Dusk. The western sky turns red.
She told me many things during the walk.
Right now we're heading south where the royal capital is located.
However, I felt the extent of the demon king's influence as I listened to her story.
There were some strong heroes, but every one of them were killed by the demon king instead.
There might be a reason why the demon king can't be defeated.
The two of us are walking on a path of a plain with swaying grass.
Her gentle white cheeks are dyed red from the light of the sunset.
"Yes. I'm happy just being able to walk with Hero-sama like this."
I shake my head in astonishment.
It's a village with around 50 people scattered here and there.
"Let's take a lodge in this village today."
I implicitly included the fact about her Sinner status.
Celica speaks while grasping the pendant hanging on her neck.
"I don't really mind.... And it looks like there's no inn here."
"I see."
"No problem, as long as it keep us from the weather."
Celica steps toward the biggest house in the center of the village tensely.
The village mayor's house was an unexpectedly big two-storied building. He might be working doubly as a governmental official.
He was a very kind old man with white hair and gray beard.
He warmly welcomes us with a smile on his whole face.
"We're very sorry for the sudden visit."
"Thank you for letting us stay. Is it really alright for us to even be treated to dinner."
The village mayor laughs with furrowed eyebrows.
However, he can't deceive God's eyes.
"Now now, please. They're nothing much but please eat up before they turn cold."
There are some crude breads and soup with piece of cut meat inside the bowl put on the wooden table. Appetizing steam rises.
"Who is that?"
I invoked a spell while the village mayor's eyes were diverted.
Well, even without detoxification, I should be fine even if I ingest the poison since I'm a God, but I don't know the rule of this world, it's an insurance.
I eat while soaking the dried bread in the soup.
Her behaviors are that of someone who doesn't suspect anything at all.
"Is there anything wrong?"
I resumed easting the soup and bread once again.
◇ ◇ ◇
Night.
The oiled door is the only thing looking new.
"But. Keika-sama, please use the bed."
"Eh?"
"I understand."
From top to bottom. Water drip from my simple black hair. The coldness wakes my eyes.
However, I can't see the bright moon. It's disappointing, but also convenient.
However, I wasn't just bathing.
And then I slept.
In a pitch black room with no light.
I can hear the deep slumber of Celica.
I concentrate my mind.
It seems they're talking but I can't hear them.
The surrounding sounds flow into my ears.
Voices of men.
"They did."
"They crystal ball shined red. There is no mistake."
"Won't they get up?"
This was the voice of an old man again, mixed with laughter.
An old man's voice.
"Now now wait. Our achievement will be robbed if we call the guard."
"They're sleeping right?"
"We'll arrest them and bring them to the guard ourselves."
Around 10 men in front of the mansion. There are sounds of armor and metals from this direction. Looks like they're armed.
However, judging from their conversations, I had guessed it wrong.
One of the men chuckled while I was in doubt.
"Righto."
"He-hey.... Before we take her to the guards, er, we can...."
"Fools, if even one of you have anything to do with a Sinner, your whole family will be slaughtered. The village will be cursed too. Did you forget the terror of that epidemic! You must not put your hand on her."
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
By the way, it seems judging if someone is a Sinner does not happen frequently, it's only done when a baby is born or when an outsider comes or when you're studying to be a priest.
Still, they're not letting people to get their hand on one even though the Sinner will be killed.
A light elemental girl has a high chance of giving birth to a child with even bigger light after all.
That means, all girls with Light element are all chaste huh.
--Oh.
Four young men enter first before the village mayor.
Thud, thud, two dull sounds.
"A"
I jumped over the collapsing two.
"W-wha--gwu"
My hand was faster.
"U, ga"
"Gu...."
I check his clothes and snatch a key.
After that I take our baggage and lift Celica who's sleeping like a blond princess--
Her head would likely hit the wall or door if I carry her with bridal carry.
How much of a princess this girl is.
I close the door quietly from outside.
Since I've memorized the layout, I can walk without being lost even with no light.
Of course I can instantly end it, mere villagers they are, if I want to.
--If I was still the same as the me in Japan, I probably would have flood the whole village with mud in anger.
However, that's not good. I won't be able to become a God if I repeat the same thing.
Becoming a hero is my first priority now.
It will ruin this easy live toward divinity.
I walk while suppressing my footsteps and concentrating my ears.
Children and women are holding their breath in their own room.
However, it's only a matter of time before they realize.
I open the door with the key I snatched from the village mayor.
It must have rusted since it was never used!
The air in the mansion completely changes. Rustling sounds are resounding.
"From the back."
About five footsteps went toward the back.
I went outside while cursing.
Celica is swaying on my back. Her blond hair is tickling my neck.
Because they'll think I'm a monster if they see me using God power.
"They ran away!"
I saw several villagers chasing us when I looked back.
--Damn, they found us already!
I leave the village and run in a gentle plain.
To the south where the royal capital is.