The Human Saint Is Bored, So I Was Summoned To Another World

So, it can also rain here in Chersea…

"…"

It's been quite a while but the downpour hasn't stopped. I guess it's an advantage to the maids of the Gardening Department, since they won't have to water the plants every now and then.

"…"

But well, as it was raining, many activities inside the Holy Palatial Gardens were temporarily suspended—most particularly the visitation time to the Saint. The holy enclave was closed, saved for an emergency.

And I was here again at the library trying to kill time. I've been reading books that piques my interest; as long as it doesn't belong to the 'restricted' section, I guess I can freely take those.

"!!!"

I heard someone open the library doors. It must be the maid assigned to clean this spot.

What was her name again? I think it's Eris, or is it Erich?

Hmm, well anyway, as long as she doesn't bother me I guess we're good.

"Kuro!"

"Hiii!!!"

"Did I startle you again? Sorry!" it was the Head Maid with her usual sudden appearances.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm pretty used to it." I replied, "So let me guess, you're just passing by again, Head Maid?"

"Oh, so you already know…" she let out a forceful laugh.

Well, of course I would. It's her excuse whenever she appears.

"Ah anyway, check this out!" the Head Maid brought out a bag of clothes. "Since you came here empty-handed, I think it's time that you change your clothing. I brought you some old shirts and pants."

"Whoa, thanks! Just what I need!" I was happy when she gave the clothes to me; after all, ever since I got summoned the only dress that I've been wearing is the one that came from my old world. Well, I did wash it from time to time, though in secret since I don't think they would let me live another second if the servants or Her Holiness saw my n.a.k.e.dness inside the Holy Palatial Gardens.

"I heard from the maids about what you did to stop that pervert, Duke Millshawn." She explained, "So, I was thinking of something to give you as a reward or something."

"Oh, you shouldn't have mind it too much. I just did what I had to do." I casually laughed, "Besides, I don't want to destroy your trust towards me."

"Still, you could've get yourself killed…"

"Oh…" I ceased from smiling, recalling that brief but dangerous encounter, "Yeah, but in any case, I'm still here alive and kicking! Don't worry too much; I'm just a strange person from another world anyway."

"DON'T SAY THAT!" The Head Maid raised her voice suddenly that my heart almost stopped beating. However, it seems that she realized that too soon, so she lowered her tone, "I-I'm sorry for shouting."

"Nah, as I said, don't worry too much."

"Well, please don't be like that." She had a sad expression, "From another world or not, if you die, then it's all over. Please value your life more, Kuro."

I fell silent. Well, she's got a point.

There's a little bit of awkward atmosphere between us after that. And then, I think the Head Maid wanted to change the topic so it was her who restarted the conversation.

"Ah, anyway! Since you got the clothes, why don't you try it?" the Head Maid suggested.

"Err…right now?" I was having my doubts if it would fit, but well, there's no harm in trying.

"Well, I'll go outside while you change." she offered.

"Alright then." So, without further ado, the Head Maid went out of the library while I try the clothes that she brought to me.

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After a few minutes and a few tweaks on the clothes that I received, I think I'm now confident to show myself to the Head Maid.

"…"

Wait a sec, I think the pants is a bit loose.

"Well, I guess it is a bit loose on me, especially the pants." I commented while showing myself to the Head Maid, "But yeah, the clothes almost fits my body. Thanks, Head Maid!"

"…" The Head Maid was silent as she stared intensely at me.

"Err…Head Maid?"

"Huh?! Oh…yes, yes!" she replied, seemingly stunned, "T-those clothes seem to be perfect for you!"

"Uh…you okay?" I'm starting to worry; the Head Maid suddenly became pale.

"Hm? Y-yes, I'm fine."

No, you don't. You're averting your eyes from me. Do I look that bad in this dress?

"Please k-keep it!" Now she was wiping her eyes; it's the first time I saw her that way, "If you'll excuse me…"

Then the Head Maid abruptly left like she was used to sudden appearances.

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I went back to the guest house where I was currently staying. The rain wouldn't let up so I had to run a few distances away from the library in order to reach my private space. Good thing I already changed back to my old clothes; I don't want the clothes the Head Maid gave to me to get wet.

Honestly, after seeing her like that, I'm thinking of returning those to her…

Well, she did say that I keep it…

"…"

God, what do I do?

"You called?"

"Hiii!!!"

It was Her Holiness who appeared this time. If I remember, I called for 'God' though…

"Well, I'm pretty much the same."

Right. Seriously, is the people inside this place fond of shocking their fellows to death?

"Well, not really. I just thought of surprising you…" the Saint laughed triumphantly, "It turns out you're just too jumpy. Did you have your coffee to make you that nervous?"

"Nope." Now that she mentioned it, I haven't had any breakfast yet.

"Would you like me to call for someone to bring some food?"

"Uh…I think I can get it myself, Your Holiness. Thank you!" I politely declined.

"You're really a modest one, eh?" Her Holiness had a grin painted on her face, "No wonder Lily keeps on being reminded of him through you."

If I remember, Lily is the name of the Head Maid, right?

"Yep, that's right. Her name's pretty long to pronounce, so we just shorten it to Lily."

I see…well, speaking of the Head Maid—

"Yep, I already have an idea of what happened." The Saint quickly shot me down. "After all, you've been given his clothes."

"Err…'his' clothes?"

Her Holiness nodded, "Yep, the clothes of Lilyhaven Tamriel von Leese's older brother, Arthur Mahan von Leese."

"Uhm, Your Holiness, the Head Maid did give me these. And when I tried to wear it to see if it fits, she began to cry. If I'm not prying too much, is this older brother—"

"Yep, Arthur's already dead."

"…"

I really don't like what I just heard. These clothes are precious mementoes from the Head Maid's older brother, and for her to give it to me is just—

"You remind her of Arthur, you know."

Could you please let me finish my thoughts, Your Holiness?

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Anyway, silence ruled in the room where I was staying. My eyes were on the clothes that the Head Maid gave to me. I was thinking that she must've been unprepared to see me wearing those, thus she was hurt…

"…" I feel really bad.

Honestly, I don't know what to say…or do.

The Saint of Chersea is with me for the meantime.

"I came over to your room to ask for something." Her Holiness began, "However, I understand that you're confused. So I intend to explain everything to you before asking for your favor…"

Her Holiness asking for my favor tells me that this is a serious matter.

"Well, you see, Arthur and Lily are pretty close siblings." Her Holiness explained, "In fact, I think Lily even promised to marry him back when they were younger."

Wow. Talk about a cliché visual novel setting.

"Of course, it's just a stupid child's play." Her Holiness quickly retorted, "Or I'll incinerate anyone who violates the rule of the gods."

Come on, they were just kids back then! Pretty innocent, right?

"Ahem. Anyway, even when Arthur became a knight, Lily looks up to him so much that she doesn't see anyone but her brother."

Oi, that's a cute case of brother-complex right there…

"She turned down legions of men courting her because no one can be up to her standards that is her brother."

My bad. That's an extremely severe case of brother-complex.

"Cute little Lily was just content of following and watching her brother. On his plans, on his achievements, inside his room, inside his bathroom—"

"Err…Your Holiness, do you even have to tell me that?" Well, it's not cute; IT'S PLAIN STALKING!

"Shut up for a while Kuro." Her Holiness stopped me, "I'm getting to the good part, you know."

"Sorry." I quickly behaved myself.

"However, there is one problem. Lily is a sickly child, you know."

She is? The Head Maid is actually weak?

"Nah, someone cursed her."

"Oh."

"It was an apple. The moment she eats it is the moment she dies; however, only love's true kiss could save her."

Err…is this some kind of a fairy tale? Let me guess, the Head Maid has a bunch of seven dwarves for assistants?

"Well, she's got a group of friends who assist her in following and watching her brother."

Ha? What's this? Snow White and the Seven Stalkers?

"Anyway, continuing on." The Saint went on with her story, "Lily didn't eat the apple."

"But how did she got cursed?"

"One of her friends made a juice out of that apple, and she drank it."

That's stupid.

"Because of that, the curse got altered and she got sick instead."

That's double stupid. Are you sure that apple isn't just rotten or something?

"Ahem. So, after getting sick because of the cursed apple, Lily's physical body continued to weaken."

Of course, it would. She's sick.

"And Arthur embarked on a journey to find the cure for his beloved little sister."

Wasn't he told of the conditions of breaking the curse? It's the freaking standard on every fairy tale!

"Finally, after wandering around for a long time, he pleaded for my help."

"Oh…"

"And I told him how to break the curse."

"So, did he kiss her?"

"No, I wouldn't allow it. They're siblings, remember? That's perverted!"

Tch. Talk about being a party pooper.

"So yeah, after many tries on several alternate solutions, we finally arrived on the correct alternate way to save Lily from the curse and cured her."

"I see…but what's the connection of that story to Arthur's death?"

"That's…" Her Holiness became sad and nostalgic as she continued her story, "When Lily finally recovered, she's still weak, so when she tried to stand, she stumbled and fell to a conveniently placed spinning wheel nearby. Arthur quickly moved to support her, but it was him who got pricked by the needle. And he died. The end."

That's…pretty anti-climactic…

And they even mixed two fairy tales and a visual novel on that one story. This world is really stupid.

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"Well, and so, the reason I came here is…" the Saint said in-between sips of tea. I think Her Holiness got hungry while divulging all that information to me; she ended up requesting for food to be brought to my room.

But man…she does eat a lot, huh?

"Ahem." I think Her Holiness read my mind again, "I do think that a growing girl like me needs proper nutrition, thus I have to eat, Mister Kuro."

Growing, huh?

Well, looking at the Saint, I could guess that her age is around 16 years old. Here at Chersea, it is said that she 'passed 1,236 seasons'. I don't know the equivalent years of that back on Earth, but that's how they measure the age of people here.

"…"

Yeah, her youthful appearance suggests that she really has to eat well…

"…"

But man, that c.h.e.s.t doesn't need any more nutrition. It's almost about to burst.

"Mister Kuro…" Her Holiness had a mischievous smirk on her fl.u.s.tered face, "While I do appreciate your praises for my great body and looks, I think we're going off topic here."

She really needs to stop that bad habit of hers.

"A-anyway." Her Holiness gave me a plate, "The food's going to get cold if you don't start eating now, don't you think?"

"Err…thanks Your Holiness." I began to chomp down on the breakfast she gave me.

"And so, continuing on, as I've said before, I went to your room to ask for your favor."

"Which is?"

"Can you continue pretending to be like Lily's brother?"

"ACK!" I choked on my food. Her Holiness quickly got up and began massaging my back. Fortunately, we were able to free my throat before I lose air. I asked her, "You want me to continue what?"

"Pretend to act like Lily's brother."

"Why?"

"I know it's unreasonable for you…" Her Holiness' seriousness added to the tension I'm feeling as she explained, "But this is the first time I saw Lily being lively after for so long. As her master and friend, I don't want her to go back to her sad, lonely state again."

"…"

I have to admit, that's a pretty difficult request. As someone whom the Head Maid saved and trusted, I also would like to be of help to her. And I can understand the worries of Her Holiness as well, that's why she's asking me this…

However, pretending to be someone I am not is as worse as cheating on the Head Maid…

"Kuro…" I was in shock when Her Holiness suddenly bowed before me. "I don't care if I'm the Saint; for my servants and friends, I'm willing to humble myself."

"Uh…Your Holiness, please don't—" I rushed to her side to console her. Man, this is getting too difficult for me to refuse.

"Please…" she never raised her head, "I may have the power of the gods, but I can't sway a person's heart; I simply don't have the ability."

"Ugh…"

Her Holiness remained in that position until I spoke.

She may be a little capricious and spontaneous, but the Saint honestly cares for the people around her…

And as a human, I can't simply ignore her pleas.

"Please raise your head, Your Holiness." I gently pat her head. "Don't worry, I get your feelings."

"Ah thank you—"

"However, I won't do what you ask of me. I am not the Head Maid's older brother, and never will be." I calmly explained, "But nevertheless, I will definitely help you and her. Please trust me in this."

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*Meanwhile, in the Head Maid's room*

While Kuro and the Saint were having their discussion back in the guest house, the Head Maid lay on the midst of her room's darkness.

"…"

Though she could hear the loud downpour just behind the closed curtains on her windows, the sound of her heart's fast beats drowns the noise outside.

Why did she have to run earlier?

The Head Maid closed her eyes. In the deep blackness, she saw her brother's form walking away from her, complete with the clothes that she gave to Kuro…

"…"

She could feel her cheeks getting warm.

"Arthur!" she called out.

Her brother turned around, and the Head Maid stopped in surprise. For in place of her brother's is that otherworldly boy's face…

"K-Kuro!?!"

She opened her eyes.

"Why did Kuro appear instead of my brother?"

In the Head Maid's mind, the memories of the first meeting between her and Kuro emerged once again.

How her prayers for her dead brother was interrupted by the exploding windows of the palace…

How she saw a helpless Kuro after falling from the second level…

How she was protected by Kuro when she exhausted her magic and almost got killed himself…

"Brother…" the Head Maid muttered as tears began to flow from her eyes, "It seems like you really want me to forget you completely. You even sent someone to take your place!"

However, she knows that her brother and Kuro aren't the same.

"I don't want to forget you but…"

The Head Maid then pondered for a while. Her heart has been in disarray for quite some time now, but suddenly, she has thought of something.

"If this is how it's going to be, then I must make my decision too, brother…"

Taking a deep breath, the Head Maid steeled her heart and reached a resolution…

It's time to end everything right at that moment.

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Hello, Kuro here!

If you can see me right now—though sadly, you must be reading this—I'm currently on the run. Why, you ask? Well, I just saw the Head Maid.

"…"

Yep, in my hands I have the clothes that she gave me, originally belonging to her older brother. I'm planning to return it to her.

However, I think that would have to wait for later.

"F.u.c.k, I won't be able to reach her in time!" Pardon the colorful language. I guess anyone in my situation wouldn't be able to keep themselves from uttering those words.

Especially when you're witnessing someone about to jump to their death…

"Your Holiness, can't you cast a flying spell or something?"

"Uh…yeah, just a moment!" Her Holiness was already panicking, but she got to keep herself together.

"And call the guards, quick!"

"Kuro, this one's much better! Teleport!" she put a teleportation spell on me and I was transported to the roof of the Servants' Quarter in mere seconds.

Uhh…Her Holiness could've teleported me right next to the Head Maid, but well, I guess this is better than nothing.

"HEAD MAID WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" I called out to her, even though we can barely hear each other amidst this heavy rain. "IF YOU FALL DOWN IT'S ALL OVER, YOU KNOW?!"

"DON'T COME NEAR, KURO!" The Head Maid countered, "THIS IS THE ONLY WAY I HAVE LEFT!"

Yeah, I know feelings are running high and tensions are simmering, so I took a cautious approach. I don't want her to proceed to what she was about to do.

"Head Maid—no, Lily! Why don't we talk this over? I know you've been hurting but that is not the only way to solve it!" I could see that the maids and guards have already assembled below and was watching everything that unfolds.

"I tried to my best, Kuro!" the Head Maid replied; her voice was shaky, "I tried my best to keep my brother's memories alive!"

"Yeah, I'm sure you do. And you did a great job!" I showed her the clothes she gave me, "See, these clothes still look fine after being kept for so long."

"But I don't remember his face anymore, Kuro!" even though we we're soaking wet, I could tell that the Head Maid was crying, "I'M A FAILURE AS A SISTER!"

"NO, YOU F.U.C.K.I.N.G DON'T!" I answered back, "DO YOU THINK YOUR BROTHER WOULD WANT TO SEE YOU LIKE THAT?"

"HE ONLY HAS ME, KURO! SO, I HAVE TO DO THIS!"

"GET ANGRY AT ME IF YOU WANT, BUT IF YOU JUMP TO YOUR DEATH BECAUSE OF HIM, I'LL PUNCH HIS SORRY FACE IN THE AFTERLIFE!"

"Ha?" the Head Maid became confused all of a sudden, "Jump? What are you talking about?"

"Eh?" I was also confused, "You're not jumping?"

"Why would I?" she replied, "I was just about to shout my feelings from up here."

"Oh…" I sighed with relief. Though my efforts went to nothing, I think it's fine as long as no one's hurt.

"Ah, anyway Kuro. I'm sorry I made you worry." The Head Maid then walked towards me, "Shall we go do—KYYAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

"!!!"

Just as she was about to come to safety, a loose roof tile eventually gave way and the Head Maid began to fall to her death. I was stunned; I don't know what to do…

Save for one thing.

"LILY!" I went after her and caught her in the mid-air. As she and I were about to fall to the pavement, I embraced and pulled her head to my c.h.e.s.t so that at least my back will hit the ground instead.

"Float!"

Then I felt my body become light and we landed softly on the grass. The maids and guards immediately surrounded us and checked for the Head Maid's injuries.

Oi, you could at least worry for me too, you know.

"Ah, don't fret Kuro." It was the Saint. Her holy garments are as soaked as ours, "I won't let you die; you helped us so much after all."

Talk about a cliché development!

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Sometime later after that rainy incident…

Her Holiness allowed the Head Maid to rest and recuperate after she was saved, but not before going through a stern and thorough sermon about the value of life. Of course, the Head Maid repeatedly apologized for making us worry.

"…"

But yeah, I think she appreciates the concern Her Holiness gives to her.

And then, when the opportunity arrived, I knocked on the door of the Head Maid's room.

"Come in!"

So I let myself in. And there she was, sitting on her bed while Her Holiness is peeling some fruits for her. The Head Maid then greeted me with a smile and invited me to sit on the vacant chair beside her bed.

"Not only you are a Defender of My Nether Regions…" The Saint is at her nasty mode again, "You're also a Ruthless Playboy."

Huh? Where did that come from, Your Holiness?

"Why don't you ask Lily?" Her Holiness had a smug expression on her face, "After all, you made a threat to her brother in the afterlife…"

"Err…that's a…uhm, s-sorry." Damn, Her Holiness brought up that lame line I blurted out while I'm all charged-up emotionally. Anyway, I have no excuse; I bowed my head to apologize, "And I am returning his clothes to you. It's important to you, after all."

"Kuro, please." The Head Maid pushed it gently back to me, "I'd feel bad if you return those."

"But…"

The Head Maid smiled, but it was a sad and nostalgic one, "You know, I really wanted to move on and forget my brother's memories."

"Uh…I really don't want to say this given the occasion, but…" I took a deep breath, "I don't think you have to forget your loved ones before you can move on."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, even if they die, the fact remains that we spent good times with them while they are still alive. No one can truly erase those memories, you know. Even if you force yourself, you'll always be reminded of them everywhere and with anything that you did together." I explained, carefully taking into consideration the Head Maid's feelings, "I think the only time that you'll forget them is when you hit yourself in the head, and suffers in amnesia."

I meant for that last line as a joke, but I can see tears welling up on the Head Maid's eyes.

Should I go on with what I am about to say?

"Go on." It was Her Holiness.

"R-right…" then I continued, "Say for example, if you got a wound and tried to remove the scab, isn't it painful? I can also say the same thing about the death of a loved one; the more you force yourself to forget, the more painful it will be. So let go with the flow."

Tears began to fall down to the Head Maid's cheeks.

I really should stop this.

"Continue, Kuro." Her Holiness told me, "It's better that she gets hurt in what is true than live in lie."

Wow. You just went philosophical at that one, Your Holiness.

Anyway, I added, "Besides, immersing yourself in the good memories of your loved one isn't that bad, as long as it gives you the will to carry on with life."

"You want to say anything else, Kuro?" Her Holiness asked.

Oi, I think I'm already going over my limits now, Your Holiness. I better keep my mouth shut.

"Come on, say it." Her Holiness is sending me some meaningful glares, "I think that's the best part."

Err…oh well, here goes nothing…

"Head Maid—no, Lily…" I gently patted the Head Maid's head, "As long as you keep your brother's memory within you, then he's not completely dead."

"…"

The Head Maid just silently wept while Her Holiness and I joined her in her moment of sorrow.

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"Ahhhh…I feel refreshed!" the Head Maid stretched out her hands after she cried her heart out, "It's been long since I cried that hard."

"Well, I'm glad you're fine now." Her Holiness commented, "But please do take some more time to rest."

Oh yeah? Did I just hear you say that you're happy she's fine? You kept on prodding me to say those words to her in the first place!

"May I remind you that you keep on blabbering your philosophies?" Her Holiness countered, "I just thought that Lily would like to hear it."

Tch. This girl…

"No, it's fine, Your Holiness, Kuro." The Head Maid intervened, "Mister Kuro's words felt better than going to the rooftop to shout in the middle of heavy rains."

Ah, yes. Please don't do that again.

"Oh and by the way, Kuro, I want to apologize to you."

"What for?"

"Honestly, I thought of you as my brother's replacement." The Head Maid confessed, "But the more I get to know you, the more frustrated I become because I keep on associating him with you."

That…hurt. A little. At least.

"I'm always wondering if…I'm only concerned for you because you remind me of Arthur."

"Hmm…" I pretended not to feel anything, "I really don't mind it, though if possible I'd like you to see me as a different person."

"Yes, I do. At least right now, my feelings towards you are true."

"Ooookaayy?" Did I just hear a confession?

Nah, that'd be impossible.

"Thanks for saving me, Kuro." The Head Maid bowed in gratitude, "To be honest, I think of you not as his replacement anymore, but as someone he sent to me."

"Oh…" Well, that's nice to hear. I'm glad that she sees me that way; at least, I know now that I got a little value.

"Head Maid," it was Her Holiness, "Kuro is beginning to belittle himself once again."

Tch. This girl…

"Please don't do that, Kuro!" the Head Maid gazed intensely at me, "I don't want you saying bad things to the person precious to me."

"Y-yes, sorry."

Wait. Did I really just hear—

"Don't get your hopes up, Kuro." Her Holiness chirped in. "It's almost time for the next arc."

"Ha?" I was confused about what she's saying, "W-what are you talking about, Your Holiness?"

"Well, whatever." Her Holiness rolled her eyes in what seemed to be a display of dismay.

Ugh, this is stupid.