The Successor of the Saint Does Not Fight - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Curse of the Rain-Summoning Serpent Part 2

St. Klein Station is the smallest railway station in the Holy City.

It’s conveniently located just ten seconds on foot from the main gate of my family’s estate, across the street.

As the station’s name, bearing the Klein surname implies, it was crafted exclusively for our family.

When my mother embarks on distant missions, she typically travels by a special train departing from here.

(Lately, my mother claims she’s “tired of train journeys” and opts to travel on her own two feet.)

My mission this time begins at this station. During my previous mission, the train preparations were not ready in time.

However, starting from this time, a specially arranged train for my use is in the works.

By the way, the reason the preparations were delayed during the previous mission was because it seemed that everyone assumed I, like my mother, would travel on my own foot, and no one had bothered to arrange a train. Utterly ridiculous.

“…Miss, wouldn’t it be faster if you just run?”

While waiting for the arrival of the special train on the platform, someone next to me made a jesting remark.

It was the White Wolf.

Not in its usual massive form that reverberates with each step, but reduced to the size of a large dog.

When bringing this creature out of our family garden, important figures from the church discreetly requested us to conceal its true identity for the sake of the surrounding people.

In response to the White Wolf’s question, I gave a prepared answer.

“This time, I have a companion. I can’t just leave them behind, right?”

“I see. Indeed, for a mere demon exorcist, you and your mother’s swift pace might be hard to keep up with.”

White Wolf nods while sitting just before the platform.

Apart from its speech, it’s nothing more than an ordinary dog.

For a brief moment, I considered what would happen if I kicked it onto the tracks at the timing of the train’s arrival, but probably a demon wouldn’t meet its end with such a minor incident.

“…Or rather, Mr. Wolf, if you can shrink so effortlessly, could you remain in that form permanently?”

“For a day or two, I wouldn’t mind, but being in this form constantly feels restrictive. Just like humans would grow tired of wearing unfamiliar clothes. It’s a similar situation.”

I nearly clicked my tongue but held back at the last moment. If it’s a dog, it should just obey commands like any other dog.

After all, once I meet up with the demon exorcist who will guide us, I’ll promptly leave taking care of the matter to them.

While I was considering this…

“Hmm?”

The White Wolf suddenly sharpens its nose and turns towards the station building.

Since this station is exclusively for my mother and me, ordinary people are not allowed access.

To pass through the ticket gate of the station building, a special key possessed only by church-related individuals is required.

Yet, despite that—a child emerged from the station building. A boy even shorter than the petite Meril, despite being fourteen.

Probably in the upper grades of elementary school, around eleven or twelve years old.

(Huh. Did I forget to lock the gate, perhaps?)

I believe I closed it, but with my mother watching (under the guise of supervision) until just before the station building, the tension might have caused me to fumble with the key.

Nevertheless, what a gutsy kid.

This St. Klein Station is like our property. No one in the Holy City is unaware of that.

It’s quite audacious to attempt illegal entry into such a place.

Let’s vent some frustration—no, give this kid a stern talking-to for his own good.

I approached the boy with a mischievous grin…

“Miss Meril Klein, isn’t it?”

To my surprise, he initiated a conversation with me.

Quite cheeky, isn’t he? Maybe he believes it’s fortunate to encounter a celebrity like me.

If only he hastily apologized and made a quick escape, it might have been somewhat endearing.

“Yes, that’s right. What’s up? Do you want my autograph or something?”

“No. I understand I’m not in a position to request such things.”

Well, I’m a bit disappointed. He is surprisingly understanding.

I had intended to tease—or rather, scold—him, saying, “I don’t give autographs to trespassers,” but now it seems unnecessary.

Hold on. Being told that he doesn’t want an autograph is irking me in a different way…

Suddenly, the boy kneels in front of me and bows his head.

“Miss Meril Klein, I sincerely apologize for this. I am truly ashamed of my inadequacy.”

“Huh?”

When someone unexpectedly apologizes just as you’re about to scold them, human nature tends to lose its focus on anger.

This is especially true when a child apologizes with such sincerity, almost as if they were an adult.

I was puzzled, scratching my cheek with eyes that wander in confusion.

“Well, it’s not a big deal… I won’t get angry over something like this. After all, I am the daughter of a saint.”

“Can I really be forgiven?”

“I told you not to worry about it! Lift your head quickly!”

Forcing a child into an exaggerated apology is becoming unbearable.

Perhaps I’ve been a bit too irritable.

What’s the big deal about stepping into the station? He’s at an age where curiosity is high, and forgiving with a generous heart is the adult thing to do.

The boy slowly stands up and bows respectfully towards me.

“Thank you very much, Miss Meril Klein.”

“Oh, um, sure.”

“With the power of that miraculous ability, please—this time, annihilate the demon I failed to defeat. I implore you.”

Unexpected words spill from the boy’s mouth, leaving me completely breathless.

“Huh. A demon…?”

“I am Yuno Agius, the guide for this mission. I am the unworthy predecessor who failed in the previous subjugation of the ‘Rain Serpent.’ I am truly sorry for leaving it to you and deeply apologize once again.”

Kid, bow your head again. Are you kidding me? I won’t forgive you for this, that’s for sure.

I remained silent, seething with anger in my mind.