Chapter 339
Chapter 339
Chapter 339
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 339 – Huperion Wonders Why It Feels So Easy
“Our family has been faithful believers of the Goddess of Fate for generations, and we firmly believe She will grant us protection and guidance. There is no need for excessive gratitude, Priestess.”
Count Nelson Milford leaned on his cane as he spoke to the priests.
Huperion’s heart swelled with an indescribable sense of mission upon being addressed as “Priestess.”
Back in her homeland, the Hedon Kingdom, it was rare for a high-ranking noble elder to show her such heartfelt respect.
Ironically, it was here, in this foreign land, that she was treated with the utmost kindness again and again.
A brief silence filled the room. Count Milford sat in a vintage leather chair, the curtains behind him drawn. The outside light seeped through the thin dark drapes, faintly illuminating the room.
The parlor was dim and quietly private. A brass table lamp stood on a carved table, its shade painted with fairies symbolizing good fortune — they seemed to chase one another in the flickering glow, as though alive.
“Starting today, Priestess, your new identity will be that of my late elder brother’s illegitimate daughter — Miriam Milford. You are a student of our border territory’s Milford Academy of Magical Studies. After you’ve adjusted to this role, in about a week, you will transfer to the Protos Royal Academy of Magic as a third-year student.
“This identity has already been lived by a female retainer of my household for quite some time. The paperwork is all in order — you need only take her place.”
Count Milford’s gaze rested on Huperion as he explained.
He knew these three powerful sixth-rank priests would remain in the Northwestern Province for a while.
But as the Ice Witch’s disciple, Huperion would soon travel alone to the imperial capital, Helrom, where the mission was far more perilous.
Long before the Ice Witch’s request had reached him, he had already prepared this identity for Huperion himself. Even if the Branch of Annihilation tried to trace her back, they would find nothing. The identity was tied to certain family secrets, giving him ample reason to modify records as needed.
At the moment, however, the Northwestern Province was no longer dangerous for Huperion — the real danger would only come once she reached Helrom and began her core mission.
“No problem,” Huperion nodded.
Playing the part of a count’s daughter was hardly difficult for her. Back in the Kingdom of Aetherthalan, she had already studied Protos etiquette in detail.
She was confident she could flawlessly assume this new identity.
Count Milford thought for a moment, then added slowly:
“My daughter, Mishula Milford — your cousin in name — will accompany you to Helrom. She is a first-year student. She doesn’t know the details of your situation, only that she has an older sister and that I intend to officially bring you into the family.
“She has been to Helrom many times and is quite familiar with the capital. She can offer you some assistance. Of course… this may also be my personal request — should you ever be unable to return to the Northwestern Province, please take her somewhere safe.”
Count Milford’s voice carried both regret and a plea.
No matter what, he would never abandon the land his ancestors had lived on for generations. But if one day the Northwestern Province became a battlefield drenched in blood, he wished for his daughter never to return.
Priests of the Church of the Goddess of Fate were trustworthy — they could protect her.
“While you remain in Milford Territory, treat me as your uncle. The Milford family will give you every assistance we can.”
Count Nelson Milford assured her solemnly.
“I understand,” Huperion replied.
This was, in a way, Count Milford entrusting her with his daughter’s future. The Empire’s situation was clearly precarious, on the brink of war.
Though the count’s face remained stern, his tone conveyed the sincerity of a kind and noble man.
After all important matters had been settled, Count Milford rose and walked to the window.
He gazed at the distant spires of the city-state, his expression complex.
“That most prominent building is the Fortress of the Knights of Annihilation. They, like the Imperial Army, control much of the city’s intelligence and authority… but as long as you don’t deliberately provoke them, there is no problem. You need not remain overly tense while in the city.”
He turned back toward Huperion, his face serious.
“Spend these days getting used to life in the Milford Territory under the Protos Empire’s customs. Relax a little. You can go shopping with Mishula — she has been eager to meet this legendary sister of hers.”
“Mm.”
Huperion understood his meaning.
Though his words sounded casual, their weight was not lost on her.
She had already prepared herself mentally — the first and most dangerous trial upon coming to the Northwestern Province was to avoid the elite of the Branch of Annihilation and the Son of Annihilation.
Right now, those under the Bishop of Annihilation’s command were carrying out intense searches across the province, leaving no enemy escape routes unchecked. Avoiding them was her top priority before heading to Helrom.
According to the Ice Witch, the Son of Annihilation was a man like a hunting fox — once he locked onto his prey, escape was nearly impossible unless one could defeat him.
And with Huperion’s current strength, even with three sixth-rank priests by her side, she could hardly handle the Son of Annihilation — let alone the entire Branch of Annihilation, which dominated this region. Confrontation was absolutely not an option.
Only by naturally and flawlessly playing the part of a count’s daughter could she deceive everyone!
“Rest assured. I will stay sharp and make sure the Son of Annihilation never sets his sights on me,” Huperion said, clenching her fist with determination despite her nervousness.
However—
“...”
Count Milford blinked, slightly stunned.
It seemed the priestess had misunderstood his intention.
“I forgot to tell you… you’re in luck. Two days ago, for reasons unknown, the Son of Annihilation led all the Northwestern Province’s main forces to the far northern border of the Empire.
“So, Milford Territory is quite safe right now.”
Count Milford explained awkwardly.
“Just relax and enjoy yourself. I’m sure it’s the Goddess watching over you.”
Perhaps because he rarely smiled, Huperion had mistaken the atmosphere for something grave.
“Huh?”
Huperion was stunned.
The Son of Annihilation took the entire army north? She could actually spend seven days sightseeing in Milford Territory?
Wasn’t this supposed to be a deadly mission? How had the opening act suddenly become baby difficulty mode?
(End of Chapter)