I'll Smash Everything with Passive Skills-Chapter 70: 0. Guest from the South (4)

Two men and women walking in sync without a word is certainly a common sight within the academy.

It's a rather predictable story when a boy and girl of a certain age, filled with youthful passion, find their eyes meeting.

"...."

And that fact held enough weight to create a significant ripple in Cecilia's tender heart.

Despite living together, Cecilia had hardly ever held hands with Veris.

Quietly turning her head, she glanced at Veris.

Just by existing, he was a gracious person to Cecilia. Even though they had been together for several months, this first date was the source of her racing heart.

"Actually, there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

Veris suddenly turned his head towards Cecilia. Stealing glances at him, Cecilia quickly turned her head to look ahead, then answered the voice that followed.

"About this date, I actually have a certain desire."

"A desire...?"

"Yeah. I want to ask for Cecilia's help in finding those devil worshippers."

"I see! If it's that kind of matter, just leave it to me!"

Cecilia nodded confidently.

Veris, who had been worried that she might feel disappointed, finally let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Cecilia clenching her fists tightly.

It was uncomfortable for him to have lured Cecilia out under the pretense of a date.

"I'm sorry."

"Pardon? Why are you apologizing?"

"Um... I know that you have expectations."

"Ugh."

Cecilia's face flushed red at Veris's honest confession.

After all, the Veris she knew was quite perceptive. Hadn't he previously mentioned that he was aware of the feelings Arwen and Cecilia held for him?

"B-but even so, just the fact that you're relying on me makes me happy!"

It seemed that Cecilia felt she couldn't just remain quiet after Veris had apologized first.

She mustered the courage to express her honest feelings.

"Thank you for thinking that way." "W-well, it's nothing...."

A quiet silence fell between them.

Unlike the usual light atmosphere, Veris was also clearly conscious of Cecilia, making her feel a bit dizzy even now.

'What should I do?'

In her judgment, Veris was a broad-minded man. So, there must be something she should do at a time like this.

"Hey, young couple! Don't just walk around awkwardly with your heads down, why not hold hands? Hahaha!"

"!"

Cecilia's shoulders jumped at the merchant's shout, which pinpointed her thoughts exactly.

In that fleeting moment, Cecilia made a decision and stopped in her tracks. As she stood there, Veris silently looked at her.

Cecilia gathered her courage. She knew that for a man like Veris, many women would flock to him like bees and butterflies to flowers.

Therefore.

"C-could you... hold my hand?"

"Hmm?"

"Please... hold my hand..."

With her face flushed bright red, Cecilia spoke softly while bowing her head. The sight was endearingly charming, prompting Veris to chuckle and slowly extend his hand.

What that gesture meant was clear.

A blush spread across the Saintess's face, who was perceptive to such things. As she fidgeted with her hands, when she finally held Veris's hand, the warmth she felt made Cecilia unable to suppress her happy laughter.

"Thank you."

Cecilia managed to squeeze out her words in a voice that seemed to squeak.

The atmosphere was strangely sweet. She could feel the warm gazes of merchants watching them.

*

"...Hmm?"

The priestess with her eyes closed tilted her head.

The reason she had come here was simple. It was due to the command of a high and noble figure from the Holy Kingdom.

However.

"Saintess Cecilia?"

Even with her eyes closed, she was looking precisely at one spot. It was something that couldn't be explained physically, yet she seemed unfazed, her head turning towards Cecilia.

"It's strange."

The girl in priestly robes murmured with her eyes closed.

She was someone who knew Saintess Cecilia very well. Thus, it felt quite odd to see Cecilia dressed in casual clothes, holding hands with an unknown man and smiling happily.

As she contemplated whether to approach and speak to her, she shook her head.

In the past, Cecilia had been someone who engaged in friendly competition. But now, she was not just an ordinary priestess traveling but had entered the academy with a sacred mission.

There was no time for a leisurely reunion with Cecilia. Thinking that, she moved on.

Her destination was a facility known as the 'Hessen Party Hall,' a venue for parties.

Even with her eyes closed, she navigated through the maze-like commercial district of the academy and soon arrived at her destination.

Creeeak!

As she opened the luxurious and large door, the quiet scenery of the party hall welcomed her, still bright with daylight.

"Welcome. It's a glorious day."

"...Nice to meet you."

The girl responded in a tone that felt stiff. However, the man in a black suit who greeted her merely bowed his head.

"I apologize for making you go through such trouble."

"No, it's just that I have been given a mission, and I am merely the one to carry it out."

The man seemed to feel sorry for the girl's honest response, bowing down to her waist this time.

"Why do you say that, oh great apostle?"

Apostle.

That mysterious word slipped from the man's lips.

*

"Hehe, it's so cute."

Look at the little cat swinging a soft bat, enchanted by the golden aura of the holy mana that Cecilia had unleashed.

The adorable little kitten seemed unaware that it couldn't be caught by hand, continuously waving its plump white paws.

"It really is cute."

Even Veris, who usually didn't harbor any special feelings for small animals, couldn't help but agree this time.

The creature before his eyes was indeed cute. The way the little one energetically waved its front paws, paired with Cecilia controlling the warm mana in rhythm, felt like a beautiful painting.

"But... do you think anyone will actually react to this?"

As Cecilia, who had gathered the mana and was now gently petting the cat, posed the question, Veris, who had been quietly observing, pondered for a moment before responding.

"Well, to be honest, I'm in a state of half-belief."

This was the current situation where Cecilia was openly manifesting the holy mana. Since there was always a possibility that the devil worshippers could suddenly appear, Veris had been discreetly releasing mana and made a cold judgment.

"Is that so? Then I guess we have no choice but to stick together?"

Seemingly forgetting the perilous fact that she was becoming bait, Cecilia's voice was filled with excitement.

In response to the innocent question from Cecilia, Veris let out a light sigh and replied.

"I suppose so. Of course, if you're okay with it."

"Hehe. I'm fine with anywhere as long as I'm with you, Veris!"

"...Alright."

Veris was at a loss for words at Cecilia's straightforward response. Who could harbor doubts here?

Gurgle—

"Actually, I was anxious at first."

Cecilia, who seemed to be in a good mood, continued to pet the cat without stopping.

The sun had now settled into a sunset, casting a warm glow. It was a time that could evoke emotions in people, and there was a strange sadness in Cecilia's voice.

No matter how many times one looked back, she was still a delicate figure. Yet, on her small shoulders rested the expectations of the Holy Kingdom and the suffering of the continent's believers.

Thinking that, Cecilia suddenly felt remarkable.

"Yeah."

"Veris, you're really an attractive person. ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) If I just stay shy and quiet, there might not be any progress."

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"Right."

"This is a secret, but I've secretly prayed at night, hoping my feelings would reach you. Even several times."

"...."

Had that ever happened?

It was a fact he had never known.

"So when you told me and Arwen before... that you didn't dislike us and that your feelings were similar to ours, my heart raced."

Cecilia's hand, which had been petting the cat, came to a stop.

Her delicate, trembling white hand revealed how much courage it took to say what she was about to say.

"And right now... do you know how I feel?"

The Saintess, Cecilia, who had been crouching down to pet the cat, gently stood up.

Facing Veris directly, her long eyelashes framed two eyes that glistened with transparent tears.

However.

"I'm happy. Thank you for inviting me on this date. Even though there was another purpose, I actually like it even more. It means that you needed me, Veris."

Surprisingly, as Cecilia spoke, a warm smile graced her lips, contrasting with the tears welling in her eyes.

They say that people refer to Cecilia as the Saintess of Mercy.

Even for Veris, who had never quite felt that way in real life, he couldn't help but acknowledge the truth at this moment.

"No matter what hardships and adversities come, I will stand by your side, Veris. I just decided that."

Wiping her eyes with determination, Cecilia looked at Veris with a bright and compassionate smile.

Would he be angry? Would he feel disappointed? Initially, Veris had felt a great deal of guilt, thinking she might use him under the pretense of a date.

But surprisingly, Cecilia was expressing her gratitude to Veris.

...In a strangely ominous atmosphere.