Chapter 59: The Saintess’ Request
  “Well then, first let me introduce her. This is Moira, who has inherited the title 『Saintess』.”
 
  Eld and Marie were led to a waiting room-like area a little away from the venue and were introduced by Al as soon as they sat down on the sofa.
 
  “Nice to meet you. I am Moira, a sister of the Afdedi Church, which worships the Goddess of Love. I have recently inherited the title of 『Saintess』.”
 
  The white-haired girl, Moira, bowed politely to Eld and Marie, who were seated.
 
  “So, what’s the request?”
 
  Eld asked, somewhat in a bad mood.
 
  “You’re rarely showing your displeasure openly. Well, I guess it can’t be helped.”
 
  Al urged Moira to sit down as well and said while sitting,
 
  “Actually, it’s a little ways off, but we’d like to ask you to be her escort. This is a request from the country.”
 
  “Hmm. Why again?”
 
  Eld asked, resting his arm on the armrest and his chin in his hand.
 
  “The Afdedi Church is a church with low recognition even in our country, which believes in the Goddess. Most people worship the Goddess of War or the Goddess of Protection. I heard that the previous Saintess was also a sister of the Church of the Goddess of Protection.”
 
  Certainly, neither Eld nor Marie had ever heard of a place that worshipped the Goddess of Love.
 
  “So, they said that they had been consulting with the High Priest about wanting to raise the church’s profile since she inherited the title of Saintess.”
 
  “Is that His Majesty’s idea?”
 
  Marie asked.
 
  “Yeah. I’m not here very often, so I don’t know the details, but I heard they’ve been consulting with him since she became the Saintess.”
 
  “I have a few questions, if you don’t mind.”
 
  This time, Eld asked. Al nodded, saying,”Of course.”
 
  “First of all, you said it’s a little ways off, but roughly when is it?”
 
  “It’s hard to say for sure because she’ll be traveling all over the country, but it’ll be in about one or two months.”
 
  Eld thought for a moment.
 
  “Wouldn’t it be difficult to move around in Linus territory at that time because of the heavy snow?”
 
  “That’s why I’m asking you. You, with the title of Ice and Flame, and Marie, who specializes in fire magic. The two of you can escort her without being affected by the ice, right?”
 
  Eld muttered,”I see.”Marie also understood the reason why they had made a designated request, even though she wasn’t entirely convinced.
 
  “So basically, you’re asking us to be like snow plows and heaters. Honestly, I can’t say it’s anything but rude……”
 
  “Oh, no…… that’s not……”
 
  Al panicked, realizing that he had triggered Marie’s childhood trauma. She had lived with her biological parents until she was about five years old, and during the winter, she was treated like a heating device. Seeing this, Eld sighed.
 
  “Well, regardless of the reason, I think we’ll accept the request. How long will it be?”
 
  “I want to climb the snowy mountain in Linus territory. So, I’m thinking it will take at least two weeks.”
 
  Moira answered. Eld frowned.
 
  “A snowy mountain? Mount Gryla? Or Mount Cory?”
 
  Moira shook her head at both. Incidentally, Mount Gryla was the mountain they had previously visited to investigate the dungeon, and Mount Cory was the mountain where the cave containing Tempera was located at the foot.
 
  “No way…… the Ibert Mountain Range?”
 
  The Ibert Mountain Range, located in Linus territory, is said to be the most difficult mountain to climb. It is covered with snow all year round, and in the days before refrigeration facilities, the ice that could be obtained there was apparently highly valued.
 
  “Is it that difficult?”
 
  “Hmm…… it would be suicidal for ordinary people to climb it in winter. It would be fine if you could use heat magic like me or Marie. It’s not a problem if I’m alone, but escorting someone while climbing is…… well, it’s a hassle……By the way, is that just you, Saintess-sama……”
 
  “Please call me Moira. I will be accompanied by three or four other members of the church.”
 
  At those words, he held his head in his hands again as if in thought.
 
  “Can’t you change the timing after all? If the snow is deep, there’s a risk of avalanches and other dangers.”
 
  “I’m sorry. The schedule has already been decided, and we’ve made Linus territory, the most difficult area, the last one.”
 
  “Why the Ibert Mountain Range in the first place?”
 
  “I don’t know the details, but they seem to want the fur of a monster that lives there. Moreover, they said that it is part of their training, so they should not borrow the power of adventurers as much as possible.”
 
  Hearing this, not only Eld and Marie, but even Al was surprised. It seemed that he hadn’t heard the reason.
 
  “I don’t know the internal affairs of the church, but the fur of the monsters there……”
 
  Eld pondered again.
 
  “O-Of course, I understand that this is a difficult request. Normally, we shouldn’t ask for anyone’s help, so if it’s too difficult, you can refuse……”
 
  “……No, we’ll help. I don’t know how strong the church people are, but it would be suicidal for ordinary people. Now that I’ve heard the story, I won’t be able to sleep well if something happens.”
 
  Eld sighed.
 
  “Marie, if you don’t like it, I’ll take it on myself. Honestly, it’s more dangerous than climbing normally.”
 
  “It’s okay, it’s okay, I’ll help too. It sounds interesting. I’ve always wanted to go there.”
 
  Marie smiled without any sarcasm. Seeing that, Eld was relieved.
 
  “I’m sorry. I should be the one to help, but things have been busy in the north lately. I’ll make sure the reward is generous.”
 
  He wanted to hear about the”things”that were going on, but he kept his mouth shut, not wanting to get involved in any more trouble.