, so much so that I almost want to laugh for tiring him out.

“I’m doing fine. There’s nothing for you to worry about, brother.”

“Laurent-kun, we were worried because we couldn’t meet you at home. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

“Thank you, Niall-san.” 

Ah yes, she really is a good person. 

Of course, I didn’t miss the unamused look on my brother’s face, but I kept quiet about it for Niall-san’s sake. 

Be grateful, brother.

“Dugares-sama, may I go look at those flowers over there for a bit?”

“Ah, sure, go ahead.”

The moment Niall-san stepped away, my brother’s expression changed. 

“Really, to run into you while I’m with Nia…”

“That face suits you, brother. It’s been a while.”

“You… Leaving home seems to have sharpened your tongue.”

Just take it as a sign of growth. I guess I’m a bit twisted… but remember, when I was younger, I used to tremble at every word from my brothers. That’s growth for you.

“Father and mother don’t talk about you at all… It’s as if your existence was never needed.”

“Is that so? Well, that’s exactly why I left home, you know?”

“I thought you would at least be grateful for your birth and cling shamelessly to your status, no matter how despised.”

That would have been an easier way to live, and if I hadn’t taken a step, my parents probably wouldn’t have said anything… but I didn’t want to live like that.

What kind of expression does my brother want to see on my face now? Maybe he expects me to look frustrated or distressed… But too bad, I’m thoroughly enjoying my life as it is now.

“Then, my foolish younger brother, I pray we never see each other again.”

“I’ll return those exact words to you.”

With that, I turned my back on my brother and started walking… but then, I heard the sound of something cutting through the air.

“?” 

That sound definitely came from behind… When I turned around, I saw my brother with a shocked expression, his hand still extended towards me.

What’s with that look… Did he just try to do something to me?

My brother shook his head vigorously and headed back to Niall-san, leaving me clueless about what he intended to do.

“…Well, it doesn’t matter.” 

What a troublesome encounter… I thought, looking up at the sky and tilting my head in curiosity.

“…The magical shield… Wait, did Aria-san’s barrier always have that pattern?” 

The barrier, enveloping the kingdom in gentle colors and patterns, seemed slightly distorted… or was it just my imagination? 

No, it might have been, because it looked normal when I looked again.

“That’s strange… Why do I feel this tightness in my chest? What is this feeling…? It’s as if something dear to me was about to be harmed… How odd. I don’t have such a thing… Fufu, how funny that I should think of Laurent-kun at a time like this… Is this also thanks to meeting him? Ah… I’ve come to understand another person.”