Chapter 57 : Identity

“The castle is under attack? What do you mean by that?”

I asked the butler, who wore a frantic expression.

“Moments ago, unidentified mages began bombarding the walls with magic.”

Boom!

Another deafening explosion shook the room.

“There’s no time to waste talking! The walls might not hold for long! Please, evacuate immediately!”

This was clearly a dire situation. 

Seeing his urgency, I knew I needed to act quickly and assess the situation outside. But first, I had to prepare.

I began gathering essential items.

The castle was under siege, meaning an enemy force had turned against the lord, putting everyone’s safety at risk—including ours. 

It was unlikely the enemy would spare us, as we were staying under the lord’s protection.

I couldn’t take everything, so I packed only the most necessary items.

Sword? Check. Money? Check. Anything else?

I swiftly gathered my things, grateful that I hadn’t brought much to begin with. 

For once, traveling light turned out to be an advantage.

“Have the others evacuated?”

While I packed, Bliss directed her question to the butler.

“I’m not certain. I came here immediately after confirming the attack on the walls. I haven’t had time to check on anyone else.”

“And what about the lord?”

“I believe the other servants have likely evacuated him. However, I intend to confirm this myself, just to be certain. I’d like at least one of you to accompany me, in case anything happens.”

“Understood. Is anyone else unaccounted for?”

Bliss seemed to recall something suddenly.

“Artorius! He’s still in the prison!”

Ah, right.

“Can’t he get out on his own?”

“That idiot will just sit there unless someone lets him out!”

Same reason as before, huh?

I remembered the End Church gathering when Bliss had made a similar remark. 

What’s with him refusing to use his strength? 

Is it some kind of restriction, or does he have a personal philosophy?

If it’s the latter, my opinion of him will plummet.

This world operates on the logic of strength. 

The strong survive, the weak perish. If you have power, you use it; otherwise, you risk being consumed.

Choosing not to use your power when you have it is nothing short of foolishness.

I despise self-imposed limitations. 

They’re a form of arrogance, assuming you won’t face a situation where those limitations cost you everything.

Most who impose restrictions on themselves believe they’re invincible, confident that their skills and experience will carry them through.

Such arrogance often leads to their downfall. 

They let their guard down and pay the price for their hubris.

Restricting yourself is tantamount to creating a weakness. I can’t stand it.

Life is already precarious enough without creating additional vulnerabilities. 

I live every day on edge, and seeing someone squander their potential is infuriating.

Unfortunately, Artorius seems to be one of those fools.

From a demon’s perspective, this would be a delightful development. 

But as a saintess? It’s a headache.

If something happens to him under my watch, the consequences will be severe. 

The Church could summon me for a trial or even a personal audience with the Pope.

I have to ensure his safety.

But I also couldn’t refuse the butler’s request to check on the lord.

“Here’s what we’ll do,” I said, turning to Bliss.

“Bliss, you’ll go and retrieve Artorius. I’ll accompany the butler to check on the lord.”

It was the best plan under the circumstances. 

Splitting up wasn’t ideal, but the lord was too important to ignore, especially since he wasn’t in good health and might need assistance to evacuate.

“Alright.”

“Let’s move quickly!”

Thankfully, Bliss agreed, and with our plan in place, we stepped into the hallway.

“Bliss, what should we do after you retrieve Artorius?”

“Let’s regroup at the castle’s main entrance.”

With a paladin, myself, and Bliss, a direct assault on the entrance should be manageable, regardless of the opposition.

“Got it. I’ll head out now.”

“Bliss, be careful!”

“I will!”

Bliss smiled brightly before hurrying off.

Was she really that excited? Well, whatever.

Once she disappeared down the stairs, I turned to the butler.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“This way,” he said, immediately taking the lead.

As he began running, something felt off.

Wait a minute…

I realized we were heading in the opposite direction of the lord’s chambers.

I had visited the lord’s quarters before during the Aikus incident, and the path we were taking now was completely different.

Is there another route?

The direction puzzled me. Why not take the familiar path?

Something wasn’t right.

“Excuse me, butler,” I called out.

“Yes? Do you have a question?” he replied, his voice steady and unaffected.

I hesitated, considering my options.

Should I ask why we’re going this way? Or would that tip him off if he has ulterior motives?

After a brief moment of thought, I decided to play it safe.

“No, it’s nothing. Let’s keep going.”

I feigned nonchalance and urged him forward, following his lead.

But my unease grew with every step.

The decor around us—paintings, artifacts, and suits of armor—was immaculate, befitting a noble residence.

However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we’d passed some of these items multiple times.

Once might be a coincidence, but three times?

The same ornate painting. The same gleaming suit of armor.

We’re going in circles.

As the butler’s laughter echoed through the corridor, I held my ground, my own smile spreading wide.

“Found you,” I muttered under my breath.

The heavy tension that had blanketed the hallway shifted. No longer was it a silent standoff; the air buzzed with anticipation, as if the castle itself held its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

The butler wiped the last trace of tears from his eyes and straightened up, his demeanor now entirely different. The facade of the polite and obedient servant had dropped.

“So,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “you figured it out. I must admit, I was curious how long it would take you.”

I crossed my arms, unamused by his theatrical tone.

“It wasn’t that hard,” I replied. “Your little laps around the same corridor gave you away. That, and knowing things you shouldn’t.”

He chuckled, shaking his head.

“I suppose I did get a little sloppy. But let me ask you, Saintess: what do you plan to do now that you’ve uncovered my little secret?”

His tone was playful, but his eyes gleamed with something far more sinister.

“You’re a demon,” I said bluntly.

His grin widened.

“Ah, such a crude term. But accurate, I suppose. And now that you know, what’s your next move? Will you exorcise me? Call your little band of adventurers to slay the big bad demon?”

I stayed silent, watching him carefully.

“Or,” he continued, leaning in mockingly, “are you going to try something foolish, like taking me on all by yourself?”

His words were meant to provoke, but I refused to rise to the bait. Instead, I uncrossed my arms and gestured to the young girl beside me.

“Reina, stand back.”

“Ruina…” Reina’s voice trembled as she clung to the hem of my robe.

“It’s okay,” I said softly. “Just stay behind me.”

The butler clapped his hands slowly, his laughter fading into a cold smirk.

“How touching. Protecting the little one. But I wonder… can you protect her from me?”

He stepped forward, the air around him growing heavier with each step. The temperature seemed to drop, and a faint, dark aura began to seep from his body.

I reached for the hilt of my weapon, my grip firm but calm.

“Let me ask you something,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Why reveal yourself now? If you’re so confident, why not just get rid of me when you had the chance?”

He paused, as if genuinely considering the question. Then he shrugged.

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Typical demon.

“Well,” I said, drawing my weapon, “I’m afraid the fun ends here.”

His smirk faded slightly as I stepped forward, ready to face him.

“Let’s see who’s left laughing when this is over.”

The tension broke like a snapped wire, and the corridor exploded into chaos.