Antagonist Protection Service-Chapter 61: Love That Lives Under the Eye of God

"―There. Do you feel much better?"

Before I had time to come up with an excuse to reply to Lucretia with, the guy who introduced himself as Mikhael let go of my arm and asked me. I was confused for a moment, then realised.

"Oh, it’s over? That was quick."

’I didn’t even know he was doing anything, but he already healed my shoulder. Not to throw any shade, but Isabella took way longer than this...’

I guess Lucretia calling him a Saint wasn’t just out of politeness.

Comparing it to the healing magic I received back in the first Contract, this was absolutely a tier or two slower, but considering how that was balanced by the first requiring a lengthy incantation to precede it, there was definitely a claim to make that this was the most impressive magic I’ve ever witnessed.

Not that I’ve witnessed much.

"Thank you."

"Haha, it’s nothing, I’m just glad you seem to be alright. And... no, nevermind."

"...?"

Observing the warm laughter of this guy who I couldn’t tell was any older than myself or not, certainty struck within me.

’He’s a love interest, I’m sure of it. Librarian, can you confirm?’

I waited for a moment, but there was no response.

Perhaps she was busy with something, or perhaps she was embarrassed to say anything because she knew the answer was no. Either way, whilst I waited for a response, I turned to Lucretia.

"My Lady, may I have a moment to speak with the Saint here?"

In return, she fired a glance back at me but only responded after a moment of silence.

"...You may."

Thereafter, the two of us walked to an isolated corner of the Temple. Perhaps only natural, my request elicited curiosity from the other.

"Is there something you would like to discuss with me, Sir Enki?"

’Let’s just cut right to it.’

"Sorry if this is a bit personal, but do you attend the Royal Academy?"

His eyes widened at my evidently unexpected question.

"Pardon? No, I have always been raised under the church, and forever will I continue to live my life for the Sun Father. We have sufficient educational resources in the Temple, so to attend traditional schooling such as the Royal Academy is unnecessary... May I ask why?"

"I wanted to ask a favour of you, if that’s okay."

He nodded.

"Oh, Certainly. However, may I ask you something beforehand?"

"Of course."

The Saint, who wore a subtle smile on his face, lowered his voice to a whisper.

"Do you, perhaps... have a connection to the Winter Mother, Sir Enki?"

Processing the abrupt question, I paused. Without even giving me the time to formulate an answer, he continued.

"Apologies if this is prying into a private matter, however, not only did I feel it a little when letting the divine energy flow through your injured body, but there is an ever-so-faint aura of divinity that surrounds you. Most of all, your body... to be blunt, it is extremely, and frankly, frighteningly cold... If you don’t mind my tactlessness, is it really true?"

’Divinity? Cold...?’

Left with only such questions by his own query, I didn’t know what to say. Whatever the case, being confronted with such immense evidence of the truth, I knew hiding it was impossible.

I had only just received revelation from this bizarre Goddess, and just like that, the secret was already exposed.

Suddenly, a dark feeling swamped my heart, and I glared at the Saint.

"...Would there be a problem if it was true?"

But thankfully, judging by his next response, it seemed there was no need to worry.

"Oh, most certainly not!"

Dismissing my perhaps evident concern, Mikhael waved his hands exaggeratedly in denial.

"In fact, it’s incredible! I had no idea it was possible for someone outside of the Archducal family to receive the Winter Mother’s grace... Now I understand why the Lady made you her attendant."

Saying that while maintaining his warm smile, he stared at me with an odd look in his eyes that I couldn’t quite decipher. All I knew was that it gave me a creepy feeling, so I averted my gaze and tried not to think about it, coming up with anything I could to move the conversation forward.

"Ah, well, actually, she doesn’t know."

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As I blurted that out without thinking, he seemed to hesitate for a moment.

"...The Lady? You mean..."

"It’s a secret."

"..."

"..."

’Uh... should I not have said that? No, no, I’m sure it’s fine.’

Part of me was conflicted with what to say, but I also somewhat felt that I could use this situation to my advantage. Whatever the case, I needed to think carefully about how to manoeuvre this... although, some part of me felt that, no matter what I did, I only looked like I was fumbling about clumsily.

I guess it could only seem like that when that was the truth.

"Since it’s a secret, could you not tell anyone? Please."

’Please.’

"Oh, why of course! If that’s what the Champion of the Winter Mother desires, I shall certainly abide by your wishes."

"Thank you. But don’t call me Champion."

"Understood. Then, is your aforementioned request also related to the will of the Winter Mother?"

Taken aback by his leading question, I thought for a moment, then smiled.

"...That’s right. Can you do it?"

’A Saint wouldn’t refuse the will of a god, right?’

"I could never refuse the will of the Winter Mother. Although my Lord might be the Father of the Sun, it cannot be denied that the Twin Goddesses are also vitally important to us and the wider world. Thus, by her will, I shall too abide."

’Oh, great! But isn’t this a bit easier than it should be? He’s just accepting everything as I say it... shouldn’t he be doubtful at all?’

Some part of it felt suspicious, but I could also reason that it was because he held such a grand faith that doubting me was unthinkable.

As he said, he really must have detected some sign of that Goddess within me which made him so trusting...

At the end of the day, it didn’t matter why he listened so well―just that he did.

"Mikhael, you’re a dedicated believer. I’m sure the Sun Father has great plans for you in the future."

Saying so with a fresh smile, I patted his shoulder.

"Your praise lifts my soul, Sir Enki. Then, what might be your request?"

’Oh yeah. Wait, is Librarian still not here? Where’d she go...?’

Starting to grow a little concerned about why the little helper hadn’t responded to my question yet, my brows furrowed. Deciding to figure it out right afterwards, however, I pushed the matter aside and first relayed my request to the Saint.

Rather, would it be more accurate to call it the request of the Winter Mother?

"Right. So, there’s this girl..."

After all, when even a Goddess wants you gone, you really must be a pest.