Chapter 163 "Saintess Eve Arcadia..."
"Saintess Eve Arcadia..."
"Yes. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Ashytara nodded awkwardly at Eve's clear smile.
"Yeah, it has. But could I ask what brings you here?"
"No particular reason... I just saw you after so long and felt happy about it. Ortara's full of strangers, so running into a familiar face feels nice on its own."
Eve spoke with surprising innocence. But Ashytara knew all too well what lurked inside that girl.
"Ah, I see. I thought you might have some business. So, no real purpose, right?"
Ashytara hid her discomfort behind a bright smile. She couldn't show outright dislike. Eve was here representing Abaran for the exchange event, after all.
Thus, Ashytara's smile conveyed her true feelings as clearly as words: She thought I came for business, but if not, please leave.
Eve kept her smile despite Ashytara's attitude.
"Of course. We don't need a reason to meet, do we? When you visited Abaran two years ago, I had such a great time. Didn't you, Princess?"
"Of course I did."
Her smile hid lightning in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Ludenberg pondered how to act. A figure with countless reported incidents stood before them. But her social status was too powerful to ignore outright—it could lead to unnecessary trouble.
Ashytara held immense status as a legitimate Solenute princess, true. Yet if she unilaterally refused Eve's conversation, backlash was inevitable.
They needed an excuse to withdraw. The problem? None readily came to mind. She seemed to have sought them out deliberately. "Just happy to see you" rang false.
Ludenberg racked his brain. One thing was clear: lingering would invite complications. He had no patience for someone who disgusted him just by standing there—like facing an erosion beast.
"Anyway, we have urgent business. Hope to see you again."
"What urgent business? As far as I know, you don't have anything right now."
"Oh? Well, you just arrived from Abaran to Ortara, Saintess, so naturally you wouldn't know. We're already part of Solemnute's student council. We have duties to attend to."
Before Ludenberg could improvise, Ashytara provided the perfect excuse. The issue? Eve persisted in prolonging the talk.
Eve's eyes narrowed ever so slightly—a change only the sharpest eyes would catch.
Tsk. Struggling to escape needlessly. I've delayed proper introductions with my real target because of this.
Realizing her mistake amid the spat with Ashytara, Eve turned to Ludenberg.
"Student council! So the gentleman beside you too? Ah, how rude of me. I didn't even introduce myself right next to you. Sorry. I'm Eve Arcadia, humbly serving as Abaran's saintess."
"Ludenberg Lavante."
He replied in a remarkably calm tone. He had no intention of being overtly rude. Just evade if possible. Eve hadn't done anything to him yet.
No need to provoke someone harmless into creating an enemy. Unless she schemed against him or Ashytara—then he'd act without mercy. Ashytara was always his top priority.
"Lavante! I've heard so much. Especially from our holy knight captain Blaine, who praised your house endlessly. Meeting you in person is a thrill."
Eve reacted like seeing a legend, extending her hand. Ludenberg shook it reflexively.
A chill raced through his body, cold sweat prickling his skin. He hid it, not wanting to escalate.
"Such a firm grip. Traces of grueling training. How old are you?"
"...Seventeen."
"Same age as me, and already so impressive. A true heir to a proud knightly house."
Eve deliberately avoided Ashytara's gaze, aiming to exclude her entirely. Small actions built great meaning.
"You're too kind."
As their hands parted, Ludenberg regained composure.
What was that feeling just now...?
Something like an invisible grasp reaching out.
Watching closely, Eve marveled inwardly.
Good lord. He resisted it?
She had subtly invoked the ability awakened when she heard Arcada's voice—the power to amplify goodwill toward herself. It was why she commanded overwhelming support as saintess. Most succumbed instantly.
But Ludenberg resisted.
Only the devoutly faithful usually do. And he doesn't even serve a god?
His ironclad mind repelled even strong temptations. It only made her crave him more.
What to do? He's growing on me... but not easy. Any way around it?
Her current image with him was likely the worst. He seemed close to Ashytara Princess.
Then why not shift perceptions among his other associates, excluding her?
It seemed plausible even to her. Humans were webs of relationships; support from his friends could soften his view. A crack might open a path.
Good plan. First, scout his circle. Skip that woman.
Turning to Ashytara, Eve noted her disgust—visibly worsened by the handshake.
Can't hide it at all. Not cut out for politics. Yes, keep showing that side, Princess. Persistent dislike wears down even the tolerant.
Eve now preferred Ashytara's open rejection.
If I play the saintly role perfectly, his preconceptions will fade. He'll tire of her negativity toward me.
As Eve spun her schemes, Ashytara—fed up with facing her—suddenly hooked her left arm around Ludenberg's right.
"...Tara!?"
Ludenberg startled at the sudden contact. His unflappable face flushed red.
Ignoring him, Ashytara declared to Eve amid her fantasies.
"Anyway, we really must go now. Take care, Saintess. Lud, let's head out. Can't delay any longer."
Eve watched them hurry away, realizing her schemes were futile.
This'll be much harder...
Seeing the boy's face turn crimson in seconds—despite his usual stoicism—confirmed it.
Still, Eve didn't abandon her pursuit. Her gaze grew hungrier.
"Tara, hold on."
"Just follow quietly."
Ashytara showed a side Ludenberg rarely saw—clearly angry.
He knew better than to speak, so he stayed silent.
Dragging him to a secluded spot, she unlinked their arms. Then she grabbed the hand Eve had touched.
"...Tara? What are you doing?"
"Wiping off the filth."
"..."
He stared at her, bewildered. Undeterred, Ashytara kneaded his hand vigorously, as if purifying it from grime.
"Damn her. Who does she think she is, touching Lud? Tsk, I knew it."
Her muttered curses sounded downright menacing.
Ludenberg stayed quiet. An angry Ashytara was hard to soothe; silence was best. He shared her urge to wash away the unease lingering in his palm.
She kept at it for a while. Finally relaxing, her expression softened.
Noticing, Ludenberg spoke softly.
"Tara."
"Yeah?"
"Like you said... something's off about that woman."
"What?"
"When she grabbed my hand... an indescribable chill ran up my spine."
"A chilling sensation?"
"Yeah. Something dangerous... Yeah, dangerous fits. Not sure, but we should stay away."
"...Knew it?"
"Yeah. But."
"But?"
"Your hand on mine..."
"Uncomfortable?"
"No, not uncomfortable."
Ashytara looked up at him. His usually impassive face was noticeably red.
Her eyes widened, then a deep smile spread.
"Then I'll keep going a bit longer."
"...Do as you like."
Gazing down at her, Ludenberg could only reply that way.