Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

Ch 9 - Three Years Later

Three years later, I am fifteen years old. My birthday’s in the spring. Three years from now, the “Starting Village “arc will end. After three more years of hard work, the goddess will transport me back to my world—probably.

It better be it! Goddess?! Why don’t you show your face yet?! The silence is too cruel. What’s going on?

Although Granny Marie had prayed for the goddess to appear, she did not pay us a visit. On the contrary, it feels strange she never contacted us. What does it mean—

Oh! Can it be… No way.

Is it possible she’s in a situation where she can’t keep in touch with us? Is she in trouble? Can something unforeseen have happened to her?

I shudder.

Nonono. No way.

There’s nothing else I can do here but wait for her contact. I’ll just complain, I mean, pray whenever I’m at the church. That way, I can be reached as soon as possible.

After hearing the goddess’ message to Marie, I visit the church most weekends, except when I have business at home.

One reason is so I can consult with Marie about future events, along with confirming and reporting the current situation to her. To see if the goddess has responded.

Secondly, Marie offered me a spare room dedicated as my “research and materials storage area,” for the sake of developing technology toward the village’s defense. Naturally, the room is lockable and comes with a key. Both have been replaced recently, too. I have also linked a hand-made security device, so that no one besides me can enter the room. Well, in theory that’s the case. Finally, I can store materials and completed devices free from prying eyes!

Back at the lord’s mansion, I’ve no privacy or a secure place to call my own. The butler and maids have master keys and can pretty much enter any room.

Another reason I visit the church so often is because of Lian’s elder brother. He chases me to no end that it’s hard to relax. These days, his hand that frequently strokes my head has migrated to touching my shoulders and face, back and waist. It’s frightening. I’m being touched so freely. It feels like I’m encountering perverts even at home. It’s the worst. I can’t even report it since we’re related.

Because of all this, I feel safe at the church. I have Marie as my ally, and I’ve already won over the orphans. It’s because I bring a box of confectionery each time, filled with donuts, cakes, and cream puffs that the children love. I’ve done my research. There’s no mistake, these are their favorites. As such, the kids are now absolutely obedient to my words. I’ve strictly informed them not to tell anyone, especially Alfred, I’m there during the weekends. The job I was given by the goddess is supposed to be kept secret. I’ve told them that if they break their promise, the goddess will punish them severely.

Basically, it’s the carrot and stick method.

In the dead of night, the goddess will appear at your bedside dripping with blood… When I added a touch of movie-like horror to my warning, everyone looked like they were about to cry.. I felt bad about it, but there is no denying that the effects were immediate.

I also said, ‘if you kids run your mouth to Alfred, then I’ll never bring sweets over again.‘ Honestly, I think that one was more effective than the scare tactics. However, these are children so I worried if they could do it. Though they seem to be fulfilling their part of the bargain so far.

Every time I go to the church, they immediately tell me they’ve done as I asked, looking proud of themselves. When I praise them for it, they get so happy. I don’t really get it, but they look like they’re having fun. Well, kids love secret missions, just secret things in general.