The Demon Saint is Missing, so I Ran to Another World

Alexa (Part 1)

***The Holy Palatial Gardens...***

For several days after the incident at the Academy, the dullness of the color grey filled the entire palatial gardens, from its huge cathedral curtains, down to the ribbons tied on the pillars of the smallest of gazebos. The paladins also closed the holy complex from any visitors, both common folk and from the nobility.

"The month already ended almost a week ago! When will Her Holiness conduct her mass?"

"Shh! Can't you see? Everyone here is in official mourning!"

"Mourning? That's just the Commoner General, and it's not like he's dead! I get that he's a hero, but why do we have to mourn so much for him?"

"Careful! The servants and paladins of Her Holiness might be listening!"

"So?"

"They love the man. At least have some respect."

"..." Eris took a deep breath, and sighed. As much as she was offended by what she heard, she had to keep herself from confronting those nuns talking about the Saint and her master. It's not like they were wrong, anyway. Her Holiness had been neglecting her duties as Chersea's most revered holy leader, while never leaving the Lord Kuro's bedside.

In any case, she should just ignore those petty talks, and hurry to his room. She's in-charge of bringing the food there, for now.

As she neared the guest house, Eris couldn't help but take notice of the increased security checkpoints, accorded by the Paladin Corps. In contrast to the rest of the palatial gardens, the place where the Lord Kuro's room was located looked like an army camp, with tents and banners erected, and provisions positioned around the building.

"..."

And as if it was not enough, there were squads of paladins patrolling inside the hallways of the guest house. The only 'private' place was the room of her master, but even then, Her Holiness the Saint and another servant (usually it was the Head Maid) remained on a vigil.

"Ah, Lady Braunhauer!"

"!!!" the young maidservant stopped in her tracks the second she heard someone call her. Turning around, she saw the ambassador of the Queen of Cherwind, Chief Gislaine, along with another person, and a maidservant from the Saint's Palace.

"Lady Braunhauer," the servant hurried to Eris, her face was visibly distressed, and she spoke in whispers. "The ambassador of the Queen of Cherwind keeps on insisting that she meets with Her Holiness, even though we told her that we are not accepting visits. What should we do?"

"Don't worry, I'll take it from here, Lady Segova," Eris reassured her. "Please go back to your duties."

Relieved, the maidservant curtsied before she left. Now alone together, Chief Gislaine wasted no time in telling Eris her purpose, "Lady Braunhauer, can we request a meeting with Her Holiness the Human Saint? It's been days since we sent a letter, yet we still have to receive an answer."

"My apologies Lady Gislaine, but Her Holiness won't accept anyone in her presence for now; not even her father," Eris bowed. "It would be best to wait for the saint to send an official reply to your request."

"I...haa...Look, I understand Her Holiness the Human Saint's feelings," the Eagle chief replied. "But you also have to know, the Lord Kuro is forever our ruler—Cherwind's king. Any offense done to him is an affront to my queen, our people, and our kingdom. So, as one of his faithful subjects, I request to personally see his condition."