Chapter 48
Her radiant silver hair, deep ocean-blue eyes, and elegant features—
The Saintess was still as beautiful as ever.
“It’s been a while, Saintess.”
The Saintess’ expression turned displeased, a look unbefitting her graceful features.
But only for a brief moment.
“It has been a while, Sir Elia.”
Perhaps conscious of the priests who had gathered around us, she greeted me with an angelic smile.
“I heard you were injured.”
She even spoke with genuine concern in her tone.
“I came to see if I could receive the Grace of Healing.”
At my words, one of her eyebrows arched briefly before settling again.
“Of course. Your arm, correct? Please, show me.”
When I held out my arm, a priest stepped forward to remove the bandages and splint.
Soon, my trembling right hand was revealed.
“Fortunately, it’s not a serious injury. As you know, I can’t completely heal it, but I can at least soothe the muscles for now.”
She spoke at length, then clasped my hand.
From her palm, a white light flared, enveloping my hand.
A warm sensation—no, cold?
“…Eek!”
As I tilted my head, the Saintess hurriedly adjusted her divine power. The cold turned to warmth.
Thanks to reading the original story, I knew—this was a mistake.
Divine power was supposed to radiate warmth.
Cold energy appeared only when the wielder was unskilled or inexperienced.
‘For a Saintess who has performed countless miracles since childhood… a mistake?’
The sweat beading on her forehead confirmed it was no illusion.
“It’s done.”
She quickly released my hand.
Just as she said, my hand no longer trembled, and the pain had eased.
“You should go now. I’m sure you’re very busy.”
It was a polite dismissal.
But I had no intention of leaving yet.
“I can’t do that. Having received the Saintess’ grace, I must, of course, express my gratitude.”
Feigning deep emotion, I said it sincerely.
“Haha… there’s no need for that.”
She laughed awkwardly, declining, but I wasn’t going to give up here.
“Then I’ll come by the temple later to offer something in thanks.”
“…Very well. We’ll receive your offering another time.”
With a forced smile and furrowed brow, she agreed.
After securing that promise, I quickly rode off to the 3rd Knight Order, knowing there would be much cleanup after the subjugation.
As expected, the 3rd Order was in chaos.
“You’re here, Commander!”
“Is your arm alright?”
Despite the busyness, the atmosphere was lively—
The second wave had ended quickly, no casualties, and more importantly…
“Commander, the way you took down that last sorcerer was amazing!”
Apparently, throwing my sword at the last moment to prevent the magic circle from completing had been a huge contribution.
Morale had skyrocketed, and my standing had clearly improved.
“Bring me all the documents that need my signature.”
I hid my embarrassment with a cough and ordered Cesare—
“Commander…”
Ilson approached cautiously.
“What is it?”
“You… have a visitor.”
I frowned. Could it be that gang of ruffians?
“If it’s Baron Mile and his lot, just throw them out without telling me.”
“No, it’s not them.”
“Then who?”
“They say… they’re family.”
Family? Michael?
“Show them to the reception room. I’ll change and be there shortly.”
I was still in my battle uniform, having stopped by the temple right after returning.
After a quick wash and change, I headed to meet them.
‘It’ll be nice to see Michael again.’
Or so I thought—until I overheard voices in the hall.
“Are they really the Commander’s family?”
“Well… thinking back on the old Commander, maybe… but still.”
“Yeah, this is a bit much.”
If it were Michael, no one would speak like that—he was every knight’s role model.
A cold premonition crept up my spine.
I dashed down the corridor and flung open the reception room door—
“You’re here, Elia?”
Lady Doris.
“Hey, brat.”
And there was Zachary, calling me by my old name.
“Hmph, you think I came here because I wanted to?”
Alongside him, the ever-petulant Ginata.
Click.
The sound of the teacup being set down felt oddly irritable.
No wonder—everyone in the room was in a foul mood.
“So you’re saying you came all the way from the estate to my workplace… just to tell me to go meet a suitor?”
I looked away from my teacup to face Lady Doris.
“Ellia, must you make it sound so hurtful? As if we’re intruders. This is all for your sake.”
I almost laughed aloud.
‘Even if it truly were for my sake, who comes to someone’s workplace just to arrange a marriage meeting?’
And, of course, this wasn’t for my sake at all—Lady Doris simply wanted to hand me over to the Melason family and leave the commander’s seat vacant.
“Lady Doris, I have no intention of meeting any suitors.”
I refused flatly.
“Tch, what’s the harm in going? Just once?” Zachary sighed openly.
I shot him a sharp glare, and he flinched.
“I mean… you could just go once and refuse after.” he muttered.
“You know how stubborn Mother is.”
…Annoying as it was, he had a point.
But—
‘No way am I having anything to do with the Melason family, especially not that villain who gets executed by Carlos in the original story.’
“So I must ask you to leave.”
I swept an intimidating gaze over Zachary and Ginata, and they immediately froze and began urging Lady Doris to go.
“Are you two serious?”
She was clearly shocked they’d side with me.
I simply smiled sweetly.
The meaning was clear: If you don’t want your gambling and affair letters exposed, behave.
The two stiffened instantly.
“Mother, let’s just go for today. Elia must be tired from the subjugation.” Ginata said reluctantly.
Lady Doris snapped her head away and picked up her cup.
“It’s useless.”
“What do you mean, useless?”
“Sir Ian is already here.”
“What?!” I was the one to exclaim this time.
Ian—the second son of the Melason Count.
“Yes,” Lady Doris smiled in triumph, “Sir Ian is waiting for you in the tea shop right in front of the 3rd Knight Order.”
A sharp ringing filled my head.
And a deep surge of anger.
‘This… I can’t just let this slide.’
