Mirella placed her hand on the arm of the knight whose blood was flowing.

A bright light emerged from her slender fingertips and soon disappeared. Along with the light, the rather large wound that had been there vanished cleanly.

Mirella inspected the knight’s complexion and the spot where the injury had been, asking, “Are you okay now?”

“Yes, I feel completely rejuvenated! Thanks to you, Reverend.”

Mirella treated the remaining injured individuals and then stood up. The leader of Denmark’s knights approached her as she looked around, as if searching for someone.

“It seems like you are always helping us, Reverend. It must have been a challenging journey, and we appreciate your presence.”

Clerics with divine powers were usually involved in incidents, big or small, that occurred within the jurisdiction, providing care for the injured.

Despite the hardships involved, there was one task most clerics hesitated to take on—dealing with monsters.

Firstly, the distance to the monster’s appearance site was often far, the danger was significant, and there were generally a large number of casualties.

There was no apparent reason for anyone to willingly take on such a task.

Therefore, the leader of Denmark’s knights never thought that Mirella would voluntarily join the mission to subdue monsters.

“No need for such words. This is my duty.”

Mirella smiled at him and, with hopeful eyes, asked, “By the way, did the Duke not come?”
“He has other matters to attend to. Besides, the monsters that appeared today aren’t that dangerous.”

“Ah… I see.”

While Mirella, hiding her disappointed expression, turned her gaze away, she noticed something and widened her eyes.

Creatures shaped like tulip roots were entangled and squirming among the knights.

“What are those?”

“Oh, they’re captured young monsterlings. Originally, they inhabit the deep forest, but it seems they were swept here by the recent commotion.”

At the mention of ‘monsters,’ Mirella’s expression stiffened with disgust.

“Why didn’t you kill them?”

“They are still young, and, more importantly, these creatures help the forest grow. Generally, when they see humans, they run away, causing almost no harm.”

Denmark’s knights had faced countless monsters in the north, so they were well-versed in the nature of monsters.

While Denmark engaged in massive monster subjugation, they tended not to kill monsters that were beneficial to the forest or posed no threat. There were many benefits to be gained from the forest.

“As soon as we finish dealing with this side, we plan to enter the deep forest and release them.”

However, despite his explanation, Mirella stuck to her negative stance.

“But aren’t they still monsters? You never know when they might turn hostile and harm people.”

“That’s true, but…”
“I think it’s better not to let the possibility of danger arise in the first place. I no longer want to see people, including the knights, getting hurt.”

Worry crept into Mirella’s radiant golden eyes as she softly expressed her opinion.

Upon seeing those eyes, the knight captain found it awkward to insist on his own will any longer. Moreover, it seemed like she was speaking out of concern for people, not just for themselves.

One of the subordinates, who had been observing the situation, gave a subtle gesture to the knight captain, suggesting that he should compromise.

Reluctantly, the knight captain issued an order to his subordinate.

“…Take them and handle it.”

“I’m sorry. I forced the issue…”

“No, it’s fine. I understand your concern, Reverend. Especially since you work closely with the injured.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Mirella responded with a bright smile, as if asking when she had ever worn a troubled expression.

“Well then, I’ll go first. There might be other matters the Reverend is called for.”

As Mirella walked away, the sound of the knights muttering could be heard behind her.

“An angel, she’s an angel. There’s no other angel.”

“Face of an angel, heart of an angel.”

Mirella, who treated the sick and served them with worry, was naturally considered kind. It was a reputation that had been following her since she became a clergywoman.

Mirella arrived at the temple in a carriage.

“I should take a bath first.”
Returning from an external assignment, as always, Mirella headed towards the annex to wash away any potentially bad energy that might have clung to her body. Nearby, she heard voices murmuring, and when she turned in that direction, she saw young ladies and noblewomen gathered under a flowering tree, engaged in conversation.

It was a common sight to see noblewomen and young ladies who came to the temple for prayer or donations opening a dialogue. This was especially prevalent as spring began to unfold.

Mirella, who usually passed by without much thought, paused her steps upon hearing their conversation.

“By the way, you two seemed fine at the recent banquet.”