episode_0035

Two years have already passed.

Before I knew it, I was 20 years old and an adult.

There was no routine event like a coming-of-age ceremony, but I was now an adult.

but-.

There was something more important than the fact that I had become an adult.

‘I guess it will be slow now.’

capital of the empire.

I heard the news from there.

A hero and a saint are preparing a journey to defeat the devil. That’s why I heard that we are recruiting colleagues.

With that news, I hurried back to the rebel base.

Because there was an order to return to headquarters.

and the rebel headquarters.

There was someone welcoming me from the entrance.

“As expected, our ace. Not only is it not enough to get things done quickly, but I am also quick to return.”

He rose from being the commander of a rebel unit to the position of commander of the rebel army a year ago. It was Captain Esther, who could be said to be my immediate superior.

“I heard that high-ranking people also called. Is it time to move on?”

Captain Esther nodded.

“There are the most important matters in this meeting.”

And a long meeting proceeded.

Although he returned quickly, he did not participate in the meeting and was waiting in Captain Esther’s office.

Because Captain Esther told me to wait because he had some work to do for me.

Long time.

When boredom reached its peak, Captain Esther returned from the meeting.

A mission was given to me.

“Aren, I will entrust you with the most important mission. Of course, it is something that only you can do.

From now on, you must go to the capital of the empire. and… ”

Before Captain Esther finished speaking, she handed me a document.

A document that says ‘Tournament Participation Form’.

“Your mission comes first. Become a warrior’s companion and monitor their every move during their adventure.”

I smiled at those words.

“Okay.”

Finally, what I’ve been hoping for -.

It was actual contact with the religious denomination.

“I will do it perfectly without any mistakes.”

And I had no doubt that this mission would put an end to the church’s war.

***

Renia is one day away from her coming-of-age ceremony.

She felt mixed feelings.

I thought my heart had cooled off now.

It wasn’t.

Pulling out my eyes still seemed scary.

“Chris… .”

As this moment approached, I suddenly thought of the dead Chris.

Promise with Chris.

If Chris was still around.

‘It wouldn’t have been scary.’

Was it because he was reminiscing about memories with the dead person?

A single tear flowed from the corner of Renia’s eyes.

“… I thought it had dried up at that time.”

I can’t believe I’m still crying.

It was Renia who burst into laughter again out of frustration.

Renia headed to the garden within the church with shaky steps.

The only place where you can find stability.

It was a space prepared by Archbishop Porsipia for Renia.

“… Will I never be able to see these flowers with my own eyes anymore?”

That wasn’t all.

Places that Renia wants to protect as a saint.

I thought that I would never be able to see those places with my own eyes either.

“I don’t like it… .”

Those words came out without my knowledge.

I really hated it.

Living in the dark?

own ancestors.

At that time, I began to understand the saint’s feelings.

There is no one to trust, and yet you have to lose the light.

It was funny, but it was also scary.

“Chris… .”

Why?

It was Renia who kept thinking of Chris these days.

If Chris was alive…

After completing her duties as a saint, she would have stayed together.

Although the light has been lost, I can feel Chris’s breath next to me. If I had done that, I would have felt relieved even if I had not been able to see for the rest of my life.

Renia picked a flower.

Torenia.

The flower from which his name comes from.

I touched the flower and cried for a long time.

Without even making a sound.

Just keep going.

It was Renia shedding tears.

.

.

.

next day.

Archbishop Albert came to visit Renia.

“… It’s time. I will finish it cleanly and painlessly.”

The person in charge of removing the eyes was Archbishop Albert.

Archbishop Albert says there will be no pain.

Even with those words, Renia couldn’t feel at ease.

“I’ll be late. Please go now.”

Archbishop Albert urges.

To Renia, he seemed like a devil.

but-.

Renia did not say such thoughts out loud. He simply followed Archbishop Albert without making any expression.

Because I didn’t want to show my expression for no reason.

but-.

Lenia’s expressionless expression seemed even more interesting to Archbishop Albert.

‘That’s fun. Since there’s nothing left, I’m trying to hide my expression.’

So we arrived at the ceremony hall.

Following the instructions, Renia lay down on the stone bed.

“You don’t have to be too scared. There will be no pain. And didn’t the saint learn how to see ahead through divine power?”

Archbishop Albert’s words seemed to ease Lenia’s tension.

but-.

There was no way I could relax.

‘How to see forward through divine power’, as mentioned by Archbishop Albert, was different from seeing with the eyes.

Feeling energetic.

Even if you don’t master divine power, even if you don’t believe in God, you still have some faith. Therefore, it contains divine power.

It was a way to see that divine power.

It was never about looking ahead.

“… Let’s get started now.”

Archbishop Albert put a pill in Renia’s mouth.

At the same time, Renia felt sleep coming on.

“If you close your eyes for a moment and open them, everything will be over.”

Archbishop Albert with a vague, gentle smile.

Renia was horrified.

You can’t believe he smiled like that before plucking out a person’s eyes.

Suddenly, I remembered Archbishop Porsipia’s words.

‘… Is this really true? Master’s words.’

The words of Archbishop Porsipia, who said that Archbishop Albert was a man who could not be trusted very much.

Was this really the main culprit who harmed my father? Before those doubtful thoughts could be sorted out in my head…

Renia’s eyes began to slowly close.

And finally-.

‘now… ‘This is the last time I see the light.’

I realized once again that this was the last moment my eyes would receive light.

The last thing I see is Archbishop Albert’s expression like that. Although I felt disgusted.

Soon, Raina fell into a deep sleep, unable to even feel pain.

***

A young man approached Eren, who was packing his belongings at the headquarters.

Eren spoke without even looking at him.

“Why did you come? Part.”

The part that was secretly targeting Eren.

He answered while sheepishly scratching his head.

“You can’t even surprise me. Still, he’s a colleague.”

“I asked why you came.”

Part cleared his throat a few times and then spoke.

“Anyway, I heard that the saint is very beautiful. If we go on a mission to defeat the demon lord together, we might become friends.”

“How did you know my mission?”

“Well, of course you can know. Our teacher is the leader, right? But the only person I can entrust that task to is you.”

It sounded quite understandable.

Part’s teacher is one of the rebels’ backbone. Therefore, I knew the details of this mission.

Eren, who understood this, asked again.

About the intention of what Part just said.

“… What do you want to say?”

What does it matter if the saint is beautiful?

Part said with a look of concern.

“Just don’t carelessly give affection to the saint. A saint is like a symbol of a religious order. One day, the enemy will face us head-on-”

Part paused for a moment, then continued speaking again.

“Well, I guess it doesn’t really matter to you?”

A part I reconsidered.

The Eren he saw was different. Not only was his talent unique, but his attitude was also unique. He is truly a person blinded by revenge.

There was no attempt to become friendly with others.

Of course, he didn’t seem to push away when he approached, but he was someone who felt like a strange wall.

Eren answered without even looking at Part.

“Okay, don’t worry.”

Aaron.

I knew it myself.

She says she is a person who has no connection to the world of beauty.

***

Just before departing for the capital of the empire.

I once again met Captain Esther alone.

“Do you understand your mission?”

I nodded.

A mission given to me.

It performs well in tournaments and becomes a hero’s companion.

And he watches over the warrior’s party.

This was a necessary action for the rebels.

It was as if my future actions were in my hands.

“My role is to watch over the devil until he is safely defeated.”

Devil.

I found out that there is a world beyond.

If the devil is defeated, the church’s role will end.

To be honest, it wouldn’t have mattered if I started a rebellion now.

but-.

That couldn’t be possible.

Because there is no cause.

On the contrary, if you move carelessly now, there is a possibility that you will become a public enemy of the continent.

They’re targeting a church that’s working hard for peace on the continent right now.

It was something I couldn’t do without going crazy.

For that reason, it was necessary surveillance.

Defeat the Demon King safely and return. And start a rebellion.

This was just the beginning, the starting point, of the plan for Daegye.

“Yes, you can probably do it.”

“I will do it no matter what. But won’t you feel a little free until you defeat the Demon King?”

Captain Esther tilted her head in response to my question that came out of nowhere.

“Hmm? Is that right?”

“Then, please take good care of Master Erikson.”

“What… ?”

Captain Esther’s cheeks instantly turned red.

I guess I didn’t expect these words to come out of my mouth.

“Why did the general’s story suddenly come out?”

“It seemed like he was having a hard time eating without me. It would be really nice to have someone by my side to take care of me… ”

I didn’t say this for nothing.

I recognized Captain Esther’s feelings for Master Erickson. I don’t know how Master feels, but… .

First of all, the Captain Esther I saw was a good enough person.

so that-.

“I think Captain Esther suits the seat next to her best.”

I hope things get along well between the two.

Since I consider Master to be my father, I think it is okay for Captain Esther to be my stepmother.

“What, what, what are you talking about!”

Where has the usual dignity gone?

Captain Esther suddenly goes limp and looks embarrassed. Acting like an asshole in front of the teacher.

He was truly a fun person.

“How long do you plan to hide your true feelings? At your age, you will regret it if it is too late.”

“City, it’s noisy!”

“Anyway, thank you in advance. I’ll just go now.”

I got out right away.

Behind me, Captain Esther was making a fuss to hide her embarrassment, but I ignored it and headed toward my destination.

The destination is the capital of the empire.

“A warrior and a saint… ”

I began to become curious about these two beings again.

but-.

“If these two are the dogs of the church… No, the saint is definitely a member of the church. Warrior… I’ll have to watch him closely.”

If it is possible to recruit them as rebels.

I thought it was someone who would be powerful enough.

And although it may be impossible.

“If it becomes possible to recruit even saints as rebels… .”

At that time, I thought I could have a perfect cause.