CHAPTER 278: CHAPTER 278: THE SAINT’S REST

Noel and Elena walked down the quiet corridor of the hotel until they reached the room where Charlotte was staying. Redna opened the door for them, her expression calm but firm. Inside, Charlotte was resting on the bed.

The Sancta Veil wasn’t active this time — her real appearance was visible. Her long pink hair spilled over the pillow, and her golden eyes blinked slowly as she pushed herself upright. She still looked exhausted, but unmistakably herself.

Redna glanced at Noel and Elena. "I’ll leave you three for a while. She needs company more than guards right now." Without waiting for a reply, she stepped out, closing the door gently behind her.

The room grew quiet again. Charlotte smiled faintly despite the fatigue. "You came..."

Noel stepped forward, pulling a chair close to the bed, while Elena lingered by his side. "Of course, sorry for being late," he said simply.

Noel sat down in the chair beside Charlotte’s bed. Elena stood close, her hands resting lightly in front of her, watching both of them with quiet eyes.

Charlotte tilted her head, her long pink hair falling to one side. Even tired, her smile carried that usual openness. "So? How do I look? Like someone who aged ten years overnight?"

Noel raised an eyebrow. "More like someone who pushed herself too far. You shouldn’t be moving at all right now."

Charlotte chuckled softly, closing her eyes for a moment. "Says the one who never rests. Don’t act like you’re different."

Elena spoke up, her voice gentle but steady. "Redna has been taking care of you. Everyone knows what you did. They’re grateful."

Charlotte opened her golden eyes again, looking at Elena. "And you? Did you get some rest? You look like you’ve been running on fumes too."

Elena blinked, caught off guard by the directness, then nodded slowly. "A little. Enough to manage."

Charlotte’s gaze moved back to Noel, warmer now. "And you? Did you at least sleep?"

Noel leaned back slightly in the chair, crossing his arms. "I tried. Hard to switch off after everything that happened. But I did manage, eventually."

Charlotte’s smile widened a little, teasing. "Good. Can’t have my boyfriend collapsing before the tournament ends, can I?"

Noel let out a low sigh, shaking his head lightly. "Always so direct..."

Charlotte gave him a playful grin. "Would you rather I lied?"

"I like the way you are."

Charlotte rested back against the pillows, her eyes half-lidded but still shining faintly. "I won’t lie... it was hard. Using that much power, over and over, felt like tearing myself apart. But when I saw the marks disappear from their skin, the relief on their faces..." She let out a small breath. "It was worth every second."

Noel leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. "Still, you shouldn’t push yourself like that. You can’t save anyone if you collapse."

Charlotte chuckled softly, her golden eyes locking onto him. "Look who’s talking. If there’s anyone who throws themselves in too far, it’s you, Noel."

Elena nodded quietly, her hands folded in front of her. "She’s right. Each of us helps in different ways. You fight, I help, Charlotte blesses. We all share the weight. You don’t need to carry it alone."

Noel glanced between them, and for a moment his expression softened. "Thanks, but I just don’t like watching either of you burn yourselves out."

Charlotte’s smile widened, but it was gentle, not teasing this time. "That’s because you care about us. But caring doesn’t mean keeping us from doing what we’re meant to do at least me with being the Saint. We chose this, Noel."

Elena stepped closer to the bed, her voice calm. "And we’ll keep choosing it. Because we’re with you."

Charlotte looked at her, then back at Noel. "See? You’re stuck with us, no matter what."

Noel let out a quiet laugh under his breath, shaking his head. "...I guess there are worse fates."

Both girls smiled at that, and for a moment, the exhaustion in the room didn’t feel so heavy.

The visit stretched longer than they expected, quiet conversation filling the room. Eventually, Noel rose from the chair, brushing the wrinkles from his clothes. He looked down at Charlotte, who was leaning against the pillows, her pink hair falling over her shoulders.

"You should rest," he said firmly. "Don’t push yourself right now. Let Redna handle things until you’re strong again."

Charlotte tilted her head, smiling faintly. "Don’t worry so much. I’m not planning on running a marathon anytime soon."

"That’s not the point," Noel replied, crossing his arms. "You’ve already done more than enough."

Charlotte chuckled softly. "Funny, coming from you. If anyone ignores limits, it’s Noel Thorne. Should I remind you of how many times you’ve collapsed in front of us?"

Elena covered her mouth with her hand, holding back a laugh. "She’s not wrong."

Noel sighed, shaking his head. "You too, Elena?"

Charlotte’s golden eyes sparkled, teasing. "See? I’m not the only one saying it. You need us as much as we need you."

Elena stepped closer, her tone gentle. "Just rest, Charlotte. We’ll handle the rest for now. You’ve already done something no one else could."

Charlotte’s smile softened. "Thank you. Both of you."

Noel moved toward the door, pausing for one last glance. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day."

"I’ll be here," Charlotte said, waving lazily. "Go cheer for your drunk dwarf friend. He’s going to need it."

Elena laughed softly. "We’ll see you soon."

Noel nodded once more before stepping into the hall with Elena at his side, the muffled sounds of the waking hotel surrounding them. Balthor’s coronation would change everything.

As they stepped out of the hotel, the cool morning air brushed against Noel’s face. He adjusted his cloak, eyes narrowing at the distant sound of bells echoing through Tharvaldur’s streets.

Elena walked beside him, her long hair catching the light. "Do you think Balthor’s really ready for this?"

Noel let out a slow breath. "Ready or not, it’s his turn. Let’s hope the ginger beard does all good."