The Human Saint is Bored, so I was Summoned to Another World

The Saint of the Flame (Part 1)

In the middle of my 'long sleep', I was awakened by the sound of shuffling and soft thuds.

"..."

Since I'm still half-asleep, I opened my eyes for a bit. The study room's door was still closed, but I could see a shadow by the small library to my right. My eyes inadvertently went there to check...

"..."

And there, right behind the big wooden table of her father, was the young duchess, Eris Braunhauer. She was reading some books once again, as she tried to keep the flame at the tip of her wand for light (I closed the curtains in the room, to darken it).

I'm really admiring this child's concentration when she's reading. It's as if she's in another world; no one could simply disturb her.

I slowly got up and went to the window. And then I opened the curtains, much to Eris' surprise.

"Mister Kuro! Eris doesn't know you're awake already...or did she disturb you?"

"Nah, it's fine. I woke up on my own." Of course, it's a lie. However, I didn't want to make her feel bad. Besides, this was her house, "What are you reading, by the way?"

"Well, Eris couldn't sleep." she admitted, "So she's reading about history, Mister Kuro."

So she said. Yet, I noticed that the history book her father gave to her was closed. She was, rather, reading different literature, "Are you annoyed that your mother sent you out earlier?"

Eris didn't answer. However, I could tell from her face that she's irritated.

I chuckled, "Well, sometimes a kid has to give way to adults, especially in matters that involve the government."

"Hmph! Eris isn't a kid anymore, Mister Kuro! She's trying her best to be helpful, and yet, her mommies don't want her to help."

"I think you're helpful as well..."

"Really, Mister Kuro?" Eris' eyes suddenly brightened up.

"...however, I believe you'd be more helpful if you try to learn more about the world around you, Eris."

"W-What does Mister Kuro mean by that?"

"The world isn't as simple as it may seem, Eris. What you see isn't exactly the truth, and sometimes, if you're never careful, it might come to bite you back."

"Like when some people who say they're Eris' friends, but secretly they aren't?"

"Yep. We humans have different reasons for doing things, so you must be careful. Not everyone can be trusted..."

The young duchess was silently contemplating on my statement.

"However, it doesn't mean you won't put trust in people anymore. It depends on the situation and their attitude. That's why we're given the ability to discern."

"Hmm...is that why mommy is always angry at Eris?"

"Well, she's worried that you're too trusting at all, see?" I explained, carefully rewording Eris' interpretation of Lady Hanna's treatment of her. "She's like that because she loves you, and would want to see you stand up for yourself without help from anyone else."

"But it's what Eris is doing!" she defended herself, "Eris admires her daddy a lot, but she doesn't want to become like him, who can't stand up for himself!"

Oh...well, that's quite new. I didn't know the Duke had that side of him...

"That's right. Personally, I'd say, just continue what you're doing. Stand up for your beliefs and defend them with all of your might." I patted her head, "Take things slowly. Soon you'll be able to fight for your ideals. You're still young, and you'll have plenty of time to do that."