The Elf Saint is a NEET, so I Forced Her to Work in Another World

Kuro's Situation (Part 1)

**Hinwe**

"Milady, what do you think?"

I glanced at Meanor, who meekly followed as we trudge the narrow hallways of the Holy Consulate. The Human Saint had just ended our meeting, and since it was nearly the time for long sleep, my servant and I would just get something light to eat before we head back to our room.

From her expression alone, I could tell that my maid never liked what she heard. We elves, while we were allies to humans, beastmen, and dwarves ever since time immemorial, were fiercely independent people. We could always aid our friends, but it would be easier for a leviathan to enter a small doorway than for us to ask for help from anyone.

For us, being helped by other races is a sign of weakness.

Well, it's not like we're truly averted on this matter. Elves were like that because we believe that receiving aid would entitle that individual to certain privileges, and our people were afraid to do something they didn't like while granting those requests. As such, we avoid being indebted to anyone else...save for our own kin. And Meanor was worried about the offer of the Human Saint. While I was aware of her intentions to help us, I was also concerned of the Lady Madelaine's 'forceful' behavior...

Not to mention, the man she assigned to take care of me, the Lord Kuro...haa...he's pretty annoying.

I didn't mean that in a bad way...well, a little bad—just a tiny weensy bit, I guess? The Lord Kuro was annoying because he kept on prodding me to do something about Cherwoods' situation, even when I told and made him understand that my god-powers were waning, and my people lost their confidence and faith in me. But no, he's too determined to push me and 'step up' on my role as saint.

Why is he that persistent?

As long as I could still face the High King of the Gods and stare at Him without feeling guilty...whatever the ending of Cherwoods and the elves might be, then I'm fine with everything. Besides, it's not like I chose to be a saint; this god-power given to me should've been passed to a more suitable candidate during the selection process. Didn't the heavens supposed to know our futures? Why did they never see that? They should've been aware that I would end up like this, and acted accordingly to prevent this tragedy.

It's never my sin.

"..."

"Milady...?"

My train of thoughts dissipated when I heard Meanor's voice. Still wearing her 'worried' expression, she asked if I was fine, for I'd been unresponsive to her questions. Nevertheless, I reassured her that nothing's wrong with me. "Well, if there's anything weird that's going on," I told her as I looked around to see if there's anyone eavesdropping on us, "it's the Lord Kuro's persistence on 'helping' me."

"I think I understand his reasons, though, Your Holiness," my maid replied. "After all, he wouldn't be here if not for you opening that portal for him. Spending six dark, cold and lonely years inside that dead, barren world was enough to make anyone insane."

"Yes, he is insane, involving himself in matters he has no control of. Look, I've made it clear for that guy that he doesn't owe me anything," I reiterated. "In the first place, it's my own desire to open something that's led to this! You know, I regret actually opening up that portal; my life inside my room at the tree palace was peaceful before the Lord Kuro came!"

"Your Holiness, I personally think the human lord is right, though..."

There was a long pause as I stared at Meanor. Taking a deep breath, I pointed out, "I believe so too, Mea. However, the Hinwe of now is different from the old Hinwe. As much as I wanted to change myself, I have no will to continue anymore. If I can choose between becoming a saint or serving as an ordinary maid, I'll gladly choose the latter. I'm not cut out for this saint stuff..."