The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

"That won't do! And what are you doing out here? Didn't my mom tell you to take a shower?"

"How do I use this?"

Naka pointed to the old, very easy-to-operate showerhead in Jasmine's house.

Simply turn the switch, and water from the rooftop tank will flow here. Even a three-year-old child in the village can use it easily. But Naka, faced with such a simple mechanism, wore an expression of genuine curiosity.

"No way... Don't you have a bathroom where you live now? How did you shower?"

"I don't know how to use that either. I washed it in the nearby river."

"...You're pretty good."

Jasmine knew she was a girl lacking in common sense. But she never imagined she'd lack it to this extent. Not recognizing even the simplest showerhead, she nonchalantly strolled around naked. Such an oddball could be found on two hands if searched the entire world. Yet, she'd stumbled upon this rare and precious species. Jasmine admired her, and also her own "good luck."

Seeing her looking troubled and hesitant to answer her question, Naka urged her impatiently.

"Stop with the useless talk, just tell me how to use it."

If she didn't teach her, her mother would probably scold her, so Jasmine had no choice but to answer truthfully. She pointed to the valve and explained to her...

"See this? Just turn right."

"that's all?"

"What else do you want?"

"....All right"

Jasmine was simply stating facts that everyone already knew. Naka, however, cautiously reached for the valve, as if afraid something might suddenly jump out, and carefully turned it. The next instant, warm water gushed from the showerhead, splashing onto her.

"ah!"

Naka was clearly taken aback by this turn of events. Startled, she let out a cute, pitiful cry that Jasmine had never heard before, and unconsciously took a step back. After recovering, she said meaningfully...

"This, this is how humans... no, ordinary people bathe?"

"Yes. Miss. Now you know how, right? I'll have to excuse myself. I need to take care of my father. Oh, and to turn it off when you're done, just turn the valve to the left."

"oh..."

Unless she doesn't even know how to scrub herself in the bath, once she learns how to turn the valve on and off, there shouldn't be any problems that can stump her. After teaching her the most basic skills, Jasmine tried to turn and leave. But before she left, she heard that sentence.

"Mari"

"Hmm? Is there anything else?"

"....Thanks"

"ha?"

She had only done something extremely simple, yet she had received an unexpected thank you from this arrogant and violent man. Jasmine was momentarily at a loss for words.

"...You go wash yours."

She neither accepted nor refused. In the end, Jasmine just gave a casual reply and left the bathroom.

Until now, Jasmine had always thought of Naka as an uncommunicative, self-centered person. Even when her mother took it upon herself to invite her to their home, Jasmine had no intention of getting any closer to her. But now, that dislike had begun to subtly change. Even if it was just a fleeting encounter, it had given Jasmine a different perspective on Naka than before.

"So she actually thanks people..."

"Come on, eat it while it's hot!"

After Naka finished her bath, Jasmine also took a thorough shower. Both changed into clean, new clothes. However, the rain outside showed no signs of letting up. So Jasmine's mother suggested that Naka stay for dinner. Although Jasmine objected, and Naka didn't want to linger, the two of them couldn't resist Jasmine's mother's enthusiasm, nor the uncooperative weather outside. The table, usually seating three, now had a fourth set of chopsticks and bowls.

A steaming hot meal was placed in front of Naka. Even something as commonplace as Jasmine seemed to pique Naka's curiosity. She first picked up her chopsticks and examined them closely, then shifted her attention to the dishes. She looked at them from left to right, then sniffed them. It seemed like she was seeing this utterly ordinary home-cooked meal for the first time. However, given that she didn't even know how to use a shower, it wouldn't be surprising for Jasmine that she didn't recognize the ingredients. Jasmine ignored her and continued eating her meal.

Not only Jasmine, but her parents also naturally started eating after saying "I'm eating." Naka watched their actions and imitated them, saying "I'm eating" as well, and began to try putting unfamiliar things into her mouth.

"....tasty"

Jasmine's mother had only prepared the most ordinary farm-style dishes imaginable. But Naka showed a very rare, gentle expression after eating them.

"It's just a simple meal. My family doesn't use any special seasoning recipes or anything like that. I'm just glad you're satisfied."

"I've never eaten anything so delicious before..."

"Oh, Miss Naka, you have such a sweet tongue. Even if it's just flattery, I'm very happy."

"No...it's not true."

Jasmine had assumed that this pampered young lady, untouched by worldly concerns, would be accustomed to delicacies, and that her mother's simple preparation of ordinary ingredients wouldn't satisfy her palate. But the sight of her mother's face, now radiating happiness instead of her previous hostility, convinced Jasmine that she was telling the truth.

Perhaps her understanding of Naka was still very superficial... Jasmine thought to herself, while continuing to finish her dinner.

"By the way, Jasmine, why were you on that road today?"

As they ate, Jasmine's mother suddenly remembered something very important: the place where she had met Jasmine and Naka today wasn't a route she had to take on her way home from the chapel. And Jasmine had also returned home later than usual today. She hadn't yet asked why.

"..."

Jasmine understood that her mother's questions stemmed from concern for her daughter. But she really didn't want to bring up what had happened that day, especially in front of Naka. However, the more silent she remained, the more her mother sensed that things might not be so simple, and she pressed her for more information.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Jasmine, no matter what happens, you have to talk about it. Don't keep it bottled up inside."

Her father chimed in. Hearing the couple's words, Naka put down her chopsticks and looked at her. Of the four people at the table, three were waiting for her to explain. Jasmine really didn't want to be a laughingstock, but she had no choice but to tell the truth.

"Do you know Aunt Wu who lives in the south of the village?"

"Ah, do you know... what happened?"

The parents nodded. Naka, however, looked bewildered. Jasmine ignored the stranger and continued to explain to her parents about her house call that day.

After hearing this, the parents lowered their heads with solemn expressions. They were all neighbors, people they saw every day. The village children were all beloved by the adults. But now, such a tragic accident had befallen them. How could they not be heartbroken?

"Dad, Mom... do I lack the talent to be a saint...? I want to help Auntie, I want to save her son... but I'm powerless right now..."

She had cultivated for nearly ten years but had achieved nothing. Jasmine's self-doubt had always been a secret she kept hidden. But now, she finally couldn't help but speak it out. Today's events were a devastating blow to her, a saint who dreamed of saving all living beings.

"No, this isn't your fault. No matter how powerful a saintess is, there will always be lives she cannot save... This was an unfortunate accident, don't blame yourself too much."

The parents comforted their daughter, making her feel it was out of familial pity. This did nothing to untangle Jasmine's inner turmoil or ease her heavy heart. Jasmine's self-doubt only deepened.

At this moment, Naka, who had been silently listening, spoke up.

"Take me there tomorrow. I want to try it."

Naka's requirements

"You? Why don't you give it a try? Don't waste my time."

When Naka suggested trying to treat the injuries that Jasmine couldn't cure, Jasmine scoffed at her inwardly.

Even if Naka's talent is indeed considerable, she is, after all, just a nun in the process of becoming a saint. To say that she could do something even Jasmine couldn't, Jasmine truly refused to believe.

Perhaps she's just become a little arrogant and overconfident because the High Priestess and Sister Jess have taken a liking to her...

However, these thoughts remained only in Jasmine's mind. She didn't dare say them aloud in front of Naka. Otherwise, she was afraid that this strange girl would do something outrageous again.

However, after hearing her words, Jasmine's parents nodded with satisfaction and praised her.

"Oh, Miss Naka, you're so kind. That child will be very happy."

"It's okay if it doesn't work out, as long as you're willing to try. Some things are just a matter of fate."

Before she even arrived, her parents had already given her thumbs up and were even preparing a backup plan in case her condition didn't improve. This made Jasmine, who had been feeling down for a long time, feel a pang of jealousy. She had been struggling with her inadequacy for so long, while Jasmine was receiving such adoration without even a hint of worry. Jasmine simply put down her chopsticks, said irritably, "I'm full," and stood up to return to her room.

"Full? There's still a little bit left... Hey! Jasmine!"

Her mother tried to call her back, but she had already slammed the door shut.

It was extremely impolite to show such a scene to our guests. Jasmine's mother apologized to Naka.

"Sigh... My daughter is probably in a bad mood because of today's failure. Miss Naka, please don't take it to heart."

"...It doesn't matter"

Naka simply waved her hand and continued eating. But her eyes remained fixed on Jasmine's door. She didn't understand why Jasmine was angry. Naka had neither genuinely intended to save lives nor deliberately provoke Jasmine. Her statement was merely a test of the extent to which her abilities as a saintess had improved.

Before long, Naka had finished her meal. She neatly arranged her cutlery, clasped her hands together, and thanked Jasmine's mother.

"Thank you very much. I'm already full."

"Are you full? Would you like some more?"

"No need. I don't eat much. Your dinner was delicious. Thank you for your hospitality."

After saying this, Naka stood up and was about to leave. Because the rain was still quite heavy, Jasmine's mother, who had wanted Naka to stay overnight, quickly stopped her.

"Are you leaving already? It's raining so hard outside, and I doubt it will stop by tonight. Why don't you stay at my place tonight? Don't worry, I've got a place for you to sleep."

"Thank you for your kindness, but I have some urgent business to attend to back home. And your daughter... Jasmine doesn't seem to want me to stay here too long."

"She's just a little unhappy. This child grew up with the neighborhood boys, and she's a bit unsteady on her feet. You don't need to take it to heart..."

"I'm not arguing with her, I just wanted to give her some peace and quiet. Having me, an outsider, staying in her house probably won't help her calm down."

"Oh? You're quite the smooth talker..."

Naka's tactful refusal surprised Jasmine's mother. Upon further reflection, Naka's words did make some sense. However, the deafening sound of the rain continued unabated. Jasmine's mother still didn't want her daughter, who had finally managed to wash herself clean, to go back soaking wet.

"But it's raining outside..."

"Please don't worry about the rain."

Naka raised her hand and drew a circle around her body. A faint beam of light approached her. Then, barrier-like structures extended from the top and bottom of the line, enveloping Naka's entire body from top to bottom.

"I have this magic; it can protect me from the rain."

"This... Miss Naka, you're really something... Does this kind of magic even exist?"

Jasmine's parents stared incredulously at Naka, who was using magic they had never heard of before. Not only Jasmine, but even Sister Jess had never used such a wondrous ability. The elderly couple could only lament their own ignorance, having never left the village.

With that said, Jasmine's mother could no longer force Naka to stay. She picked up Naka's soaking wet clothes, put them in a bag, and handed them to Naka.

"Well then, Auntie won't stand on ceremony. You go back and help out. Be careful on the road, Miss Naka. Even if you say you won't get wet in the rain, the muddy road isn't easy to walk on. Watch out for puddles; the water on the roads in this village is much deeper than it looks."

"Thank you for your trouble. I will make sure Jasmine's clothes don't get wet or dirty, and I will return them to her as they are tomorrow."

"Oh, it's alright. It's just dirty. It was Jasmine's old clothes when she was little, and she can't wear them anymore. She doesn't have a sister, and we don't wear them anyway. We'll just keep them as a keepsake..."

For Jasmine's mother, it was a rare opportunity to chat with a girl of Jasmine's age, who was also a nun. She wanted to talk to the young girl a little longer. So, after several more rounds of pleasantries, Naka finally managed to leave Jasmine's house.

As she stepped out the door, the heavy rain lashed against Naka's protective shield, bouncing off without exception. After the door closed, Naka checked her surroundings. Realizing she was alone, she didn't heed Jasmine's mother's advice to proceed cautiously. Instead, she vanished instantly.

In the torrential rain, there was only one footprint on the muddy path, leading from the gate to the road, but it didn't extend into the main road. If others had seen it, they would surely have made a big deal out of it as a ghost story. And eventually, the footprint disappeared under the wash of the rain.

Naka, who disappeared at Jasmine's doorstep, reappeared inside her own home the next instant. She could pass through any solid obstacle to reach her destination without even opening the door. This allowed her to perform miracles such as instantly entering a closed room from the outside and escaping back outside from within.

This ability wasn't learned during some nun's training. It's an ability that only Naka can use... an ability called "Demon King's Authority".

This girl named Naka is not a nun. She is now the fearsome Demon King, Nama Kalena, whom no adventurer has dared to challenge since the time of the hero Fros.

Disguised as a human, she infiltrated the village under the pretense of a saint's ascension to enlightenment, using the first characters of her surname and given name as a pseudonym for her human activities. Her sole purpose was to become a saint, an adventurer, and then assassinate the talented warriors among the humans one by one.

The nuns' daily refrain of healing and saving lives was utterly meaningless to her. So-called etiquette and manners were nothing but a facade. Her true purpose in coming to this village was to consolidate her rule and investigate the state of human society.

She casually tossed the bag to the ground and lay back down on her bed. At that moment, a voice, audible only to Naka, emanated from the cross she was wearing... or rather, the device resembling a cross, which was actually her communication tool with the Demon King's castle.

"Your Majesty, isn't it a bit too risky for you to use your powerful magic in front of humans?"

Naka replied

"You always come to me when I want to rest, Fan. What an oblivious guy... But what does it matter? The people in this village are all frogs in a well, completely ignorant. Even if I use something they've never seen before, they'll just think it's something new and exciting from the outside world, and they won't suspect me at all."

"Judging from the reactions of those two people, what you said isn't wrong."

"It's such a shame, though. I didn't notice the weather here when I went back from the Demon King's castle. When I teleported back using a 'wormhole,' I got soaked instantly... It seems I won't be able to wear that outfit for a while. But I didn't want to wear such an ugly nun's habit in the first place. But not wearing it would be so troublesome... Sigh, humans are such a bunch of annoying creatures with so many long-winded rules and a bunch of inexplicable regulations."

It wasn't due to geographical advantages, nor was it because of any divine protection as the villagers imagined, that this village was spared from war and remained peaceful. The reason this peaceful little village wasn't attacked by monsters was actually very simple: the Demon King was coming here in person.

Once she finishes her training, officially becomes a saintess, and heads to the big town to begin her plan to eliminate the hero, this village will be useless; she can simply disappear from the map... That's what Naka thinks now.

"Understood, Your Majesty... So, what are your plans for tomorrow, Demon King?"

"I'll go check on that sick kid tomorrow. That nun named Jasmine is quite well-known here. If I can cure the illness she couldn't, it will prove that I possess absolute talent even as a human. Then becoming a saint and officially starting to carry out my purpose for this trip will be just around the corner."

"I see. I was worried that you weren't truly acting out of kindness and wanting to save his life."

"Out of kindness? To save human lives? Hahahaha!"

To Fan's concerns, Naka simply laughed wildly. The Demon King having developed pity for humans was the funniest joke Naka had ever heard at that moment.

"You really don't trust me, Fain. Don't worry. That boy was just a tool to test my abilities as a nun. After I leave, just send any general to raze this place to the ground. Execute everyone in this village, including the boy I'm going to see tomorrow, Sister Jess, and Jasmine and her parents. Use this place as one of our strongholds for our demon army to conquer the human kingdom. Understand?"

"Your subordinate obeys."