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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Simzy
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Atop the towering magic tower, the Sage gazed outwards, manipulating his secretary’s body with mana strings as she reviewed documents, her face and ears flushed crimson. A knock echoed through the room.
“Enter,” the Sage granted.
A man entered and began his report. “Unrest continues to be reported in the Kingdom of Astria.”
Astria. The nation currently locked in a power struggle with the Empire. The conflict between the two countries was a long-standing one, documented extensively in history books.
“Elaborate.”
“Rumors circulate of Astria amassing troops and conscripting a large number of mages. Moreover, they are attempting to contact the notorious outlaw. Astria is…”
The subordinate’s report continued, painting a picture of impending war. Having lived for centuries, the Sage had witnessed countless wars.
“Also, during our investigation into Astria, I came across a concerning piece of information.”
“What information?”
“The Hero… Lina Knightly… is said to be from Astria.”
“…”
Lina Knightly was known as the Hero chosen by Elena. For the Hero to be from Astria, of all places… The relationship between the two nations was incredibly strained, yet the Goddess Elena had chosen a Hero from Astria. Something felt amiss.
There must be something I’m unaware of. The Sage had met Lina once. Her unwavering gaze and dignified demeanor didn’t seem like those of a spy or a liar. But it was also true that Astria was clearly preparing for war.
“What could Elena be planning…?” he mused. It wasn’t common, but there were times when the Sage struggled to comprehend Elena’s intentions. The workings of a goddess. He hadn’t investigated further for that very reason.
His biggest concern right now was his brother, Kerry. May peace be with the Hero’s party and my brother. The Sage gazed outwards, his eyes shimmering with an almost divine light. His subordinate, sensing his thoughts, quietly exited the room, leaving him to continue his… activities with his secretary.
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Meanwhile, in the Saint’s garden, the nobles gasped and stared wide-eyed.
Who was the Saint?
A powerful figure who commanded respect even from the Emperor and the Pope, the spokesperson of the Goddess Elena. And that Saint had just been slapped. Hard. The resounding smack echoed through the garden. Some nobles, aware of the Saint’s true nature, worried about the potential repercussions.
“Apologize… apologize to Kerry right now!”
Lina demanded, her voice raised. Kerry had never seen her so assertive, so vehemently demanding an apology on his behalf. He was honestly a little touched.
I could have just let it go… Of course, he was angry, but he had his own ways of dealing with it later. But it wasn’t a bad feeling to have Lina get angry for him.
The Saint’s eyes widened in disbelief. She touched her cheek; it stung. It had been a long time since she’d been struck. The pain was a relic of a past she didn’t want to revisit. And the Hero before her had just dredged it up.
Perhaps she was too stunned, or perhaps her anger had transcended into an unsettling calm. The Saint remained composed as she applied healing magic to her cheek.
“Do you… do you even understand the implications of your actions, Hero?”
The Saint and the Hero. The Saint was the Goddess’s spokesperson. Then what was the Hero? The savior sent by the Goddess to redeem a troubled world. Both were key figures in the Church of Elena, the dominant religion of the Empire.
The Hero was the first in history, making a direct comparison of power difficult, but their position within the Church was no less significant than the Saint’s.
“I asked if you understand what you’ve done!” the Saint roared, finally losing her composure. The reality of the situation seemed to be hitting her now.
Lina flinched. You were doing so well! Don’t back down, Lina! But it seemed difficult for Lina, given her trauma. Her voice was quieter now.
“…I know exactly what I’ve done. I’m defending the honor of a comrade who was insulted. That’s all. And I repeat, apologize for the insults you directed at Kerry.”
Lina was confronting her trauma head-on. So cool, our Lina.
“…”
The Saint glared at Lina, who didn’t flinch.
When we first met… she couldn’t even meet my eyes!
But Lina couldn’t back down now. Kerry’s honor was at stake.
“Hmph. I suppose this social gathering must end here. Everyone, please leave. I have matters to discuss with the Hero…”
“No! The gathering will end after you apologize in front of everyone. Everyone, stay where you are.”
“Must you really go this far, Hero?!” the Saint raged, trembling with fury, as if she’d never experienced such humiliation before.
The nobles in attendance were caught in the crossfire. The Saint’s position was high, but the Hero couldn’t be ignored either. No one knew what influence the Hero would eventually wield in the Empire, but in a nation where the majority followed the Church of Elena, it certainly wouldn’t be insignificant. The nobles, unsure of what to do, hesitated.
“I said the gathering is over! Can’t you hear me? Disperse!” the Saint yelled again.
“The gathering will be dismissed after everyone hears your apology!” Lina retorted, refusing to yield. She knew that if she backed down now, there would be no further opportunity for Kerry to receive an apology.
“…Are you truly choosing to antagonize me? For that lowly man?!”
“He’s not a lowly man!”
“A commoner is lowly! What’s so great about him?”
Lina gritted her teeth. A fierce aura emanated from her, ruffling her carefully styled hair and clothes. Startled, a few nobles collapsed onto the ground.
“I’ll ask again. It seems the Hero doesn’t quite grasp the situation. Antagonizing me is no different from antagonizing the Goddess Elena. Are you truly willing to defy the Goddess Elena for this man?”
“How arrogant of you, Saint, to compare yourself to Elena. But whatever the case, it doesn’t concern me. I’m not even a follower of the Church of Elena!”
He remembered hearing something similar before, when he was first invited to the Goddess’s temple. The mystery of why Lina, a non-believer, was chosen as the Hero remained unsolved.
“How brazen, Hero. Even if you aren’t a follower of the Church of Elena, you must be aware that Elena is showing you favor.”
“…”
Lina remained silent, seemingly speechless.
Elena is showing Lina favor… That’s useful information. Tell me more, Saint.
“That’s irrelevant. I’m merely demanding a proper apology for your rudeness.” Lina’s stubbornness was formidable. Even Victoria and Natasha couldn’t sway her.
But seeing her like this, Kerry almost wanted to step in and tell her to stop. That’s enough, Lina. You’ve done enough.
But Lina continued to glare at the Saint, her eyes blazing. The Saint’s face contorted with rage. That’s not the face of a Saint. She’s a complete villainess.
“Hmph! You’re so low-class, I can’t be bothered. Do whatever you want with the gathering. I’m returning to my chambers. And Hero! You will regret this day.”
Yeah, you’ll be the one regretting this.
The Saint turned sharply and walked back towards the mansion.
“W-wait… you haven’t apologized yet!” Kerry grabbed Lina’s wrist. It was enough. Unless Lina held a knife to the Saint’s throat, she would never apologize. Considering Lina’s earlier aura, he thought she might actually do it.
“Lina, it’s okay. What happened here means nothing to me.”
“But…”
“It’s enough. You’ve defended my honor sufficiently.”
The nobles, now filled with fear, looked on. They wouldn’t dare breathe a word of this. If bad rumors about the Saint spread, the Inquisition might pay them a visit.
“…If you say so, Kerry. And I apologize to all the ladies and gentlemen present.” Lina bowed politely to the nobles, who waved their hands dismissively and scurried away. Serves them right.
…But if this is how it ends, how will I give her the Star of Bondage necklace? He had essentially come here to give the necklace to the Saint. This was problematic.
Just then, he saw Natasha and Victoria rushing towards them in dresses.
“Husband!”
“Kerry!”
Where were they? Lina also appeared out of nowhere. He had to admit, Natasha and Victoria looked stunning. Natasha wore a red dress that complemented her fiery hair, matching her vibrant personality. Victoria wore a white dress that accentuated her curves, making her look alluring. I want to lift that skirt and have her right now.
“Husband! Husband! Sob, sob, sob. I missed you so much! Why are you so late? You promised to come quickly!”
“I’m sorry, Natasha. I had a lot to do.” Who knew there would be so many opportunities for sex?
“Kerry, I’m glad you returned safely. I was worried something had happened when you were late. Be on time next time.”
“I will, Victoria.”
He was glad the nobles had all left. He didn’t have to show them this embarrassing scene. As expected, all nobles except Victoria are annoying.
“Thank you as well, Lina. I was surprised. I’ve never seen you so angry.”
Lina, finally realizing she had overreacted, blushed.
“I-it was only natural. A comrade’s honor… is precious.”
“Honor? What do you mean? Who insulted Husband?”
“Who dared insult my Kerry?”
“Who’s your Kerry?! Husband is mine!”
I should stay quiet for now. If he told them what happened, they might storm off to confront the Saint.
He signaled Lina to stay silent, and she nodded. After calming down Natasha and Victoria, who were burning with curiosity, they returned to the inn. He felt a slight pang of disappointment seeing them change back into their regular clothes, but they couldn’t wear dresses in the inn. Lina had even removed her makeup. She’s beautiful without it too.
“Now tell us. I need to know what happened to Husband.”
“I want to hear it too.”
“…”
Kerry decided to explain himself, carefully recounting the events, trying not to provoke Natasha and Victoria.
“I’m really fine. Thanks to Lina, there’s no issue with my reputation… Natasha? Are you okay? Don’t get so worked up. Victoria, you too? Sit down for a moment. Where are you going?!”
Kerry barely managed to stop the two women from charging back to confront the Saint. I’m the one who’s supposed to be upset, why are you two freaking out? He finally managed to calm them down after they repeatedly insisted he needed a proper apology from the Saint.
This is exhausting. I feel like I just cleared a dungeon. Kerry quickly changed the subject before they brought up the Saint again.
“By the way, where’s Grandma?”
Lina looked at the innkeeper. The plump woman replied casually, “She hasn’t left her room. She was asleep when I brought her lunch.”
Still sleeping? This lucky old woman! He was starting to think she was the one truly enjoying life, not him.
Just then, Victoria, whose rage had subsided slightly, started acting strangely. She began sending him obscene hand signals, but they were different from usual. While the motion of making a circle with her hand and inserting a finger was the same, the intensity was amplified several times. He wondered if she’d wear her finger out. It was as if she was desperately trying to convey, I’m extremely horny right now.
But what was he supposed to do? It was broad daylight, and Natasha wouldn’t leave his side. It had been ten days since he’d last had sex with Victoria. She must have been holding back.
Victoria, seemingly at her limit, continued her frantic hand signals, her finger thrusting faster and faster. Please stop, you crazy woman! Someone will see!
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