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

“Did you have a bad dream?”

“…Something like that. I’d rather not remember it, so please don’t ask any more questions.”

“Yeah, yeah. Still, things like that can build up mental fatigue. If it ever gets too much, make sure to talk to someone. Just sharing it with someone can make you feel lighter.”

(…He’s surprisingly kind.)

As expected of a captain, Lionel wasn’t just strong—he also took good care of his people. He knew when to be strict and when to be lenient, giving orders that considered both the strengths and conditions of his subordinates. That’s probably why they followed him without question.

(I wish I had been lucky enough to have a boss like that…)

Unfortunately, she hadn’t been so fortunate. The memory of Chief Priest Boranzon’s bald head flashed through her mind, making her pull a slightly bitter expression.

“Can you eat? You should have something.”

Lionel moved closer to the fire and reheated what seemed to be a leftover potato for Meteora. He really was the kind of captain who took care of everyone.

“Thank you. It’s good. Having salt makes such a difference.”

“The town chief gave us some. A little salt really brings out the flavor of the potatoes.”

Lionel glanced at the small pouch of salt with satisfaction before turning to Meteora and saying, “Thanks.”

“If you hadn’t been here, we probably wouldn’t have had a warm meal tonight. In fact, we might not have even survived this long. I don’t know what will happen from here, but in times like these, even living one more day is something to be grateful for.”

His sudden serious tone made Meteora pause, her potato halfway to her mouth.

“…Saying something like that out of nowhere is unsettling. It sounds like you’re actually going to die tomorrow. Don’t do that.”

“You could just say ‘you’re welcome,’ you know? You’re really not cute at all.”

Lionel pursed his lips in mild annoyance, while Meteora sniffed and turned her nose up in defiance.

“Sorry for not being cute.”

“Well, I don’t hate it, so it’s fine.”

“…?”

Meteora found herself staring at Lionel, taken aback.

(…Did he just casually say something pretty bold?)

Before she could react, a knight stirred in the back of the temple, stretching and yawning.

Meteora quickly shut her slightly open mouth.

“Time for the next shift, Vice Captain… no, wait, Captain? You’re still awake?”

“Yeah, I just got back from patrol and switched places with Seguin.”

Lionel grabbed his sword and nodded toward the knight. “Alright, I’ll leave the rest to you.” Then, taking his blanket, he retreated to the back.

“Oh, Saintess, you’re awake too? …Your face looks a little red. Do you still have a fever?”

“I-It’s just the fire. Sitting near it makes it a little warm.”

“Ah, that makes sense. But if you start feeling sick, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’ll get you some water.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine.”

Meteora casually fanned herself and shifted slightly, trying to play it off.

—Honestly, it was ridiculous to let herself be thrown off by a single comment from Lionel. That wasn’t like her at all.

(Back at the Central Temple, people would always call me beautiful and all that, but that was when I was putting on a mask… No one had ever said something like that to the real me. Maybe that’s why it felt different.)

Deciding that must be the reason for her reaction, Meteora pulled her blanket over herself and told the knight, “I’m still sleepy, so I’ll rest.”

But even lying on the hard floor, sleep wouldn’t come.

Instead, Lionel’s words kept echoing in her head.

Because of that, Meteora spent the night in restless frustration, unable to shake off the feeling until the break of dawn.