"I'll Catch Up Later, So Go On Ahead!" I Said, and Stayed Behind in the Dungeon for Five Years. When I Returned to the Royal Capital, for Some Reason, I Had Become a Great Criminal, So I Decided to Retire. But Outstanding People Keep Gathering Around Me Though... - Episode 6: “The Saint” Estelle

Episode 6: “The Saint” Estelle

“Um… well. I didn’t come to convert, but rather to deliver bread.”

“Ah. Could it be… you’re the new person at the bakery? I’ve only heard rumors.”

“Yes, that’s right. Here you go.”

“Thank you very much.”

Estelle showed a gentle smile. She had always been graceful and a very pure beauty. But she had refined herself even more. Estelle had grown into such a beautiful woman that it was hard to imagine any man would leave her alone.

Saint Estelle. I hadn’t always been in a party with her. When we headed into large dungeons, she would join our party as a healer. To be honest, without Estelle, we wouldn’t have been able to dive into high-difficulty dungeons. That’s how excellent her healing magic was.

“Excuse me. I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Estelle.”

“I’m Haru. Well then, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Haru… is it?”

As if savoring something, Estelle murmured that name. Then she stared intently at my face. Ugh… It’s not good to stay too long. I should get going.

As I was about to leave the church, Estelle called out to me.

“Haru. Do you have any troubles at the moment?”

“Troubles, you say?”

“Yes. Since you’ve gone through the trouble of coming all the way here, I thought if you’d like, we could talk in the confessional. I’m happy to listen to work-related matters too, if you like?”

What should I do…? Honestly, I had a small concern about my job. I decided to take this as a good opportunity.

“…Right. Then I’ll take you up on that.”

I decided to talk about my worries in the confessional. Right now, I’m Haru the baker. So I thought I’d talk about everyday things at the bakery.

“This way. Please.”

“Okay.”

I was guided to the confessional. Deep inside the church, past a small door beside the altar—there it was. A tranquil space, untouched by anyone, lying between prayer and atonement. The door was made of thick wood. When I put my hand on the handle, it creaked slightly. Upon entering, I felt it was a little colder than outside.

The room was divided in two. One side was the penitent’s seat, and the other was the listener’s seat. Between them was a thin wooden wall with a lattice window. So our figures were only vaguely visible. There was just one small oil lamp. The flickering light danced on the wooden wall. And the shadows undulated as if they were breathing.

“Everything spoken here will never be revealed. I swear this before God.”

“Understood.”

I then shared the concern I had about my current job.

“To tell the truth, it’s about a woman named Lisel who works at the bakery.”

“…”

When I said that, for some reason, Estelle didn’t respond. Huh? Did I say something bad…?

“U-um? Estelle?”

“Sorry. Please, continue──”

Was it my imagination? The moment I mentioned Lisel’s name, I felt an unusual pressure…

“We’re together a lot because of work. But I still feel awkward around her. Is there something important to keep in mind when interacting with women?”

In the past, all my party members had been women. But we all had the shared goal of dungeon conquering. Most of our conversations were about the dungeon. So we were able to talk smoothly.

But the bakery is different. When there are no customers, it’s just the two of us, and the conversation doesn’t flow well. I don’t think we need to talk just to fill the silence. But I wanted advice from a female perspective.

“Let’s see. You should definitely maintain some sense of distance and take time.”

“I see.”

“Yes. If someone gets too close too suddenly, it can be troubling. I think it’s better to take it slow and deepen your bond more carefully.”

“Oh! That’s very helpful.”

“Yes. Also, don’t misunderstand. A woman’s kindness is something she shows to everyone. Don’t assume she might have feelings for you. Since you both work in the same bakery, any romantic misunderstandings would be a problem.”

“I see…! That’s very helpful! Thank you!”

“No. This is all thanks to God’s guidance.”

And with that, the consultation in the confessional ended. I felt that it really was good to talk. As expected of Estelle. She truly lives up to the title of Saint. It felt strange to consult a former comrade about my new workplace. But I was glad I took the courage to do it.

—

The next day. The first customer to arrive was—Estelle.

“Good morning, Haru, Lisel.”

“G-Good morning.”

“Oh. Estelle. Good morning!”

Lisel and Estelle seemed to be familiar with each other and exchanged greetings. However… not that there was any particular intention, but Estelle seemed to be smiling a little too much.

Then, Lisel spoke to her.

“That’s rare. For you to come all the way to the shop.”

“I had a bit of time today.”

“But Haru did the delivery yesterday, right?”

“U-um… well. This is for myself! The bread that’s delivered is mostly prioritized for the children.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

So that’s how it is. I see. Estelle has her own reasons too, I thought.

“Any recommendations?”

“Today, let’s see──”

Lisel quickly picked out today’s recommended bread and rang it up. I’m getting used to it myself, but Lisel is still more efficient. She finished the checkout smoothly and handed the bag of bread to Estelle.

“Thank you very much!”

“Thank you.”

We both bowed our heads and saw Estelle off.

“Um. Regarding the deliveries, is Haru mainly in charge?”

Lisel answered that question.

“Hm. That’s a bit of a dilemma. Haru still has a lot to learn.”

“I believe work should be suited to a person’s strengths. From the looks of it, Haru seems to have plenty of stamina.”

Estelle glanced my way. Well, that’s true. I probably have more stamina than anyone in this world. I didn’t survive five years in that dungeon for nothing.

“Yeah. If it’s okay with you, I’ll handle the deliveries. I am confident in my stamina.”

“Hm. If you say so, Haru, then maybe it’s okay?”

“And as a newcomer, I think interacting with the townspeople is important, don’t you agree?”

“That’s true. You have a point. Then Haru, can I leave it to you from now on?”

“Yes. Got it.”

At that moment, I didn’t miss that Estelle subtly clenched her fist tightly. I didn’t really get it, but maybe something good happened for her.

And so, from now on, I became the one in charge of deliveries.

—

“Huff… huff… huff…!”

Early morning. My morning routine starts with a run. Strangely, I never neglect my physical training. Even though I work at a bakery, it’s mostly standing work. I don’t aim to gain more stamina. But I at least want to maintain it. With that in mind, I was running through the forest near Rothen.

At that time, I saw a young man swinging a wooden sword in the forest.

“Ah. Good morning.”

With a bright voice, he greeted me. And I came to a stop on the spot.

His golden hair was cut short, and his eyes were a jewel-like blue. He looked younger than me—maybe mid-teens.

I returned the greeting.

“Good morning. Are you training?”

“Yes. This forest feels really nice.”

He smiled brightly. Ugh… he’s too handsome. It’s blinding…

“My name is Leo.”

“I’m Haru.”

We shook hands. His hands were those of someone who trained seriously. He might be an adventurer.

“Leo-san, are you──”

“Ah, you can speak casually. I’m probably younger than you.”

“Alright. Are you an adventurer, Leo?”

“Yeah, something like that. What about you, Haru?”

“I’m a baker.”

“A baker? That’s unexpected.”

Yeah. Well, with how rough I look, I wouldn’t think I was a baker either. It’s a bit sad, but my appearance clearly scares people nowadays…

“Um. If you don’t mind, could I spar with you? Haru, you look like you can handle a sword. I actually have a spare wooden sword.”

“I can… Sure. Might as well, since we’re here.”

And so, I decided to cross swords with Leo, who apparently is an adventurer. But… this is just my instinct—Leo may be young, but he’s no ordinary person.

That’s the feeling I got──.