I snapped back to reality when Fabian told me it was lunchtime.
I took the bento wrapped in large leaves that serve as a preservative and sat down next to Fabian.
"Fabian..."
"What's wrong, Fia?"
"Um, the Holy Maiden is amazing, right? A monster's fang pierced through a knight's arm, leaving a hole. For just three people to heal that wound in just thirty seconds or so, it's really, really amazing, isn't it?"
...I was still confused.
Really?
...Is what I just saw really the full power of the Holy Maiden?
Could those three be just trainees, and the true power of a Holy Maiden be even more powerful?
I asked Fabian, but he cruelly confirmed my words.
"Yeah, I think it's the power of miracles. To heal a wound completely in just a few dozen seconds with just a touch, it's the Holy Maiden's blessing."
"………………………………I see."
"Eh, Fia?!"
Fabian looked at me with concern.
"Fia, ... are you crying?"
"Whyyyyyyyyy"
I don't understand. I don't understand, but water is flowing from my eyes...
Fabian quickly took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to me.
"Fia, are you okay?"
"Whyyyyyyyyy"
I clung tightly to Fabian, tears streaming down my face.
...I feel so frustrated.
In my past life, I took pride in being a Holy Maiden.
I always placed myself at the center of the battle, and no matter how grim the battlefield was, I never ran away or retreated. I focused solely on healing those who fought with swords and axes.
Just as the knights were my shield, I was their shield.
When did the Holy Maiden become distorted? When did we lose the right form?
I was even called the "Great Holy Maiden" and used my powers to the fullest, but in the end, I left nothing behind...
Fabian let me cling to him as I continued to cry, and when I calmed down, he looked at me.
"Are you okay, Fia? Were you scared to be at the scene of the battle with the monsters? Or were you moved by the Holy Maiden's power?"
"………………………………Neither. I just forgot to turn off the faucet in my eyes, so water kept coming out..."
"…I see. Next time, can you show me where the faucet in your eyes is? Then, if you forget to close it, I can do it for you."
Fabian is so kind.
Yeah, the next time he's feeling down, I'll comfort him.
I took out a rice ball from the bento and took a bite.
"Hehe, I thought it might be a soggy rice ball because of the water from my eyes, but the saltiness is just right, and it's delicious."
It seemed Fabian understood my somber mood and sat quietly next to me without saying another word during lunch.