The Excommunicated Saint Wants to Lose

Warm sunlight shines on my face.
The gloomy clouds that covered the sky were slowly clearing away.

I quietly gazed at the sun that shyly peeked out.

It was a brilliantly dazzling light.
Enough to somewhat dispel the gloom that had been weighing on my heart.

Suddenly, the thought that I wished my future could be as clear as this struck me, and I shook my head vigorously.

Expectation is a harmful emotion.
It might be a bit extreme, but I decided to think of it that way from today on.

“I lost.”

The burly orc collapsed in front of me and uttered weakly.

“It’s a complete defeat. I can’t handle you.”
“Is that so?”

I remained indifferent even when hearing such praise.

“Giff, you were about a 60 out of 100.”

I had been excited for days, hearing that he had become an expert with some “storm-something” nickname.
I only confirmed the fact that the size of disappointment grows as much as one’s expectations.

“Isn’t that score too harsh?”
“If you’re upset, you should have proven yourself with skill.”

Giff raised his upper body with a casual smile at my words.

“You haven’t changed at all. It’s completely different from the rumors.”
“What rumors?”

I wonder what they’re saying about me these days.
Even though listening would only make me feel worse, I became curious for no reason.

“Are they still busy using me as a scapegoat everywhere?”
“It’s the opposite. The world fears you now.”

The orc’s characteristically ugly face frowned.

“They say the ‘Excommunicated Saint’ has become a more dangerous being than the Demon Lord. It’s only natural since you’re attacking and killing strong individuals left and right.”
“……”

I couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
As expected, rumors tend to be exaggerated.

“Do I look like a crazy woman who kills just anyone?”
“Until yesterday, I thought so. I guess it was just a false rumor after all.”
“Not everyone, I only killed the ones who annoyed me.”

Giff’s complexion turned pale in an instant.

“…Why did you do such a thing?”
“It’s a hobby. I’ve become addicted to it.”

I placed my interlocked hands in front of my chest and raised my head.
While receiving the dazzling sunlight falling on my whole body.

“Oh my sun that illuminates the world. I wish to sleep in your warm embrace. Please bestow your mercy to burn away the filthy sins with your gracious radiance.”

Of course.
There was no answer in return.

“How mean. How can you not even understand my hobby?”

I grumbled needlessly while extending my hand to Giff.

“Get up. Let’s go drink ourselves silly for a change.”
“I was hoping to have a deep conversation anyway. Tell me everything that happened.”

I quietly nodded, meaning I would gladly do so.

It was a day when the sun was shining brightly.