I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 66: Life of the Saint [Eleanor’s Side]

“Saint, breakfast is ready.”

“Understood.”

It’s been about a month since leaving the small village deep in the mountains. While I’ve gotten somewhat used to life in the Grand Temple, I can’t help but miss the closeness of the village. Everyone there, from my parents and siblings to the villagers themselves, felt like family, so there was never a need for formalities.

Ever since I was young and showed talent in healing magic, the priest from the neighboring town who occasionally visited the village took notice of me. About two months ago, on a certain day when the village chief was deceived by a traveling merchant into buying a cursed magical item, the priest from the neighboring town came to purify it but couldn’t. I felt like I could do something, so I put my heart into it, and surprisingly, I was able to purify it.

After that, the priest’s demeanor changed, and he declared that I was the saint. Although everyone in the village just laughed, thinking he said it to save face because I had more abilities than them, the priest did say he would report to the Grand Temple at that time. I never thought I would leave the village, though.

When the entourage from the royal capital’s Grand Temple came to pick me up, the whole village was astonished, and they tearfully bid me farewell when it was time to leave. Only weak monsters that even villagers could handle appeared, and when I left the mountains where I used to run around secretly from my parents as a child, I shed a few tears. I was comforted by a female priest apprentice.

The person who came to fetch me just now was that same person, named Sienna. Because of my position as the saint, even the high priest… even the Grand Priest instructs to address by name.

Heading to the dining hall with Sienna, we were greeted by a long table lined with food. There were so many people gathered, from the Grand Priest down to the priest apprentices, making it an impressive sight. This mealtime was also my time to learn table manners.

Breakfast was light, but even though the dishes were similar to what I had in the village, the cutlery was different. Even though you could just cut from the beginning and eat with a fork, why bother using a knife too? But I’m told I need to learn properly in case I ever have a feast in a castle in the future.

I was told to learn manners so that I wouldn’t be criticized by Commander Justin or be seen as a noble lady. He was the first person who talked to me normally since leaving the village.

So, wanting to become friends, I asked the Grand Priest to assign me a manners teacher. To be precise, the Grand Priest had already arranged for a female priest of noble birth for me.

But still, having the same name as my beloved horse… When we first met, he praised me so kindly, like a big brother. I wonder if my big brothers are doing well. I miss them.

“Saint? Is something the matter?”

“Oh, no, I was just reminiscing about my family…”

And the food here isn’t that delicious; I miss the meals in the village. While there are ingredients I’m used to and some that are rare for me, I discovered how to make them delicious by experimenting with the herbs I gathered from the mountains and the village.

They grow around there, but I don’t see them in the Grand Temple, so I’ll probably have to buy them. And with this many people, it would be difficult to ask to use them. But it wouldn’t be right to just use them for myself.

“Both your family and the villagers were reluctant to see you leave. How about requesting some time off to return home after this expedition?”

“Huh!? Is that okay!?”

“Shh… We’re still at the table. I can’t guarantee it, but if nothing comes up, I think permission will be granted. Escort will be provided, of course.”

I was cautioned, and I hastily covered my mouth with both hands and nodded. But I would be happy if I could really go home after the expedition. Everyone would be delighted with souvenirs from the royal capital. Oh, that’s right! Maybe I could gather lots of herbs there and add them to dishes!?

I think I can pick them along the way during the expedition, and since the cooks won’t be accompanying us, I’ll get to show off my skills. I wonder if Commander Justin and Jest would be pleased. I used to dismantle monsters and cook in the village, so I’m sure I can be of help.

“Well then, I must fulfill my role properly on this expedition and return safely.”

“Yes, indeed. However… I’m worried that this expedition will only have the saint as the only woman among the knights. I understand that there is no room to protect us who are useless in battle, but…”

Sienna bowed her head apologetically.

“That certainly sounds worrisome… Oh, I know! How about trying to stay close to Jest-chan as much as possible? Jest-chan is a child, so the holy knights won’t mind, right?”

“Well… Considering that dragon’s master is Commander Vandière, it’s a delicate situation whether he’ll be riding in the carriage with the Saint.”

“Hmm… Then, the only way is to win over Jest-chan’s stomach with snacks and dishes along the way. But since Jest is a dragon, I wonder if he likes meat after all.”

“Saint, your words are getting a bit disorganized… Anyway, shall we research about dragons in the library later?”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

With such determination for the upcoming expedition, little did I know that in a few days, I would be utterly overwhelmed to discover that Commander Justin’s skills in both sweets and cooking surpassed mine.