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

Departure at Dawn:

After loading their supplies, the knight and Meteora set off for the border early the next morning.

“We’ve been in your care for a long time. Thank you for your hospitality, Mayor. The people of this town have helped us a lot as well. We sincerely appreciate it.”

Lionel spoke on behalf of the knights, and the townspeople, who had gathered to see them off, were visibly moved, their eyes brimming with tears.

The mayor, standing at the front, wore a similar expression and bowed deeply.

“I must once again apologize for our rude behavior when you first arrived. Not only did the Saintess, but also the knights, help us with farming, repairing fences, and taking care of livestock. We can’t thank you enough.”

“We stayed here for nearly a week. It was only natural to do what we could. Besides, keeping active is important for us.”

Hearing Lionel’s words, the other knights nodded in agreement, smiling brightly.

“Saintess, thank you as well.”

“No, thank you for letting me stay in a guest room. …The protection charms and prayers will last for about a year. However, even with my healing powers, I can’t cure malnutrition. While you’re still strong, I suggest you stockpile as much food as possible.”

The mayor nodded seriously and bowed once more.

“We pray for your safe journey.”

“Thank you. Alright, let’s move out!”

“Yeah!”

At Lionel’s command, the knights raised their fists and began leading their horses forward.

Meanwhile, a group of children suddenly rushed to Meteora, surrounding her.

“Saintess, are you really leaving?”

“Stay safe! Don’t let the monsters get you!”

“Promise us you’ll come back!”

As the children clung to her, Meteora felt an unexpected wave of emotion welling up inside her, bringing tears to her eyes.

“…Yes, I promise to visit again. Stay well, all of you.”

She hugged each child before waving her hand in a big farewell. The townspeople also waved, some calling out, “Please come back again!” Their grand send-off left even the knights in awe.

“We didn’t even get this kind of farewell when we left the capital…”

“Even though His Majesty gave us an encouraging speech, after that, it was basically just ‘go on your way’.”

“I think I’m about to cry…”

“Don’t say that. Now you’re making me feel emotional too.”

Even the seasoned knights were getting teary-eyed. Seeing this, Meteora, already on her horse, giggled.

“It’s fine to be moved, but remember—our next stop is the border. Stay sharp!”

“Yes, sir!”

At Lionel’s firm words, the knights responded in unison. He let them indulge in nostalgia until the town faded from view, then snapped them back into focus. Seeing this, Meteora couldn’t help but admire his skill as both a leader and a person.

“Now then, I wonder what awaits us at the border. If we walk for a day, the land should be covered in miasma.”

Just as Lionel predicted, by evening, the air had grown thick and murky, as if even the sunlight was struggling to reach them.