Dusk. The western sky turns red.
After sleeping outdoors several times inside the forest, we finally came out of the vast forest.
She told me many things during the walk.
This world, the geography of each nations, history and the pantheon. And the menace of the demon king and the hero system.
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.
It seems no true hero has appeared for 100 years.
There were some strong heroes, but every one of them were killed by the demon king instead.
I can't help but think it's strange.
There might be a reason why the demon king can't be defeated.
Looks like I need to delve it in detail.
The two of us are walking on a path of a plain with swaying grass.
Celica walks by my side with a smile on her whole face without looking tired.
Her gentle white cheeks are dyed red from the light of the sunset.
"You're really lively."
"Yes. I'm happy just being able to walk with Hero-sama like this."
Celica puts her hands on her cheeks and twists her body. Emphasizing her delicate limbs.
I shake my head in astonishment.
We arrived at a small village when the day was about to fall.
It's a village with around 50 people scattered here and there.
Celica broods it over.
"Let's take a lodge in this village today."
"Yeah, let's.... However, is it safe?"
I implicitly included the fact about her Sinner status.
Celica speaks while grasping the pendant hanging on her neck.
"We should be fine, it's a small village. --Furthermore, I can't let Keika-sama camp outside anymore than this."
"I don't really mind.... And it looks like there's no inn here."
"Generally, you ask the village mayor to let us stay in his house in cases like this."
"I see."
"We might have to sleep in the shed however...."
"No problem, as long as it keep us from the weather."
"Yes, I understand."
Celica steps toward the biggest house in the center of the village tensely.
I followed after her leisurely.
The village mayor's house was an unexpectedly big two-storied building. He might be working doubly as a governmental official.
We met the village mayor in the dining room of that mansion.
He was a very kind old man with white hair and gray beard.
He warmly welcomes us with a smile on his whole face.
"Well well, welcome to our humble village, travelers. Now now, we're having a dinner now. Please have your fill to your heart's content."
"We're very sorry for the sudden visit."
Celica gracefully bowed. Her blond hair hung gently.
I also say my greeting.
"Thank you for letting us stay. Is it really alright for us to even be treated to dinner."
"No worries. Your appearances suggest that you're adventurers. We're thankful enough that you exterminate monsters."
The village mayor laughs with furrowed eyebrows.
However, he can't deceive God's eyes.
I knew that his heart wasn't laughing.
"Now now, please. They're nothing much but please eat up before they turn cold."
The village mayor encouraged us to eat.
There are some crude breads and soup with piece of cut meat inside the bowl put on the wooden table. Appetizing steam rises.
Celica squints her eyes in delight, it's been awhile since our last warm meal.
I ask about the portrait of a woman hung on the wall.
"Who is that?"
"Ah, that's the portrait of Saintess-sama who saved this village from a curse a long time ago--"
"--<<Detoxification>>."
I invoked a spell while the village mayor's eyes were diverted.
The soup shines for an instant. Mine only.
With Celica's character, she probably can't pretend like she's being deceived, so I've decided not to tell her.
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.
Then the meal began.
I eat while soaking the dried bread in the soup.
The taste was simple, but the meat's flavor and the fat weren't bad. It's similar to pot-au-feu with few ingredients.
Looking at the side, Celica is tearing the bread with her beautiful finger before putting it on the soup. Her slender throat is moving up and down.
Her behaviors are that of someone who doesn't suspect anything at all.
Noticing my sight, Celica tilts her head in puzzlement.
"Is there anything wrong?"
"No, nothing."
I resumed easting the soup and bread once again.
◇ ◇ ◇
Night.
We were led to a room with no window deep in the mansion. There's one bed and a sheet made from bundles of straw.
The oiled door is the only thing looking new.
"I'll be sleeping in the straw."
"But. Keika-sama, please use the bed."
"No, I shouldn't fall asleep you see. So it's just right."
"Eh?"
"And also, gather up the baggage so we can leave immediately."
"I understand."
Celica looked at me wonderingly, but she obeyed without question.
After that, I asked someone in the house for some water. Celica wiped her body in the room, but I told her that I wanted to wash my whole body.
I draw water in the courtyard, wiping my limbs.
From top to bottom. Water drip from my simple black hair. The coldness wakes my eyes.
Many stars are scattered about in the sky, beautiful.
However, I can't see the bright moon. It's disappointing, but also convenient.
However, I wasn't just bathing.
I memorized the layout of the mansion while going back to my room.
And then I slept.
Midnight.
In a pitch black room with no light.
When I felt some presences I opened my eyes while still leaning on the straw.
I can hear the deep slumber of Celica.
I concentrate my mind.
Sounds of tiptoes in the corridor and the garden. However, they can't erase the faint vibration.
It seems they're talking but I can't hear them.
"--<<Multi Attentive Ears>>"
The surrounding sounds flow into my ears.
Voices of men.
"Did they fall asleep?"
"They did."
"Is she really a Sinner?"
"They crystal ball shined red. There is no mistake."
This was a hoarse voice of an old man.
A middle aged man asks.
"Won't they get up?"
"It was a sleeping drug for monster. They'll be fast asleep until tomorrow morning."
This was the voice of an old man again, mixed with laughter.
An old man's voice.
"Alright. Someone go to the city and call the guard--"
"Now now wait. Our achievement will be robbed if we call the guard."
"However, they looked like strong adventurers."
"They're sleeping right?"
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