Chapter 284 (Self Edited) Reaching the Hometown of the Paladin

Soma didnt believe all of Ingrids words.

It wasnt that he couldnt believe Ingrid, but that he might have made some mistakes. It seemed that he had mistakenly received the evaluation from Eleonora for some reason.

But then.

Oh, oh, you have returned. Are you doing well? (??)

I was surprised that youre back all of a sudden, but I guess youre busy too. Im relieved to see how cheerful you are for the time being. (??)

Have you decided what to eat today? If not, come and have a meal with us. What? You dont have to hold back, you know! (??)

Hows life in the Holy City? We dont see each other a lot. So, let us know what you like! (??)

Honestly, the truth was that he never thought this far indeed. Yes, they reached the village and Ingrid was greatly welcomed.

However, that was really unexpected for Ingrid herself as shown on her face. With puzzlement in mind, Ingrid watched the villagers gathered around her.

Soma and Hildegard were looking at such Ingrid from a distance. It might be more accurate to say that they were wondering what happened.

Now I wonder what should we do? (Soma)

It looks like she is really welcomed, and I dont feel like we need to do anything about it. (Hildegard)

By the way, Hildegard finally returned to normal condition when she got off the horse. There was an exception where there was a happy smile on her face, but he didnt have to worry about that anymore.

Anyhow there was a point with what Hildegard said. Rather than trying to get rid of Ingrid, they were welcoming her. Speaking of what needed to be done, there was no such a thing.

Yes, there was nothing, but

Aah, no. That uhmm (Ingrid)

Ingrid seemed to be seriously confused. She was glancing at them, asking for help.

It was fine since she was really welcomed, but this couldnt be left as it was.

Hmm, what are you going to do? It would be strange to stop just because she is in trouble. (Hildegard)

Yeah, I wonder hmm (Soma)

When he said that, there was a person stepping forward on the spot. It was a crooked old man, who looked out over the scene with a gentle smile.

This is everyone. I know that you all are happy Ingrid is back, but shes in trouble, right? Just let her be for now. (??)

The old mans words finally made everyone calm. While each of them had an embarra.s.sing look on their faces, they began to apologize to Ingrid.

Certainly, thats right but you have returned so suddenly. (??)

Yeah I was so excited since it has been so long. Sorry about that. (??)

While watching the situation, Soma let out a breath as if he was impressed. The old man didnt say so strongly. Even though those words are just normal words, it displayed excellent leaders.h.i.+p.

He could feel the years, and it might be that this old man was

Village mayor. (Soma)

It was almost at the same time Soma came up with the t.i.tle and Ingrid muttered so.

And the old man, the village mayor, smiled broadly and looked at Ingrid while squinting his narrow eyes.

Sorry, Ingrid. It seems that everyone is so happy that you came back. (Mayor)

N-no I was confused, but Im grateful. (Ingrid)

It helps if you say that. So I wonder what happened today. Youre no longer a resident of this village, but as a Paladin of the Holy City you wouldnt come back at all, like today, right? (Mayor)

With that said, the village mayor turned his eyes towards Soma and Hildegard for a moment.

Indeed, she came with them, so the old man seemed to know that she didnt come home for no reason. Even though the village wasnt so big, it seemed that he was holding a position that managed the village.

Thats right. I came here because I had some business today. (Ingrid)

Hmm Its something that can be discussed here. Then, why dont you come to my house? (Mayor)

Will that be alright? (Ingrid)

Why are you holding back? Its only for a short time, but its a place where you have lived in, right? Even if you become a Paladin in the Holy City, that fact still wont change. Dont hesitate to do anything. You guys also, come and join us. (Mayor)

Hmm thank you for your concern. (Soma)

Thank you. (Hildegard)

They were invited kindly. They didnt plan to disregard it.

When he turned his eyes to Ingrid with that in mind, she was still puzzled, but she gave a firm nod. It was acknowledged.

Then, Soma and the others decided to head to the village mayors house for the time being.

They were walking together under the sky where the indigo color began to mix. It was about time for the sun to set, but it was as expected since they had originally predicted that they would arrive around this time. Soma squinted his eyes as he walked and looked around.

When he first saw the village, it was a quite village. It was very different from the city on the west side.

As previously mentioned, Soma entered the Holy City from the east side, but there was a village on the east side where people lived just about half a day by horse. It was a place that could be clearly called a city, and perhaps, he could even think that the city was more prosperous than the royal capital of Radeus. At least, this village had the difference between cloud and mud.

When asked which Soma preferred, he would choose the village without hesitation. Soma tried to master swordsmans.h.i.+p in the previous life, but he didnt like fighting in particular. If he could do whatever he wanted in a quiet place, he would be better off staying there. But for some reason, that didnt happen.

Anyhow, the reaction of the villagers, who saw Soma and Hildegard coming to such a place, was a surprise reaction. However, this wasnt because they noticed Ingrid, but because they saw her appearance. Ingrid returned home wearing armor that could be said as the Paladins formal wear.

Ingrid told them that the villagers rarely went to the Holy City even though they lived near it. But they probably know the Paladins appearance.

Paladins were the guardians of the Holy City. They rarely went out from there. Although the villagers might be accustomed to travelling, they might not be used to the arrival of a Paladin. Thus, they were surprised.

Moreover, when they looked closely, the Paladin was someone who left the village to the holy city to become a Paladin. Further surprise spread to the surroundings, and it became a commotion like the earlier time.

Hmm (Soma)

When they headed to the village mayors house, he looked back on the place, but there was nothing unnatural. Rather, it was the flow of evens that Soma originally expected. If anything, it should be said that it was natural.

What do you think about the earlier part, Hildegard? (Soma)

Well I thought there was nothing particularly unnatural. Rather, thats normal. Speaking of unnatural, I think thats Ingrid. (Hildegard)

Indeed. Its not strange because her expectation is not well met since she didnt think they would welcome them. (Soma)

From her standpoint, she thought that she would be shunned. Well, it was supposed to be something normal for her. However, in reality, it was the exact opposite. If he considered as per normal, Ingrid was exaggerating, but her surprise was also genuine by all means.

In other words, at least, she thought that was the case.

So, hows life in the Holy City? If its you, I think it should be fine, but I rather worry about you. Im worried that youll try too hard. (Mayor)

Ah, aah no. Its fine. Theres no problem. The people around me are all good people. (Ingrid)

I see thats the most important thing. Since you are there, Im sure they are relying on you. (Mayor)

N-no, thats not true. The people around me are far better than me. (Ingrid)

Is that so? I probably think that it is surely that way since its about you. Youre always underestimate yourself, you know. (Mayor)

N-no, I dont think so (Ingrid)

The sense of incongruity that Soma and Hildegard felt before about her was happening right in front of them.

The village mayor was constantly talking to Ingrid, and his eyes were gentle. It was easy to notice that he was really worried, but Ingrid seemed to be confused. She showed an appearance that she didnt understand why the man was kind and worried about her.

Ingrid also felt that his good intentions were genuine. Although she was confused, she managed to keep herself calm, but it was obvious to Soma and Hildegard. It was hard to say whether the village mayor hadnt noticed it, but while watching the situation, Soma nodded.

Apparently, there are more of them than I expected. (Soma)

Yeah. Well, I thought that would be the case when you are here. (Hildegard)

What does that mean? (Soma)

While discussing such things, Soma looked around the place and turned his gaze toward Ingrid and the mayor. As the darkness approached, he let out a breath, wondering what happened.

To be honest, he didnt think that things would progress so well. He confirmed that when he looked at those who gathered on the spot, and he smiled quietly.

There was also a possibility that she wouldnt come here No, it was more likely. It was fortunate that she came here.

However, this was the crucial moment. It took her two years to come here. He couldnt fail.

The one who will get everything is not her. It will be me.

As he thought of the situation, he rearranged his thought while declaring those words.

TLN:

Not sure whose POV on the last part, so Im using he since the monologue used Ore.