Chapter 12
On the dais, Professor Einstein faced Lian Qi, and after a long moment, he revealed a kindly smile.
“That’s right, I am a member of the Druids. Our members are all environmentalists and animal protectionists. You are welcome to join us as well.”
Lian Qi just stared at him quietly, remaining silent.
Afterward, we returned home. Lian Qi flopped right down on the sofa and sighed softly. “Even if he admitted it publicly in front of the Queen, it wouldn’t matter. The Druids aren’t some illegal organization. It’s just… environmentalists seem so out of place in another world.”
“It can’t be helped. Our world has its own circumstances.”
I gave a weak laugh and sat down beside her.
“It’s because the permafrost is gradually melting that so many people who want to protect the environment have emerged.”
“Regarding the dragon race, do you think he was trying to scare us?”
“Well, about that…”
Speaking of dragons, I actually have one right here in the house.
My gaze drifted to the dragon egg lying neglected on the sofa. Ever since I rescued it from Sister Liwei, I haven’t really taken care of it at all. I’d completely forgotten about hatching it. How shameful… Qifeng, on the other hand, often mistakes it for a throw pillow and hugs it, since it blends in so well.
Feeling guilty, I picked it up and held it in my arms.
“The vast majority of dragons that thaw out from the permafrost are malicious towards humans. I can’t deny that fact just because I happen to know one kind dragon.”
“If you were a normal Saintess, shouldn’t you be thinking about how to make all the world’s dragons and humans coexist peacefully?”
“What are you talking about? I don’t have that kind of thought at all. Besides, just thinking about it, it seems impossible, right?”
“Mm. You really are different from the rest.”
”???”
My face was a question mark.
“Are you teasing me about my Saintess identity, Lian Qi?”
“Not at all. If you’re saying dragons are malicious toward humans, do you think it will bite you when it breaks out of its shell?” Lian Qi scooted over, staring at the egg in my arms as she asked.
I froze for a moment. “No way, right? Just because I neglected it, it’s holding a grudge that strong from inside the egg?”
But I still felt like Lian Qi was changing the subject. What did she mean, “different from the rest”? As a boy, my identity makes me so nervous I lose sleep at night.
I snuck a peek at Lian Qi. She was in a kneeling position, her hands braced on the sofa as she leaned her body toward me. Maybe it was because she was wearing a skirt? She probably didn’t even realize how… the pose she struck without realizing it was… fix
My face flushed red, and I immediately looked away. Thankfully, Lian Qi didn’t seem to notice my brief, subtle reaction.
Speaking of which, ever since Qifeng also came to live here, I’ve had very little time alone with Lian Qi like today. I’d almost forgotten how to interact. What should I do? This is troubling…
“Alright, let’s stop studying it. Let’s talk about you, shall we?” Lian Qi said, taking the egg from my arms.
I had a look of confusion. “Talk about what, about me?”
“I thought you looked really cute in that apron this morning.”
“Cu…te? That doesn’t include some… lewd or wicked component, does it?” I said cautiously.
“Like a virtuous wife and good mother.”
“…You’re the virtuous wife and good mother.” I glared at her, embarrassed. I couldn’t bear being called either a “wife” or a “mother.”
“I can’t wait to see you after we’re married, cooking in the kitchen wearing nothing but an apron.”
…Me?
Nothing but…?
“…I swear, you would not want to see that.”
As for the reason, I knew it all too well.
Wait.
It was only then that I reacted, retorting with a red face: “Who agreed to marry you???”
“Are you trying to back out again? Who was it that made that bold claim about scaring me to death on our wedding night?”
I wanted to say something, but stopped.
“F… Fine… let’s stop there. We always fight when we talk about this topic.”
“You think I want to fight with you?” she said resentfully, moving away from me and plopping back down on the sofa.
I thought she was angry, but instead, she crossed her arms, looked at me sideways, with a half-smile on her face, and said: “It’s not like you can run away, anyway.”
“Sorry, I don’t know what expression to make at you, other than a weak laugh,” I said.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Lian Qi and I looked at each other.
“It’s not even noon yet. Is Qifeng back already?”
“I-I’ll get it.” I said, jogging toward the entryway.
I opened the door and… ah-leh—?
It wasn’t Qifeng!?
Standing outside the door was a girl with long yellow hair and straight bangs. Her eyes looked naturally sleepy, and she wore a white cloak, the standard uniform of a Church Temple Knight.
“If I’m not mistaken… are you Temple Knight Mia?”
“Lady Saintess, you are not mistaken. I am Temple Knight Mia. Lord Bahr sent me to find you. The situation is a bit urgent—”
“Fei’er, who is it?” Lian Qi asked, appearing behind me.
“Bahr sent a Temple Knight to find me. I don’t know what it’s about.”
Lian Qi frowned. “Who is Bahr?”
“Bahr is one of the twelve bishops of the Holy Light Church.”
“Lady Saintess, the situation is a bit urgent. Lord Bahr specifically sent me to inform you… your good friend, Qifeng, has violated the Church’s precepts and was taken to the Inquisition, preparing to face trial.”
“What—? Qifeng??? How is that possible?”
At first, I thought I had misheard, but looking at her expression, I knew she wasn’t joking with me.
“How could this happen?” I felt cold all over.
“The incident was caused by an unauthorized person entering the Holy Light Secret Chamber.”
“I was the one who brought Lian Qi into the Holy Light Secret Chamber. That clearly means I already gave permission,” I said, my face grim.
“Yes, Lady Saintess, you did give permission. However, Qifeng, as the one accompanying you, failed in her duty to admonish, so she was deemed to be at fault.”
“Qifeng is not at fault—forget it, I shouldn’t get caught up on that. Who gave this order?” I continued to ask, my face dark.
“It was Bishop Schneider.”
I understood completely. I’d guessed who it was before she even said it. I nodded at her.
“Alright. Thank you for bringing me this news.”
“Mm. Lord Bahr said this is as much as he can help you. Whatever happens next has nothing to do with him. Also, please don’t let anyone know I came here. In any case, I’ll take my leave.”
After Mia left, I stood at the door, staring at the open gateway, spacing out for a short while.
I was just thinking about what action I should take next.
After a brief thought, I had already decided what to do.
“Lian Qi, I’m going to the Church,” I said, my back to her.
“I’ll go with you.”
“Definitely not. You were the fuse for this incident. It’s not appropriate for you to show your face. It’s better to leave this to me. Why don’t you go out and get some takeout for lunch? Remember to get a serving for Qifeng, too.”
I put on my shoes and, facing the smog, walked straight toward the Church without looking back.