"Hmhmhm~"
The echo of laughter filled the room.
A laughter that most would find very pleasing.
Yet, for me, it felt more like a harbinger for doom.
"I remember yesterday, what I clearly implied~"
"…You want talk."
"Yes, I wanted to talk. With you. Specifically."
"…You want talk. Later."
"Yes, I did say that I wanted to talk later. But I don't recall ever saying I wanted to wait until tomorrow for it."
"…Grul sorry."
"Hmhmhm~ There's no need to apologize."
Once again, I had found myself sitting on the table of my own home, yet feeling like I was the guest.
And once more, I had found myself all alone with this girl—this Saintess.
The kids…
They…
'Oh, your children, Farida and Khovor? I greeted them and asked them if they could leave for a while because I needed to talk with you. Not before giving them some coins to buy themselves a treat, of course.'
They were sent away by the deceitful, conniving woman before me.
"Hm? What's with that look? Are you displeasured?"
"…No."
"Good! That's very good~ The priest taught me that those displeasured should be allowed to have a 'discussion' as to why they are displeasured and what measures should be taken to ease their concerns. They also taught me that if the issue persists, then convincing through other means can also be considered!"
Her words, as innocent as they sounded, were moreso hidden threats that promised nothing but agony for me.
As I felt a shiver run down my spine, I quickly tried to move the topic forward.
"So, what need doing?"
I eagerly looked at the saintess; trying to implore her to have mercy with my eyes..
And for one reason or another, she acquiesced.
"The time for your assistance has arrived, Grul. The time to fulfill our deal is near. I came today to tell you that, and also to ask that you prepare yourself. Prepare yourself for a battle, that is."
"We fight?"
"Yes. But, you will have to be the one to take the brunt of the fight."
That was fine to me, though I asked more questions so I can get a better grip of the situation.
"Where, when, why?"
The Saintess, already knowing my eccentric personality, answered without hesitation.
"A location spearheaded into the forest. Now. And to regain control of the forest."
I nodded along.
Seems good enough to me.
I was satisfied with that much, but it seemed the Saintess had more to add.
"The enemy we face isn't just any forest creature you would usually deal with—no, it's more than likely that it will be monsters of the darkness."
That added bit of information was enough to make me stop and actually think for a moment.
…for a moment.
And then I continued simply nodding my head.
"I warn you, Grul. This foe is not weak, and by all means should be treated as a calamity. Are you sure you can deal with them? By yourself, even?"
"Yes."
I felt confident.
Not just because I killed one or made another flee, but because by now, I was several times stronger than I was before, but I didn't know just how much exactly.
This time was a good time to precisely estimate that, and to improve it all in one go.
Plus I knew; despite her warning that I might be up against those beasts by myself, that I'd have the Saintess's blessings behind me.
And let me tell you, the blessings of a legendary-class Saintess are no joke.
With that settled, there was one last question I had left that was up in the air.
"Begin when?"
"We can actually start right now, though, if you require more time, I can push the expedition to tomorrow. Or perhaps even next week, if you truly need to—"
"No need. Start now. But wait for a moment."
Just a moment.
A moment is all I needed.
To at least notify everyone that I would be gone for a bit.
I hoped that my previous transgression would've been mercifully forgiven by now by the Saintess, but unfortunately—
"And how am I supposed to know you won't make me wait again for another day?"
"Oh—uh—"
She's still mad over that…
"I, Grul, promise. Promise to come back today—no, this noon."
"Okay…then, I shall wait. The rest of the expedition is ready; all that's left is for you to join alongside us."
"Thank you."
…
…
…
"Haah…this silence is troublesome…Grul, my sincerest apologies. I know my behavior right now is unbecoming of me, but to be honest with you, I've never been treated like that before and—quite frankly, I didn't know how to act, despite how much I've been trained to be patient and to be understanding. So, once again, I am sorry."
"…I sorry, too. I accept meeting but never came. This time, I come. Grul keeps promises."
"Thank you, Grul. I'll wait for you with ease of mind now."
"Mm. Just stay here. Be back shortly."