CHAPTER 190: CHAPTER 190 - THE SECRET OF SAINTESS

I slipped onto the seat beside him the moment he muttered an excited "yes" without even sparing me a glance. For an instant, I swore I saw his shoulders stiffen, as though regret already gnawed at him. A faint, amused curve tugged at my lips—so much easier than I expected.

He asked me questions, one after another, his tone casual, but I was already accustomed to giving answers on the spot. That much came naturally, molded into me from years of being the Saintess of the Holy Kingdom. My face remained composed, my tone light, though behind it all my mind spun far ahead of his pace.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a boy with dark hair, always glued to Luca’s side. His expression was sad,almost to the point of crying, but quiet. Is he in the team as well? I wondered. A soft laugh nearly escaped me. But isn’t he useless?

"Welcome to the team." The words left me smoothly, accompanied by the gentle curve of a saintly smile. A mask, as always. Inside, though, a different thought flickered. Ah... finally, he agreed.

And yet... as the words lingered, I sensed the subtle crackle of tension between them. A problem I had created—whether by accident or design. My lashes lowered to hide the spark of delight in my eyes. Well, that works for me. Problems can always be solved, and debts are such delightful chains. With a little push, Luca will owe me, and things always turn out easier when the person across from you carries that burden.

I can always ask anyone from the Holy kingdom to join the team.

But no—there was no need to play that card just yet. You don’t strike the iron when it’s lukewarm. Better to let the desperation simmer, let it grow unbearable, and then step in. At just the right time.

As we parted ways, the others dispersing in their own directions, I didn’t bother searching for teammates. That was never my intention. I had far more important matters waiting.

The academy’s pathways were quiet under the fading sun, and I walked them with measured steps, my ears straining for the faintest hint of pursuit. My fingers brushed the hem of my robe once, twice—a subtle check, a practiced habit. When I was certain no one followed, I turned into a humble corner of the grounds, where an unassuming hut stood. Weather-worn, plain. A place fitting only for a commoner.

I slipped inside.

There he was. Kneeling, still as a stone, his head lowered in quiet devotion. Professor Aldric.

"Father?" The word left me softer than a whisper, my voice carrying something rare even to my own ears.

The old man lifted his head, kind eyes shining beneath the lines of age. He rose to his feet slowly, as though the weight of years pressed on his bones, and with that same gentle voice, he chided, "Don’t call me that, your holiness. It could cause problems for you."

For the first time today, my smile was real—genuine, warm, unshackled by facades. "I don’t care," I said simply.

I told him everything. The dungeon subjugation exam, the questions, the smiles, the cracks I deliberately left between my words. He listened quietly, with that same serenity he always carried, as though my schemes and games mattered little compared to the fact that I was here, safe, unburdened for a moment.

The minutes stretched, easy and calm. Almost peaceful.

But peace was never more than fleeting.

"So," I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice, "did you find anything about that?"

His expression faltered, a shadow darkening his features. "...No."

I shook my head slowly. My lips tugged upward, faintly, though it wasn’t amusement this time. More like resignation. I turned to leave, gathering the folds of my robe in my hand.

"Can’t you let it go, your holiness?" His voice was heavy now, weighed down by years of the same unanswered plea. "You ask me that same question daily, even knowing the answer."

I didn’t reply. My silence was my answer.

By the time I stepped outside, the sky had already surrendered to night. Stars stretched wide above, cold and glittering, unreachable. My gaze lingered there, my chest tightening with a yearning I could never quite name. Reaching, always reaching—for something I could not hold.

The following day blurred into duties. Reports, petitions, endless matters of the Holy Kingdom. I sat at my desk, posture flawless, while a Holy Knight delivered his update.

"It seems that sir bishop doesn’t want you as a Saintess."

A faint sigh threatened to escape, but I held it in, letting only a slight twitch crease my lips. Of course. As if I didn’t already know the whispers, the envy, the politics. They circled me like vultures waiting for the moment my divinity faltered.

Then, my communication crystal pulsed. A faint glow, a soft chime. I lifted it, brows furrowing faintly.

Please come to the training grounds. It’s related to the team formation.

So blunt. My fingers tightened around the crystal. How rude. Although I once said I wished to be treated normally, surely that was nothing more than courtesy. Politeness. Did he truly think I meant it?

"Hmph." My lips twitched again, the smallest sign of annoyance breaking through my saintly composure.

I dismissed the Holy Knights with a wave, rising smoothly to my feet. My steps were brisk as I crossed the pathways once more, heading toward the training grounds.

Surely, I thought, he wanted to ask me if I found someone. But... There’s still one day left. Let him wait.

The sky burned faintly orange as I approached, shadows pooling beneath the academy walls. Then, I saw him—Luca’s silhouette standing tall against the fading light. Beside him, the dark-haired boy from before. And...

My breath stilled. My eyes narrowed faintly.

What’s that?

***

[Back to present]

Luca’s attention shifted as Saintess Aria approached, her familiar smile plastered firmly on her face. Her long robes brushed softly against the grass as she walked, her posture straight, chin lifted, every step measured like she was conscious of who might be watching.

But her gaze betrayed her composure. It wasn’t on him, nor on Eric. Her eyes—clear and shimmering with restrained curiosity—were fixed on the hulking figure standing a step behind them.

Of course. Anyone would stare at this spectacle, Luca thought wryly.

"This," he said, gesturing with an open palm toward the giant boy, "is Big Bull. Our fourth team member."

For the first time since arriving, her smile faltered. Her brows pinched together almost imperceptibly. "Which class... is he from?" she asked, her voice steady but carrying a faint undertone of something Luca didn’t miss. Why does she sound...displeased?

Big Bull blinked dumbly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. His broad hands fidgeted at his sides as if unsure what to do with them, his lips curving into a clueless grin.

Luca let out a quiet sigh. "Big Bull, I’m sorry."

"Huh?" The boy tilted his head, looking more confused than alarmed.

In a single breath, Luca’s saber slid free of its sheath, steel flashing as he swung with strength lowered to peak meridian saturation. The strike cut through the air with a sharp hiss, strong enough to topple a lesser fighter outright.

"Wait—what are you doing?!" Aria’s composure broke instantly, her voice sharp with alarm. She half-stepped forward, one hand raised as though she might intervene.

But then she froze.

The saber’s edge had stopped against Big Bull’s skin with a dull clang, like striking hardened steel. The boy hadn’t even blinked. Instead, he stood there with a sheepish chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Hehe... tickles."

Aria’s eyes widened so far it was a wonder they didn’t spill her surprise entirely. Her lips parted, breath caught in her throat as she stared at the unscathed giant.

"Class D," Luca said simply, sliding the saber back into its sheath in one smooth motion.

The saintess turned to him sharply, disbelief etched across her face. Her hands curled tightly around the folds of her sleeves as she stammered, "But... h-how?"

Luca lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug. Eric, beside him, smirked with arms folded, his expression saying I told you so without a word.

"Well," Luca went on, his tone shifting back to calm, businesslike ease, "now we only lack a good mage." He leveled his gaze at her, sharp enough to feel like it cut right through hesitation. "So... did you find anyone?"

Her fingers tightened against the hem of her sleeve. A flicker of hesitation flashed in her eyes before she looked away, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear to mask it. "N-no... I didn’t."

The silence stretched for a beat. Luca let out a quiet exhale, Eric doing the same with a dramatic sigh, as if the two had rehearsed it.

***

Luca looked at his team, all 5 members assembled as he thought, W-why does it look like a party made for WAR