Setting Off
Hinata returned from her attack on Tempest–which would later be called the “Templar Captain’s revolt”–having suffered a crushing defeat.
As such, even the Empire’s representatives, the Seven Celestial Sages could not punish her. Therefore, they simply decided to continue observing the situation.
She selfishly went off on her own and even lost. Losing to monsters is a problem in itself, but she even dared to return alive. And even confirmed that those remaining in Tempest were alive and well.
In fact, had they all died, the Church could have attributed it to monsters’ wicked and cruel nature, rile up all of humanity, and….
Even then, Nicholas was happy that Hinata returned.
And then, to Nicholas, who was holding his head, Hinata so said:
「Just say that I acted on my own. Fooled the knights and acted without the Church’s approval.
After all, the weak need the Church.
We can’t go around losing an organization that is willing to extend the weak a hand, now can we?」
Without any hesitation she proposed to Nicholas.
If necessary, cut away one to save the whole–perfectly pragmatic.
But still, she seems to have changed a bit: no longer are her eyes filled with blind devotion to the creed.
And this was a proposal Nicholas could not refuse.
Though her face now expresses heartfelt kindness, it did not change her nature. Her proposal is well thought out and the Church would suffer minimal damage as the result. Nicholas understood that too well.
「Hinata, did you change a bit…?」
「Is that what the Demon Lord taught you?」
「Recognized… a demon lord?」
「Is that so… Well then, I will believe in you Hinata-sama. And the Demon Lord whom you believed in」
For Nicholas, Hinata is and was everything.
If the Empire decided to punish Hinata, he fully intended to use the West Saint’s Church to defend her.
And disposing of the whole affair as the “Templar Captain’s Revolt,” Hinata became a stray adventurer.
The knight who lived by the creed was dead, and instead the hope of the people was born. Nicholas understood this as well.
Hinata then assembled the Templars and the Blood Shadows and declared that she steps down from her post.
The Templars were content but the shadows opposed her declaration.
「Hinata-sama has been corrupted! She has become weak from her defeat. Actually, the demon lord must have seduced her. We need to open her eyes!」
And various other things the shadows said, troubling Hinata.
To them,
「In that case, that country’s demon lord has created a dungeon.
So if you want to “open my eyes,” go clear it first」
Hinata said, and the Blood Shadows, as if having received their orders, departed.
「Is it fine?」
Nicholas asked,
「Probably. No one dies in that dungeon.
But it just might become good practice for them.
Maybe they’ll go mad, but it just might reforge their spirits」
She said without thinking.
There’s also the fact that Arnaud is there and has related enough for her to make her own conjectures.
Besides, perhaps only Hinata could, but those shadows would be unable to clear the dungeon.
In fact, later on this became a sort of pilgrimage for forging your spirit.
As Hinata said, it became a place for those weak-willed to gain some mental strength.
Since they were affiliated with the Empire anyways, they simply swore loyalty to the Emperor.
.
「Who would’ve thought…」
She lamented.
Their presence stank of blood.
She concluded that their journey to the dungeon was the reason for their much to mechanical and artificial movement.
Excusing herself before the Seven Celestial Sages was a trial in itself.
Why she had not noticed it was a mystery in itself.
She figured that being focused on the whole made her blind to such an obvious fact.
So even though she was not wrong she simply was not right either. And this mistake too would lead to her growth.
Holy Empire of Ruberion was most likely a temporary form.
A monster city undiscovered for many hundreds of years, where human thoughts are manipulated.
What terrifying foes they are, Hinata thought.
A monster who does not wish to recognize other monsters? No, not simple lack of recognition, but outright hostility?
Before, Hinata would have charged at them demanding a fight. But now she fully thinks through her actions.
Not picking the path of least resistance but also considering the longest alternative.
So it’s not like she’s lost right no.w
Hinata left the West Saint’s Church.
She asked him to make Vice Captain Leonard the Captain and Arnaud remained as his Vice Captain.
「I hear and obey. I will do as you have instructed without delay.
Please return to us at any time. We shall await your return」
And at Nicholas’ words, other knights also bowed their heads.
Though she lived discarding what she had no use for, she was able to acquire truly kind comrades.
But,
「Are you okay?」
Without turning around she asked one of the people following her.
.
「No problem. My spirit was broken quite a few times during that fight.
Besides, after talking to them at that banquet, I have realized my own narrowmindedness.
The West Saints’ Church needs people, so they won’t be able to spare any as your guards.
We probably would never meet another monster like that curr again!」
「Do as you like. What a whimsical fellow.
Ah! When I said do as you like I didn’t mean you are free to crawl into my bed. That I won’t permit」
I would never dare to touch Hinata-sama!
Besides, I would be crucified by Cardinal Nicholas」
“That guy seriously doesn’t know how to hold back, he’d seriously kill me!” And various other such lines Fritz mumbled, causing a small smile to break out on Hinata’s face.
This is bad, he thought, seriously… For a second, I would not have minded being killed…
Feeling a chill, Fritz dispelled these thoughts.
Beautiful but lacking humanity. Overwhelming in strength, but lacking in feminine charm.
.
So was she known among people. Fritz was no exception and did not see her as a member of the opposite sex.
This is bad, he thought, didn’t think this post would come with such a side benefit… but if others find out, I’ll have more people to compete against!
It’s alright, no problem. He steadied his trembling heart and oriented himself towards his normal train of thought.
And with a weak smile,
「Yeah, you’ll take care of me, won’t you? Fritz」
She said.
(Cardinal Nicholas, I’m sorry, but it’s open season now!)
And his feelings towards her were not of loyalty towards a guard captain but of an earnest desire to follow her.
.
Hinata was concerned about the five children Rimuru mentioned.
She merely wanted to confirm the situation and rescue the kids if possible.
She did not think she would lose, but Shizu-san asked her to avoid him and she intended to keep her promise.
If he is manipulating Yuuki… she would not allow that to go unpunished.
In her memories Yuuki was a boy with a wide smile.
If there’s a will there’s a way. Thus Hinata decided to act.
The city brainwashed by Yuuki, or perhaps by Gazalim.
Traveling by the magic circle may alert him, should there be spies, so instead she journeyed there on foot.
And a new struggle was on the horizon…