The Villains I Taught Became Heroes

11 – Such Thoughts – 1

Fundamentally, this world was dominated by a collective known as the Church, holding the majority of faith.

While there were indigenous religions with regional characteristics, the Church did not oppress them.

The only ones persecuted by the Church were those practicing human sacrifice.

They referred to them as cults and persecuted them, a fact confirmed later in an event named the Religious War.

“I never thought there would be cults…”

A few days after finishing our tasks.

Lord Levent, the ruler of the territory, received our report with a serious expression.

Was it because Ann and I submitted it, or because the traces of human sacrifice were too clear?

This incident became something not easily overlooked.

“If it’s a problem with the cults, I can’t handle it alone. Anyway, Ann, you did well.”

“No, it was all thanks to this master and Miss Sowol’s efforts.”

Though Ann modestly attributed it to just catching one fox, Lord Levent seemed to think otherwise.

After praising Ann several times and promoting her rank, he turned his gaze to Sowol and me when she returned to her place.

“This matter was entrusted to the Eastern High Priest. Did this priest step in?”

“I took care of their meals at the Eastern High Priest’s request. It’s only natural to handle such matters.”

“Even so, I can’t just let it go without a reward. Is there anything you desire?”

“I want this.”

I raised the cult’s secret emblem that I had found in their hidden base.

Lord Levent, who examined it closely, smirked.

“What is this?”

“Something the Church desires. It’s necessary to locate the cult’s hideouts.”

“Hmm, I didn’t know such a thing existed. By the way, how does this priest know about it?”

“I’ve had a few dealings with the Church in the past.”

Using only bugs for a year to gain power wasn’t the whole story. During that process, I developed some connections with a few people from the Church, and that’s when I heard the stories.

Of course, I learned a few things from the game.

“Well then, take it. And by the way… about this lord. Just in case…”

“Haha. I won’t be taking the position of a governor.”

Raising a child is already a busy task, and managing a territory is a useless job that one can’t afford to waste time on.

Having already tried to appoint me as a governor several times, he seemed to feel regret and let out a deep sigh.

Haha. Cry and whine all you want. Not my problem.

“So, how can I teach my daughter?”

“She’ll probably find a better mentor than me.”

“Hmm, I see… That’s unfortunate. Well, then.”

I had met the daughter of Viscount Levent before.

However, she seemed to lack talent and showed little interest in becoming stronger herself.

There was no need to bother teaching such a child.

Upon my refusal, he sighed again and turned his head.

The last person he glanced at was So-wol, who was standing beside me.

“So-wol. I heard you defeated the racer. You manifested a sword at such a young age?”

“I still have much to learn.”

“To manifest a sword at your age is truly a sign of genius. What do you think? If you wish, you can become a knight.”

“I apologize. I believe I am still lacking in learning and may not be fit for the heavy duties of a knight.”

It seemed like So-wol’s modesty disappointed him.

With a resigned expression, Viscount Levent nodded his head.

He probably noticed.

That the genius who had already manifested a sword at such a young age would not stay under him for long, being the next Eastern Top Sword and all.

Nevertheless, perhaps wanting to keep him around for some time, Viscount Levent generously rewarded So-wol as well.

“This incident brought peace to the territory by preventing the evil cultists attempting to attack it. A few words of praise alone cannot adequately commend this effort.”

Acting so friendly now, it seemed like a plan to continue benefiting from our relationship in the future.

Viscount Levent, blushing with embarrassment after praising So-wol so much, spoke leisurely.

“Since you all worked hard, now go and rest comfortably.”

As we left the lord’s castle, So-wol looked at me with a troubled expression.

The bag of rewards in his hand seemed heavy.

“Master. How about using this as funds for your drinks?”

“Am I a pushover to you?”

“Well, don’t you have many places to spend money anyway? I heard you even got a cut in your salary yesterday.”

How can I refuse that?

It’s not a wrong statement.

Slowly, I received an advance payment from Sojunyang because it seems like I need to start giving medicine to Sowol.

Can’t ignore the cost of making medicine.

“If you say it like that, then take it.”

There’s no need to decline what is offered.

I checked the reward pouch that Sowol handed over. Ten gold coins.

This should be enough to make medicine for Sowol without any issues.

“Hey! Lee Hyun!”

That was the moment.

A leisurely voice, sounding auspicious, reached my ears.

Turning my gaze towards the source, there was Sister Serin with thick, blue short hair and a relaxed expression.

Serin Mousmi.

An important figure in the upcoming religious war event.

She stood at the forefront of the religious war, responsible for the event where protagonists would overthrow the cult’s deity.

“Oh? Isn’t it Serin? Why are you here?”

And one of my few friends in this world.

Our fates intertwined when I was struggling to gain strength.

“It’s related to the cult, so I had to come.”

She laughed lightly, looked around the territory, and casually drew the Holy Seal.

“Lord. Why are there such corrupt individuals in this peaceful place? Is this also the result of the storm’s seed?”

“It’s not me.”

“Strange things often happen around you. They say you’re the mastermind behind the disturbances.”

“Oh, please. It’s just provocation.”

Such harsh words to someone who simply wishes for a peaceful and lasting ending in this world.

I tried to break away from her, but Sowol, who was beside me, tightly grabbed my clothes.

“…Master.”

From Noble mtl dot com

“Oh? Uh, yeah. Greet her. This is Serin, the church’s peacekeeper…”

“I became an advanced priest the other day.”

“My friend, as an advanced priest of the church.”

“Fri…end?”

I tilted my head, and Sowol looked at me as if she couldn’t understand.

“Why?”

“You’re calling me a friend in front of the master…”

“…How do you even see me?”

“No, not in that sense. It’s just that the master never shares personal stories, so I didn’t say it for that reason.”

I didn’t talk about personal matters while teaching because there was no need. But maybe I should start sharing some stories here and there.

It’s not about the master’s dignity.

“Ohh~. Who’s this lovely child? Hm? Hm? Is she your disciple? Oh, I hope you’re not up to anything dangerous.”

She’s a priest who never runs out of words. I kicked her once, and grinning Serin reached out to Sowol.

“Hello~. May the Lord’s blessing always be with you. I’m Serin Musmiya, an advanced priest of the church. Nice to meet you~.”

“…Yes. Nice to meet you.”

Why does it not look like a pleasant meeting at all?

Sowol, looking at Serin with a chubby expression, turned her head away.

I patted her head.

“Sowol. I have something to discuss with Serin, so go inside first.”

It was unexpected that Serin came here, but it worked out well. With someone like Serin, who has a certain level of sacred power, we can easily obtain a holy water that can only be created through the blessing of someone with a certain level of sanctity.

Let’s use some power today, Serin.

***

It’s draining for no reason.

Sowol, who had considered using the reward to eat something delicious with Ihyun and go inside, looked back while walking sluggishly.

Ihyun and Serin were standing there, talking about something. Both Serin and Ihun had smiles on their faces.

That didn’t sit well with him.

“….?”

‘Don’t like it? Why?’

Deep in his chest, Sowol questioned the emotion that lingered heavily.

Strange. Why has my mood turned sour all of a sudden when it was fine just a moment ago?

Pausing for a moment, Sowol nibbled on her lips in contemplation.

“Could it be because I didn’t train properly today?”

Normally, she should have trained with Ihyun from the morning. However, today, she couldn’t do it properly because she had to prepare to enter the castle.

Could that be bothering her?

But it was hard to think it was only that.

“…Ugh. Seriously, what’s going on? Master has never shown such a face when he’s with me!”

Earlier, when Ihyun was with Serin, he genuinely seemed to be enjoying himself.

Sowol understood.

Serin, as a priestess, possessed a beauty so captivating that it was almost regrettable.

Just being together with her would bring joy, wouldn’t it?

“But I’m pretty too, aren’t I?”

She had never thought of herself as someone who would be overshadowed in terms of appearance.

Yeah. In terms of looks, she was certainly not inferior to Serin.

“At most, she’s a bit taller than me, and her chest is a bit fuller. No, it’s just a slight difference. But to act so carefree like that.”

Although she didn’t feel that way when looking at herself.

Sowol, who had been absentmindedly nibbling on her lips, suddenly lifted her head.

“…Sigh. Why am I having such thoughts?”