Banishment is Fine: As a Genius Saint, I Can Shine Anywhere. - Chapter 3

“That being said, I can’t imagine the temple, which has been inactive up until now, suddenly getting into action. Even when we asked for a proper saintess to be dispatched to the regional temple, all they said was, ‘We’re short on manpower,’ and sent no one. Is the Central Temple really that lacking in saints?” Lionel said with frustration in his voice.

“No, the number of Saintesses hasn’t changed much over the years. Even now, there are a hundred Saintesses and fifty other clergy members serving in the Central Temple. However… it’s just that there are too many severely wounded being brought in. Knights that were injured from fighting the monsters have been constantly arriving.”

Meteora, the Chief Saintess, unconsciously let out a sigh as she recalled the situation at that time.

“Most of the knights being brought in are those stationed at the southern border. That area has a lot of noble vacation estates, so naturally, knights are heavily deployed there…”

“‘Heavily deployed’ isn’t quite right. They’re thrown in, but they get taken out so fast that reinforcements can’t keep up. Most of the knights who want to go south are spoiled noble brats, after all.”

Lionel was clearly mocking such sheltered knights. He frowned openly and snorted.

“At the knight academy, they threw their family names around, did whatever they pleased, and practically bought their grades with money. When they charged at monsters, they can’t even land a decent attack before getting slaughtered.”

Lionel spat out those words with a malicious smile.

“…I always thought you were one of those ‘pampered noble brats’ yourself.” Meteora pointed out.

“Huh?” Lionel turned to her, confused.

“Your manners are refined, your posture is graceful, and your features are attractive. I assumed you were a noble’s second or third son.”

Lionel’s mouth twisted into a deep frown.

“…I won’t deny it. My birth was fairly privileged. But I’m not like those idiots who joined the academy just because they thought knights looked cool or because it guaranteed a stable future. I became a knight with a clear purpose, and I put in the effort to back it up.”

“I can see that. Even without considering the fact that you’re an enhanced human, your combat style is practical, and you have a strong drive to defeat monsters. You must have gone through rigorous training to reach your current level.”

“…”

Lionel blinked in surprise and stared at her, stunned.

“What?”

“No, I just thought… that was really nice of you to say.”

“I simply spoke the truth.”

“Yeah, I know you’re not the type to give empty compliments. Realizing that you meant it honestly… well, that makes me happy. Thanks.”

“…”

Meteora fell silent, a bit sullen. She had never been good at dealing with this side of him—the rare moments when he was completely straightforward.

“You, too, must have worked hard to reach this level, Meteora.”

“Of course not. I’m a genius. I rise to the top without needing to put in any effort.”

“The scary part is that I can almost believe that.”

Lionel chuckled in amusement.