Part 2, Chapter 4
Part 2, Chapter 4
Translation: godsn
In her past life, the Saintess's existence became known across the continent around the time Medeia and Iason were part of the expeditionary force.
"A Saintess has appeared in Kazen! The Goddess's Representative has finally returned to this land!"
Overjoyed, the Holy Kingdom came all the way to Kazen to escort Rachel, who had awakened her Holy Power.
Meanwhile, Medeia—having returned from the expedition—was wholly preoccupied with Perdiccas II's struggle for the imperial throne.
She transferred the credit for slaying the Mad Dragon to her husband, cementing his status as a hero,
and by leveraging both her brother's influence and her homeland's power, she ultimately placed Iason upon the imperial throne.
"Dea, just wait a little longer. Once the palace stabilizes, I'll come for you and Rian. You'll become this empire's Empress."
Since their union hadn't been formally pledged, Medeia couldn't yet be entered into the Imperial Register and had to remain outside the palace walls.
When Iason finally ascended the throne, Saintess Rachel came to Kazen—
to bestow her blessings upon the new Emperor.
Remaining in the imperial palace by virtue of her status as Saintess, she grew close to Iason.
With her harmless beauty, she charmed the expeditionary force and swiftly won the hearts of the empire's people.
And before long, an Oracle descended.
A divine decree stating that Emperor Iason's sole companion could only be the Saintess.
"Medeia, you have to understand. I have no choice. We cannot defy the Oracle."
Before Medeia could even react, Iason accepted the Oracle. Under the pretense of divine will, they bound her so tightly she couldn't move a muscle.
And so, Rachel became the Empress of Kazen.
With her second child, Lea, still in her womb, Medeia was forced to witness their wedding ceremony.
"Long live Her Majesty Empress Rachel!"
"The savior who delivered Kazen from crisis and brought the Goddess's blessings!"
All the sacrifices Medeia had made for the expedition and the imperial succession were erased in an instant by Rachel's presence.
Thus did Rachel usurp Medeia's rightful place—
as Empress of Kazen, as Iason's companion.
But it seemed even that wasn't enough for her.
Rachel corrupted the reclusive guardians who served as Rian's protectors and had the boy poisoned.
Before the bloody tears she shed while clutching her firstborn's lifeless body could even dry, arrows came flying for her second child, Lea.
If Iason had used Medeia before the veil, Rachel had targeted her from behind it.
As if they were mortal enemies, she sought to strip Medeia of everything—
her achievements, her glory, her family.
Why? How?
How could a Saintess, a woman chosen by the gods, be so vicious?
There was no time to ponder such questions. Medeia's past life had been nothing but a war to prevent herself from being robbed of everything.
'And in that war, I lost.'
In the end, having lost both children and ultimately her own life, it was undeniably Rachel's victory.
Medeia stared at the woman before her. A glint of light swirled within her emerald eyes.
'Why... has it changed?'
The place where Rachel first awakened her Holy Power and was revered as the Saintess should have been the Kazen Empire.
But in this life, she had appeared not in Kazen but in Valdina. The greatest divergence from their past lives was unfolding right before Medeia's eyes.
"On our way to Valdina, we informed the Holy Kingdom of Miss Rachel's awakening through the temple. The Holy Knights will soon arrive in Valdina to escort the Saintess."
Unaware of Medeia's turmoil, Dianzel's voice was bright with excitement.
And why wouldn't it be? The Holy Kingdom had long awaited the Saintess's return.
With the empire's impending proclamation ceremony on the horizon, news of this miracle occurring within Valdina's borders would once again draw the continent's attention to the kingdom.
"......"
Meanwhile, Medeia stood perfectly still, utterly silent. Far from sharing in Valdina's once-in-a-lifetime auspicious joy, she showed no change in emotion whatsoever.
Yet beneath that expressionless face, no one could tell she was biting the inside of her cheek, barely maintaining her composure.
"...Your Highness the Princess?"
An uncomfortably prolonged silence had settled.
Dianzel belatedly turned to look at the still-silent princess. The wise princess was someone he respected and served with loyalty equal to that shown to the King.
"What was the name you mentioned?"
The low voice that flowed out carried a slight edge.
The woman hesitated. Though Dianzel had introduced her as the future Saintess who would soon receive the Holy Nation's welcome, the princess maintained her formal address. It seemed the princess's pride, as unyielding as her dignified posture, had been pricked by what she perceived as the woman's presumptuous appearance.
This kind of check was familiar. The woman let a natural smile grace her lips.
"...It's Rachel."
The woman smiled gently as her eyes met Medeia's.
"You must be Her Highness Princess Medeia? I've heard so many wonderful things about your beauty and wisdom from Commander Dianzel and the Agema knights..."
Her warm voice, the kind that could effortlessly melt even a stranger's wariness, spread like sunlight.
"But seeing you in person, I realize those praises weren't exaggerated at all. You're truly beautiful."
The woman looked kind and lovely as she spoke. Her benevolent eyes, filled with genuine admiration, resembled clear amethysts.
It seemed no villain in the world could find fault in those jewel-like eyes.
"Even a country bumpkin from the boondocks like me knows of Your Highness's fame. They say Valdina's prosperity is all thanks to Your Highness's efforts."
"......"
"And with His Majesty cherishing you so, he could venture into the magic beast-infested plains with peace of mind. No matter what might happen, he knew Your Highness would steadfastly guide the kingdom's affairs."
Rachel gave a slight smile.
Behind Medeia, Neril furrowed her brow.
Though this so-called Saintess's words were clearly filled with sweet compliments, something about them felt unsettling.
'Claiming Her Highness guides the kingdom's affairs—any outsider hearing this would think our princess covets His Majesty's throne.'
Valdina was already sensitive to throne usurpation after Regent Claudio's rebellion.
Even those well-acquainted with the sibling bond between Pelleus and Medeia would naturally grow wary of Medeia upon hearing such words.
Afraid her displeasure toward the Saintess might show, Neril lowered her gaze.
Meanwhile, Medeia continued staring silently at Rachel as if deaf to her praises, then asked:
"You mentioned the boondocks—where exactly are you from?"
Despite the abrupt question, the picture-perfect Rachel showed no offense as she answered.
"As Commander Dianzel mentioned earlier, I hail from a small village in the Orphio Mountains south of the plains. It's not large, but it has such pure—"
"The Orphio region was once under Kazen's rule."
Medeia cut Rachel off.
"Then it's difficult to consider you truly Valdinan. Having been born and raised in what was Kazen's vassal state, you'd find it hard to truly grasp why His Majesty had to personally venture into the magic beast-infested plains."
"......"
"Because whether it's the plains or here, all are lands and people that Valdina must protect."
Rachel seemed momentarily at a loss for words before her delicate eyebrows drooped gently.
"Please forgive me. It seems my thoughtless words have upset Your Highness."
Her beautiful violet eyes quickly welled with moisture.
Under the princess's unrelenting pressure that made no attempt to hide its chill, it seemed all her courage had finally evaporated.
Medeia gazed down at her impassively.
"Not at all. I merely pointed out that commoners can only see from a commoner's perspective."
"......"
The atmosphere grew icy.
Commoner? Was this not a pointed remark about Rachel's rural origins?
This wasn't the first time the princess had calmly dissected matters point by point. But her targets had always been villains before.
People were startled by the princess showing no deference to the Saintess's dignity, yet none dared intervene rashly. Even Pelleus paused at his younger sister's uncharacteristically alien demeanor.