Chapter 15

How to live a kind life?

Yes.

Lubella blinked her eyes. She didnt expect him to ask such a question. Even Weig looked at Zich with curiosity. In his own way, Zich was really serious.

Even if I want to live a kind life, I dont know the first thing about being kind. When I hit and destroy things, I dont have to think about anything, so it is convenient.

For most of his life, Zich lived however he wanted. Even if he wanted to live a kind life, he couldnt think of ways to achieve that goal. So far, he acted according to whatever random ideas poppedup inhis mind, but he wasnt sure if his actions were really along the lines of living kindly.

This woman might be able to at least tell me where I can start.

Before Zich regressed, shehad beenaSaint. Even though she was not aSaint right now, being selected as a candidate for KaruwimansSaint position was a daunting task. From a young age, she must have possessed the main qualification of theSaint, which was kindnessa quality that Zich thought was not so different from stupidity.

Hmm, so about that

Lubella did not know how to answer. To live a kind lifethe question was too broad to give a thorough answer.

Before I answer, can you tell me why you are asking me this question?

Someone suggested that I should try living a kind life for once. But Ioncelived a pretty rough life, so its hard for me to grasp what exactly I should do.

Zich indirectly confessed that he had lived a bad life. However, Lubella praised him instead of rebuking him.

Thats really impressive. It must have been achallengeto try to change your trajectory in life.

Asacharacteristic among kind people, she tended to think positively about everything.

There are many ways to live a kind life. Is there something that you are good at?

Im good at destroying things.

I-is that so?

Seeing how Lubella was taken back, Weig quietly laughed.They could perceiveZichs character from his few words.

So, am I right to assume that you are proficient in tasks that utilize your physical strength?

Yes, you can say it like that.

Then what about helping people who are in need?

People who are in need?

Yes. There are many different ways to be kind. But fundamentally, I think a kind act is an act that gives happiness to another person, no matter how small or big it is.

An act that gives happiness to another person

It was an area that Zich had no experience inno, a lot of contrasting experience in. Although Zich had made many people cry tears of blood, he had never made another individual happy.

Since you said youare good at tasks that involve physical strength, why dont you help people in that way?

So, I just have to help people who are in need?

Yes. If you start doing that, wont you be able to slowly grasp the concept of kind acts?

Zich nodded his head.

Thank you for your advice.

No, I am happy that I could be of help to someone who is trying to change their life. I will pray for your blessing to Karuna.

Receiving a blessing in the name of Karuna sent chills down Zichs back. However, he didnt show this at all and received Lubellas blessing while constantly repeating in his mind that he was no longer an enemy of Karuwiman.

Zich stepped down from the carriage and returned to flat ground.

For what reason did you go up there, sir?

With curiosity in his eyes, Hans looked up at Zich. He seemed to still have a lot of interest in Lubella.

Nothing much. I just asked how I can live a kind life.

How to live a kind life, sir?

Wait, was that crazy statement for real?

Hans had definitely heard Zich say that before they left Steelwall, but it was so nonsensical that Hans had long since erased it from his mind.

Why, are you so surprised?

I-Im not surprised, sir!

Even though he was obviously lying, Hans fervently denied it. He could not say that he was surprised because it didnt fit Zich at all.

Why, does it not fit me?

O-of course not, sir.

Hans mouth began to feel parched. He glanced at Zichs face. However, contrary to his expectation, Zichs mood seemed alright. Zich moved the firewood around and began humming after starting a fire.

Hans felt relieved that Zich was probably not going to hit him; feeling that the atmosphere was cordial, Hans asked Zich another question.

What did she say to you, sir?

She told me to help people in need. After I told her I was good at destroying things, she told me that it wouldbe good for me to help people by using my physical strength.

...

It was a perfect fit for someone like Zich. Even though Hans had spent more years with the Zichwhocouldnteven speak back to a servant and desperately sought for his fathers love, the recent Zich had made such a significant impact on Hans that he could only remember Zich as he was nowa dictator who tried to solve all problems with power and violence.

Well, maybe things will get better since Sir Zich received advice from the holy lady, anditreally does seem like he wants toperformkind acts.

But even while he thought this, Hans could not help but look at Zich with suspicion.

* * *

KaruwimansSaint was the poster child for the family. For that reason, the process of being a Saint was complicated and lengthy, and one of the steps was to do what Lubella was going through right nowsuch as: traveling around the world and listening to the views and thoughts of a diverse group of people.

Lets start.

Once again, Lubella started the carriage after listening, comforting, and blessing a large number of people in a village.

Are you tired?

Yes, Im a bit tired.

At Weigs question, Lubella gave a strained smile. However, as if she was bringing out the last bit of her remaining energy, she raised her two fists.

But as Karunas follower, I have to obey Karunas teachings and always try to do my best. Even though I cant do much for people, I can at least comfort them. My tiredness is a trivial matter.

You will also have a higher chance of being selected as the Saint.

Sir Weig.

Weig laughed at Lubellas rebuking tone.

Fufufu, it seems that as I get older, I become less thoughtful.

Stop teasing me.

I apologize.

Weig lowered his head with great formality.

But it is true that you will have a higher chance of being selected.

I am not doing this because I want to become aSaint!

And that type of attitude makes you more suitable for the Saint role.

Lubella could not beat Weig in a conversation since the man had gone through all sorts of adversities and knew how to be cunning. Lubella pouted and turned her head away.

She is still young.

Her emotions were clearly visible. He could not criticize her for it since she had lived inside asmallbubble all her life. Thus, this trip was necessary for her to gain experience and fix her nave attitude.

But compared to the other candidates, she definitely fits the Saint role the most.

Even as a Saint candidate, it did not mean that everyonewasdutiful and kind like Lubella. For example, there were some peoplewhomade Weig wonder how the hell they passed the test. Compared to them, Lubella was basically an angel. But she also had someflaws.

She doesnt have tenacity.

After this trip is over, you will be returning to the Church again.

Weig said this out loud to test Lubella. He clicked histongue after seeingLubellas expressiondarken.

Im repeating this again, Lady Lubella, but its not enough tojust be patient and nice.As followers of Karuwiman, not only do we have to comfort people, but we also must protect them. So, we must havestrong hearts.

I know.

Lubella heard this many times before, and she nodded to show that she understood. However, her voice was tiny.

Its not easy.

Physical abilities could be strengthened by training like mad, but mental fortitude was much more complicated. Speaking further about this topic only served to stress Lubella, so Weig switched to another topic.

Now that I think about it, Im wondering if our friend is doing well.

Our friend?

You know, that young man who asked you to teach him how to be kind.

Ah!

Memories flooded back to Lubella. It was not an old memory, so it was easy for her to remember.

I was really surprised then. I didnt expect someone to ask a question like that.

Yes, but it seemed like it was important for that young man.

As the Holy Knights strictly protected Lubella, a person needed a lot of courage to even ask to meet her.

I also think so. His eyes were very serious when he asked me. I want to find out if my advice was helpful to him and how he is working towards his goal.

Lubella quietly prayed to herself that he would find light in his path.

* * *

The followers ofKaruwimanarrivedin thelarge city. They first secured a place to stay, and since they were in a big city, they visiteda shrine for Karuwiman. But as Lubella was in the process of traveling around the world as a Saint candidate, they could not use the shrine for their own means and Lubella went out of her lodging with a couple of Holy Knights. Even in the city, she had to see how people lived firsthand and interact with them.

However, Weig, her closest bodyguard, was nowhere to be found. Weig had received an order from the Church, so he was absent for a bit.

Lets try going over there.

Lubella pointedtoa dark alley with a few people. From a glance, it looked dangerous, so the Holy Knightshadconflicted expressions on their faces. However, no one could stop her since this journey's purpose was for Lubella to see even the lowest points of what this world had to offer.

The Holy Knights hoped that nothing eventful would happen. However, contrary to their wishes, menacing cries came outofthe alley.

P-please save me!

I told you that I will spare your life if you just give me the item! Why cant you listen!

Punch! Punch!

Agh! Arghh!

Fearful cries, threatening voices, and the sound of hard fists hitting fleshechoed down thealley. It was easy to understand the situation.

Without hesitation, Lubella and the Holy Knights hurried to the alleyway.

Stop!

The first Holy Knight to arriveshouted in the direction of the cries. At once, the punching sound ceased. Lubella arrived a little laterandbegan to assess the situation. The first thing she saw was a person collapsed on the floor. Seeing that the persons face was puffy in different areas and blood was flowing out from his lips and nose, it was apparent that he was hit many times. With tears in his eyes, the man looked at Lubella and the Holy Knight as if they were his saviors.

Then, Lubella shifted her eyes towards the offenders. There were four of them. Seeing their ungainly appearance and manners, they looked like gangsters or thugs. The offenders seemed to be taken back by Lubella and the Holy Knights appearanceall except for one person.

Oh? Is it not Lady Lubella and the Holy Knights? What sort of business brings all of you here?

You!

Lubella was shocked. The person who was leading this violent attackwas Zich!

Ididn'tthink that wewouldbereunited this soon. Can I askyouwhat reasonmadeyou come here in such a hurry?

What reason?

At Zichs shameless attitude, Lubella was left speechless. But she soon regained her composure and screamed,So that I can help save people obviously! I should be asking what you are doing!Did you not tellme that you wanted to live kindly? Then what are you doing right now!

It had really been a long time since Lubella was so angry, but Zich tilted his head as if he could not understand why,and that angeredher.

But Im acting according to your advice?

In what way are you following my advice!

You told me to give my services to people who need help.

Zich pointed at the three thugs behind him.

That's why Im helping people who need my help.

I-I told him to help people who are in need, so he is helping thugs?

Again, Lubella was left speechless by Zichs outrageous, almost ingenious,interpretationof her words.