When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 58

Episode 58

Saint Lucretia Alma. A prodigy entrusted by the Divina Church with the role of being stationed in the forefront of humanity, the Tashman Kingdom, at the young age of 16. …At least, that’s the official story.

In reality, she was sent to the frontline as a last resort by the bigwigs of the Law Empire, who were at their wits’ end dealing with her excessive talent and unruly behavior.

She started as an apprentice saint, but her misconduct got her sent to the frontline when the Emperor of Law found out.

It’s a situation not unlike some government official’s dilemma. But well, Lucretia does have her own side to the story.

For better or worse, her overflowing talent led her to be separated from her parents at the tender age of 10 to receive education as a saint in the Law Empire.

With her brilliant talent drawing the expectations of the Divina Church upon her young shoulders, Lucretia, however, went astray. Spectacularly so.

She indulged in all sorts of misbehavior, experiencing firsthand how a prodigy beloved by the gods could turn into a disaster when they go astray, as learned by the esteemed members of the Divina Church.

Little Lucretia (age 11) caused quite a stir in the Law Empire, plunging it into turmoil, but it was during such times that the situation took a sudden turn due to the visit of Archbishop Edelmar Solennis of the Tashman Kingdom, who happened to be visiting the Law Empire regarding the previous saint.

After twists and turns, and with Edelmar’s recommendation, Lucretia ended up heading to the Tashman Kingdom. And during the months-long journey, she struck up an odd friendship with a peculiar bureaucrat.

If even odd creatures like him can live happily in a country, then maybe I can too. And so, she reached the frontier of humanity, where she found herself fitting in more than anyone had anticipated… Perhaps too well.

—

“Come on. I’m sorry, okay? Quit making that scary face and sit down already,” Lucretia said with a laugh, leading Jez to the sofa set in the office, sporting an expression like he’s about to snap any second.

“I’m really sorry. But it’s also your fault, you know? Always suddenly going on business trips. And for months, too,” Lucretia continued, as Jez still wore a slightly annoyed expression. Hearing this, Jez let out a grand sigh and replied with a mature tone as he took a seat on the sofa. Despite appearing composed, she’s still just 16; a bit of stubbornness is inevitable.

Smiling lightly at Jez as he sat down, Lucretia proceeded to prepare tea using the facilities in the room. “Yeah. But seriously, even for a teacher like you, this time must have been tough, right?” Lucretia said, feeling refreshed after delivering a good kick, while preparing tea and discussing the recent series of events.

In the tranquil office bathed in soft sunlight, the saint prepared tea with a smile. At a glance, she looked every bit like a refined saint. Her quick change of mood and her nonchalant attitude without lingering regrets didn’t seem like that of a 16-year-old at all. This, too, was the power of a saint’s facade.

While Jez, feeling a mix of amazement and exasperation, relaxed on the sofa and conversed with Lucretia, he interjected with a light-hearted comment, “Well, considering I’ve faced an orc king and an emperor, ending with a human king.”

“That’s not the last one, though,” Lucretia retorted with a bright smile, teasing Jez lightly. After finishing preparations of tea and snacks, she brought them over to the low table and took a seat opposite Jez.

“Tea with milk, no sugar. Is this okay for you?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

The two quietly enjoyed their tea and exchanged small talk for a while before Jez, with a slightly concerned tone, asked, “So, how’s your health really?” If it were Jez in his complete form, he’d easily dodge or elegantly handle all of Lucretia’s attacks. The fact that Lucretia calls Jez “teacher” is precisely for this reason. Teaching Lucretia about the history of the Tashman Kingdom, current laws, and even self-defense techniques was part of Jez’s bureaucratic duties. …And self-defense techniques?

Originally, he was supposed to teach only politics, economics, and law, but after witnessing the various blunders of the bureaucrat during their journey from the Law Empire to the Kingdom, Lucretia herself requested self-defense lessons. Thus, a secret class between the bureaucrat and the saint, featuring genuine martial arts, was underway.

As for divine magic and the combat techniques of the Divina Church, Lucretia learned them from the Archbishop, and thanks to her natural talent, she had already mastered a combat style primarily focused on footwork.

To supplement her delicate physique, Lucretia, through trial and error with Jez, arrived at a combat style focused on kicks. This style was perfect for her, as there were many situations where she couldn’t wield weapons due to her status. …But wait, weren’t we talking about a saint?

Anyway, getting back to the story. One of Lucretia’s martial arts mentors is Jez, who is usually untouchable in combat. However, today, she seemed to have landed a good blow.

It was clearly not his usual self. …But one shouldn’t say, “If you’re worried, then don’t kick.” That’s her way of communicating, for better or worse.

Moving on.

“If yesterday’s feeling is anything to go by, it doesn’t seem as bad as I thought…”

“If you’re referring to yesterday, isn’t it better not to dwell on it? I mean, that Seven Bull potion, even from a distance, looked dangerous, didn’t it? I briefly considered banning it with saint authority.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yeah, seriously.”

While Lucretia often makes jokes when no one’s around, when it comes to Seven Bull, she seems quite serious. Jez starts sweating awkwardly.

“But seriously, there’s no way that thing is normal, right? Even the angels were agitated by the rainbow wings. And that alchemist, I’d heard rumors, but he’s truly insane. In multiple ways, he’s impressive,” Lucretia remarked casually as she sipped her tea and nibbled on cookies, expressing her thoughts lightly. Jez, hearing such ordinary words from Lucretia, couldn’t help but feel anxious.

“And also, I’ve been thinking for a while, but teacher, you’re quite strange too, aren’t you? When someone gets hit by such mysterious otherworldly power, they’d usually explode. I wonder, do you have a high affinity with otherworldly power?” Lucretia explained that according to her, that rainbow-colored potion drew its power from the realm between dimensions, and apparently, behind the scenes, the angels were hastily repairing the world shell.

In a place where Jez was completely unaware, a serious crisis (for real) occurred. …It could have seriously become an apocalyptic weapon. Victor is truly a terrifying man.

“…Lucretia, what should I do?” Jez, unaware of the potion’s danger, had gulped it down. Feeling quite anxious, he absentmindedly rubbed his stomach while asking the saint with a somewhat pitiful expression.

“That’s why I called you over today, right? Don’t worry, I’ll examine you properly.”

After a while, the saint and the bureaucrat, having finished their tea and cookies, headed to a certain room within the cathedral.

—

“Here they are. Lord Norman, we’ve been waiting for you,” Jez and Lucretia entered a certain room within the cathedral together. It was Jez’s first time in this room.

Waiting for them there was Archbishop Edelmar Solennis. When he saw Lucretia, he remarked, “Hmm, the saint seems to have calmed down. She’s been quite restless these past few months, Lord Norman, especially since hearing about your injury.”

“Hey! Edelmar!! Don’t say stuff like that!” the saint exclaimed, her face turning red as she approached the archbishop. Seeing this, the composed archbishop calmly calmed her down. Their interaction was like that of a close parent and child, and Jez watched with a smile.

“Saint, you forgot to take off your mask.”

“Ugh, fine, it doesn’t matter right now. Let’s just get started,”

Saint Lucretia Alma. She’s got quirks, but she’s a really good kid.