How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess!

Dive into the Epic Visual Novel Adventure with Your Childhood Friend Heroine

Ever wondered how an ordinary guy ends up guarding the most powerful girl in a magic-filled world? That’s the hook of ‘How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess!’ – a gripping free adult visual novel that pulled me in from the first scene. Built with Ren’Py and stunning Koikatsu renders, it follows your childhood friend, the radiant Saintess, protector of light, as fate thrusts you into her bodyguard role after a life-changing accident. Facing demons, monsters, and steamy encounters, this game blends fantasy action with intimate paths for four heroines. I remember my first playthrough – heart-pounding battles and unexpected twists kept me up all night. Ready to step into her shadow and claim your destiny?

What Makes How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess! a Must-Play?

I was scrolling through itch.io late one night, a bit burned out on pixel art and endless RPGMaker horror titles, when the Saintess visual novel artwork caught my eye. There she was—a stunning heroine glowing with holy power—and next to her, a guy who looked… refreshingly normal. The title promised a tale of a childhood friend turned protector, and something about that classic dynamic hooked me instantly. I clicked download, and a few gigs later, I was plunged into a beautifully rendered world of knights, ancient magic, and a darkness threatening to consume everything. That was my first introduction to the How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess! game, and honestly, I’ve been recommending it to friends ever since. 😊

But what is bodyguard of the Saintess, and why does it stand out in a sea of visual novels? It’s not just another fantasy story. It’s a deeply personal journey about duty, growing up, and the complex bond between an ordinary person and someone destined for greatness. Let’s dive into why this Ren’Py adventure deserves a spot on your hard drive.

Unpacking the Core Story and World-Building Magic ✨

The premise of How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess! is deceptively simple, yet it creates the perfect foundation for both epic stakes and intimate drama. You play as an ordinary young man who has shared his entire life with Elia, the Saintess childhood friend. From scraped knees to shared dreams, you’ve been by her side. But while you remained… well, you, Elia blossomed into the kingdom’s most powerful beacon of light, a living saint capable of purifying corruption and holding back demonic hordes with a wave of her hand.

The story’s genius lies in its brilliant inciting incident. During a routine ceremony, a catastrophic magical accident doesn’t target the Saintess—it targets you. In a heartbeat, your life is forfeit to a deadly curse. The only thing keeping you alive? Your lifelong proximity to Elia’s immense holy power. Suddenly, the unbreakable rule is established: to survive, you must never be more than a few feet away from her. Your ordinary life is over. You are now, officially and permanently, her bodyguard.

This isn’t just a job title; it’s your new identity. The bodyguard of the Saintess gameplay thrusts you into a world where you must navigate court politics, train to defend someone who is objectively more powerful than you, and face down literal nightmares from the abyss—all while grappling with your own vulnerability and this newfound, inescapable closeness with the friend you thought you knew. The world-building feels rich and lived-in, with lore about the Church of Light, the nature of the creeping Darkness, and the political factions vying for the Saintess’s influence. It’s a fantasy tapestry that makes every choice feel significant.

Why the Saintess and Protagonist Chemistry Hooks You Instantly 💖

Many games tell you two characters are close. This game makes you feel it. The chemistry between the protagonist and Elia is the beating heart of the entire Saintess visual novel. Because you’ve grown up together, their relationship is layered with history, inside jokes, unspoken understandings, and a comfortable familiarity that makes their more tense or tender moments incredibly potent.

You aren’t just protecting a distant, untouchable icon. You’re protecting Elia. The girl who used to sneak out with you to stargaze. The woman who still gets flustered when you point out she’s working too hard. The Saintess who, in her private moments, reveals the weight of her destiny and her fears to the one person she trusts completely—you. This dynamic creates a delicious tension. Your role is one of sacred duty, but your history is one of deep, personal affection. Navigating that shift—from childhood friend to sworn guardian, and potentially to something even more—is an emotional journey that had me clicking “Next” for hours.

The writing excels at showing, not telling. A simple scene of sharing a meal in her chambers after a long day of formalities speaks volumes about their bond. The way she subtly positions herself between you and potential threats, despite you being the bodyguard, adds a wonderful layer of mutual protection. This is the core appeal of what is bodyguard of the Saintess at its best: a story about two people, bound by fate and affection, finding their new place in the world—together.

Gameplay Mechanics: From Common Route to Heroine Paths 🎮

So, how does this all play out? How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess! uses the versatile Ren’Py engine to deliver a classic but polished visual novel experience. If you’re familiar with RenPy adult game Saintess titles, you know to expect beautiful art, branching choices, and a mix of romance and plot. This game structures its narrative masterfully.

Your journey begins on a common route. This several-hour-long segment establishes the world, the core conflict, and your relationships not just with Elia, but with the other key heroines who enter your orbit. You’ll meet a fierce knight captain, a cunning royal spy, and other intriguing figures, each with their own connections to the Saintess and the ongoing crisis. Your choices here determine whose path you’ll ultimately walk.

After key decision points, the story branches into one of four dedicated heroine paths. This is where the game’s bodyguard of the Saintess gameplay truly opens up. Each path offers a radically different perspective on the central conflict, unique adventures, and a deep dive into your chosen heroine’s personal story and romance. Will you remain steadfastly by your Saintess childhood friend, exploring the complexities of a love that must balance duty with desire? Or will you find a different kind of connection in the heat of battle or the shadows of intrigue?

The adult scenes, rendered in detailed Koikatsu-style artwork, are woven into these paths as natural culminations of the relationships you build. They feel earned and are a core part of each character’s route rather than a disconnected reward.

For the tech-savvy, here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re downloading:

My Pro-Tip for First-Timers: Go in blind for your first playthrough! Don’t look up guides. Make choices that feel true to your instinct about the protagonist and his relationships. The emotional payoff is so much greater when the story branches based on your genuine reactions. Save the completionist run for later! 😉

I remember one scene early on where the bodyguard of the Saintess gameplay shifted from dialogue to tense action. A shadowy creature, drawn to Elia’s light, ambushed us in a secluded garden. The text painted a vivid picture of the monster’s advance, Elia beginning to channel her power, and my character, armed with only a basic sword and a desperate need to protect, stepping forward. It was a simple choice—“Stand your ground” or “Push Elia behind you”—but in that moment, it felt incredibly weighty. That’s the magic of this game.

Actionable Download Advice: Getting started is a breeze. Head to itch.io and search for “How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess” by developer Lunardis. The game page is clear and well-organized. Simply select your platform (Windows, Mac, etc.), download the .zip file, extract it, and run the executable. For Android, you’ll download an APK file—just make sure you’ve allowed installations from unknown sources in your settings first. It’s a straightforward process.

And here’s the kicker: despite being free, the How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess game feels incredibly premium. The production values, the length of the common route, the fully-realized heroine paths with high-quality renders, and the professional translation all scream “paid product.” It’s a passion project that wears its heart on its sleeve, and that passion is infectious. The replayability is huge; seeing how the central story refracts through the lens of a different heroine’s path is like playing a whole new game.

To whet your appetite, here are the four branching paths that make this Saintess visual novel so endlessly engaging:

• Elia’s Path (The Saintess): The central, fated route. Deepen the bond with your childhood friend as you both navigate the immense pressures of her sainthood and your inextricably linked fates. Can love flourish under the watchful eyes of an entire kingdom?
• Knight Captain’s Path: Forge a partnership with a warrior of unwavering loyalty and strength. This path focuses on duty, honor, and the fierce battles on the front lines against the Darkness, leading to a romance built on mutual respect and shared peril.
• Spy’s Path: Dive into the underworld of court intrigue and secrets. This route is full of cunning plans, hidden agendas, and a dangerous dance with a heroine whose motives are as alluring as they are mysterious.
• The Fourth Path (A Surprising Connection): To avoid spoilers, this path often involves another pivotal character connected to the Church or the noble court, offering a unique and sometimes unexpected romantic arc that explores different facets of the game’s world.

Ultimately, what is bodyguard of the Saintess? It’s an epic fantasy, a tender romance, and a personal coming-of-age story all wrapped into one beautifully crafted package. It’s the tale of an ordinary person finding extraordinary purpose right beside the one who matters most. If you’re looking for a visual novel with heart, heat, and a truly compelling hook, your next adventure is waiting.

From an ordinary life to shielding the Saintess against darkness, ‘How I Became the Bodyguard of the Saintess!’ delivers thrills, romance, and fantasy in every route. I loved navigating those intimate moments with my childhood friend heroine – the Koikatsu visuals and Ren’Py choices made each playthrough personal and addictive. Whether battling demons or unlocking steamy scenes, it’s a standout adult visual novel. Grab v0.9 from itch.io today, dive into the common route, and chase those heroine paths. Your adventure as her devoted protector awaits – what path will you choose first?