Chapter 31

Akira, dressed in a more luxurious dress than anyone else, was led slowly into the venue by Aider.

Indeed, it was a beautiful dress.

However, decorating her face, which still retained a hint of youth, with such opulence was rather unbalanced, and it seemed to diminish the charm of both.

Aider was not wearing the ceremonial attire of a Sword Saint but rather the attire of a noble's child.

Even when they held hands and leaned on each other, I felt nothing.

Now, I could no longer even imagine myself standing beside Aider.

The matter with Aider was already over.

"Akira? I thought you were heading to the neighboring country."

Clarence's words, tinged with anxiety, brought Rane back to her senses.

Turning around, she saw Clarence rushing over, looking flustered, and Riene, whose face was pale.

"Riene."

Rane hurried over to her, took her hand, and supported her.

"Oh, Clarence."

The Holy Maiden smiled and glanced at Riene and Rane.

"There's someone who doesn't belong at this ball. Get rid of them quickly."

"Riene is my official partner."

Clarence's words, which sounded like a reprimand, made the Holy Maiden feign surprise and lean on Aider beside her.

"How can the prince of this country's partner be a commoner?"

As she lamented, had she forgotten that Aider was also a commoner?

"More importantly, I heard you went to the neighboring country to slay the dragon. Why are you here?"

Clarence brushed off the Holy Maiden's words and asked.

"Oh, the dragon."

The Holy Maiden, whose topic had been changed, nodded uninterestedly.

"Would I, as the Holy Maiden, leave the country so easily? I am the treasure of the country, you know?"

"But without the Holy Maiden's power, the dragon cannot be defeated..."

Clarence's words, spoken without thinking, caused a murmur among the crowd. Realizing his blunder, Clarence tried to retract, but the murmur had already spread throughout the venue.

A monster as powerful as a dragon must be weakened by holy magic before it can be fought. Otherwise, it would turn into a prolonged battle, and humans, who are physically inferior, would find it difficult to win.

"The mage Ried is also going. But, two people won't be enough, I'm afraid."

The Holy Maiden laughed, looking at the anxious faces around her.

Why can she laugh?

Rane bit her lip.

Aleks, upon hearing the news from the messenger at the castle, immediately set off to save as many people as possible. Despite being his comrade, and possessing the power of the Holy Maiden, how could she laugh and say such things?

"Don't look so scared. It was Alexis who said I didn't need to come."

She shifted her gaze to Clarence, Riene, Rane, and Noah in turn, and shrugged.

"Alexis?"

In response to Clarence's question, the Holy Maiden nodded slowly, as if savoring the moment.

"Yes. He said it was dangerous and that it would be better if I didn't come. Alexis cares for me, you know. Well, unfortunately, I chose Aider."

She giggled, reached out, and hugged Aider, glancing at Rane.

"Oh, what a scary face. Are you resentful because I took your beloved? But Aider has always disliked you. To take his proposal of marriage seriously and wait for five years, how foolish."

She seemed to have forgotten that she had once called Rane a delusional woman who falsely claimed to be his fiancée, now acknowledging the fact of their engagement.

If what the Holy Maiden said was true, Aider had no intention of marrying and had left Rane hanging for five years, all because he disliked her.

(Even if it's true, I don't care about Aider anymore. More importantly...)

More importantly, did Aleks, concerned for the Holy Maiden's safety, not take her along on the dragon-slaying mission?

That was what concerned her more.

She couldn't bear to hear that Aleks also liked the Holy Maiden.

The reason for her angry face was probably due to this.

"Yes. I'm happy that Alexis cares for me, but I am the only one with the power of the Holy Maiden. I am the only one who can help Alexis."

The Holy Maiden, as if struck by a new idea, looked at Rane and said with a smile.

"I have received many polite letters and gifts from the king of the neighboring country. I think it's time to go and slay the dragon."

Therefore, she smiled.

"If you apologize for chasing Aider here and making us uncomfortable, I will go to the neighboring country."

At her words, Aider, who was holding the Holy Maiden's hand, looked at Rane. His eyes were cold, and he turned away, as if to say he was truly uncomfortable.

"What are you talking about? Rane is the victim."

"I'm fine."

Riene quickly said, but if the Holy Maiden didn't go, Aleks might struggle.

Thinking of this, she stopped Riene, who was angry on her behalf.

(And even if I'm shown Aider's relationship with her, I don't care anymore.)

Aider, who looked so displeased, might still think Riene liked her.

If Aider had changed his mind and chose the Holy Maiden, making Rane the villain, she would reject such an unfaithful person.

If, as the Holy Maiden said, he had maintained a false engagement for five years just to belittle her, she would only feel contempt for him.

It was a long-over relationship.

So if Aleks could return safely, she would gladly apologize.

"Your Holiness, Sir Aider. I apologize for causing you distress. I swear I will never appear before you again."

She bowed her head.

"Yes, do that. Never come to the castle again. Be a commoner and know your place."

The Holy Maiden smiled twistedly and said with delight.

"Understood. I will take my leave."

She turned away.

"Rane..."

Riene rushed over, her face filled with regret, and held her hand.

"Why must you suffer like this?"

"It's fine. For Aleks, it's nothing. I just want him to return safely as soon as possible."

"...Yes. Thank you, Rane."

Clarence and Noah called out to her, but if they left, the Holy Maiden's mood might worsen.

She signaled them to stay, and Noah seemed to understand. He forcibly brought back Clarence, who was trying to call them back, and returned to the venue.

(Why...)

She didn't feel humiliated or sad about being made to apologize in front of everyone, but a question lingered.

Why does such a twisted person possess the power of the Holy Maiden?

She has the power to help Aleks.

(If I had that power, I could help Aleks.)

I could help save many people.

She knew it was futile to think this way, but she couldn't help it.