CH 24

Chapter 24: Shrine Maiden

“Let’s call it a day, Shrine Maiden.”

the Demon King spoke up, and I looked out the window, which was already dark.

“Yes.”

the Demon King offers to accompany me back to my room, but I decline, claiming that it isn’t that far.

“All right… Good night.”

“Good night.”

I bid the Demon King farewell and left the office. When I walk out of the office, it’s hot and humid, probably because it’s summer. I walk back to my room, giddy, remembering how much I worried about the Demon King and Sarah.

I open the door and say goodnight to Sarah, whom I met on the way.

I took a casual look around the room…

“Kya──?!”

I scream, but my mouth is closed. Then he whispers something into my ear.

“Be quiet, Mika.”

I do as I’m told, and the hand finally leaves my mouth.

“…Garen, why?”

Garen looked troubled when I whispered.

“I came to bring you back.”

“…I told you I’m not returning to Astoria.”

“I told you, too; I’m taking you back.”

Stop treating me like a dumb child; I’m no longer a puppet.

“…Garen wishes to bring me back because I am the “Saint”. However, I am not the “Saint”.”

If Garen had memories of his past life, he would know. I’m not the Saint. The true Saint will appear in nine months.

“No, Mika is the Saint.”

Garen’s voice was firm and determined.

“No—I’m the Shrine Maiden!”

I’m not sure what a Shrine Maiden is, but if that’s what the Demon Kings say, then I guess it is. I say it loudly, as if to hide my lack of confidence.

“Who told you that? The prime minister, my brother, or… the demons.”

Garen’s expression changed abruptly.

“… Garen, you’re odd; what’s the matter with you?”

“I don’t care who said it; Mika is the Saint, not the Shrine Maiden who brings misfortune.”

Garen’s voice sounded like it was about to break down.

The Shrine Maiden brings misfortune?

I’ve never heard anything like that before. because the Demon King said that the Shrine Maidens bring good fortune.

“Garen, what you mean──.”

“Mika-sama? Is there anyone here? “

Garen’s rant was apparently heard outside.

“I’m sorry to disturb you. That’s enough for today.”

Garen vanished after saying this. Sarah entered the room at that precise moment, looking worried.

“I apologize for bothering you, Sarah; I was just talking in my sleep.”

“Is that so? —you don’t look well, Mika-sama, so I’ll bring you some herbal tea to help you sleep.”

“I appreciate it.”

The things Garen said to me haunt my mind.

──the Shrine Maiden who brings misfortune

However, the Demon King claims it brings good luck.

Which of these two is telling the truth?