I Was Just an Ugly Girl, But in Another World They Call Me an Angel - 7 - The Saint's Wish, You Are the Only Guardian

The king began to speak in a grave voice.

“Our nation is currently at odds with the demon race. We are protected by our castle walls, barely maintaining peace, but outside, demon beasts and demons run rampant, and both the forests and rivers are tainted by magical essence. The reality is that the homes of our people are being taken away one after another.”

His explanation was as structured as a textbook. Still, the desperation for his country came through.

“For the defense outside the castle, we have requested the mercenary group, Asphalt and others, to exterminate the demon beasts, but there are limits to what they can do. The legends say this: ‘When the true saint appears, she will defeat the demons, purify them, and save the nation…'”

Then, the king looked directly at me.

“Please, saint. Will you save this country?”

Unlike the prince, the king’s words resonated with sincerity and straightforwardness. For someone in power, he communicated well, which was somewhat reassuring.

I nodded firmly.

“Of course, I will accept.”

…That was my intention from the very beginning.

At that, the king’s face brightened instantly.

“That is wonderful! Then I shall promise you the highest treatment. I will prepare a residence for you within the palace immediately. I will also organize a dedicated guard to welcome you with the utmost care!”

A dedicated guard, huh.

It’s not a bad offer, but I felt a bit anxious about being surrounded by strangers. After all, I had finally found someone I could connect with, even if just a little, in this other world.

I quietly glanced back.

Asphalt stood there, as expressionless as ever, but I was sure he noticed I was looking at him. He averted his gaze slightly.

I turned back to the king and steeled myself to speak.

“…If that’s the case, I would like to request Asphalt as my guard. Though our time together has been short, I trust his character. If possible, I would like him to be close by… if he himself is agreeable to it.”

For a moment, the air in the audience chamber became tense.

Oh… did I misread the situation? Perhaps it was an inconvenience for Asphalt.

Just as I was feeling anxious, the king unexpectedly spoke up.

“…Oh, the saint wishes for him herself. But… are you truly sure about that? He has some… no, quite a few issues with his appearance…”

Hey, that was incredibly rude, don’t you realize?

But right after that, the king turned his gaze toward Asphalt.

“Asphalt, what do you say?”

Suddenly called upon, Asphalt’s eyes widened, and he froze for a moment.

Oh, maybe this was too much…?

But in the next instant, he straightened up as if he had just realized something and bowed deeply.

“I humbly accept. I am prepared to protect you with my life, for the sake of the saint.”

(…You really don’t have to be that formal.)

I felt a bit guilty, but his face—somehow—looked happy.

I’m glad. He really didn’t mind.

Meanwhile, the prince had been watching us with a bitter expression the whole time.

(Ah… jealousy? But you have a fiancée, don’t you?)

For me, having a reliable but plain person around is much more reassuring than someone sparkly.

With that, the guard issue was resolved (?), and the atmosphere in the audience chamber began to settle—when suddenly.

Boom!!!

Without warning, a tremendous sound erupted as the ceiling of the royal castle collapsed!

“…!”

Just as I was about to scream, Asphalt pulled me close.

“Get down!”

He covered me protectively as debris fell around us.

“Are you okay?! Asphalt…!”

Dust covered his clothes, and I could see a small wound on his shoulder. But he looked at me seriously and said one thing.

“I’m glad you’re safe…”

Those words made my heart warm.

I still didn’t know what was happening—but one thing was clear.

(I’m really glad this person is by my side.)