CHAPTER 40
“Captain? Is something wrong?”
Raphael couldn’t take his eyes off the familiar back. He was sure it was Louisa, and it even felt like their eyes had met—but maybe she didn’t see him.
If it weren’t for the curious voice beside him, he might have chased after her and asked. But the timing wasn’t right.
“…It’s nothing.”
Maybe I’ll ask her later—whether she went out today.
Would she find it annoying and pry into why I’m asking? That might be a bit interesting, actually.
…What the hell am I thinking?
Raphael’s delicate brow furrowed. Maybe he was just so busy lately that his mind was foggy. He figured it’d be best to finish up quickly and go rest.
“Captain, you don’t need to be so formal with me. You keep using honorifics.”
Despite the cheerful voice consistently at his side, Raphael’s eyes stayed fixed forward.
“This is more comfortable.”
“Oh, I see. I wouldn’t want to pressure you if it’s uncomfortable. Sorry…”
Her voice clearly shrank. Raphael’s gaze briefly flickered to the girl, whose fluffy, cloud-like hair drooped as if she were dejected. Anyone would think she looked pitiful.
But there was no warmth in Raphael’s cold eyes as he looked down at her.
A mysterious girl who had suddenly appeared from the eastern region.
A girl who could miraculously purify corrupted sanctification tainted by demonic energy.
And soon to be designated as the new saintess.
A commoner who had lived in a small mountain village barely inhabited by people was suddenly being prepared to become a saintess.
Nobles who once looked down on her arrogantly would soon bow before her, and the temple would treat her like a treasured jewel.
But to Raphael, even if she was considered a miracle to the Empire, she stirred no particular emotion. It didn’t feel significant to him.
At most, he just thought, If the number of monsters decreases because of her, that would make things easier.
Maybe the North will be a little more peaceful. Safer.
In that moment, Raphael ran a hand through his hair in irritation, brushing off the thought, and quickly erased his expression.
“Saintess.”
“Oh! I haven’t even been officially appointed yet—calling me ‘Saintess’ is too much. Please just call me Bella.”
“Then, Miss Bella.”
“You don’t have to add ‘Miss’ either…”
Bella mumbled, deflated. From the first time they met, Bella had always shown a cheerful demeanor with a wide range of expressions. She seemed cute and lovable to others—but she left no impression on Raphael.
Rather, he kept thinking of a different woman—one who rarely showed emotion, and nowadays didn’t even bother hiding her disinterested expressions.
“I can escort you to the women’s clothing shop, but I won’t be able to accompany you any further. The knights following behind will stay with you from that point on.”
“Huh? You’re leaving early?”
“Yes.”
“Oh…”
Raphael’s firm response, cold enough to sting, cast a cloud over Bella’s previously bright expression.
“I do feel reassured having you with me, but I can’t keep troubling someone as busy as you.”
“The other knights are highly capable. You’ll be fine.”
“Oh! I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. I was just… a little disappointed, that’s all…”
Worried he might’ve misunderstood and thought she was belittling the knights, Bella quickly tried to explain.
But when she looked into his icy blue eyes, her words naturally faded, and she couldn’t even finish her sentence.
“I’ll inform the knights. If there’s anywhere you’d like to go, please feel free to let them know.”
“…Okay.”
Her weak voice trailed after Raphael’s retreating shadow, as if trying to cling to him.
Gaunt cheeks, sunken eyes, a body that looked like it would collapse if nudged. Louisa stared in shock at the man in front of her.
“…Baron Albert?”
“Haha, Lady Louisa. It’s been a while.”
“Are you feeling unwell?”
He looked worse than the first time they met…
“I guess I’ve been pushing myself too hard lately because work’s been so fun. Must be why I look like this. But I’m perfectly healthy—cough, hack…”
“…Please sit down and drink some water first.”
No wonder the product was selling so well—he was practically shaving years off his life to make it. Louisa looked at the trembling hands of Albert Rosé with pity.
“Baron, are you planning to just work for a short time and then quit?”
“W-What? No! I’d never think that!”
“Then why are you pushing yourself like this? You, more than anyone, know that you can’t keep going like this for long.”
“I wanted to repay my benefactor even a day sooner. And achieve greater success just a little faster. But…”
Albert Rosé gave a weak smile as his eyebrows drooped.
“…I realize now how short-sighted that was. Actually, I’ve started cutting back on work recently. My complexion is better now because of that.”
If this is “better,” then before he was basically half-dead.
He’s smart when it comes to business but frustratingly stubborn in every other way.
And then he kept calling her a benefactor. She’d told him over and over that they were just business partners and that he didn’t owe her anything, but he still thought that way. It was exhausting.
She was selfishly motivated by fear of losing a valuable business asset and source of income early—but he was genuinely concerned for her. That made her feel even more uncomfortable.
Kind people only end up being treated like pushovers. It’s better to just be selfish…
“You didn’t go to the hospital?”
“What hospital? I just need some rest.”
“You always complain about being sick but think rest will fix it? I even gave you money for hospital bills! You could’ve gotten a checkup… Wait, Mom—don’t tell me you gave it to my brother again?!”
“Oh, shut it! So what if I did? Think you can act high and mighty just because you make money now?”
“Act high and mighty? I’m paying the rent and groceries! And this isn’t arrogance—it’s basic concern! I told you to go to the hospital!”
“You talk back to your elders now? Where’d you learn that disrespect?!”
“Oh my, you’re home? Honey, just let it go. You know how sensitive she’s always been.”
“…Hah.”
“That’s the problem! Girls act out the second you let them feel confident. No money in this house, and she’s still got an attitude. Speaking of, hey—do you have any savings?”
“…Why?”
“What’s with that glare? I said come here. Ugh, that attitude… Listen, your brother says he’s got a business plan that’ll definitely succeed this time. I think it sounds good, too. Might invest with him.”
“…I’m insane, aren’t I?”
“What?”
“I don’t care if you starve or drop dead—handle it yourselves. I’m leaving.”
“You little brat! Get back here! Hey!!”
Her mind flashed back to her past life—a pushover who tied her long, unkempt black hair and foolishly worked day and night just to hand over her hard-earned money.
Only when she was on the verge of death did she realize how meaningless it all was. She finally tried to spend money for herself—but it was far too late.
It wasn’t even that similar a situation now, but just hearing the word pushover brought back that unpleasant memory. When will this memory finally fade?
Louisa sighed deeply, rubbing her face as if washing away the memory.
“Hoo…”
“L-Lady Louisa! I promise to keep my word from now on!”
Albert Rosé, seeing the unexpectedly heavy atmosphere, fidgeted nervously. Louisa had warned him not to overwork himself repeatedly, but he had gotten greedy and ignored it.
He needed to earn his business partner’s trust, but he’d been the first to break it. As the disappointment weighed on him, he also felt complicated emotions from Louisa’s genuine concern.
People say she’s vicious and selfish—what nonsense!
As his wine business brought him into more contact with nobles, he heard more rumors. Even though Louisa was way up North, she always seemed to be at the center of gossip.
How could anyone say such things about someone this kind…!
Albert Rosé silently prayed that people would see the real Louisa. He prayed harder for that than even for the success of his wine—a thought that would’ve made Louisa foam at the mouth if she’d heard it.
A brief silence passed. Albert nervously glanced at her while Louisa sipped her herbal tea to calm her thoughts.
“…Originally, I wanted to meet you to discuss a new product, but judging by your condition, it looks like that’ll have to wait.”
As soon as Louisa spoke, Albert’s face lit up—only to be hit with shock.
“A new product?! W-What is it?!”
“It’s nothing. Just focus on resting for now.”
“Lady Louisa… I promise I’ll keep my word from now on. Trust is essential—even in the little things. I was careless. So please…”
He looked like he wouldn’t sleep unless he knew. Louisa sighed and relented.
“What do you think about adding bubbles to the wine?”
“Bubbles?”
“Like champagne. Not exactly, of course—it’d be a sparkling wine. We currently have dry and sweet versions, but I thought adding a refreshing style could be interesting.”
