Chapter 19
The saintess's carriage raced on without rest for days, finally arriving at the royal capital. As the group disembarked, Ian couldn't help but gush.
"As expected of a magic carriage. No need to rest, minimal fatigue, no strain on the horses..."
They shot him looks that screamed, 'This guy's at it again.' If that doesn't make sense, picture a guy who just bought his first car—constantly marveling at its features, washing it daily, bragging excitedly to anyone without one about how amazing it is. The problem? Ian was way overdoing it. Even Ju Cheong-ah, who treated her husband's words like gospel, was starting to look weary.
"Ah, yes... Right, dear. Hehe, I see. Yes, it's truly impressive."
Now she was just letting it go in one ear and out the other. Only Dina, among them, still sparkled with interest at his words.
"Oh, Yeonja truly loves this magic carriage!"
Anyway, upon arriving at the royal capital, they handed the carriage over to the waiting servants. Sierra led the way to Aria's office.
"Ian, just a heads-up: no magic carriage talk in front of Aria."
"Huh? Come on, I'm not a kid. Why would I brag about that? Oh, speaking of which..."
"Yes, yes, I'm listening, Yeonja."
"Dina's the best, as always."
"...Sigh."
Sierra shook her head with a sigh. During the walk here, Ian had been sparkling like a kid with a new toy. Had she somehow picked up the wrong child? She'd learned that arguing was pointless—it just hurt her throat.
"Hey, sorry about my husband. He's normally fine, but magic tools turn him into a total nutcase."
"Nah, it's okay. When you love something that much, it happens. You have my sympathies."
Even the usually brash Bella was apologizing on his behalf. Cheong-ah bowed her head too.
"...We're truly sorry about our husband."
"No, no, Cheong-ah."
Reaching the office, Sierra glanced back. Thankfully, Ian's magic tool rant had finally stopped. She knocked.
Knock knock.
"Who's there?"
Aria's voice came from inside. Sierra replied formally, unlike her usual tone.
"It's Sierra, Your Highness Aria. I've brought adventurer Ian and his party, as you requested."
"Ah, Sierra? Come in."
Sierra opened the door. Inside, Aria's desk was buried under piles of documents, her hands busy at work. She paused as they entered, standing from her chair.
"You're here. It's been a while since we've met like this."
"It's been too long, Your Highness Aria."
Ian had nearly said "Princess," but remembered she was now the official crown princess and used Sierra's phrasing.
"Enough of that—call me Aria as usual."
"Ah, should I?"
The greetings continued. Bella went first. As a former princess herself, a friend to Aria, and someone with their own subtle dynamic, she waved casually.
"Hey, Aria. Long time no see."
"Tch, why'd you tag along?"
"What're you saying? My husband's going, so of course I follow."
"...Husband. Hah. Unbelievable."
Aria snorted in disbelief, but her eyes held a subtle glint—the remnant of her past confession to Bella, which had been rejected. Bella just shrugged. She was straight, not into women. Ian noticed Aria's gaze on Bella but decided not to care. No reason for jealousy; Bella could handle it.
Aria's eyes then drifted to Bella's right arm.
"That arm's still holding up well."
"What, you think it'd have issues?"
"Tch... Still no intention of telling me about it?"
"Nope, you bitch. It's a secret. Stop prying."
"Fine, whatever. Figured as much."
"Good, then whatever. Got any booze? You knew I was coming—should've prepped some."
"...Tch. Damn you. No. Get lost."
Aria clicked her tongue and turned away from Bella. Next was Cheong-ah.
"Hello, Lady Aria."
She bowed stiffly—a natural courtesy from a foreigner. She wasn't representing Yuldo, and as Ian's wife, she had no need to bow, but Aria nodded welcomingly, knowing this.
"Ju Cheong-ah. Doing well? I heard there was a big crisis in Durumil."
"Moderately. The crisis... well, my husband was so incredible."
"...I see."
Aria had hoped to chat more, but Cheong-ah had little common ground or interest, so it fizzled out.
One left.
"And..."
The last was the little girl, a bit shorter than Ian's waist, clinging to his side. Sun-tanned skin, impish Dina.
Dina thrust out her hand first, grinning like she was the superior offering a shake to an inferior.
"Pleased to meet you! Long time no see!"
"Ah... yes, long time."
Aria overlooked the rudeness, as before. She ignored pretenses if skill was real. They shook hands.
"Sorry, Lady Aria. Our Dina is a bit..."
"No, it's fine. Didn't I say before? I don't care for formalities."
"Thank you."
Ian thanked her nonchalance. Aria then asked casually,
"By the way, I recall Dina's full name being different. Haven't heard that one. Mind if I ask?"
"Ah, that. Dinaria el Rasad."
"El Rasad?"
"Hm? Did you call this one?"
"Ah, well... Is your family name truly... el Rasad?"
Dina laughed aloud, turned back to Aria, looked up, and nodded.
"Yes! Dinaria el Rasad it is!"
Aria's relaxed expression froze, turning icy in an instant.
"So, it is el Rasad."
She muttered lowly. Dina tilted her head.
"Is there a problem with this one's family name?"
"No, nothing. Just thought I'd heard it somewhere."
"Oh? Understood."
But as befitting a crown princess, Aria quickly masked it with a smile— a glimpse of her competence.
"Ahem, have a seat first. Something to drink?"
Aria sat on the office sofa, gesturing for Ian and the others.
"So, really no booze?"
"...No."
"Lame. Whatever."
"Just simple tea for me, please. Black tea if possible."
"Black tea? Got it."
"Ah, cool water for me, if possible?"
"Fine."
"Water for me too."
"Warm cocoa for this one. Oh, and two glasses of cold water like Yeonja!"
"Got it. Sierra, sorry, but could you ask the servants outside?"
"Ah, sure. Okay."
"Thanks."
Aria thanked Sierra, then turned to Ian for the main topic.
"To business, Ian. Sierra explained on the way, right?"
"Ah, yes. Something about the saintess looking for me."
"Right. Just to check—no ties to the Holy Nation?"
Ian shook his head firmly.
"None at all."
"Hmm... No memory loss or anything?"
"No way. My memory's fine."
He was confident—unaware he'd forgotten his recent goddess encounter during his power-up in Soboro Territory.
"Hmm... Any guesses why the saintess wants you?"
"Nope."
Naturally. Unless cursing the goddess in tough times counted as blasphemy.
"Understood. Well, I called her here since you arrived..."
Knock knock. A woman's voice from outside.
"It's Ashera. I heard you called."
"Ah, come in, Saintess."
The door opened, and in walked a woman clad head-to-toe in white, her face veiled by a thin cloth—no skin exposed. Saintess Ashera. She glanced around the room, pausing briefly at Dina—so fleeting no ordinary person would notice.
"My, guests."
Her gaze locked on Ian, lips curving faintly under the veil.
"Pleased to meet you, Saintess Ashera—"
"Promiscuous bitch...?"
Dina stared at her with wide eyes.
"...Who're you calling a promiscuous bitch, you dimwit?!"