Banishment is Fine: As a Genius Saint, I Can Shine Anywhere. - Chapter 2

—Ah, my chest feels tight.

(I really shouldn’t push myself too hard… Every time I collapse from a fever, I have this dream.)

Frowning slightly, Meteora gazed at the scene unfolding before her.

There stood a noblewoman, her face twisted in rage as she swung an ornate fan. Cowering before her was a young girl, struck repeatedly by the fan’s blows.

The noblewoman’s once neatly styled hair was now in disarray. She swung her fan over and over, her voice shrill with hysteria.

“You should never have been born! Because of you, nothing ever goes right! Why are you even alive!?”

Hearing the woman’s screams, Meteora let out a sigh.

Before the furious noblewoman, the little girl simply curled up, shielding her head, waiting for the storm to pass.

Watching the girl, Meteora muttered quietly.

“Even if she yells like that, what is a child supposed to do? There’s no answer to why someone is alive, no matter how much you think about it.”

Just then, something warm touched her cheek.

Reflexively, she placed her hand over it—and realized it was a large, rough hand.

“—Hey, wake up already.”

A voice came from above. A man’s voice, sounding somewhat irritated.

In that moment, Meteora felt her body grow light, as if she were floating. The darkness that had engulfed her consciousness suddenly gave way to light.

—

“Mmm…?”

Feeling the brightness, she slowly opened her eyes—only to see a face suddenly appear in her field of vision.

“Oh, you’re awake. Your fever’s gone down, so I figured it was about time. Still, it’s good to see you up.”

The relaxed voice belonged to Lionel, the knight captain. His dark brown hair looked shinier than usual.

“…Waking up to your face first thing, huh.”

“What, not happy about it? I happen to think I have a pretty good face, you know.”

“True. You are handsome, I suppose.”

“Suppose?”

Lionel chuckled wryly but moved quickly to help her sit up.

“Where am I…?”

“The town chief’s house. He said you’re free to use this guest room however you like while we’re here.”

As he spoke, he poured water from a pitcher and handed it to her.

Leaning against the pillows he had arranged for her, she accepted the water gratefully and took a sip.

“Ah… this water is delicious.”

“This area is still under the protection of the Divine Tree. The reason the land’s so barren is mostly just the harsh climate. But thanks to your prayers, the soil seems richer now—this year’s harvest should be fine.”

Hearing that, Meteora sighed in relief. Then she glanced around the room.

The guest room contained a bed, a small table for receiving visitors, a long bench, and a wardrobe. Her belongings were neatly stacked beside it. On the desk, piles of parchment and other writing materials had been gathered—likely for creating protective charms.

“The knights helped collect paper. It’s for strengthening the border, right? More than half of it isn’t even paper, though—mostly wooden planks and animal hides.”

“As long as it works, that’s fine. It’s just going to be a hassle to carry.”

“We’ll handle that. …Hmm, you’re talking normally, and your color looks fine. Are you hungry?”

It seemed Lionel had been observing her carefully. Now, reassured, he gave a small smile.

Realizing how much she had worried him, Meteora felt a pang of guilt.

“…Thanks. I’m fine for now. Still a little sluggish, though.”

“Of course. You used up a lot of energy. Besides, after collapsing last night, you’ve been asleep for a full twelve hours.”

“Oh, then it’s almost noon already?”

Even she was a bit surprised at how much she had slept.