"Hm, it's about time."
With that, the pompous ex-saint raised his heavy butt off the throne.
Since a while ago, the inside of the sanctuary had been strangely noisy. I could hear the sounds of impact and other things coming from various directions. A sign that Exa and the others nearing this place, perhaps.
And this guy was probably going to confront them.
But if I remembered correctly, this ex-saint named Elysium could only be defeated when Exa activated "Superior Arms"with all seven saintesses. My being here might put them in quite a pickle…
Or rather, they were going to be in a terribly dangerous situation…
"—Patty. We're going."
"Yes. By your command, Lord Creator."
Regardless of my feelings, Patty walked toward the ex-saint, leaving "See ya later."
Then, he climbed up the steps, before, led by the ex-saint, they both disappeared into the gap between the curtains behind the throne; a secret passage, I presumed.
"...Huh?"
No, what was with this situation?
Why did they leave their hostage alone?
It was like they were saying "Please run away."
Huh? Could I really just run away?
"..." I restlessly looked around to make sure that there was no one around.
I'd left behind my Hallowed Sacred Treasure when I was kidnapped, but—
――Shiiing.
"Nice."
It had a very convenient property that allowed me to summon it instantly no matter where it was.
Thankfully, the property turned out to be working even here in this "World of Oblivion".
Or rather, Exa and the others had probably brought it over with them.
Hence why I was able to summon it without a problem.
But anyway, now that I had a weapon, if I used the thunder Combat Art gifted by Fluga-sama and ran as fast as I could, I should be able to join up with one of them before I got caught again.
As for Patty and the ex-saint… they hadn't come back yet. Assuming that they had gone to confront them, they wouldn't come back anytime soon.
"I mean, aren't they a little too sloppy in how they treat their hostage? This is one of the reasons they're not going to win." I said, shrugging my shoulders. I then immediately tried to leave the place, but—
"—Heading off somewhere? Saintess Elma."
"Eeeep!?"
Out of nowhere, a blunt voice came from behind me, causing me to shriek in hysterics inadvertently.
Don't tell me… when I looked back with a stiff face, there I found Elysium, resting his cheek in his hand on the throne as before.
But no sign of Patty in sight.
"N-nowhere…" I tried my best to pretend to be calm and sat again in a hurry.
But of course, my heart was thumping furiously.
What are you doing here!?
You just said 'we're going' with such a straight face!?
If so, go somewhere as you said you would, don't mislead others!?
More importantly, where did you go, Patty!?
Why did you leave me alone with this guy!? It's really awkward, you know!?
I have no one to talk to or to ask to refill my tea!?
And you, why didn't you say anything when I summoned my Hallowed Sacred Treasure!?
It's creepy!?
Ahhh, mou~!?I couldn't help but hold my head in my hands, but there was no sign of Patty coming back.
Was this hell or what!?
Please let me leave already~!?