Chapter 31

Upon realizing her mistake a bit late, Eveline quickly masked her expression, recalling that Meriel was admired throughout the empire.

“Yes, I’m here with the warrior,” she replied.

“How impressive at such a young age.”

By age, I’m actually older, but the warrior just reached adulthood last year. Thinking about it again, it felt somewhat vexing. What exactly was the temple doing while the young warrior was saving the world alone? Of course, there was also a path where Meriel, the priestess, joined as a companion. In this life, Eveline had left her behind, but she usually chose her as a companion due to her important role as a healer.

‘But having a single priestess is different from having the support of the higher-ups,’ she thought.

“The temple didn’t assign anyone to him,” she added bluntly. Meriel seemed troubled by this statement.

“He dislikes having people close to him…” Meriel explained hesitantly.

“Hmm, yes. I remember initially thinking he hated people.” In previous lifetimes, whenever Eveline selected him as a companion, the warrior had shown visible reluctance. He was the type to take on missions that others avoided, but he also disliked forming deep connections with people.

‘Yet, he kept talking to me,’ she mused.

It became tiresome, so eventually, she stopped responding much. It was odd for a game character like the warrior to speak to her, after all. But ever since coming into this world, such thoughts were no longer necessary.

“I’ve always wanted to meet him, and now fate has led us together,” Meriel said with a warm smile. Surprised that Meriel wanted to meet her, Eveline tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

Meriel laughed softly. “Yes. The warrior only allows a few priests to see him, so I couldn’t meet him in person.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Since he recently regained consciousness, he needs peace of mind. Unknown visitors could confuse him,” Meriel added.

So it wasn’t her imagination that only familiar priests followed her around. It felt like Adam had personally selected the people around her.

“I wanted to meet you as well, Priestess,” Eveline admitted.

“Really?”

It was true. If not for the hidden quest’s harsh conditions, she would have taken Meriel as a companion this time, too.

Meriel, like Adam, was recognized for her divine potential at a young age and had remarkable skills. She was always Eveline’s top choice as a companion.

“I’m honored…” Meriel replied, hiding her smile behind her hand in an endearingly shy manner. If Meriel had been by Adam’s side, his personality might not be as hardened as it was now.

“Are you close with the warrior, Priestess Meriel?”

“Sadly, no. We’ve only spoken a few times,” Meriel replied.

This was the extent of her relationship with Adam in this lifetime, as she hadn’t been chosen as a companion. A promising priestess and the warrior—just acquaintances at best.

“Still, it’s the warrior we’re talking about; I hear about him constantly! Though, I’m endlessly curious, given how little is known about him…” Meriel’s eyes sparkled as she shared her excitement.

“I thought he’d look intimidating and rugged, but in person, he was nothing like my imagination,” Meriel confessed.

“What made you think that?” Eveline asked.

“None of the past warriors defeated the Demon King alone. So, I imagined someone powerful enough to accomplish such a feat.”

Meriel’s depiction made Eveline stifle a chuckle as she pictured Adam with bulky muscles and a fierce expression. Meriel, however, seemed slightly disappointed.

“I was hoping for more muscle…” she sighed.

‘Is that her type?’ Eveline wondered.

Meriel looked genuinely let down, not seeing the imposing figure she had envisioned. Eveline wanted to protest a little.

‘Adam may not be quite as muscular as she’d like, but still…’

Adam’s physique was nothing to scoff at. Yet, Eveline couldn’t go into the specifics, so she listened as Meriel continued.

“Anyway, the High Priest always spoke of him. He’d always say the warrior was destined for greatness and that we must support and respect him.”

Meriel’s voice softened, as if recalling fond memories.

“Why is the High Priest so fond of the warrior? I mean, as a priest, it makes sense, but it seems like he has a special interest in him.”

“I’m not entirely sure, but… I think it’s because he resembles an old friend of the High Priest who passed away,” Meriel replied.

“I see.”

As Eveline and Meriel chatted away, they naturally agreed to drop formal titles, making their conversation feel more friendly.

Meriel nodded eagerly, her face lighting up. “I thought the warrior preferred solitude, but seeing you with him, I guess that’s not quite true.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, Eveline, you must be quite remarkable.”

The compliment caught her off guard, making her feel slightly embarrassed.

“At first, I actually chased him away too!” Eveline admitted.

“Oh, really? The warrior himself?”

“Yes! He was quite merciless about it back then.”

Reflecting on it, seeing Adam now, showering her with care, felt like witnessing a tremendous change. Not that she needed or wanted all that fuss.

“Honestly, I find the warrior’s behavior fascinating!” Meriel exclaimed.

Is getting kicked out her kind of thing? Eveline wondered. She respected personal preferences but couldn’t quite bring herself to empathize, given her own experiences of being knocked unconscious and tossed aside multiple times. As she mulled over this, someone called out to her from behind.

“Eve. What are you doing here?”

Gasp! Adam had specifically told her not to talk to strangers.

But it couldn’t be helped; Meriel was their only healer and an indispensable part of their team.

‘Besides, don’t they look good together?’ Eveline thought, taking a step back to observe them. The Mercenary Queen suited Adam well, but the pure white Meriel seemed to match his snow-like demeanor, too…

“Don’t be angry,” Meriel replied for her, smiling gently. “We were just talking about you, warrior.”

Adam turned to Meriel and gave her a simple nod of acknowledgment. “I see. I’ll be taking her back with me, then.”

“Of course,” Meriel replied with a mischievous smile, her gaze lingering playfully.

Adam returned his focus to Eveline, stepping closer. “Didn’t I tell you not to go with strangers?”

“You warned me about unknown beasts!”

“People are more dangerous. Demons and beasts rely on their power and seldom lie. Humans, however, are different.”

Eveline understood his point. Adam, having been used by countless adults since childhood, was bound to harbor such distrust.

But still…

‘She’s your ally, Adam! How many times has she saved your life? Honestly, you ungrateful…’

“There are people who vanish without a word after promising to stay together forever,” Adam muttered.

Eveline’s lips clamped shut, guilt pricking at her conscience.

‘Surely, he’s not talking about me, right?’

Had she mentioned “forever” to him before? Perhaps… Or maybe not… She might have said something dramatic back when he was refusing to awaken.

‘Seems I’ve committed many sins,’ she thought, even tracing it back to signing that blasted game contract without reading the terms.

“Do you dislike priests, warrior?”

“I don’t particularly like or dislike them. But I do dislike it when you ignore my instructions.”

“When have I ever ignored you? Name one person as compliant as I am!”

Adam didn’t seem to hear her protests at all.

“Just a few days ago, you fainted because you mishandled a sacred relic, yet here you are wandering alone again. It’s dangerous.”

“And we’re in the temple!” she countered.

“Even the Pope himself wouldn’t have anticipated a relic exploding.”

Although it hadn’t technically exploded, Eveline had to concede he had a point.

‘Still, this level of overprotectiveness is too much,’ she grumbled inwardly. If he’s so worried, he should just send me back to the Demon King’s castle!

Adam leaned in, checking that no one else was around, then whispered, “Do you hear something strange?”