After a fierce battle between humans and the demonic beasts came to an end, the princess had no choice but to remain at the castle and reorganize the troops.
Though they had managed to repel the Third Elite Army led by Luciphra, the damage they suffered was also severe.
It was the greatest loss they had faced since the princess took command of the army.
The castle was so overcrowded that even after filling the interior to capacity, the military camps stretched far beyond the castle walls.
For the Sage, this was also an opportunity — a chance to accumulate virtuous deeds and drastically increase both the quantity and quality of his “Annihilation Saint Qi.”
Thus, once again, he gave up food and rest, reducing his sleep, as he went from tent to tent personally healing the soldiers wounded by the demonic beasts’ cursed energy.
“Thank… you…”
“Don’t mention it. We must help one another in difficult times. Try moving your arm , let’s see if you’re really all right.”
The soldier’s arm, which had been on the verge of being torn off, was miraculously restored as if nothing had ever happened.
The soldiers, who had once mocked and sneered at the Sage for saying the demonic beasts were like family to him, began to change their attitude bit by bit, moved by his kindness and virtue.
How could they not be?
The very man they’d once considered an enemy was now pouring all his energy into healing them without eating, resting, or sleeping.
Moreover, his healing power far surpassed that of the priests of the Holy Church — even the Saint herself would have to admit his superiority.
In fact, saying she’d need to yield not just one step but three, four, or even five steps wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Then there was his overwhelming strength in the battle against Luciphra, the army’s commander.
Luciphra, who had fought the princess to a stalemate, had been utterly overpowered and humiliated by the Sage, slammed to the ground like a mere child’s toy.
Yet when healing, the same Sage humbled himself, speaking respectfully to even the lowest-ranking soldiers.
How could they help but feel both reverence and respect for him?
“If you ever feel uncomfortable or unwell, please don’t hesitate to find me.”
“Y-Yes, sir…”
After healing all the wounded soldiers in the tent, the Sage stepped outside — only to find someone trailing closely behind him.
“Why are you following me?”
He asked.
At some point, the Saint had started sticking to him like a shadow.
With a gentle smile and a playful tone, she asked back, “Why? Am I not allowed to follow you?”
“Well… there’s no real reason you can’t…”
Like a child following a parent, she had been attached to him all day, and truthfully, it was starting to feel a bit cumbersome.
The Saint knew she might be being a bit of a burden — but she couldn’t help it.
The day the Sage had first appeared before the remnants of the defeated army, it had begun as simple curiosity.
Which constellation did he serve?
Which noble house was he from?
How could someone possess healing powers greater than her own, the Saint of the Holy Church?
That curiosity soon turned into admiration as she saw his unmatched prowess on the battlefield and his selfless dedication to healing the soldiers afterward.
Just being near him filled her with warmth and happiness.
His mere presence seemed to soothe her heart and mind — and the more time she spent with him, the more she wanted to stay by his side.
The Sage had that kind of quiet, comforting allure — a subtle charm that made you feel calm and safe, as if you’d found a gentle haven.
“Do you have a reason for doing all this?”
She asked.
“A reason?”
“Most people who push themselves this hard usually have some kind of motivation — a personal story or a turning point. Of course, if you don’t want to talk about it, I understand…”
“…A reason…”
The Sage fell silent, gazing up at the full moon, half-veiled by drifting clouds.
It had already been five years since that day — the day of the great massacre.
Four of those years had been nothing short of hell.
He had started his training to become the “Moon Saint” simply because he wanted to survive.
Ever since the Phoenix had been sealed within his body, all he could do was endure — desperately clinging on to avoid losing his mind and his very self.
That was the only reason.
But by pushing through those torturous years, he had eventually managed to awaken both the “Moon Saint Qi” and the “Annihilation Saint Qi” through his own efforts.
Though he had lost all the divine power bestowed upon him by the Star of the Holy Sword, Carberios, there was a certain satisfaction in knowing he could now overpower even noble-born wielders of divine energy — and defeat a figure as mighty as a demon army commander.
Of course, compared to his master’s “Moon Saint Radiance” and “Annihilation Saint Radiance,” his abilities still fell far short.
But at the very least, he wouldn’t be beaten black and blue in a fight — and that was good enough for now.
Still, he couldn’t afford to grow complacent or slack off in his training.
Because within him still lay the Phoenix’s spirit.
If he failed to become one of the “Celestial Seats” and perished instead, the catastrophe of that day would erupt across the entire continent.
Every time he faced the princess, the Phoenix would rage within him, making his mind reel and his head throb.
At the last funeral…When he went to treat the defeated soldiers.
“…”
Right before the battle with the demonic beasts…And even at this very moment…“There you are.”
“You’re still awake, Your Highness?”
“I couldn’t just sit idly by. I wanted to thank you again for your help, Sage.”
Violeta bowed her head in gratitude.
Frankly, he didn’t care for thanks — he just wanted her to leave as soon as possible.
“If you’re done talking, please just go, Violeta…”
<“You lowly wench who dared to reject me as your master! Release me from here at once!!”>
“Ugh…!!”
Suddenly, the Sage staggered, his body nearly collapsing to the side — only for the Saint to catch and support him just in time.
“Are you… okay?! What’s wrong?!”
“Why this all of a sudden, Sage?”
The Phoenix, which had been lying dormant, would always go into a frenzy whenever Violeta was near — screaming and raging inside his mind.
Thanks to his “Annihilation Saint Qi” and “Moon Saint Qi,” he could barely maintain his composure and keep the Phoenix suppressed.
Normally, he would have been able to endure it with ease — but the exhaustion from days of overwork had taken its toll, leaving him with internal injuries.
“Ah, it’s nothing. I must have overexerted myself.”
“Of course. If you were perfectly fine after all that, you wouldn’t even be human. I’ll help you back to the tent.”
“I’ll help too,”
The princess, who had been standing in front of them, reached out to support him as well.
“No…! There’s no need, Your Highness.”
The Sage gently declined her outstretched hand.
“It wouldn’t be proper for the princess to be seen supporting a subordinate. What would people think?”
“Ah… I suppose you’re right…”
“I believe the Saint’s assistance will suffice.”
All the princess could do was watch from behind as the two of them walked away together.
The Saint held onto the Sage’s hand and arm, determined to support him all the way to the tent in the beast encampment.
“You can let go now, Saint. I’m fine.”
“Hm?”
“I feel a bit better now. Thank you for helping me.”
“No, you’re not fully recovered yet.”
“…What?”
The Saint suddenly interrupted him with a sulky voice, tightening her grip on his hand.
“You just look fine temporarily. You definitely haven’t recovered completely.”
“But I have recovered. Really.”
“Are you doubting my words right now? Have you forgotten who I am? I’m the Saint of the Holy Church — renowned for having the greatest healing powers in the Empire!”
“…Aren’t my healing powers better than yours, though?”
When he pointed out an undeniable truth, the Saint froze for a moment as if her brain had short-circuited, then stammered awkwardly.
“Th-Th-That… still…! If I say you’re not fine, then you’re not fine! Now come on! We’ve got a long way to the tent. What if you collapse again on the way?”
“You have a point.”
A new voice suddenly chimed in, making both the Sage and the Saint turn around.
Standing behind them, wearing an amused smile, was the Moon Saint.
“Master…”
“I came all this way to see my dear disciple, but it seems I’ve been pushed aside for a new woman.”
“I’m Lumienne Herkaen, Saint of the Holy Church.”
“I didn’t ask for your name.”
The Moon Saint’s playful expression vanished, and her sharp eyes turned toward Lumienne.
“What I do want to know is what exactly your relationship is with my disciple.”
Lumienne wasn’t one to back down and stared right back at the Moon Saint.
“And why is that any of your concern?”
“Because everything in this world requires justification.”
“…Justification?”
“Yes. Justification. And I’m quite curious about what justification you have for holding my beloved disciple’s hand so affectionately.”
Lumienne was baffled by the way this mere teacher was trying to control her student’s life as if she were his parent.
“Disciple. I’d like to hear it from you directly. Tell me — what exactly is your relationship with this woman holding your hand?”
“Uh… well…”
Relationship?
Did they really have one?
They’d only met a few times.
“We’re not really… anything… OUCH?!”
Suddenly, a sharp jab from the Saint’s thumb dug into his side with terrifying force.
“Did you hear that? My disciple says you two have no relationship. So why don’t you let go of his hand and kindly return him to me?”
The Moon Saint, grinning with satisfaction, approached and forcibly separated the two, intertwining her own fingers with her disciple’s.
Lumienne stood there, her face filled with frustration as she struggled to keep her temper in check.
And the Moon Saint?
She was clearly enjoying every second of it.
“Oh my! My dear disciple, the Saint wasn’t entirely wrong — you do seem terribly weak.”
“Huh? No, I’m really—”
“Ah-ah. Talking back to your master? That’s a bad habit, my dear disciple.”
Though she was speaking to the Sage, her eyes stayed locked on Lumienne, clearly provoking her.
“Your hand is so cold… Your body must be far from recovered. I suppose I’ll have to take care of you — just like the good old days.”
“W-Wait— Not that—!”
Seeing the Sage, usually so composed and confident, suddenly trembling like a frightened kitten made Lumienne wonder.
“The good old days? What on earth did she do to him back then?”
“Don’t worry, my dear disciple. Just trust in your master and follow me.”
Ignoring Lumienne’s burning gaze, the Moon Saint whistled happily as she dragged the reluctant Sage toward the tent.
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