Chapter 19

It had been a long time since she had seen him.

Perhaps it was because she had been thinking about the past ever since their engagement was unilaterally broken off.

She still couldn’t believe that the tall young man standing before her was Aider.

Moreover, he seemed even more robust than five years ago. The image of the young boy who used to follow Rane around crying was nowhere to be seen.

The years of separation were evident.

But the jet-black hair and dark eyes were indeed Aider’s.

Beside him stood the Holy Maiden, Aki, with the same black hair and a chestnut-brown gaze.

The Holy Maiden, like the Hero, was born once every hundred years or so. However, unlike the Hero, there were times when the Holy Maiden did not appear even when the Demon King was resurrected.

In such cases, the Holy Maiden was summoned from another world using a summoning spell left behind by a great mage from centuries ago.

The Holy Maiden Aki was summoned from another world a few years ago using this spell.

Although she was said to be of adult age, her small stature and youthful face made her look much younger. She clung to Aider’s strong arms with a pouting look.

Furthermore, the dress she wore was of an unusual design.

The shoulders were widely exposed, and the skirt was quite short. She didn’t seem to feel any shame about her exposed legs. Perhaps in her world, this was the norm.

“Aki, today is indeed your wedding, but it’s also a celebration of the Demon King’s defeat. You’re not the only ones in the spotlight.”

Clarence spoke calmly, trying to reason with her.

But the Holy Maiden seemed even more sulky after hearing his words.

“Well, then Alexis should stay with me. If he does, everyone will gather around me, right?”

In an innocent voice, the Holy Maiden called him Alexis.

“Now that my capricious sister is gone, you must be lonely, right? I’ll stay with you.”

As Aki reached out to Alex, she noticed Rane and frowned.

“Who are you?”

Confused by her low, threatening voice, Alex looked at her and gently placed a hand on her back.

“It’s okay.”

Encouraged by the warmth on her back and the words whispered in her ear, Rane looked up at Aider.

“Aider, it’s been a long time.”

When she called out, Aider, who had been looking at his new wife, turned to Rane with a puzzled look.

“Who are you?”

“What, Aider. Do you know her?”

The Holy Maiden’s displeased voice made him shake his head hurriedly.

“No, I don’t know any woman like this. Have we met somewhere before?”

Rane felt a little like crying, realizing that he really didn’t recognize her.

Aider had forgotten her face.

“It’s been five years, so it’s understandable that you don’t remember.”

Her voice trembled, and Alex put a protective arm around her shoulder.

“Rane, are you okay?”

Concerned, Alex’s voice made Aider’s face turn stern.

“So, you’re Rane. What are you doing here?”

Aider’s angry voice drew everyone’s attention to Rane.

Startled by the sudden outburst, Rane shuddered.

“Aider, who is she?”

The Holy Maiden clung to Aider, looking frightened, and he embraced her protectively.

“Didn’t I tell you before? About the delusional woman who claimed to be my fiancée?”

“Eh, she came here? That’s scary…”

The Holy Maiden clung to Aider, genuinely frightened.

“Why is she with Alexis?”

“Probably lied and tricked him. She’s the kind of woman who claims to have a marriage promise but was dumped. That’s the type.”

“…”

The young ladies who had been talking to her cheerfully before now whispered among themselves and looked at Rane.

“Is what he said true?”

“No, I was told that she is from the same village as Aider, Kikito Village…”

Clarence and Noah also whispered and looked at Rane.

Their gazes were much colder than before.

“…”

Everyone around believed Aider’s story.

To them, Rane was a wicked woman who had unilaterally fallen in love with Aider, falsely claimed to be his fiancée, and tricked Alex into coming to the wedding celebration.

Exposed to their suspicious and malicious gazes, her legs trembled.

“Rane.”

Alex came to Rane’s rescue.

“It’s okay. I believe you.”

“Alex…”

Tears welled up in her eyes. Alex comforted her by gently patting her back.

“Alexis, don’t be fooled by that woman.”

“Yes, we don’t know what she’s up to.”

Aider and the Holy Maiden said, but Alex directed a sharp gaze at them and the people around.

“I can’t be fooled by lies. Have you forgotten that?”

Clarence and Noah’s faces turned pale at these words. The same was true for the surrounding nobles and Aider. Rane didn’t know, but as a Hero, Alex had the ability to see through the truth.

“Rane, let’s go. There’s no need to stay here any longer.”

Alex said this without hiding his disappointment, and Rane nodded.

She had wanted to say something to Aider, but now she didn’t care about him anymore.

“Wait, Alex.”

A voice called out, but Alex didn’t turn around. Led by him, Rane left the venue.