Well anyway, Sinus-sama thumped the floor with the end of the
trident she had in her hand and water disappeared from the part of
the room where we were in, including her.
She must've done it out of consideration for us.
Tirna had also left Seleia-san's side and was now standing in line
next to us.
Seleia-san had urged her to go over here, I was sure.
"First of all, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to you for saving
Seleia. I was aware that she had been turned into a monster, but
unfortunately, I didn't have the power to purify her. Had she stay that
way, she would have ended up being slain by human adventurers
like any other monsters. Thank you so much."
"No, please don't worry about it. We did just because we wanted to
respond to Tirna's feelings."
I looked sideways at Tirna, but she was puffing up her cheek, saying,
"I will never lose to the likes of adventurers."
Well, I couldn't imagine there being an adventurer who could defeat
a saintess like her, but I doubted she'd come out on top if she was
overwhelmed with numbers.
I was glad I was able to help them before that came to pass.
"And you too, Seleia, welcome back. You certainly have broken the
taboo of the village and have had a child with a human. But now the
child has grown up splendidly as a saintess like this, and she was
able to meet with the hero of salvation—the 'Brave' that binds all
saintesses, I'm sure that everything was under some sort of
guidance from the very beginning."
"No, it doesn't change the fact that I broke the taboo of the village.
The decision made by everyone, including my mother, was a matter
of course. I've accepted it."
"Is that so. You too have grown up as a splendid mermaid… no, as a
splendid mother, I see."
"Thank you. Your words are more than what I deserve."
After they smiled at each other with *fufu*, Sinus-sama turned her
eyes back towards us and said, "So, regarding the reason you came
all the way here, it is to receive the power of 'water' and 'prosperity'
that I govern, I presume?"
"Yes. We encountered research on implantation of monster cells in
humans in a country called Lastall. Supposedly, the monster cells
brought about life-prolonging effect, however, we witnessed firsthand how the people turned into monsters with but a single thought
of the ruler of the country at that time."
"That's, so horrible…" Sinus-sama had a sad expression on her face.
Seleia-san who had a close relationship with her was also turned
into a monster.
She probably sympathized with them.
"Yes… Hence we were planning of healing and purifying everyone
who had been implanted with monster cells, but their numbers were
too many. We tried to think of ways to somehow expand the purifying
effect over a wide area, and…"
"I see. So, you sought me in hope of enhancing your power, did it
not?"
"It is as you said." I nodded.
"Very well," Sinus-sama agreed and said, "I will give you a part of my
power, then. I don't know if it will be able to enhance your power, but
I'm sure it'll prove to be of some help."
"Thank you! I'm sure with it, I'll acquire the finest purifying power!" I
declared while pumping up my fist.
Sinus laughed happily and said, "Fufu, you sure an interesting child.
Surely, your forward-looking and unrelenting heart is the things that
caused them all to be attracted to you."
"I-is that so?"
Just then.
"But of course. Exa is our pivot, after all." Arca smiled softly, followed
by the other girls.
Magmell nodded, "Yes, Exa-sama's manliness of being forwardlooking in times of emergency has saved us times and again."
"Ya bet! After all, he's my husband, y'know? Ain't it obvious that he'd
be as bright as the sun? Ophir said.
"Indeed. He is like the sun to me as well." Zana agreed.
"Mm. Exa helped my mother as he had promised. His hand that
patted my head was warm too. That's why I like Exa." Tirna said.
"H-hey, stop it!? It's kinda embarrassing when you say it repeatedly
like that, you know!?"
The girls gave me, who reddened, pleasant smiles.
Sinus-sama smiled as well. She then looked over us and said, "Well
then, I'll give my power to all of you. I hope with this power—you
bring eternal peace to this world."
Clonk, the end of her trident thumped the floor again, and a warm
light spread, filling my field of view.
◇ ◇
And so, we returned to the cove where Seleia-san and Tirna lived.
The two's expulsion had now been revoked, however, Seleia-san
seemed to think it didn't change the fact that she had broken the
taboo, and this place, which she had been accustomed to living in,
was the most relaxing place to her. Hence, she planned to continue
living here while occasionally going to visit the village.
How do I put it, it was a very Seleia-san-like decision.
"Alright, I leave Tirna in your care, Exa-san."
"Yes, of course. I will definitely keep her safe."
"Fufu, there's that too, but—I also leave my daughter in your care as
a man."
"Eh, ah… yes! I-I understand!"
I nodded in a hurry to Seleia-san who had bowed her head
meaningfully.
Then, Tirna made a V sign and said to me, "Don't worry. I'm the older
one, so you can count on me."
"Fufu, indeed. Then you have to lead Exa-san like I did."
"Mm, leave it to me." Tirna gave a thumbs up to Seleia-san, causing
her to smile happily.
Rather, did Seleia-san lead me…?
No, but, she was a strong-hearted woman, so she must've been
without me knowing.
Anyways, I once again looked at my skill and told the girls,
『Skill――"Full Enhancement":Able to greatly enhance all of
one's powers』
"Alright, let's go back to Lastall. ——It's the 'Great Purification
Time'.