Chapter 12

── Even before receiving the holy sword, I knew of the existence of the holy maiden Emily.

The clerics and monks who gather on the battlefield are, by nature, often elderly or women. Although they rarely face direct confrontation, they gather with a sense of mission and goodwill in a place where undead beasts lurk nearby. I held them in high regard, even to the point of reverence. Among them, Emily stood out.

There were also several apprentice monks who rushed to the scene, including a few young boys and girls whose presence on the battlefield was a cause for concern. Among them, Emily's bright voice and cheerful smile were often seen, and Elliot often caught glimpses of her from a distance.

Her efforts to run around and save as many people as possible earned her the title of "holy maiden" from many knights, who also held her in high regard. Elliot's holy sword was often spoken of by many knights with fervor as a "blessing from the holy maiden's prayers."

After receiving the holy sword, Elliot often stood at the forefront of the battle, inevitably leading to more injuries. Severe wounds that could be fatal were immediately treated by the clerics accompanying the battlefield, but the purification was often carried out by Emily as soon as they returned to the base.

Being an apprentice, it took her time, but her earnest efforts never left a bad impression. During the long time it took to complete the purification, she would often speak to the usually taciturn Elliot with a smile, leading to more conversations between them.

"Actually, I'm also terrified of the undead beasts. That's why I'm shaking right now. And that's why it takes so long to purify..."

She began to confide her fears more often. At the time, many experienced clerics had gathered from across the country, and there were discussions about sending the younger children and young women back. However, she stubbornly remained on the battlefield.

The base, which is essential for the extermination mission, is absolutely secure. The clerics, including Emily, who never leave the base, are rarely exposed to danger and do not face the undead beasts, but they are still near the front lines. Elliot was deeply impressed by her courage and dedication.

"I'm a little envious of the ladies in the safe capital. They don't know how hard you're working, Elliot."

The topic of the wives in the capital often came up. The inarticulate Elliot would usually respond, "You're working hard too."

Over time, Emily began to speak to Elliot even when it wasn't time for purification.

"Elliot, I have something I want to talk to you about..."

One day, she confided her troubles to him with a different, sad expression.

"Actually, I think the other clerics, especially the women, don't like me..."

Indeed, during major injuries, it was often the case that other clerics would push Emily aside to perform the treatment and purification. While the more experienced clerics could complete the procedures quickly, the healing and recovery were visible through the closing of wounds and the disappearance of pain. In contrast, purification, which was not visible to non-clerics like Elliot, seemed to take longer when done by Emily. This led to the impression that other clerics were cutting corners.

Feeling angry, Elliot encouraged her.

"Don't worry. Everyone knows about your dedication. That's why they call you the holy maiden. This holy sword is also thanks to your prayers."

When he said this, Emily's bright smile returned. By then, he was already drawn to her earnest and adorable nature.

The thrill and sense of achievement from slaying undead beasts one after another on the battlefield, and the praise from his comrades—all of this was brought about by Emily. Elliot, like many other knights, firmly believed this.

When he was a lower-ranking knight, he often shared a tent with about eight others. But once he was recognized as a holy knight, he was treated like a senior officer and given his own tent.

As the nights passed, Emily began to visit his tent more often. They would sit outside, looking up at the night sky and talking. The conversations were mundane, comforting each other about the fear of the undead beasts, praising the daily battles, and discussing trivial complaints and concerns. Despite the lack of variety in topics, his gratitude and admiration for Emily grew each day.

There was, of course, a sense of guilt, but he couldn't bear to distance himself from Emily's innocent smile, who had been given the holy sword and stood by him.

When he was on the brink of despair, receiving news from the capital, it was Emily who comforted him. It was then that they crossed the line, and their relationship became more intimate.

Many knights must have been aware, but the senior officers and higher-ranking knights who were close to them even encouraged the union of the holy knight and the holy maiden.

After Marcus and the others left the room, Elliot glanced at the report on the table and sighed.

– Unforeseen power drives people mad, does it?

He drew the holy sword from its sheath and gazed at it. Though it did not emit its usual faint light here, it was a sword that had been his companion in battle.

– How many people do you think Emily and I have saved?

The sense of betrayal within Elliot, as he confirmed the existence of the holy sword, had faded, and now he felt a sentiment similar to anger.