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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: TushChen
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The letter from the Holy Kingdom provided a glimpse into the First Saintess’ troubled past.
Crooked handwriting.
Multiple pages filled with densely written text.
I read the letter in front of Zebeline, who watched with anxious eyes.
As I delved into the emotionally charged content, I realized the pain and loneliness she must have endured.
“So, what are you going to do?”
I asked the saintess.
Her response was sharp and resolute.
“They sold their own daughter for a few gold coins. They’re not worth considering. They’re probably just trying to squeeze out as much as they can.”
Her lips trembled slightly.
She was trying to suppress her emotions.
She was deliberately speaking harshly to erase any lingering doubts or hesitation in her heart.
Zebeline’s unconscious reactions reflected her complex feelings. I returned the letter after finishing it, my gaze fixed on her.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
“Hmm… Then I’ll respect your decision.”
“…”
I had no intention of interfering.
The right to decide her own future belonged solely to her.
It was Zebeline’s choice.
Therefore, I decided to respect her decision.
Even when we first met three years ago, she was extremely reluctant to reveal her past.
I had assumed she must have had a difficult childhood, considering she was forced onto the battlefield where life and death were a constant struggle… but I never imagined she was sold by her own parents and sent to a monastery.
“I… I’m a terrible person, aren’t I? You must be disappointed in me.”
“Well, I’m not exactly in a position to judge.”
“I’ve decided to completely sever ties with my blood relatives. The First Saintess of the Holy Kingdom! What kind of heartless daughter does that?”
“…”
She was right.
If the public were to find out, she would face immense criticism.
The First Saintess abandoned her parents.
She ignored their pleas, fearing that her humble origins would be exposed.
Even if Zebeline’s parents didn’t take action, the cardinals of the Holy Kingdom would undoubtedly launch a smear campaign.
The letter she received was likely a warning, threatening to expose her past if she didn’t return to the Sanctuary.
“Maybe so. But even if the whole world condemns you, I’ll always be on your side.”
“You’re quite skilled at sweet-talking women. As expected of a womanizer.”
Why was it that despite my efforts to live a decent life,
I was being labeled with the unsavory title of “womanizer” by both Ludmilla and Zebeline?
“Whatever you decide, it doesn’t matter. I’ll always protect you.”
“Ugh…!”
I reached out and stroked Zebeline’s hair.
She was like a fluffy snow rabbit.
I gazed at her silvery white hair and clear blue eyes.
“I’ve been hesitant all day… but now I’ve made up my mind.”
“What?”
“Those damn old geezers from the Holy Kingdom have thrown down the gauntlet. I’ll accept their challenge.”
“You mean… You’re going to?!”
I’m going to the Sanctuary.
I declared my decision to the First Saintess.
Zebeline’s shoulders trembled as she gasped in shock.
“Are you insane? It’s obviously a trap!”
“Maximilian is at the Sanctuary. And so are your parents.”
Maximilian’s reason for appearing at the Sanctuary was unknown.
However, Zebeline’s parents were currently being held hostage.
If she refused to comply with their demands, they would harm her parents.
Threatening the lives of hostages was a cruel tactic often employed by the Holy Kingdom against heretics.
“The old geezers of the Holy Kingdom see you not as the White Dragon, but as the Calamity of Famine.”
The Calamity of Tyranny, once a puppet of the Earth Mother, had finally been resurrected.
Upon hearing the news, the cardinals of the Holy Kingdom must be trembling in fear, believing that the Calamity of Famine would soon follow.
They must have already concluded that she was no longer the First Saintess, but the Apostle of Famine.
Those fanatics who worshipped the Earth Mother would undoubtedly eliminate Zebeline’s parents.
Even if they didn’t kill them immediately, they would dispose of them discreetly once they had served their purpose.
“It’s okay to sever ties with your parents who sold you. It’s your choice as the victim. But we can’t just let them die, can we?”
“…”
I took Zebeline’s hand.
As expected, her soft hand trembled pitifully.
How scared and tormented she must be.
It was a pain that only she could truly understand.
I couldn’t share her burden equally, but I could help her overcome it.
Therefore, to help Zebeline completely move on from her past, I decided to accept the Holy Kingdom’s challenge.
“Why are you going so far to help me? You said you wouldn’t interfere…”
“Because I care about you, of course.”
“Hmph. You probably said the same thing to that old maid. She’s an easy woman who falls for sweet talk.”
“…I won’t deny it.”
Zebeline chuckled and shook her head at my honest confession.
You’re hopeless.
She muttered, her plump lips curving into a smile.
The saintess with flowing silver hair wrapped her arms around my neck and stood on her tiptoes.
“!”
I felt her soft lips press against mine, her sweet scent filling my senses.
Her eyes were closed gently.
Her cheeks were flushed a delicate shade of pink.
Gazing at her beautiful face, I realized we were kissing.
I responded to the First Saintess’ kiss, wrapping my arms around her slender waist. Zebeline’s body felt warmer than ever, even through her robes.
“Hng, mmh…!”
I deepened the kiss, guiding her inexperienced lips.
It was hot.
And soft, and moist.
My tongue explored her mouth, teasing her teeth, and Zebeline’s shoulders trembled as she let out a heated moan.
“Fu, haa…!”
We broke apart simultaneously, ending the passionate kiss.
A silver thread of saliva connected our lips.
Zebeline’s face, flushed with desire, was more alluring than ever. I gently kissed her rosy lips, wiping away the stray saliva.
“Are you really going to the Sanctuary?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. But… I’m going with you, Edan.”
“…”
Going together?
Was she planning to accept the Holy Kingdom’s scheme?
It was dangerous.
There was no telling what might happen at the Sanctuary.
As if sensing my unspoken concern, Zebeline declared her resolve with a determined look in her eyes. I nodded, respecting her decision.
???????
I’m going to play along with those Holy Kingdom bastards.
It was practically a declaration of war.
No,
It was a declaration of war against those who worshipped the One True God.
Ludmilla, as if she had anticipated this, responded calmly.
“So, you’ve chosen the thorny path?”
“Yes.”
“I’m truly sorry. If only I hadn’t lost control to the Calamity of Tyranny… My resurrection gave them an excuse to act.”
“The cardinals of the Sanctuary are deliberately provoking the Calamities. Even without the recent incident, they would have eventually targeted us.”
War. Tyranny. Famine.
All the Calamities of Harmlessness, except for Death, which was on the verge of resurrection, were now gathered.
We had to prevent their complete resurrection.
The Holy Kingdom’s forces were desperately trying to protect the One True God’s throne.
This was war.
The Earth Mother and the Calamities of Harmlessness.
The Creator God and the Calamity Gods, who had waged countless wars for the throne of the One True God, were once again preparing for an all-out battle.
Perhaps this was their inevitable fate.
‘I doubt even the author expected the Calamities of Harmlessness he created to shake the world to this extent.’
The Calamities of Harmlessness were originally just a concept created to explain the Demon King of Death, the ultimate source of evil in the novel.
As proof of this, none of the other Calamities, except for Death, appeared in the story.
The Red Dragon of the Empire was the Calamity of Tyranny.
And the White Dragon of the Holy Kingdom was actually the Calamity of Famine.
It was probably just a plot twist the author came up with to surprise the readers.
However, this impulsive decision had now escalated into a catastrophic event that threatened to destroy the world.
How absurd.
Was this what they called the butterfly effect?
“Ludmilla, I’ll start preparing to depart for the Sanctuary.”
“Yes…”
As the second princess of the Valtarian Empire, I couldn’t openly wage war against the Holy Kingdom of Gael.
The Empire, along with the Holy Kingdom, worshipped the Earth Mother as the One True God.
Therefore, Ludmilla, who had awakened as the Apostle of Tyranny, had to be excluded.
“Before you leave, go see Liza and Rue. They’ll be worried if you disappear without a word.”
“Of course.”
I nodded, thinking of the beautiful villainess and the mischievous fairy.
We’re going to attack the Sanctuary.
I wonder how they would react if I told them the truth.
Elizabeth would probably be shocked and horrified. And Rue would tilt her head in confusion, her expression adorable.
“Well… maybe the Holy Kingdom just wants to mend fences. So, you don’t have to worry too much.”
“You know better than anyone that’s not the case.”
I chuckled awkwardly at Ludmilla’s response.
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