Chapter 21 (1/2)

Elder Marxen picked at his fingers and showed his disapproval of the divine healer. “How’s the saintess?”

“She’s recovering well.”

The saintess was quickly getting better, and this made Elder Marxen nervous. At this rate, he would soon be en route back to the Holy Empire. “Is there a way to slow it down?”

“Excuse me? For what reason…”

“Don’t ask me why.” Elder Marxen coughed. “Hm. You do know that the temple’s promotional exam is coming up, right?”

“…!” The healer picked up on the implication behind those words and bowed. “I will do my best.”

“Yes, of course, you should.” This was the only way Elder Marxen could get what he wanted.

Elder Marxen nastily laughed. He had increased the time he would be at the estate, but when he thought about what to do next, a frown appeared on his face. “That sly girl…” He looked down at her because she was young. However, she wasn’t a normal girl. He had seen a chance to get rid of Ludwig and place an informant next to her, but…

“Watch your words, elder.”

He trembled when he remembered her words. Her cold gaze had been unlike a child’s. ‘She has Emperor Miltiades’s eyes.’ Elder Marxen shook his head, not wanting to think about it.

The temple taught that saintesses were special existences, but he didn’t believe it. “She’s still a child.” Everything had been set in place, but it all fell apart because of the unexpected appearance of the holy sword.

“What will I do if I actually lose my divine power?” It was the first time Elder Marxen had sworn on the Lord’s name, so he trembled in fear. He didn’t know the details of what had happened to priests who lost their divine power.

“Since it has come to this…” He started thinking. There was still a way for him to survive. “… It’s unfortunate, but I’ll have to get rid of Ludwig.”

Elder Marxen went back to his room, closed the door, and took out a magic device. The device lit up and a man appeared.

“Why did it take you so long to contact me?” A voice came from the device.

“The surveillance has been quite strict, so it was difficult to find time to be alone to contact you.”

“So, did you find ‘it’ yet?”

“I haven’t found it yet. The castle is more secure than I originally thought.”

“As long as you find the evidence, we’ll have a chance to tie up Rahel’s emperor.”

“Yes. I understand. I do.”

“Do whatever is possible to get a hold of the evidence, and…”

The voice turned into a whisper.

“…!” Elder Marxen’s eyes widened when he heard those words. “Is it okay for me to do that? But I don’t know if I can bring the saintess back…”

“It doesn’t matter what you do.” An insidious smile appeared on the face of the man in the shadows. “As long as you succeed, I’ll give you whatever you want.”

“I’ll do my best!”

* * *

Every day was peaceful, save for when it came to Elder Marxen.

“You’re getting healthier each day, you have nothing to worry about.”

“I’m worried about Harel’s recovery.”

Harel had yet to gain consciousness. Seeing my worry, Luciana smiled and reassured me. “It’s fine. He’ll definitely open his eyes. You’re looking after him wholeheartedly.”

“You think so?”

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door, and a familiar face appeared. Callian came to my side, and it seemed like he had been running to get here as fast as he could. “Saintess, please. Stop the emperor!”

“What?” ‘What’s going on?’

* * *

I rushed to a hallway in the palace at Callian’s urging. When I reached the hallway, a strange combination entered my vision. Elder Marxen and Miltiades.

“…?” I turned around, and Callian nervously looked at me. ‘What’s this situation?’

Elder Marxen raised his voice. “What were you doing to the saintess that she fell unconscious? This is all because your faith is weak! You don’t have the right to be a father!”

“…?” ‘What’s that person doing?’

“I knew it the moment the saintess chose a sinner like you. This horrible event happened as a punishment from the heavens!” Elder Marxen went on. “You don’t have the right to take care of the saintess! I will take her back with me to the Vios Empire. Just know that they’re already looking for a new family for her!”

‘Is he insane?’ I genuinely thought he was going crazy when Callian stomped behind me.

“Saintess. If this goes on, the emperor…”

“Stay still for a moment.” I had held back before because the elder was doing it for me, but this was different. ‘You dare attack my dad now?’ That made me more upset than the news that Elder Marxen planned on taking me back to Vios.