Chapter 60
Arteon hesitated briefly before continuing.
“The Eve family learned the imperial family was involved in Jeffery’s disappearance. Fearing repercussions, they withdrew their commission and retreated to their estate.”
“!”
Kaiden steadied Reina as she staggered.
“Are you alright?”
His voice was laced with concern. Reina nodded faintly.
It was the imperial family again.
She could hardly grasp how deeply the Emperor had meddled in her life.
A flurry of thoughts converged into one:
I can’t forgive him.
Reina could never forgive the Emperor or the imperial family.
Suppressing her mounting anger, she asked, “You continued investigating on your own?”
“Yes.”
“Any progress?”
“There were dangers, but I was fortunate to meet a collaborator, which led to some breakthroughs.”
“A collaborator?”
At her question, Arteon placed something on the table—a badge adorned with a pure white wing and a golden shield.
It was the emblem of the Holy Nation, a sacred realm untouchable even by the Empire’s Emperor, ruled by the Pope.
The badge was a pass granting access to the Holy Nation—and this golden one signified the rare privilege of meeting the Pope himself.
That Arteon possessed such a badge, given only to a select few chosen by the Pope, was astonishing.
To think his collaborator was from the Holy Nation was even more shocking.
Alfredo, recognizing the badge, gasped and demanded, “Young Master, how do you have this?”
“I borrowed it.”
“You didn’t steal it, did you?!”
“I said I borrowed it! Don’t you trust me, Manager?”
“When have your actions ever inspired trust?”
As Arteon and Alfredo bickered, Reina toyed with the badge.
Isadal
A name was inscribed on it—likely the person helping Arteon investigate Jeffery’s disappearance.
Who could they be?
Why were they searching for her brother?
Curiosity stirred within her for this stranger.
It was an indescribable feeling.
Arteon spoke again. “I’ll entrust this to you, Your Highness.”
“What?”
“I hear the Holy Nation is quite close to the North. Please deliver it to the priest and hear the full story from them.”
In other words, he couldn’t share more without their permission.
Kaiden said, “Sounds like a sacred vow.”
“They’re a very thorough person,” Arteon replied with a shrug, indirectly confirming it.
Indeed, he hadn’t directly named his collaborator, only showing the badge.
Reina fidgeted with it. As Arteon said, the Holy Nation was relatively near.
She wanted to leave immediately, but a diplomatic delegation was due to arrive soon.
Don’t rush.
She calmed herself.
Finding a lead on her brother was already something to be grateful for.
It felt as if the Saintess herself had answered her prayers.
With a pure, radiant smile, Reina said, “Thank you. For not forgetting my brother and searching for him.”
Her sincerity brought a shy smile to Arteon’s face, a ticklish feeling rising at the praise.
He stood up. “I’m the one who’s grateful. I owed your brother a debt.”
“…”
“If you ever need our company’s help, contact any branch. I’ll assist however I can.”
Arteon bowed sincerely and left, with Alfredo quietly following.
* * *
Part 6: The Delegation
News reached Crensia Castle that a diplomatic delegation led by Michael had entered the North.
Checking the telegram, Kaiden muttered in surprise, “It’s true.”
“What is, Your Grace?”
“Nothing.”
Kaiden brushed off Ben’s question, staring out the window.
“Michael will soon lead a delegation to the North under the pretext of delivering a gift.”
“His purpose?”
“Primarily to spy on the North, and to probe my abilities. The Emperor entrusted him with a sacred relic.”
“A sacred relic? I heard those are imperial treasures.”
“Yes. The relic Michael’s bringing can detect a divine beast’s powers. With it, hiding my abilities will be difficult. The Emperor likely planned this.”
“Isn’t that dangerous? You said you didn’t want the Emperor knowing your powers.”
“True. So I plan to deceive the relic.”
Reina had replied calmly, stroking Ritsi.
Despite the looming crisis, she seemed remarkably composed, as if she’d anticipated it all.
At times, she acted like a seer, predicting moves ahead.
It was uncanny, as if she’d lived the future.
Kaiden rose and headed to a familiar place.
Reina was seated before the Sacred Tree, reading a book.
Ritsi, ever her shadow, perched on a branch, preening its feathers.
Since their Oath, Reina often came here to rest, drawn to the tree’s warmth.
Kaiden could sense she cherished this spot.
Focused on her book, she didn’t notice his approach.
Ritsi spotted him first, circling the tree excitedly.
Chirp.
Despite Ritsi’s noise, Reina remained engrossed.
Kaiden sat beside her, clearing his throat. Only then did she notice him.
“Kaiden, when did you get here?”
“Just now. I’m a bit hurt, though. Your face says I’m interrupting your reading.”
“No way.”
Reina chuckled, closing her book.
“Here again?”
“I feel at peace here. What brings you? Weren’t you busy today?”
“The delegation has entered the North. As you said, Michael From Mernie is leading it.”
So they’re here.
Having foreseen their arrival through Ritsi, Reina wasn’t surprised.
As she gazed at him, Kaiden continued, “Is he really bringing the relic?”
“Absolutely.”
Reina answered calmly, raising her hand. Ritsi fluttered to her fingertip.
Looking into the innocent bird’s eyes gave her courage.
When she’d first met Ritsi, she realized she might deceive the relic.
Unlike the majestic bird that appeared when her powers manifested in the past, this tiny sparrow lacked any grandeur.
Ritsi’s abilities went beyond foresight.
It could see invisible energies, emotions, auras, mana.
This ability worked even without life force, which Reina had used when blind.
Since regaining her sight, she hadn’t tapped into it.
To fool the relic, she wouldn’t need foresight, just this ability.
Especially with Ritsi in its current unassuming form.
Come to think of it, I haven’t used it since my regression. Will it still work?
* * * * * * * * *
Note:
Dear readers, I apologize for the delay in updating, but I am struggling with the narrator. I can only provide one or two chapters myself, and I may not be free every day and forget, so I do not find enough to publish. I hope you understand.
Thanks for your dedication in bringing us this story 😍💘💕