Chapter 443: A New Enemy Joins the Battlefield in Thirty Seconds
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 443: A New Enemy Joins the Battlefield in Thirty Seconds
Liya was still dressed in the same holy, ethereal gown as before, but the majesty of a Saintess had begun to manifest in her features, bolstered by the Sacred Crown resting upon her head.
Ariel had felt a sense of trepidation upon seeing Liya again. Though she didn't believe their deep bond would wither after a mere month apart, the position of Saintess was simply too high, too distant. She hadn't been there to walk that final path with her, and so a small part of her feared that a tragic, impenetrable wall might have risen between them.
But the moment they embraced and she breathed in that familiar scent, Ariel’s heart finally settled.
Liya was still Liya—the same sweet, kind-hearted girl. A throne as lofty as the Saintess’s could not change her in the slightest.
And Ariel herself was still the one "closest to the moon," the childhood sweetheart who stood nearest to her.
As for that flash of mature allure Liya had shown during their playful scuffle just now... perhaps that was the growth one had to undergo to reach the pinnacle of the clouds.
Liya... has had it rough.
Ariel felt a pang of sympathy for the hardships Liya must have endured over the past month. She secretly wiped a stray tear from the corner of her eye and pulled Liya down to sit.
"By the way, Liya, can you tell me what happened this past month? I’m really curious about the details of how you became the Saintess."
"Of course! I’m curious about your month too, Ariel. I didn't expect you to become so powerful in such a short time."
After a long, exhausting day, Liya seemed genuinely happy to indulge in this long-overdue chat with her best friend.
However, before she began, she looked at Ariel with a hint of apology.
"It’s just... regarding the specifics of my ascension..."
"What is it?"
Seeing Liya hesitate, Ariel felt a sudden, sharp sense of déjà vu. It was exactly like watching a certain bastard prattle on in front of her.
Sure enough, Liya parted her pink lips and uttered those two words:
"It’s classified."
"..."
Ariel fought to keep her eye from twitching.
"I’m sorry, Ariel. I’m not trying to hide things from you on purpose," Liya said, grabbing Ariel’s hand and apologizing profusely. "But since you aren't part of the Church’s clergy, there are many things I simply cannot disclose."
"It’s fine, it’s fine." Ariel recovered quickly, flashing a bright, easy smile. "I don't mind."
As she spoke, she squeezed Liya’s soft hand and shot a provocative glare at Muen, who was standing nearby.
So what if you have 'shared secrets' because of Church regulations? Look at me—I can hold Liya’s hand. Can you?
"..."
Muen rubbed his nose, pretending not to see Ariel’s provocation.
"Where should I start? Let me think... Oh, right, let’s start with the forest. Ariel, listen, I saw a giant octopus in that forest..."
Unaware of Ariel’s petty triumph, Liya began her long-winded tale. She glossed over the heavy parts, choosing lighthearted anecdotes while doing her best to downplay Muen’s involvement to prevent Ariel from sensing the true nature of their relationship.
"Wait." Ariel suddenly cut her off.
"W-what’s wrong?" Liya jumped, worried she had slipped up and let something slip.
But that wasn't it. Ariel simply turned her head to look at Muen, who was trying his best to fade into the background, and tilted her chin up.
"How can we have a private chat between best friends with an outsider present?"
Ariel put a heavy emphasis on the word "outsider."
"Well..." Liya hesitated.
"Fine, fine. I’ll head out for a bit and take a walk," Muen conceded. He didn't mind at all, raising his hands in surrender to Ariel’s "I win" look.
Then, while Ariel wasn't looking, he shot Liya a "let's talk tonight" look. He caught Liya’s playful, "I don't know what you mean" wink in return, then hummed a little tune as he strolled out the door.
It was already evening, but the weather was pleasant. The evening breeze swept through the sunset clouds, which rolled magnificently across the horizon.
"Come to think of it, I haven't really relaxed once this whole month."
Muen stretched his limbs and couldn't help but rub his lower back.
Fortunately, no matter how powerful Liya’s Holy Light was, she was still just a young girl... no, a young woman. He could still handle her. Actually, it was just one little Liya—easy, no pressure at all.
*
While Muen was humming and wandering through the Holy City, a sneaky figure was cautiously navigating the Emiel Cathedral.
Using the fruits of several days of reconnaissance, the figure successfully dodged the passing nuns and clergy. He was on the verge of reaching the cathedral exit, where a carriage waited to whisk him out of the city.
Excitement flickered in his bright, beady eyes. He had endured so much for this moment, and finally, he was about to—
"Oh, what a coincidence, Pink Bear. It’s getting late; are you heading out too?"
"..."
The Pink Bear froze mid-stride. The voice coming from the carriage didn't belong to the coachman he had hired.
It belonged to...
"The cathedral isn't a monster’s den. Why are you acting so suspicious?"
The carriage curtain was pulled back, revealing a flawless, beautiful face that studied him with a meaningful gaze.
"Or rather... have you done something bad again?"
"...B-bad? What are you saying? Do I look like the type of person who does bad things?"
Under that habitually gentle gaze, the Pink Bear weighed his options. Ultimately, he chose not to run and obediently climbed into the carriage.
Opposite him sat the woman who no longer held the title of Saintess. Though she had returned to the status of a commoner, she still sat with a straight back and elegant posture, leaving the Pink Bear momentarily dazed.
"About that..."
Noticing his gaze, Latina looked down and habitually smoothed her skirt, ensuring it rested neatly against her thighs.
"It’s a habit. Even though I said I wanted to let loose—and I haven't given up smoking or drinking—I spent twenty years in that role. Some things become second nature. Whenever I’m in front of people, I do this instinctively."
"Is that so..." The Pink Bear’s eyes flickered.
"Let’s not talk about that. We haven't finished our conversation from before. Don't think you can change the subject." Latina rested her cheek on her hand, staring at him with a smile. "You were in such a hurry; I thought you might have swiped some silver from the Church during the Holy Communion to sell for your precious cigars and photo books."
"Nonsense!" The Pink Bear immediately puffed out his chest in indignation. "I am a member of the imperial family! How could I ever stoop to such petty thievery—"
Before he could finish, an exquisite vessel slipped out of his leather suit due to his violent movements. It clattered and spun across the floor, coming to a stop at Latina’s feet.
"..."
The two stared at each other in silence for a moment. The Pink Bear cleared his throat and, without a hint of a blush, stuffed the vessel back into his suit.
"Ahem... buying books... it’s not stealing. How can you call this stealing? This is 'robbing the rich to help the poor.' This is a protest against the Church’s extravagant decadence!"
"...Fine. That was originally meant to be your reward from the Church for your help. Otherwise, did you really think you could just walk out with Church property?"
Latina finally cut off his shameless rambling, unable to take it anymore.
She wasn't truly angry; the man had been this shameless twenty years ago. All this time had passed, and aside from hiding himself inside that ridiculous suit, he hadn't changed a bit.
She, on the other hand, had been subtly changed by the position of "Saintess."
So why was she annoyed?
The carriage began to move. Latina pulled back the window curtain, her gaze sweeping over the familiar Holy City.
"You really wanted to sneak away alone, just like twenty years ago?"
"What do you mean 'sneak away'... My business with the Church is done. The Academy students have already headed back with the other teachers, and that Ariel girl has been found... I’m just going back where I belong."
His reasoning was sound, but his voice grew weaker and weaker until it was barely a mumble.
Latina didn't let him off, staring directly into his eyes. "Are you really that afraid of an old woman who doesn't have many years left?"
"Old woman?" The Pink Bear’s lips curled into a silent smile. "If you’re an old woman, then what am I?"
"Oh, right. Seeing you in that ridiculous suit all day, I almost forgot you’re the same as me—an old-timer with one foot in the grave, Uncle."
Latina turned back to the window. "Wait for me for a few days. I’m going back to Belland with you."
"Huh?" The Pink Bear froze. "What did you say?"
"I said... I’m going back to Belland with you." Latina gave him a half-smile. "How many times do I need to repeat myself?"
"W-why?" The Pink Bear could barely get the words out.
"Do I need a reason? I’m not the Saintess anymore. I can go wherever I want. Besides..." Latina’s eyes reflected the passing lights of the city as she spoke softly. "Didn't you always tell me what a wonderful place Belland was? Naturally, I want to see it for myself."
"But..." The Pink Bear fell silent for a moment. "It hasn't been very 'wonderful' there lately."
"Is that so?" Latina glanced at him. Suddenly, she raised her leg and planted her slender foot firmly into the Pink Bear’s stomach. The soft suit buckled inward. The Pink Bear’s eyes nearly bulged out as he struggled for breath.
Latina watched him squirm and smiled. "But you’ll protect me, won't you, Uncle?"
"...Ugh... I will... I will..."
The weeping Pink Bear had no power to resist. Under the "tyranny" of the wicked woman before him, he chose to submit.
Damn it, that kick was strong enough to kill three elephants. Am I even qualified to protect her? he grumbled inwardly.
"Good."
Seeing his submission, Latina tucked her shapely legs back under her skirt. The Pink Bear’s eyes tried to follow the movement, but before he could get a good look, the carriage jolted to a halt.
"This is..." the Pink Bear asked, confused. "Come to think of it, I haven't asked what you’re doing here."
"Handling some business."
"Business? Aren't you retired?"
"Even so, Liya has only just taken office. As her teacher, I need to help her out with a few things. Besides, this matter concerns you, which is why I brought you along."
"Concerns me?" The Pink Bear pointed at himself, even more bewildered.
"Exactly." Latina nodded. "Specifically, because the activities of the Evil Gods have become increasingly frequent lately, His Holiness the Pope has decided to bring together the various anti-Evil God organizations from different nations to exchange experience and intelligence. Ideally, he wants to establish a unified front centered around the Church."
"And the most famous organization on the continent dedicated to handling Evil God incidents, aside from the Church, is..."
The Pink Bear suddenly understood.
"Correct. Your Empire’s Silence Bureau."
Latina nodded and stepped out of the carriage.
At the same time, another figure stepped down from a different carriage nearby. The two women greeted each other with polite grace.
"Hello. I am the representative of the Church, the former Saintess, Latina."
"Greetings. I have heard much of your fame."
Standing before Latina was an exquisite woman with long hair tied loosely and draped over her chest. She had a beauty mark beneath her eye, and her eyes curved like crescent moons as she offered a gentle, charming smile.
"I am the Acting Sword Bearer of the Silence Bureau—Anna Kabulin."