Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 125
It was a few days later when I met the person expected to be the next ruler.
“It is an honor to meet the honorable Saintess. My name is Aura.”
The woman called Aura had healthy, tanned skin and was tall. Moreover, she wore a uniform identical to that of the knights, rather than a dress.
“Dame Aura is a knight. She is one of the few female knights, but her skills surpass those of most male knights.”
The chancellor, temporarily assuming the role of king, added an explanation.
“She is also skilled with fire and is well-regarded.”
“You praise me too much.”
Aura smiled, her bright green eyes crinkling.
“I do not speak falsehoods.”
The chancellor said, clearing his throat. It seemed true that Aura was well-liked.
“Nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine beyond measure. When I inherit the throne, I will fulfill my duties more excellently than anyone else.”
“I believe you.”
“I will repay that trust.”
Aura responded without any action or words that one might expect in front of the ominous symbol.
Of course, it was natural to be cautious because the other party was a Saintess, but somehow it felt like she wasn’t discriminating. So I asked,
“Are you okay with the Saintess having an ominous symbol?”
“It’s just a difference in eye color and hair color, isn’t it? I was taught by my father not to discriminate or hate someone over trivial matters.”
“You were raised well.”
“Thank you.”
The audience time passed pleasantly from start to finish.
“It seems you like the new ruler of the other country.”
“Yes, I do like her.”
She seemed to have everything she didn’t, but instead of feeling jealous, Irene only felt admiration.
“Then it seems you can leave here soon. When you return, you’ll be granting wishes in some cities and towns on the way.”
“Next is the west, right?”
“That’s correct.”
Sage was probably already moving towards his country.
“Sage has a quiet personality, so he’s likely different from the two previous kings.”
“Considering that, he did push me into the torture chamber quite easily.”
“It must have been because he was blinded by love.”
“Love, huh.”
Irene glanced at Burt and then turned her gaze away.
‘What is it that you feel for me?’
She wanted to ask but couldn’t find the courage to face the answer she might receive.
Whether she thought of it positively or negatively, she couldn’t figure out how to react.
* * *
Sage recently felt a growing sense of discomfort. Beyond the headaches, he occasionally experienced memory loss. When he regained consciousness, his body trembled at the lost memories.
‘I shouldn’t stay here any longer.’
The things he had once dismissed as illusions might actually be true. As his meetings with Ramiel increased, so did the instances of lost memories.
Furthermore, he occasionally felt violent urges. Considering Sage’s usual temperament, this was unheard of.
“Sage, new information has come in.”
“Come in.”
“Yes.”
“What news could have brought you here at this hour?”
“They say the king of the other country has changed.”
“What?”
The shocking news made him ask again without realizing it.
“Is Shah-Naz missing?”
“No. This time it’s different. He has committed a crime and been imprisoned.”
“A crime?”
“I hear he conspired with heretics to kidnap the Saintess.”
“Shah-Naz?”
“Yes.”
Could that really be true?
Shah-Naz was certainly impulsive and hot-tempered, but he was someone who knew his limits.
He must have known what would happen if he provoked the Saintess, who was now filled with a desire for revenge. To think he would conspire with heretics to kidnap the Saintess?
Sage moved his dizzy body and sat down in a chair.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. But then, who will rule the south?”
“I was told that Dame Aura will govern.”
Aura. Sage had never heard the name from Shah-Naz. He had mentioned that his cousin was a knight with exceptional abilities.
Yes, Shah-Naz never felt jealous, even though his cousin had talent.
Sage rubbed his forehead with his hand.
‘Is this also the Saintess’s revenge? Or is it…?’
Just as he was thinking that, more news arrived from outside. Ramiel had come to see him.
“At this hour?”