Ch.12140. The Collateral Offered…

Prayer alone doesn’t solve problems.

No matter how desperately one prays, though it may occasionally bring about miracles,

it doesn’t resolve every issue in all matters.

“……”

Ellimion.

The birthday of that second child was also the day when the firstborn left her side.

That child, who resembled Rueld far more than herself, was well-behaved despite his extremely young age, yet more curious than anyone else.

“Mother. Are you praying again?”

“…Yes.”

Whenever she had a moment to spare, Ermina would pray while clutching a small crucifix.

There was a prayer room within their residence.

Whether large or small in scale wasn’t important. What mattered was sincerity and devotion.

There, kneeling on the bare floor, she embraced her two-year-old child who came to snuggle against her.

“My lady, Her Highness the Imperial Princess has arrived.”

The one who had been watching from across the doorway and belatedly made her presence known was Sylphia.

Once Kariel’s personal maid and now Ellimion’s, the girl had grown at least three spans taller than before and had matured considerably.

Sylphia had neatly braided her long black hair and properly adjusted her maid’s cap on top, presenting herself with impeccable composure.

As she stood there properly, she met Ermina’s calm gaze emanating from those black eyes, and Sylphia slightly bowed her head once more.

“El…”

“Pretty and scary sister?”

Ellimion innocently showed off his childish pronunciation as he tugged at Ermina’s clothing.

Ermina looked down.

The short white hair, not yet long, and those profound eyes no less captivating than Rueld’s.

Looking at those beautiful and clear eyes that seemed to contain molten gold, she felt her anxiety momentarily fade.

Despite his pure white attire that would easily get dirty with the slightest disorder or commotion—especially at an age when children frequently fall and roll around—this child was relatively neat for someone who moved about so energetically.

“……”

Come to think of it, Kariel at that age was truly boisterous.

He would whimper at every opportunity, burst into tears when something didn’t go his way.

And then brighten up as if nothing had happened.

…While they say that’s just how children are, Ermina, raising a child for the first time, truly made every effort to care for Kariel personally, despite having a nanny.

Even right after giving birth, and as he began to grow, she kept him by her side so much that she hadn’t properly slept for a year.

However.

Although the war had ended, its devastation still remained intact.

The Emperor and Rueld surely had their roles to play, but that wasn’t enough.

So Ermina also exerted herself.

…She had orphanages throughout the empire reorganized and visited them regularly.

She was also diligent in hosting and participating in church events and charity functions.

In the Irenis faith, giving alms to beggars and those who plead is, in a way, an essential element.

Giving what is mine to others, to strangers, is a blessed and good deed.

Therefore, the profession of begging is, in some ways, an object of contempt, but on the other hand, it’s also an existence that cannot be done without.

But there was no reason for charity and almsgiving to be limited to them.

There were people who, despite living in decent homes, faced unfavorable circumstances.

In the empire of that time, where not only resolution but even grasping the current situation was ambiguous, there was so much Ermina could do.

The Demon King was dead, the war was over, but that didn’t mean life was concluded.

Another war had begun.

At first, she thought she would make small efforts, if not for everything, then bit by bit.

But the more she reached out, the more she probed, the more she naturally realized how deep those wounds and scars were.

No, she had known all along.

“……”

Yet, no matter how much effort she put in or how much she tried, it felt like pouring water into a bottomless jar.

Even if she provided a day’s worth of food, they would need food again the next day.

That would continue until death.

More fundamental measures were needed.

Children who lost parents in the war, and parents who lost children.

The wounds of those who lost lovers and friends.

Those who lost what little property and inheritance they had were better off, but even some of them failed to recover and chose the path of dropouts.

Or those who became disabled.

After being swept up in war, various invasions, violence, and slaughter for extended periods.

Many people, despite the arrival of peace, had their hearts wounded to the point where they could no longer live as before.

Still.

There was certainly hope.

There was confidence that things would gradually get better than before.

By the time she realized this, Kariel, at his young age, would maturely welcome Ermina’s comings and goings.

Was that when he was 5 years old?

“…Lady Ermina?”

“Ah. Yes. What were you…”

When did I come here?

Ermina suddenly felt awkward about this situation, sitting face-to-face in the reception room.

And Elhermina, looking at her, calmly waited for Ermina’s next response, as if accustomed to it nonetheless.

There’s no strength in her voice.

Elhermina felt as if she had somehow fallen into a world other than reality.

She straightens her reason clearly when needed, but in ordinary times, she’s like this.

In the end, this place.

This place, which should have been their warm nest and courtyard.

Had it become a space of only wounds for both Kariel and Ermina?

Reflecting on the contents of the letter he left behind, it was clear that Kariel would never set foot in this place again.

It was impossible to imagine him, like any immature noble youth, experiencing all sorts of hardships outside, only to return to his hometown and home, overcome with longing and joy, shedding tears profusely.

In fact, in a way, she had been given the name Elhermina with the meaning of becoming like the Ermina before her.

Both the Emperor and Empress must have wanted her to resemble the woman before her rather than themselves.

Why was that?

Compassion for others.

And a heart that can care for both oneself and others with that compassion and concern.

It was something she had heard from her mother, Melineos, long ago.

[We were somewhat arrogant and selfish.]

She said that neither the Emperor nor the Empress would yield on that point.

But in the end, thanks to Rueld’s foolish altruism and that peculiar tendency to meddle (?), they renewed that feeling which they felt sympathy for but thought they couldn’t help.

And decisively, it was because of Ermina, she had said.

[Once, none of us was lacking or useless, but among us, the most special was Ermina.]

Without her, hero or not, they would have died dozens of times over.

Nevertheless, there were those she couldn’t save.

At that time, she, Ermina, would often cry for days on end until she fainted.

“……”

Her nature is weak.

Yet she is strong.

An existence that neither bends nor breaks when facing enemies.

But the Saint who was infinitely fragile to those who weren’t enemies.

“I judged that I alone might cause unnecessary worry, so I’ve arranged for additional personnel besides myself.”

“…If you acknowledge them, they must be no ordinary person.”

Until just now, Ermina had been staring blankly into the distance as if intoxicated by something.

But at some point, her eyes had changed.

“I heard that Bariel’s second child has returned. Do you intend to take that child along?”

“…I judged that would be necessary to prevent any potential unfortunate incidents.”

If Rueld were here, it might be different… but he’s not in two places at once.

Based on the clues he had, there was no reason for him to ask Elhermina herself to join in the search for Kariel.

With Geornia there… there shouldn’t be any major errors in judgment.

“You don’t think that child will safely follow you.”

“……”

Is this what it means for a mother to be a mother?

Despite seeming to escape reality by being sprawled out, she’s sharp at times like this.

No, that’s not it.

Rather, because she knew well, she must be immersed in grief.

She just didn’t express it aloud.

How much must her insides be crumbling?

But this wasn’t a matter of blaming anyone.

Perhaps the one most heartbroken was none other than her.

“Thank you. Just knowing that you’re making an effort gives me great comfort.”

“……”

Empty words.

But how could she resist or refute?

She was still suppressing her own emotions while dealing with others.

A consideration that wasn’t really consideration.

…Why did she push Kariel so hard?

She understood it intellectually.

It was also a mistake many nobles made.

Because they want things to go well.

But when they clearly see what’s not working, what’s not happening, what’s lacking, what’s insufficient.

As accomplished parents, they might have been disappointed by the actions and attitudes of their inadequate child.

And that disappointment accumulates, leading to a stage of displeasure.

Who said that one can treat family members carelessly just because they’re family?

But because they’re family, they often pour out their true feelings nakedly.

Also, the name and justification of being a superior, an elder, a grown-up, whips them.

Nobles tend to be swayed by reputation and gazes.

If Kariel had been an inadequate misfit in the past, Ermina wouldn’t have pushed him so hard.

Moreover.

…After Kariel bore the stigma of not only bullying but also driving out a commoner student, completely ruining his reputation.

…It was none other than Kariel’s parents, Rueld and Ermina, who had to bow their heads because of it.

Later, it was revealed to be a false accusation, but even that was glossed over.

Perhaps.

From that time on, an indelible wound was carved between the two.

Nevertheless, without even thinking of suturing or treating that wound.

One side gave up and resigned.

The other side, the woman before her, might have criticized and whipped that weakness.

“Take the child I know with you.”

“By ‘take,’ you mean…?”

So.

This sudden proposal felt a bit out of the blue even to Elhermina.

“Go to St. Lehena Island. I’ll write a letter for you to show to the abbess there. Since the given time isn’t generous… I recommend traveling by magic.”

“Who is there?”

“…Perhaps.”

Ermina once again stared into the void for a while with eyes that had lost their light.

“Even if it’s impossible for me or you, it might be possible for that child.”

“……”

Before.

She had heard that Ermina had asked the Papal Office for leniency for someone.

And she had kept the reason for that in the recesses of her memory, but as she tried to recall it, it came to mind immediately.

‘Was it Alesia?’

The Fourth Saint.

The heroine known as the Saint of Protection.

Though she possessed holy power, her physical prowess was also formidable, they said.

Above all, the blessing bestowed upon her was exceptionally effective on battlefields, war zones, and during raids.

‘The farther away, the more it misses and avoids, they said.’

For instance, long-range, ranged projectile weapons are useless against her.

Even if a mountain of arrows is poured down, they won’t reach her.

Therefore.

To neutralize her, the only way is close combat.

But.

Close combat is precisely her specialty.

So, in battlefields where she is present, siege warfare becomes impossible.

When she is on the castle or wall, physical weapons become meaningless.

Unless a magic battalion is mobilized or a grand magician is brought in to bombard with grand magic, the physical offensive might chip away at the troops on top, but the fortress remains intact.

To be called a Saint means to be surrounded by miracles.

Like Ermina before her, who possesses the miracle of resurrection.

As long as one doesn’t die, she somehow maintains the thread of life, restores, and ultimately resurrects.

But that isn’t complete recovery or healing.

Healing ability is, in other words, the fruit of her faith, devotion, and effort.

“Do you believe she can persuade Kariel?”

“…It’s a sad fact, but I think it would be more effective than what you and you can do.”

“……”

That.

Personally, it was a slightly chilling assessment.

Elhermina had, of course, reviewed the reports prepared by the Imperial Intelligence Department.

‘Right.’

Now I remember clearly.

More clearly than before.

Just a few days.

It was just a few days.

It seems Kariel was quite close to her.

Though I don’t know the specifics, they might have built a considerable bond or connection during that short period.

This is actually good.

I hadn’t given it much thought until Lady Ermina mentioned it, but seeing her talk like this, there must be something there.

“Is there something I don’t know?”

“From what I’ve heard, that child sent a thank-you letter after learning of my intervention. At that time, she said she adored Kariel and still regretted not following him then. She even revealed to Kariel directly that she had colluded with the Demon King.”

“……”

That.

I know that from what I heard from Patina.

Elhermina might know the story of her rejection by Kariel better than Ermina.

…Come to think of it.

Someone like Kariel was a man anyone would like, would fall for.

At that time, I took it for granted, passing by without much thought.

“I see…”

It seems Lord Rueld didn’t separately inform Lady Ermina of that content.

Lord Rueld still tends to view Ermina as a glass ornament.

…Some might protest or burst into laughter at such an absurd statement, but.

This is an undeniable fact.

Even Father and Mother treated her the same way.

Ermina just endures.

But how long can she endure?

We fear what will happen when she reaches her limit.

“If you would be so kind, I will visit her and explain the situation to seek her cooperation.”

“…You’re intelligent and wise, so I won’t say unnecessary things.”

Then, after a brief pause, Ermina suddenly patted the seat beside her.

“Come here.”

“……”

As Elhermina, unlike her usual self, hesitantly sat beside her.

“I’m sorry.”

“……”

Ermina gently embraced Elhermina.

“To you… to that child… I’ve been so… inadequate…”

“……”

The mother who can no longer even cry, with tears dried up and emotions severed.

Now, she merely breathes, caring for another miracle she gave birth to, still not ceasing her prayers, hoping that her good deeds would somehow help her child and husband.

…She had become just a mother and a servant to all, doing her best in what she could.

“I will do my best.”

Elhermina didn’t irresponsibly declare that she would definitely bring him back or return with him.

It was because Elhermina herself rationally sensed it.

Even if she moved personally and found him.

…That wouldn’t necessarily mean a definite return.

Nevertheless, Elhermina wanted to face Kariel.

Even if he had chosen a path of never returning.

…She needed to hear it from his own mouth to be satisfied.

And only then could she make her own decision.

At this point, nothing seemed tangible.

Elhermina herself was also inwardly reaching her limit.

And.

Such mental instability… poses a great threat to her existence.

A long time ago.

Under the pretext of a test, she faced that cruel voice.

-That human emotion called love is truly remarkable. But tell me. Can you still be as desperate as you are now if you’re bound to that thing? Or can you maintain your current heart and emotions even after being rejected by that thing?

“……”

To possess the legacy of the Great Demon King means to be tested continuously until the moment of death.

And.

For Elhermina to earn the right to obtain it.

The collateral she put forth for that was….