Volume 6 Chapter 39-2 It's Better to Change Clothes for Now
Prompted by Julius's bitter smile, Randy and the others returned to the cave, changed back into their original outfits.
"I guess wearing those outfits any longer just won't do..."
Randy, who wore a wry smile, continued with "Let's gather our spirits," regarding the true purpose of the cave as a Saint's educational facility.
"A Saint's educational facility. Borrowing Miss Catherine's words, I suppose no one questions its existence."
In other words, even the upper echelons of the Church consider its existence to be normal.
It's a facility that could be described as a form of personality correction, yet the Church raises no objections to it.
That's understandable.
In this world, it is not uncommon to be educated in a certain way from a young age, teaching each individual their own path.
"I was part of a generation that heard, 'You should act like a man' and 'You shouldn't be weak for a guy' when I was a child. I don't feel any discomfort; the world changes, and what's normal shifts too. This world's normal is just like that. Feudalism with nobles and all."
Although Randy intertwines stories from his previous life, those present have no knowledge of it.
They accept it without question because they were raised hearing similar things.
Those connected to royalty, like Luke and Julius, as well as common knights like Leon, can only recall vague memories of being told to 'act like a man' during their childhood.
"Therefore, I don't intend to deny everything about how a Saint should be. However──"
Randy, with a serious expression, looked back at the cave and murmured, "What even is a Saint?"
"Is it Saint?"
Leon, quickly reacting, tilted his head, pondering if the concept Catherine mentioned earlier is a Saint.
"That's right. After hearing what Miss Catherine said, everyone must have thought, 'That's just how it is.'"
Randy's expression remained stern as he turned back.
"According to Liz, it seems to be a collective unconscious..."
A particularly strong sea breeze swept between Randy and the 3 others.
"That unconsciousness, where does it come from?"
At Randy's question, the 3 exchanged puzzled glances.
"Well, that would be from the successive Saints..."
Luke, who hesitated, suddenly wore a look of realization.
Then the other 2 displayed similar expressions almost simultaneously.
"What are the historical Saints?"
The 3 exchanged glances in silence at Randy's question.
"That... the Saint that inspired the Saint's Parade?"
"The 4th generation? No, maybe it's the fifth?"
"I'm pretty sure there wasn't an accurate account."
Randy sighed as the 3 tried to pull together their vague memories.
"None of us really knows the detailed stories about the Saints. Not even Julius or Leon from the Church."
As Randy said, while everyone present was aware of the existence of Saints, no one truly understood what the Saints did or had done in detail.
"But, but they seal away evil things..."
As Leon's words trailed off, Randy silently shook his head.
It might indeed be true that Ellie is seen as something evil to be sealed away.
However, if that were the only role, the concept of a Saint would simply be that of a "sealer."
"We don't know the detailed history of what the Saints did or what kind of beings they were. Even in the Church's primary education, such stories are absent."
"That's true; they really weren't there."
Luke nodded, and Julius and Leon followed suit.
"It would be a lie to say we had no doubts..."
Despite being implemented by the Church, stories about the Saints that the Church promotes are hardly ever mentioned.
Stories featuring moral themes include girls like Saints, but it's never clearly stated which generation of Saint they are.
"It's a fact that the country must be ensuring that primary education doesn't turn into propaganda."
From Randy's perspective, who has memories from a past life, it was strange, but he believed that it reflected the delicate distance between the Church and the state.
He thought the state was just making sure that education was not too biased towards the Church.
"And yet—surprise, surprise—the Church itself doesn't even fully understand the existence of the [Saint]."
The Saints select the next generation of Saints, receiving education in the Cave of Saint to become Saints themselves.
That is the relationship between the Church and the Saints.
"I believe that the collective unconscious is a universal concept acquired during humanity's evolutionary process."
Randy speaks of, for example, the archaic concept of "manliness" in modern society. Throughout humanity's long history, males, being physically stronger, have been the ones to hunt.
The concept they developed during this evolutionary process is what people call collective unconscious.
Men had to be strong and resilient.
Of course, times change, and as gender barriers disappear, it's understandable that this concept will fade.
But its origins are undoubtedly rooted in the history of mankind as a biological species.
"Even the concept of noblesse oblige, imposed on nobles and royalty, is similar."
In feudalism, instead of ruling over the people and land, they ensured their safety.
They acted as a shield for the people in times of need.
That is how the concept of nobility has been cultivated over a long history in this world.
"What about Saint?"
Randy's question leaves everyone speechless.
After all, very little is known about what Saint has actually done in this world.
Nevertheless, everyone shares the concept of Saint.
Sacred maiden
Goddess's representative
Evil slayer
Pure and innocent beauty
Healer of the people
Many images come to mind, but the concept is ingrained in everyone's consciousness to the point where they readily agree.
"Through the deeds and memories of past Saints, the girls chosen to become Saints are taught 'this is how a Saint should be.' Even if the Saint herself agrees with that...where do you think our unconscious desire to push them in that direction comes from?"
As Randy turned back to the cave, Luke looked at the cave entrance in astonishment, saying "I can't believe it..."
"That's what I'm talking about. This place isn't meant to teach you how to be a Saint."
The cave emitted an eerie growl, perhaps due to the influence of the salty sea breeze.
"This place gathers memories of Saints and those around them, and broadcasts the unconscious idea of 'this is what a Saint is' to the world...it's a kind of curse that binds Saint."
Randy said emphatically, adding, "My guess is..." before letting out a deep sigh.
"The person who first came up with the idea of Saint created the concept and passed it on to future generations. They inflated it like matchstick wood, and the entire world unknowingly created and bound Saints to the world. This is our guess, Ellie and mine."
In front of the cave where echoes of chanting could be heard, no one said a word, simply staring at the cave's entrance.
"I don't know what the goal is, but it's probably not just some trivial matter."
The day they started to lean, the high cliff's shadow fell over the 4 of them.
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