The Successor of the Saint Does Not Fight - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: The Echoing Song from the Other Side Part 1

“Hey, Mom, I can hear a song from outside. It’s a really beautiful song.”

A young girl said excitedly.

The mother, busy stirring a pot in the kitchen, replied casually.

“A song? I can’t hear it, honey.”

“Really? But it’s so clear to me.”

The girl giggled.

Clearly enamored with the song, the girl began humming along. The mother, smiling happily as she listened to her daughter’s sweet humming while cooking, suddenly noticed the humming stop.

“What’s wrong?”

The mother turned around.

Right behind the kitchen, where her daughter had been moments ago, the living room now stood empty.

――――――――――……

“Meril, I need to talk to you.”

“No, I don’t want to hear it.”

I said, quickly locking my bedroom door as my mother knocked.

But locks were useless against my mother’s strength. With a sharp snap, she broke the latch and opened the door.

“Listen, about what I wanted to talk–”

“Hey, Mom? Please? Can you calm down? Do you really think a frail and delicate beauty like me can perform exorcisms? It’s impossible, right? So, can you just keep looking after and taking care of me?”

I pleaded, squeezing my mother’s invading hand, tears welling up in my eyes, mastering the art of fake tears I had been practicing diligently for the past few days.

“Oh, Meril, don’t be so modest. You’ve already successfully handled two cases! And I heard the second one was a major success, just as impressive as anything I could do.”

My mother chimed in.

“They were just lucky breaks! If the demons had attacked in a straightforward manner, I’d be dead by now!”

Since the fake tears didn’t work, she decided to express anger genuinely this time.

“Besides! I’m supposed to take a long break after the last mission! No matter what you say, I’m not going on another mission for a while–”

“Well, yes, that’s right. So, I’ll be taking over your duties while you’re on break. It’s just about you taking care of the house while I’m away.”

My mother explained.

For about three seconds, Meril was dumbfounded. Then, she quickly processed her mother’s words and broke into a genuine smile.

“Oh, is that it? Geez, Mom, why didn’t you say so sooner!”

“Because you were too busy locking doors and pretending to cry, dear.”

My mother teased.

“That’s because you were being so dramatic about it, Mom!”

Feeling much better now, Meril nudged her mother’s side with her elbow. But then, her mother added,

“So, if a demon attacks while you’re home alone, you’ll have to fend it off yourself, okay?”

“Are you kidding me!”

The despairing phrase caused her to choke, her mother’s unexpected suggestion catching her completely off guard.

“What are you talking about, Mom! You could just put up a barrier around the house, couldn’t you? If you really tried, any demon would–”

“Well, it used to be like that, but now if I put up a full-strength barrier, that wolf guy disappears.”

My mother explained.

“I don’t care! Just make him disappear! It’s not like–”

Using a mere mutt’s sacrifice to ensure my safety would be a bargain, wouldn’t it? In fact, it’s a win-win situation for me, considering I’ve been planning to get rid of the White Wolf anyway, I thought to myself.

“Hm? Did you call for me?”

With a thud, the White Wolf appeared, poking his head through the window of my second-floor room.

I jumped up, feeling flustered.

“N-no, nothing at all. No suspicious conversations whatsoever…”

“Oh dear, Meril, you’re being so mean! Asking me to put up a barrier and make the wolf disappear.”

My mother scolded me.

“Mom!”

I grabbed her collar and squeezed, almost as if I were going to strangle her.

“Ha, spare me your worthless jokes, Death. Such barbaric methods are your specialty, not hers. No way would she stoop to your level.”

The White Wolf retorted.

If only I could do it right now. With immense power, I would blast this dog away and rid myself of that damn snake that chased me endlessly before. With that strength, I feel like 99% of my stress would vanish in an instant.

But wishing for what I don’t have won’t get me anywhere.

“Um… Mom, how long will you be away?”

“Well, I’m not sure~. With the shortage of demon exorcists already, and now both you and Yuno taking a vacation, the workload has piled up like crazy~.”

“…What?”

Furrowing my brows, I couldn’t comprehend it. Why would that brat, who was useless throughout the last incident, also take a break? And not to mention, I haven’t forgotten how he made the return train journey a silent hell, ruining the atmosphere all the way to the capital.

The White Wolf chuckled mockingly.

“That boy seemed weak at his core. Most likely, he realized the difference in status and lost his confidence, didn’t he?”

“Huh? Status difference? With who?”

“What are you talking about? There’s no one else but you.”

The White Wolf stared straight at me.

Under his gaze, I crossed my arms and looked up at the ceiling.

(Oh… I didn’t mean any harm, but did I inadvertently show off? ‘Difference in status’…)

I am powerless.

But the fact remains that I am the daughter of a saint, a special being chosen by the heavens.

Seeing me skillfully resolve the incident, he must have lost confidence, thinking, ‘I can’t compete with Meril Klein-sama.’ It’s cruel.

Oh well.

Next time I see him, I’ll encourage him with something like.

“Well, you’re doing pretty well for your age, aren’t you? Keep up the good work.”

“Oh, by the way, Meril-chan. About the house-sitting…”

“Ah…”

Caught up in my thoughts, I was brought back to reality by my mother’s words.

That’s right. How would I protect myself while my mother is away?

There’s the option to seek refuge at the headquarters of the church, but if a powerful demon were to attack during evacuation, I’d likely be the first to be sent out…

As I pondered desperately, my mother clasped her hands together and said.

“If you’re feeling lonely while house-sitting, how about coming to observe Mommy’s work?”