Chapter 112 Rising Up
As Sigurt asked me to at night, I am going to accompany him to his speech as king around noon the next day.
I was told that just standing there is enough, but wouldn't I just be in the way if I'm next to him?
I don't quite understand the reason.
When I consulted Elder Brother about this, he had a kind of "Ah..." understanding look on his face, but in the end, he didn't tell me the reason.
Everyone seems a bit scary, though.
"Alright, let's go, Yumie"
"Ah, um..."
Being led by Sigurt, I stepped out onto the speech balcony (or something) from the outer wall of the royal castle.
There, a large crowd gathered, waiting for Sigurt's words.
Wow... there are so many people here, it's nothing like a social party.
Standing in front of so many people, even though I know I'm not the one giving the speech, I can't help but feel nervous.
"Everyone, thank you for gathering here"
Sigurt spoke confidently to the crowd.
Whether it was wind magic or a magic tool that amplified his voice, it was loud enough to echo throughout the capital city, yet close up it was calm and gentle, not unpleasant at all.
"As you know, our country has suffered great damage due to the treacherous surprise attack by the Bezelus Empire. Many refugees visiting from the borders are now in this capital, and I'm sure you all know this well"
The crowd's reactions to Sigurt's sorrowful words were varied.
Some people clenched their fists in anger, others cried for the hometown they had been forced to evacuate from... Sigurt suddenly raised his voice to those people.
"But this is the end of our enduring battle! The other day, the Belmont Knights, who had left the country for diplomatic purposes, returned to our country!"
Oh!' The crowd bursts into a roar.
As expected, Monica and the Belmont Knights seem to be famous in the country.
You can see the relief on his face.
"But that's not all, here we are..."
Then, for some reason, Sigurt gestures at me.
Huh?
While I was confused, Sigurt said something unbelievable.
"Under the guidance of our nation's saint, Yumie Granbell, the warriors of Divine Beast Euphemia have come to our aid!! We have nothing to fear anymore!!"
"""Whoa!!"""
Huh!?
Wait a minute!?
"Sigurt!? There are so many things I want to ask that I can't keep up... um, for now, what does it mean that you're a saint!?"
"Did I not say? In this country, you are considered the saint who risked herself to save Rifine from Neithardt's wickedness."
"It wasn't me who saved her, it was you, Sigurt, right!?"
When I listened to the details──
Originally, I had been secretly gaining popularity among the noble ladies in the social circles that Monica had established.
Since the top figure, Monica, seemed to be spreading only good rumors about me, well, that's fine.
The problem was that the matter of Rifine coincided with that.
My attempt to become friends with Rifine and make her popular went well, but as a result... I also became famous as "the girl close to the new king's sister."
"Rifine herself was also seriously active as a member of the knight order, so she is very popular among the citizens. On top of that, she talks about how 'Thanks to Yumie, I'm where I am now,' so your popularity in this country is skyrocketing."
"Even so! Isn't it strange to call me a saint!?"
"Since you're popular, I thought I'd make you a symbol to fix the unstable political situation. I've secretly instructed them to make a play with you as the lead."
"Sigurt did this!!"
Well, I understand that the political situation is unstable and people need someone to be a pillar of their hearts, but even so, I'm a saint...
"I'm sorry. I should have been the one to become the pillar of the people's hearts, but I ended up using you..."
Sigurt said this apologetically while I was feeling distressed.
...I can't be angry if I see a face like that.
Already.
"That's fine, I'm not worried about it. If I can be a support for Sigurt, I'll become a saint or whatever."
I may not have the selfless spirit to be called a saint... but as far as looks go, I'm certainly a magnificent beauty that no one can complain about.
If I play my cards right, I should be able to pass as a phony saint.
"Yeah, thanks. So, can I have everyone wave right away?"
"Ah, sure."
With a face that looked apologetic turning into a proud one, Sigurt made his request.
...Could it be that I've been set up?
Well, I guess it's okay if it's Sigurt.
Thinking like that while waving my hand, an enthusiastic cheer erupted from the crowd.
But, that was just the beginning.
"Already, the Granbell Knights have teamed up with the beastmen and wiped out the enemy forces that had deployed around the Imperial Navy and the Granbell territory. After we thoroughly eliminate those who have unjustly invaded our country──"
With grand gestures and a loud voice, Sigurt reached out to the sky and clenched his fist tightly.
He swung it down forcefully towards──the direction of the Empire.
"We shall deliver a crushing blow to the Empire that dares to snatch our saint!! So thoroughly that they can never again consider laying a hand on our country, and... on our treasure Yumie!!"
"""Uooooo!!"""
Looking at the people with a rising fighting spirit, I think to myself.
Eh, well... they're angry because the country was destroyed, right?
It doesn't matter that the Empire demanded my custody... right?
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