A/N: I apologize for the delay. My home is located by the riverside in a mountainous region, and due to the recent heavy rains, there was a high alert for flooding. Although water did enter my house, fortunately it was not severe enough to wash it away. However, because of the rainy season, I may not be able to post chapters on a daily basis. Thank you for your understanding.
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Except for Asia, everyone sighed.
Each of us had a different reason, but I can't read minds to know what they were thinking.
"Let's go back to the clubroom, you can tell me your whole story there," Rias said as a large red magic circle appeared beneath us.
In an instant, we were back in the clubroom.
I still enjoy teleportation—it's so convenient to go from one place to anywhere instantly.
Afterwards, we sat down while I explained what happened, including everything about Asia.
As for talking about a nun or priestess—I don't know the difference—four devils seemed like a bad idea.
But they are friends to me, and I believe I understand their character somewhat, so I don't think they would harm her.
However, I didn't get the reaction I expected; they looked at me with surprise and expressions that suggested I was in big trouble.
Rias spoke up first.
"Zevion... You know who she even is? She is Asia Argento, the Holy Maiden, who is now, due to her banishment from the Church, also called the Witch. You get tangled in a deeper mess than you can think."
Well, looks like I really got into trouble.
Not that it matters to me at this point.
It's not like I am a church person.
Also, there are too many people in myths or religious texts that great people are labeled as which, so no problem for me.
She will become a great person, and I will not let her meet a bad end like that saintess that I forgot the name of.
... I am bad at remembering names that I don't use regularly.
Jean de Arc? Jeanne de Arc? Well, some girl with the name of de Arc.
She also didn't get a good ending.
Led to the pyre under a chorus of damnation, she felt little fear.
Long ago, in battle, she had cast aside emotions like regret and despair, so even here she walked with steady steps.
When her hand reached instinctively for the cross once worn at her chest, she felt a pang of sadness — it had been taken from her.
But a kind Englishman pressed a wooden cross into her bound hands, kneeling and weeping as she quietly thanked him.
The priest finished his judgment, and the torch was cast.
Flames climbed her body, burning her skin and bone.
Yet through the pain, she prayed — to the Lord, to the Holy Mother — undisturbed by the mockery of those who called her faith a lie.
Visions of her family and village passed before her.
For a moment, she wondered if she had been a fool — if she could have chosen marriage, children, a quiet life.
But even knowing this was her end from the very beginning, she found no regret.
She had saved lives, given hope, and stayed true to her path.
Her only wish now was for rest.
With one last breath, she whispered, "O Lord, I give myself to You."
Her suffering ended, and her story as La Pucelle began.
Her death broke Gilly-or-something de Rais, driving him into madness, black magic, and atrocities — until he too was finally captured and hanged.
Yes, at least I remember the story.
She also had a kind heart, just not a strong company with her.
Asia looks the same as that.
Honestly, I am surprised she hasn't gotten burned yet.
Well, now it doesn't matter.
I will never let such a history repeat itself at all.
Sure, I may be overthinking, but the whole plot looks the same to me.
Also, who knows if fate or her god made us meet now?
Though I really don't get why he would bring her to me.
The one who wants to take his position.
Same with the fate that I want to control as a game you play with when you get bored.
These gods or fate really have a bad judgment of character, or they are downright crazy.
But, oh well, rest easy, I will protect her.
I look straight in the Eyes of Rias.
"Don't worry about it. Nothing can hurt her or me as long as I am here. And don't even think of trying to persuade me against it. I already made up my mind."
My eyes were filled with the fire of determination!
How can it not?!
I got a big chance to be a hero in someone's life!
While I think that, sure, it's one of my reasons, but... I just don't want someone kind and innocent to get a bad ending.
If any bad people get a bad ending, I am more than happy.
But... I just don't want to see it happen to good people.
I can kill those cultists without any worries, or my mind getting broken is just because of this.
I am strong enough not to worry about killing or anything, but... very weak when someone good dies.
Maybe I have been hypocritical, and I am sure of it.
But I will not let it make me stop.
I am fine with hypocrisy as long as I can wear the smile of an innocent.
That's good enough for me.
They also looked somewhat surprised at me.
I guess they didn't expect me to be a hero-type.
Well, I am not, I am just a hero-type with people I know somewhat or are just innocent enough for it.
In a way, you can say I am Light Yagami with his killing, but not hard enough that it will let something unfair happen to people around me.
"Asia, do you have a place to stay?"
I asked her as I turned to her.
After all, having her alone will be a bad idea, as those cults or fallen angels may start targeting her again.
She looked at me innocently.
"That church was the only place I could go, but I can live under the bridge I saw on the way!"
... Maybe I should fear normal people first before I think about anyone else for her...
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