Chapter 180
***
That night.
Instead of a grand ball and fireworks, an emergency state council meeting was held at the imperial palace, attended by the chancellor and the heads of each imperial department.
It was due to an unprecedented incident—the sudden appearance of monsters thought to be mere legends, long vanished since the age of ancient myths.
“Your Majesty, even now we must inform the entire continent about the monsters’ appearance and devise countermeasures.”
Because the monsters had appeared during the founding festival season, when the capital was at its most crowded, with even foreign delegations present, it was impossible to contain the rumors anyway.
So the officials argued that it was better to announce it first, but the emperor frowned.
“You’re all acting like a war has broken out.”
“But these are monsters! Your Majesty!”
“It’s hard to believe, but this might be a sign of a second Holy Demon War. We can’t just sit and wait…”
“Enough! Didn’t the temple say they’ve begun their own investigation? We’ll hear from them soon. It’s not too late to make an official statement then.”
The emperor’s disinterested attitude left the officials visibly flustered.
They couldn’t understand how he could act so unconcerned even after witnessing the monsters with his own eyes.
‘…Surely it’s not because he’s bothered that the one who ended the crisis was the Grand Duke’s daughter?’
The ministers reluctantly told themselves that couldn’t be the reason.
But, surprisingly, they had hit the nail on the head.
⟨Th-The Saintess?⟩
⟨It’s the Saintess!⟩
⟨The Saintess has appeared!⟩
At what was supposed to be a stage to showcase the empire’s might, the swordsmanship tournament, the people were now chanting the Grand Duke’s daughter’s name, calling her ‘Saintess.’
Strictly speaking, what she had used wasn’t divine power but magic, so the title ‘Saintess’ was inappropriate. But what mattered most to the people was that she had saved them from the monsters.
‘Well, she didn’t just defeat the monsters—she followed up with healing magic immediately after. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the return of a saintess.’
The emperor thought bitterly, unable to hide his displeasure.
‘I suspected she might be a mage, but still…’
Even with two of the empire’s most vaunted swordmasters, Jack Sedian and Allen Elard, present, they hadn’t been able to match the deeds of just one girl.
The current Grand Duke of Belus was the only mage recognized by his peers as an Archmage—possessing immense mana, exceptional magical understanding, and an ability to use spells rapidly and without regard to element.
But what the Grand Duke’s daughter had shown today went far beyond simply having strong mana affinity or powerful spells.
‘If I had known it would be like this, I would’ve forced the engagement today.’
The emperor’s gaze darkened, recalling the palace mages’ awestruck explanation that no one else on the continent could cast such a high-tier spell.
Watching him, Nicholas swallowed dryly.
He had once wanted to take the Grand Duke’s daughter as a daughter-in-law, if only because she was his first love’s child. But now, seeing her power, he feared the emperor himself might try to claim her.
“I apologize, Father, but I would like to return to my quarters now.”
Serphin, who had remained silent since witnessing the Grand Duke’s daughter in action, spoke with a pale face.
“Oh! Of course. You must be exhausted. Go on. The rest of you must also be shaken, let’s adjourn this meeting.”
“Pardon? But…”
“There were no casualties, were there? We’ll revisit this matter later.”
The emperor, pleased, hurriedly dismissed the ministers and added one final instruction.
“Duke Elard, you stay behind.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
At the emperor’s command, Duke Elard bowed his head and remained while the others filed out.
Once Serphin, Nicholas, and the rest of the department heads had all left, the grand hall doors shut tightly behind them.
“Duke. Did you know the Grand Duke’s daughter was a mage?”
“No. I had no idea.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
The emperor narrowed his eyes at the duke’s quick response, then burst into hearty laughter.
“Of course. There’s no way you’d lie to me. I understand.”
Nodding, the emperor gestured for him to leave.
Duke Elard bowed with his usual impassive expression and turned away.
The emperor may have said there was no way the duke would lie to him, but the duke knew all too well…it wasn’t trust, but simply that the emperor couldn’t even imagine someone daring to deceive him.
‘Still… A saintess, huh…’
Knowing the truth, the duke found the current situation baffling.
The sudden appearance of monsters was shocking enough, but what if the emperor were to learn that Diana truly was the saintess?
Troubled by this ominous thought, the duke’s pace quickened as he left the palace.
***
“Saintess! Please, just one glimpse…!”
“Saintess! Saintess…!”
The voices of the crowd gathered in front of the Diapel marquisate rang loudly.
Hearing the commotion, I thought back to my previous life.
Naturally, there were no monsters in this land in the past.
There was only one meaning to all this.
The demon had moved.
‘And even revealed himself before me directly.’
Though I didn’t know the exact reason, I instinctively knew everything was happening because of me.
And since I couldn’t just turn away from people in danger, I had no choice but to reveal my power.
But those unaware of the full story seemed to believe I was the reincarnated saintess.
Even though I had made it clear that the power I used wasn’t divine but magical.
‘The temple even made an official statement saying I’m not the saintess…’
Yet here they were, fanatics making a scene in front of a high-ranking noble’s home, believing only what they wanted.
‘The real saintess they so desperately seek lives right across the street.’
The absurdity of it made me chuckle a little, but I was starting to think that Raizel and the temple hadn’t just been hiding Diana’s identity to avoid demon worshippers.
“Don’t worry too much, dear. It’ll quiet down soon.”
As I frowned from a pounding headache, my mother’s reassuring voice came from beside me.
I soon found out what she meant by “quiet down.”
“You brazen fools! If you don’t want to taste the fire of an archmage instead of the saintess, begone!”
With a thunderous voice that once commanded the borderlands, Grandfather—the former Marquis of Diapel—bellowed, and silence immediately followed.
It was slightly embarrassing that he specifically mentioned the fire spell I used against the monsters, seemingly pleased with it… but thanks to him, I could finally catch my breath.
That’s when it happened.
“Adriana.”
My father called me in a subdued voice.
“You’ve celebrated Lady Elard’s birthday and the founding festival is over. So now…”
Though he trailed off, I could easily guess what he was going to say.
It was time to return to the Duchy of Belus.
His face, usually lit with a radiant smile, looked utterly downcast.
“I was too complacent. Foolishly let my guard down.”
“Dad.”
“I thought it was over. That it had been nine years, and we didn’t need to worry anymore.”
He rubbed his face tiredly, revealing his inner turmoil.
“We shouldn’t have come to the Empire. No, I should never have provoked them in the first place. If I hadn’t… you wouldn’t—”
“That’s not true.”
I hastily cut him off before he could spiral into guilt and regret again.
But he was a little quicker.
“Monsters. Everyone knows who controls them. They’re after you again, I’m certain of it. Why else would they lie in wait for nine years only to reappear the moment you set foot in the Empire? No more discussion. We’re returning to the duchy at once.”
“No. I can’t leave like this. If you really want to go, the two of you should go ahead without me.”
I rejected my father’s proposal without hesitation.
“Adriana!”
Both my parents cried out in shock, but I stood firm.
“You may have forgotten your vow for revenge, but I haven’t.”
“What? Revenge…?”
“Adriana, have you been thinking about that all this time?”
“Of course I have. Do you know how much I suffered, being separated from you the moment I was born? How painful and lonely it was? Even in death, I can’t let go of that resentment.”
At my words, my father’s eyes widened, and my mother covered her mouth in horror.
Their expressions were unspeakably devastated.
Back when they had first found me, my parents swore to take vengeance on the demon worshippers.
But somewhere along the way, that resolve had changed.
While they remained fearful of being attacked again, peace had continued, and they’d come to cherish our regained happiness, just wanting to keep me safe.
And I understood that. I truly did.
‘Because I’m the same.’
If not for the issue with my soul, or if I had even a sliver of confidence that they’d truly let me go, I could have let go of my hatred a hundred times over.
‘But because I have no such certainty…’
Always fearing the peace would shatter someday, I lived like I was walking on thin ice.
That’s why I came to the Empire…because I couldn’t go on living like that.
And now, with the appearance of monsters, this was the result.
I couldn’t just sit back anymore.
Besides, I still had unfinished business in the Empire.
“Anyway… Let’s just get some rest tonight.”
It was my mother who finally broke the ice-cold silence.
Seeing her gently guide my pale father toward the door, I felt like my heart was being torn in two—and impulsively, I rushed over and hugged him.
“Adriana…?”
“It’s not your fault, Dad. It would’ve happened anyway. So please, don’t blame yourself.”
He stammered, “What do you mean…” in confusion, but soon thanked me and stroked my hair.
Not being able to explain the twisted bond between me and the demon—this endless cycle of fate—felt unbearably tragic today.
After my parents left, I remained alone, letting my head droop weakly.
⟨Are you happy in this life?⟩
I still don’t know what he meant by that.
Was it mockery? A warning that he’d shatter that happiness now?
Whatever the meaning, it didn’t matter.
“Yes. I’m happy.”
I whispered in answer to no one, vowing firmly…
This time, I will protect this happiness.
I will no longer let him wreak havoc on my life.
