Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 79
“Do you know how many people want the power of the Saintess? The world isn’t filled with only good people.”
“I am aware.”
“Are you really aware?”
Irene felt a surge of emotion at Burt’s words. What was the point of nagging as soon as they met?
She glared at him sharply, and he let out a small sigh.
“To those in desperate need, the Saintess’ power is like a drink of water in the desert. If you’re not careful, you could be captured and lose your freedom. Some people think it’s enough just to keep you alive.”
He wasn’t wrong. She knew there were people who felt that way even now.
She wouldn’t be surprised if the king of the South or the king of the West wanted to do just that to her. Or perhaps High Priest Roxon.
So, Irene kept her mouth shut.
“And did you mention Adlen?”
“Yes.”
“Why did you reveal everything so honestly?”
“Isn’t there only one reason? We want to sever ties with the heretics and join forces with the Saintess.”
“Do you think that’s possible?”
Considering what Adlen had done, it seemed unlikely. However, she didn’t back down in the slightest.
“Isn’t it enough if we do something equivalent?”
“Equivalent?”
“Yes, if you wish, I can become a double agent for you.”
“Isn’t that too dangerous?”
“Even if it’s dangerous, it must be done.”
As Irene expressed her concern, Burt followed up with his words.
“To be honest, anyone entangled with heretics is typically sentenced to death. To escape that fate, you must achieve a comparable feat.”
No matter how saintly she was, she couldn’t just absolve someone of their sins.
“I’m prepared for that,”
Adlen replied.
How could Irene dissuade her further? She chose to remain silent.
Burt and Adlen then began to negotiate the more detailed aspects. After some time, they reached a conclusion.
If Adlen provided updates on the heretics’ activities, Burt would supply food and necessities.
“Isn’t that too dangerous? How is this different from out situation before?”
Chess interjected with a worried expression, but Adlen shook her head.
“It’s different. They are heretics, and we are not.”
Though it might become more dangerous, considering the future, this side was better.
Once everything was decided, Burt handed Adlen a token of the king.
It was a symbol of their agreement.
“Thank you. But I think it’s best for you to leave now.”
People who had witnessed the miracle were flocking to Adlen’s house to understand the situation. If they stayed any longer, they would encounter many people.
“Then let’s go, Lady Irene.”
As Irene took Burt’s hand once more, he pulled her into his embrace. When she regained her senses, they were outside the village.
They said kings possessed strange powers, and like Garan, Burt’s abilities were indeed fascinating.
“What should we do now?”
“We’ll head east along the road until we reach the village where we arranged to meet. We should get there in advance,”
Burt replied, leading a horse that was tied nearby.
“Are we traveling by horse?”
“Yes, though there’s only one. Now, if you don’t mind,”
Lifting Irene onto the horse before mounting himself.
The experience was different from when she had clung to the horse alone. With his firm chest supporting her from behind, her posture was more comfortable.
“Then, let’s depart.”
Despite carrying two people, the horse trotted smoothly, unlike any ordinary horse.
They resolved their meals with the food from Burt’s bag. The sight of numerous food items coming from a small bag was like a scene from a fairy tale. There was still-warm white bread, tender jerky, and fresh water.
“Is the food to your liking?”
“Yes, it is,”
Irene nodded and nibbled on her bread. Burt, who had been watching her, soon began eating as well. The meal ended only after a significant amount of food had disappeared into Irene’s stomach.
“Aren’t you going to eat more?”
“This is enough for me.”
Burt answered calmly and helped Irene back onto the horse. They continued their journey, alternating between resting and riding, until they finally reached their destination: the village of Chori. It was larger and more populated than the village they had initially stayed in.
Before entering the village, Burt pulled a large hood over Irene’s head.
“Identification, please.”
The guard demanded, referring to the travel passes issued by each country. Burt produced a silver pass, and the guard’s demeanor changed instantly.
“Welcome to Chori village!”
He no longer resembled the man who had been lazily standing moments ago.
“Why did he change like that?”
“Only nobles carry silver passes,”
Understanding dawned on Irene regarding the guard’s sudden shift in attitude.
“Does your companion have a pass?”
“She’s my wife.”
“Ah, I see. Then enjoy your stay in Chori village,”
The guard replied cheerfully, but Irene was too stunned to move.
“What did you just say?”