I felt even happier when I saw the residents looking at me with big smiles on their faces.
And so, with a warm feeling in my heart, I began to wonder if there was something I could do for them.
I looked at Chief Radek and spoke.
"Chief, I'd like to do something in return for the Sacred Stones you gave me. Is there anything I can help you with?" (Fia)
Even though I might look like this, I was an official knight. I thought if it's a job that involves using a sword, I could do it a little.
As I was thinking that and waiting for a reply, the chief's face suddenly lit up.
"In that case, could you please plant an Adela tree once more? I promise that this time I will absolutely protect it!" (Chief)
"……huh?" (Fia)
I was shocked to hear something I had never expected, and stared at the chief.
Plant an Adela tree?... I don't think doing something so simple would be enough to repay them.
But if that's what you want, I'll certainly help you.
"If that's what you want, of course I can plant it right now. Umm, should I plant it in the mansion's garden?" (Fia)
The moment I put it in my mouth, I was taken aback by the subtle atmosphere.
Ah, that's right! The last time it was planted in the garden of this mansion, it ended up being cut down by the former Duchess.
"Well, we can't just plant it in the manor's garden without permission. In that case..." (Fia)
Just as I was about to say that, the chief spoke up decisively.
"No, but if Duke Sutherland would allow it, I would like to plant a tree in this garden, as a memorial to the beginning of our new relationship with the Duke's family." (Chief)
Upon hearing the chief's words, Captain Cyril looked surprised for a moment, but then quickly smiled.
"Thank you, Chief. I too wished for that with all my heart, but I never got around to saying it. Thank you for suggesting it." (Cyril)
Then, Captain Cyril placed one hand on my back and continued speaking.
"In addition, I would like to thank you for handing over the Sacred Stones to Fia. I understand that the Sacred Stones will be handed over to FIIA personally, and I promise to use them in accordance with her wishes." (Cyril)
Huh? No no, he'll take it over as knights, right? That's what I thought, but the moment the residents heard Captain Cyril's words, a smile of relief appeared on their faces, and I realized that, once again, I was wrong.
The locals wanted to give the precious stone not to the Knights, but to me, whom they believed to be the reincarnation of the great saint.
As soon as I thought that, a warmth spread in my chest.
...I'm happy. I'm very happy that my actions as the great saint have been acknowledged and that I have been well received.
Feeling this warm feeling, I slowly looked out over the garden.
The purpose was to find a parent tree from which I could get branches so that I could plant an Adela tree. When the Adela tree was planted 300 years ago, the parent tree from which the cuttings were taken must have been planted in this garden. I looked around hoping to get another branch from that tree.
However, for some reason, the Adela tree was nowhere to be found in the place where it had been planted before.
As I tilted my head in confusion, Chief Radek seemed to realize what I was looking for and gently explained to me.
"It seems that previously, there was an Adela tree planted at the edge of this garden, but the lifespan of an Adela tree is about 100 years. It died a long time ago." (Chief)
"Huh? A lifespan of 100 years? But the memorial tree..." (Fia)
"Yes, even after 300 years had passed, the Great Saint's Tree still had lush green leaves until it was cut down. That's why we felt as if the Great Saint was watching over us." (Chief)
...I-I see. The Adela tree I planted had incredible vitality, growing three times longer than a normal lifespan. Well, it was probably just a coincidence. Or maybe there's a story that my healing magic... works on plants?
If I think about it, recovery potions are made by influencing medicinal herbs. It's the same plant, so maybe it's not impossible.
I've never thought about trying it, so I don't know if it's true or not, but either way, I don't know the technique, so there's no way I can try it. O-okay, I'll just put my feelings into it for now.
As I was thinking this, a small Adela tree came into view.
"What kind of tree is that?" I tilted my head in confusion, and then Captain Cyril answered my question.
"When the Great Saint's Tree was cut down, I, in addition to the residents, received a branch from the memorial tree and took a cutting." (Cyril)
Captain Cyril really does provide excellent, attentive service, doesn't he?
I approached the Adela tree in admiration and snapped off a branch of the lush young tree. Then, at everyone's urging, I planted a new branch next to where the memorial tree had originally been planted.
We hoped that it would put down roots here for as long as possible and watch over the people of Sutherland.
"Oh, thank you, Your Holiness."
"This time, we will protect this tree."
The residents looked at the small branches with joy, some with tears in their eyes.
As I gazed at them, I suddenly became happy too, and whispered a promise to the Adela tree.
"Next time, when you've grown big and beautiful flowers have bloomed, I'll come to Sutherland again." (Fia)
However, what I thought was a quiet whisper seemed to be heard by many of the residents, who cheered joyfully.
"Your Holiness! It's a promise!"
"Oh, this time, we're looking forward to seeing you!"
One after another, people called out to me with smiles.
I looked around and everyone was smiling.
...Ah, it feels good. It's nice to see everyone smiling and getting along.
As I was smiling at that thought, Captain Curtis handed me a wet towel. It seemed to be for wiping dirty hands after working with soil, and I accepted it, thinking that it was a really thoughtful touch.
Even when planting the trees, Captain Curtis went out of his way to help out. As a former guardian knight, he was able to anticipate what I wanted to do and act accordingly.
Yes, I'm naturally very capable and have an alert personality, and when you add that to the fact that I'm a caring person, then being looked after by someone like that is like bliss.
It seemed I wasn't the only one who thought so, as the chief, having seen Captain Curtis' caring nature, swallowed deeply and then boldly spoke to Captain Cyril.
"Your Excellency, if it could be granted, I would like to make one request." (Chief)
"Yes, if there's anything I can do for you." (Cyril)
While Captain Cyril replied with a smile, the chief continued speaking with a tense expression.
"Captain Curtis has been a great help to me as the captain of this land for the past three years. I cannot keep such a capable and excellent knight tied down in such a remote place for years. Please, take him back to the royal capital." (Chief)
"……huh?" (Cyril)
Captain Cyril instantly cried out in surprise, though — while Chief Radek looked nervous, he also had a determined look on his face.
Author's Note
Thank you for always reading!
I'm sorry. I said that I would finish the Sutherland arc during this holiday, but I didn't finish it (.-人-.)