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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“You’re quite ruthless.”
“I prefer to be thorough.”
The southwestern part of the continent, was it?
Principal Merlin had sent word. It was time for the Holy Knights to clean up the mess Stoke had made.
Or rather, the mess Stoke was making.
I had clouded his mind, repeatedly brainwashed him into perceiving Halphas Cult robes as Kalon Church robes, and used his hatred to orchestrate a tragedy of fratricide.
Finally, I had planted a communication gem in his pocket, a gem that would send a signal to the Holy Knights Principal Merlin had stationed throughout the region, guiding them to Stoke’s location to eliminate the Halphas Cult members.
He probably hadn’t returned directly to their headquarters, but it was likely a significant branch, considering his rank as an enforcer. He was probably equivalent to a knight in the Imperial army.
Anyway, if the Holy Knights weren’t completely incompetent, this operation would yield some valuable results.
“Now, about the festival…”
We still had the closing prayer and the final events for the other departments. Just because the assassins had been dealt with didn’t mean we could relax.
I stretched and approached Karina, who was watching me from a distance.
“…Good work.”
“You were…frightening. I didn’t expect you to…aim for that spot…”
“Efficiency is key in a hunt.”
“…You did well. I feel much safer now. Those bastards will be too busy running to bother Karina for a while.”
“…I wouldn’t be so sure.”
“What’s with that ominous response?”
“I intend to see this hunt through to the end.”
“You’re going after the Halphas Cult?”
“It’s the only way to lift Karina’s curse.”
The problem was, the target was likely Halphas himself. Only someone of his caliber could curse a Saintess.
An ordinary enforcer wouldn’t be capable of such a feat.
“That won’t be easy… How do you even plan to find him?”
“Why do you think I let him go?”
I could have just kept him prisoner and interrogated him, but I had deliberately released him after brainwashing him.
To die in his delusion.
Halphas, obsessed with war and bloodshed, would take the bait.
…The question was, how would that war-crazed demon react to my provocation?
To him, the cult was just a pawn, so he would react in some way.
Regardless of his response, I intended to eradicate the Halphas Cult a year ahead of schedule.
Following the original story was the safer option, but with Karina cursed, sticking to the original plot wasn’t ideal.
…It wasn’t because I was concerned about Karina being confined to a wheelchair.
“I…understand. But don’t overdo it. Let me know if you need help.”
“You protect Karina.”
I had plenty of…resources, individuals I could utilize, or rather, drag along on this crusade.
This was the perfect opportunity to rally those who had been deemed useless.
“It’s a shame I don’t have anyone competent to accompany me.”
I couldn’t trust the guards, considering their track record.
The Holy Knights? Those gullible fools? And the Imperial Knights were no better. An entire squadron of knights couldn’t match Renny’s strength.
…It would be so much easier if I could just bring Renny along and unleash her on them.
“This isn’t something I’ll be doing immediately, so we can discuss it later.”
“Right. We still have some events left…”
“The festival is almost over…”
Karina gazed at the academy building in the distance, a wistful expression on her face. The bustling ravend, the cheerful chatter, the happy smiles.
“It’s a shame you couldn’t enjoy the festival.”
“I’m the Saintess. With privilege comes responsibility. My duty is to ensure their happiness.”
“Karina…”
…While she wasn’t wrong, there was a hint of sadness in her voice.
“When you recover, we should go on a trip somewhere nice.”
“But…”
“It’s fine. Even wild animals, who fight for survival every day, need to rest. Don’t be so consumed by your duties. Even a Saintess is human.”
“Johann…”
“…W-well, I’m here too…”
Renny’s embarrassed mumbling drew my attention. She was avoiding my gaze, scratching her cheek.
I didn’t think I had said anything that embarrassing, but she seemed unusually flustered.
[Contractor, you’re quite bold…]
What was that supposed to mean?
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“…And with that, we conclude Saint Sabrina’s Day. See you next year.”
It was truly over. I listened to the cheers marking the end of the eventful festival and watched as Karina approached from the stage.
Her expression was a mix of relief and exhaustion.
“It’s over.”
“Indeed.”
“Shall we return? Everyone must be busy…”
It was a shame. We hadn’t been able to enjoy the festival. If I had been in better shape, I would have explored the grounds.
There was always next year, and the year after that, but…it was still disappointing.
…Wait a minute.
I had an idea.
“Renny. Karina. I need to go somewhere. You two go back to Yeomyeong-gwan. And Renny, come with me for a moment.”
“Why?”
I whispered my plan to Renny, who nodded in approval.
One accomplice secured.
“…I need to meet someone. I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay. Hurry back.”
“Johann? Renny? What were you talking about?”
“It’s a secret, Karina.”
“What?”
“Come on, it’s getting cold. Let’s go back~”
I watched Karina disappear in the direction of Yeomyeong-gwan, then turned and headed in the opposite direction. I had a lot to do.
“I hope they’re free…”
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“…Where did everyone go…?”
Karina closed her book and looked out the window. The sun was setting, the sky transitioning to twilight.
She tilted her head, puzzled by Johann’s sudden departure and Renny’s unusual silence.
Renny had refused to answer her questions, her expression uncharacteristically evasive.
This was unprecedented.
No one had ever refused to answer her questions before.
‘Should I go outside?’
While her weakened body made even walking difficult, she could still manage to sit in her wheelchair. She quietly transferred herself to the wheelchair and started to wheel towards the door.
“Karina? Are you going to the restroom?”
“I just need some fresh air. I feel a bit stifled.”
“Would you mind waiting a little longer?”
Renny’s hesitant tone stopped Karina in her tracks. She couldn’t understand Renny’s reluctance, and it bothered her. It was a completely new experience.
She felt a pang of…resentment towards Renny.
“Renny, are you hiding something from me?”
“…I…I want to tell you, but I can’t right now… Could you please wait a little longer? It will be…a wonderful surprise…”
“Kariiiiiina!”
Before Renny could finish, the door burst open. Milia, dressed in her maid outfit, stood with her hands on her hips. Renny and Karina stared at the red-haired maid in surprise.
“Hee hee. Master! I’ve come to get you!”
“What?”
“Let’s go!”
“Go where?”
“You’ll see!”
Milia grabbed the handles of Karina’s wheelchair and, before Karina could react, wheeled her out of the room. Renny, snapping out of her surprise, hurried after them.
They sped down the hallway, the curtains drawn, shrouding the corridor in darkness.
Before Karina could voice her confusion, Milia and Renny lifted the wheelchair and carried her down the stairs. They continued their brisk pace until they reached the back door.
“W-what’s going on?”
“Hee hee. Prepare yourself! A grand reveal~”
Milia threw open the door.
“Ta-da~”
“This is…”
Karina stared at the large bonfire before her.
A tower of flames. A blazing inferno that warmed her body. As she stared at the fire in a daze, a familiar voice called out.
“Campfire.”
“…Johann?”
Her resourceful knight escort grinned, gesturing towards the bonfire and the laden tables surrounding it.
The tables were piled high with food, more elaborate and luxurious than usual. Karina stared at the feast in surprise.
“It’s not as grand as the festival, but I tried my best.”
“Karina! W-welcome!”
“Karina, you’ve worked hard. We’re looking forward to next year.”
“You did great, Karina.”
The people gathered around the campfire approached Karina, offering words of welcome and praise.
Karina, still bewildered, looked at Johann.
“Johann…did you disappear to do…this?”
“Yes.”
Karina looked down at the flames. A bonfire on a completely different scale. The surrounding area had been reinforced with rocks to prevent the fire from spreading. It was undoubtedly Johann’s handiwork. She didn’t need to ask.
He was capable of almost anything.
“…Thank you all.”
“Oh, it’s my pleasure to be invited to such a wonderful gathering.”
“Me too! Isn’t that right, Lewis?”
“Yes.”
“Uh… It’s an honor…Saintess.”
Sif, who had been in charge of transporting the firewood, mumbled awkwardly.
Karina, touched by their words of gratitude, teared up.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t cry. Festivals are for laughter, for forgetting our sorrows.”
At his words, a smile bloomed on Karina’s face.
Brighter than ever before.
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