We were all quite taken aback by Adwin’s firm declaration.

From the start, I’d been planning to recruit him into the party, but I had been pondering over how to persuade him.

And now he steps forward to offer himself like this?

‘Before the regression, Kaeld had said he had a hard time recruiting Adwin.’

[At that time, Mariana had disappeared, and the statue of Somel hadn’t even been discovered, so he probably had no motivation.]

Right.

Back then, the best Kaeld could come up with was something like, “Let’s defeat the Demon King together so no more victims like you have to suffer.”

A beautiful sentiment in words—but it would never have reached the ears of a boy devastated by the loss of his mother.

And yet, Adwin had accepted that proposal.

He really is a good kid.

At that moment, Mariana spoke.

“My son. Not all of the former Hero’s party members became happy after defeating the Demon King. Even the Archmage Iori died in the final battle, didn’t he?”

“……”

“You might not come back. Are you really okay with that?”

“Of course not.”

“Then—”

“But I will come back, so there’s no point in assuming otherwise. Right, Brother Mide?”

Why are you dragging me into this?

Everyone’s eyes turned to me.

I gathered myself and answered.

“I don’t plan on losing any party members just to kill the Demon King. That includes you.”

“……!”

I was speaking to Adwin, but for some reason, Neril and Xenia both smiled faintly.

Adwin looked at Mariana as if to say, “See?”

“My necromancy will definitely be useful. I can even summon the souls of past heroes and champions.”

“Well, of course, that would help… wait, what?”

“Yes?”

“What did you just say? You can summon the souls of past heroes and champions?”

“Uh, well, I’ve never actually done it before. But when I separated Lady Lepia’s soul recently, I kind of got the hang of it.”

“……”

“It’s not that amazing. I can find their souls in the underworld, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always respond to my call.”

Even so, Mariana was left speechless, her mouth agape.

And I was no different.

‘That’s incredible. Was he always this much of a genius?’

Before the regression, Adwin had been able to summon some hero-level souls.

But champions?              TL : Champions might refer to the Hero of their era rather than a member of the Hero’s party.

‘Did separating Lepia’s soul somehow level him up? But if he had this much talent, it seems like he could have done it before the regression too.’

I’d done countless quests with him back then.

Even if this particular incident didn’t happen before, there were still plenty of chances for him to level up.

And yet, not once had he summoned the soul of a past champion.

As I thought about that, the answer came to me.

Offense never showed his shadow arts before the regression either.

Now that I think about it, there were times I was shocked by Xenia’s swordsmanship or Neril’s magic skills—things I hadn’t known before.

Adwin must be the same.

‘Kaeld never really won over the hearts of all his party members back then.’

Just then, Xenia spoke.

“Miss Mariana. Your son has already grown up so much.”

“……”

“I understand you’re worried, but Mr. Mide vouched for him. If that’s not enough, I’ll vouch for him too. I’ll make sure Adwin comes back safely.”

“But—”

“Come on, Neril, say something too. Good timing, right?”

Neril, with her arms crossed, replied indifferently.

“I’ll try my best.”

“You really can’t read the room, can you?”

“That was me trying.”

“Well, for you, I guess that’s progress. I’m proud of you.”

“Yeah, I am still in my growth phase.”

“Wow…”

Then, Mariana gently placed her hand on Adwin’s shoulder.

Her hand was trembling—but not from fear.

“Really. When did you grow up so much.”

“……”

“Alright, go. You’re grown now. I can’t keep holding onto you forever.”

“Mother…”

“When you come back after slaying the Demon King, let’s have a celebration. Just the three of us.”

Adwin beamed and nodded brightly.

We left the Raynus territory.

Adwin, seemingly excited about leaving the domain for the first time, was glued to the window the entire time.

“Sitting in a carriage makes me feel taller!”

“It’s just an illusion.”

“…Neril noona, you’re too cold.”

Neril’s eyes went wide.

She looked very pleased with the specific use of the word noona.

She spoke in a suddenly much softer tone.

“Hmph. At least you’ve got manners. I’ll be a bit kinder to you from now on.”

“…?”

Then Xenia’s voice rang out.

For reference, her eyes were closed in prayer.

“Sorry, I’m praying right now. Could you stop chatting so I can focus?”

“Isn’t talking to us while praying also a problem?”

“I already told the Celestial God I’d take a quick break.”

Be honest.

Aren’t you just a priestess in name only?

And should a god really be handing that much divine power to a delinquent believer like her?

[Maybe the god has their own reasons.]

‘Don’t say things that’ll get you smitten.’

[Hoo, I didn’t know you were so devout.]

‘I’ve made plenty of donations to temples, you know. Most mercenaries are faithful people.’

When you’re living day by day on the battlefield, you need something to believe in.

Then Xenia said,

“Found it.”

“Huh?”

“My prayer was answered.”

“Were you looking for something?”

“Yes. If we’re not in a rush, could we make a short detour? There’s a temple not far from here.”

“I don’t mind. What are you looking for?”

Xenia scratched her head with a slightly awkward smile.

“Sir Tivre.”

The Order of the Holy Knights of Light doesn’t get along with Alkahad, but there are organizations they do have good relations with.

Temples that worship the Celestial God. And the priests who manage those temples and gather followers.

Paladins and priests have almost sibling-like bonds.

Tivre had been recuperating at a temple on the outskirts of the Raynus territory.

When we requested a visit, the priest in charge initially declined, saying the patient was still too unwell to receive guests…

Clack.

But Xenia flashed her vice-captain badge from the Holy Knights of Light—and we were admitted immediately.

Told you. That thing’s like a universal key in the Empire.

A short while later—

We found ourselves in a small, quiet room facing Tivre.

Xenia spoke in an overly cheerful tone.

“You look fine to me.”

“Thath’s the thingth you thay?”

Neril translated for us.

“He says, ‘That’s what you say right now?’ I guess teeth were really important to him.”

“How cruel. I wonder who did that to you. I hope your teeth grow back soon, Sir Tivre.”

“You’re the cruelest of all.”

Xenia ignored him and continued.

“Do you know why I came here?”

“……”

“I’ve already reported everything to the captain. He ordered me to take over the Raynus territory case, and you tried to disobey that order. Thanks to Mr. Mide here, it didn’t succeed.”

Tivre gave me a murderous glare.

I smiled brightly and gave a little wave.

Which seemed to really make him even angrier.

“Grrr. If tt weren’th fur yoou—!”

“I’m sorry, what was that?”

“If it weren’t for you!”

See? He can speak clearly just fine.

People really do adapt fast.

I shrugged and asked Xenia,

“So? Why did you want to see him again?”

“I have a personal request to make.”

“Right, you mentioned that before.”

“Yes. Whew.”

She rested her arms on the table and spoke seriously.

“Sir Tivre. You remember Ophelia Mace, don’t you?”

At her question, both Neril and I flinched.

Adwin, clueless about the situation, whispered.

“Who’s that?”

“You don’t need to know, kid.”

“S-sorry, sis.”

“……! She was Xenia’s old friend and a fellow member of the Order of the Holy Light. I heard she went missing during a mission a while back.”

You’re not even trying to hide how much you play favorites, are you?

‘Ophelia, huh…’

I’ve never met her, but that name carries heavy weight for our party.

Though the relationship between Neril and Xenia has grown far beyond what it was before regression, if this matter isn’t resolved, it’ll always be a thorn in the side.

Just then, Tivre answered in a sullen tone.

“I’m aware. She enlisted with you, didn’t she?”

“She was a friend even before that.”

“And what’s your reason for bringing her up now? I heard she went missing during a mission. At the hands of the Witch of Carnage, no less.”

He gestured at Neril with his chin.

Judging by that, he must not know about Dame’s secret pact with Neril either.

Xenia shook her head.

“Miss Neril isn’t someone who would do such a thing.”

“…! What did you say? Did I hear that correctly?”

“Don’t interrupt. Just because I’m being polite doesn’t mean you can forget about your insubordination.”

“……”

“The reason she was presumed responsible at the time is because traces of her mana were found at the site. Or to be precise, that’s what the report claimed.”

Neril’s expression darkened.

Xenia couldn’t see it, as she had her back to her.

“Please find out who filed that report.”

“Hah. If I recall, Ophelia’s mission was on the other side of the continent. Why should I go through all that trouble? I’ve got my own missions to carry out.”

“You won’t have another mission.”

“…What did you say?”

“The Captain has dismissed you from the Order of the Holy Light.”

BANG.

Tivre shot up from his seat.

“You insane bit—ugh.”

But he quickly and meekly sat back down.

No way he could withstand the murderous intent radiating from Xenia, Neril, and me.

“Sit.”

“I-I already sat.” Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel fire.net

“Well done.”

Xenia continued, now calm again.

“In addition to your insubordination toward me, you even let your body be possessed by a vengeful spirit. And you did that in front of the entire people of the Raynus territory.”

“……”

“Is there any better way to disgrace the name of the Order? You should be grateful it ended with dismissal.”

“Grr…”

Tivre trembled with rage.

That’s when Xenia spoke again, as if tossing bait, her tone smooth.

“But… there is a way to redeem yourself.”

Tivre’s eyes lit up.

Xenia nodded as if to say, you guessed right.

“If you do me this favor, I’ll recommend your reinstatement to the captain.”

“V-vice captain…”

“I know how it sounds coming from me, but the Captain almost never turns down my recommendations.”

Tivre hesitated for a moment before cautiously opening his mouth.

“The Order sends mages undercover to various territories across the continent. But only the Captain knows their true identities. As you’re well aware.”

“Yes. If lords found out the Order’s mages were operating on their lands, they’d try everything to hunt them down. That’s why the information has to be tightly controlled—to protect those mages.”

“Then why not just ask the Captain directly? Anyone else maybe not, but you could.”

Xenia didn’t answer that.

The air grew heavier.

After a long silence, she muttered, like she was spitting out something bitter.

“The Captain… isn’t flawless.”

“…!”

“So please keep this request a secret from him.”

Tivre looked surprised—but probably not as much as Neril or I.

Especially me. I was close to shocked.

‘Did Xenia just say that? The same Xenia who worships her father like a god?’

Neril has changed, sure, but Xenia’s transformation might be even greater.

[So she’s finally begun to doubt her father.]

‘Seems like it.’

[At this point, you might as well tell her about the secret pact.]

‘That would endanger the so-called “leverage” Dame holds over Neryl.’

[You can’t hold onto both at once.]

‘No. A Hero can hold both. That’s what being a Hero means.’

I clenched my fist.

One day, I’ll unravel this twisted knot myself.

Tivre spoke again.

“I’m not sure what that’s about… but fine. You want me to find out which mage was stationed in the territory Ophelia was sent to?”

“Yes.”

“B-but… do I really have to…”

“Don’t worry. If you help me, I’ll make a strong case to the Captain.”

Tivre nodded.

Xenia stood and extended her hand.

“I’m counting on you.”

After the meeting with Tivre, we were back in the carriage.

Neril, uncharacteristically, kept glancing at Xenia.

At first Xenia ignored her, but eventually, she couldn’t hold back and snapped.

“What? What’s your problem? If you have something to say, say it.”

“Ah, yeah. Ahem.”

“This isn’t like you, Miss Neril. Being all hesitant.”

“…Why do you believe me so unshakably? That I didn’t kidnap Ophelia.”

Xenia let out a half-laugh, as if the question made no sense.

“Because you said so. And Mister Mide vouched for you too.”

“That’s it?”

“I’ve spent enough time with you to see and feel it myself. You’re not someone who fits the name ‘Witch of Carnage.’”

“…!”

“Whatever the reason may be, you don’t need to explain. It’s not something to be told—it’s something I’ll uncover myself.”

Neril opened and closed her mouth several times before finally speaking.

“Hey…”

“What?”

“I’ll allow it.”

“Allow what?”

“You can call me ‘unnie.’ Like how Adwin calls you ‘noona.’”

I could hardly believe those words had actually come out of Neril’s mouth.

Xenia stared at her for a moment.

And then she spoke.

“You’ve finally lost it.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep