"It's a simple story. The people of Sutherland believe what they want to believe. That's all."
After finishing drying Cyril's hair, Commander Curtis sat down heavily on the sofa and continued his explanation.
"The people of this land were saved by the Great Saintess 300 years ago. People from the isolated islands fell ill one after another with a deadly disease, and many died despite the efforts of numerous saintesses. When it seemed the entire clan might be wiped out, the Great Saintess came to Sutherland on her own initiative and saved everyone."
"……………What?"
Commander Cyril raised his voice, clearly confused.
But taking Cyril's voice as a sign to continue, Commander Curtis went on, "For 300 years, everyone in this land has strived to repay the Great Saintess as their highest aspiration. In other words..."
"C... Curtis, wait a moment! What are you saying?"
Glancing at the surprised Commander Cyril, Commander Curtis frowned uncomfortably.
"...This is where Serafina's good qualities come in, so please don't interrupt."
However, Commander Cyril, ignoring Curtis's protest, muttered in a daze, "The Great Saintess saved the people of this land? ...I have no memory of such a record..."
Commander Curtis shrugged slightly and answered Cyril's question.
"It's not an official record. Rather, the Great Saintess abandoned her official duties to come here. There wouldn't be any official records left."
"………………"
As Commander Cyril fell silent, deep in thought, Commander Curtis continued.
"...I've lived in this land for three years. I believe I understand the characteristics of the residents."
Commander Curtis explained, but originally, Canopus was from the isolated islands.
Of course, he would understand the characteristics of the people from the isolated islands.
Wondering what he was about to say, I stared at Commander Curtis, who began his explanation as if it were a matter of course.
"The people from the isolated islands never forget the favors they have been given and strive to repay them for generations. ...Do you know? The people from the isolated islands grow up hearing stories about the Great Saintess from a young age. They are repeatedly taught that they owe their lives to the Great Saintess and that they must repay her. Over 300 years, the population of the isolated islands has grown to hundreds of thousands, all of whom are loyal servants and soldiers of the Great Saintess. They would readily give their lives for her."
After explaining this, Commander Curtis met my gaze, as if trying to persuade me.
"---Please understand. This is the characteristic and happiness of the people from the isolated islands."
But, of course, I countered. I couldn't be persuaded by such a story.
"N... No, I don't think so. It's a story from 300 years ago. It sounds strange to risk their lives when they didn't receive direct treatment."
Hearing my words, Commander Curtis narrowed his eyes as if in thought.
"...Then, if there was a critically injured person in front of the Great Saintess, could she bear not to heal them?"
Well, this seems to be a question about the Great Saintess's actions, but in reality, it's a question about my actions.
Suspecting some kind of trap, I still answered as I thought.
"P... Probably, the Great Saintess couldn't bear it."
Hearing my answer, Commander Curtis nodded in agreement.
"It's the same thing. The residents are desperate to repay the Great Saintess. If they fail to do what they can and the Great Saintess is hurt, they will regret it for the rest of their lives. They will be haunted by the guilt of what they didn't do until the day they die. And the emotions that follow are negative. ...Lady Fee, such a life would be very unfortunate for them."
"Th... That's..."
After looking at me with a kind expression, Commander Curtis shifted his gaze to Commander Cyril.
"The residents have been waiting 300 years to repay the Great Saintess. When Lady Fee, who has the same color as the Great Saintess, appeared, they could only see her as the Great Saintess. ...I just learned that the deadly disease that spread 300 years ago has started to spread again in this land."
"What!?"
In response to Commander Cyril's surprised voice, Commander Curtis raised a hand to calm him.
"Relax. Everyone has already been cured. However, because we were present when the local saintess was making the effective medicine, the residents believe that Lady Fee made it. ...They believe what they want to believe."
"Why do the residents believe that Fee made the effective medicine?"
"When the local saintess was making the effective medicine, Lady Fee helped. Since they worked together in a separate room, the residents imagined the unseen parts in a way that suited them."
"I see..."
As Commander Cyril muttered, still trying to piece things together, Commander Curtis pointed to the knight's uniform he was wearing.
"Look at me! Look at this blood-stained knight's uniform!! ...When I followed Lady Fee, who was surrounded by the residents, I was spotted and attacked without any questions. When I asked for the reason, they said they were protecting the Great Saintess, Lady Fee, from me. ...It's completely irrational behavior. The usually peaceful residents go crazy when it comes to Lady Fee."
"That... is..."
Commander Cyril started to say something, but Commander Curtis cut him off, looking satisfied.
"But it worked as planned. This way, the original plan to resolve the discord between the residents and the knights, and ultimately between the residents and the duke's family, will be achieved."
"...Curtis, even now, with things this complicated, do you still think it's a good thing that the residents believe Fee is the reincarnation of the Great Saintess?"
In response to Commander Cyril's troubled expression, Commander Curtis nodded firmly.
"Yes. From the beginning, I have suggested that we should affirm the residents' beliefs. It would be foolish to give up halfway just because it worked better than expected. We should engage with the residents' emotions carefully."
Commander Cyril showed a hesitant gesture and looked down at his open hands.
"...Curtis, I agreed with your proposal to make Fee a strong heart for this land and a new wind to move the stagnant time, but I have always lacked confidence in my decision. ...Is it not a mistake to try to resolve such a complicated relationship in the short term? Shouldn't we prove our sincerity over 100 or 200 years?"
"Your sincerity is commendable, Commander Cyril, but it's unnecessary this time. If you're worried that using the residents' beliefs might deceive them, it's a groundless concern. ...There's nothing we can do about it now. Lady Fee has repeatedly said she is not the Great Saintess, but no one believes her. In other words, their beliefs have accumulated so much that they can no longer accept any denial."
Understanding Commander Curtis's words, Commander Cyril seemed to realize that this flow could not be stopped and should not be stopped.
Still, after a few moments of hesitation, he met my gaze, looking worried.
"Fee, is this okay for you? Isn't it painful?"
"Huh?"
Not understanding the meaning of the question, I asked back, and Commander Cyril explained politely.
"...I apologize if my question is disrespectful, but I must ask. The Saintess is a revered figure. Therefore, ...I think any woman would dream of becoming a Saintess. However, you are not a Saintess. Isn't it painful to be seen as the reincarnation of the Great Saintess?"
...I see.
I was impressed by the concern for a mental state I hadn't even considered, and I looked at Commander Cyril with admiration.
...Cyril is really considerate.
If he worries about each member like this, I don't think he can keep up.
While worrying, I answered honestly.
"Well, I feel a bit troubled, but it's not painful. Besides... I had forgotten about it, but I accepted this role because I wanted the residents, the commander, and the knights to get along. Indeed, now that it's working better than expected, it might help them reconcile."
I smiled up at Commander Cyril, who looked at me with a bemused expression.
"You... are really too kind."
He sighed and muttered, but... no, no, Cyril is the kind one!