Chapter 99

Upon arriving at the designated waiting area where Silk was waiting to greet the Holy Maiden, several tents were set up for an overnight stay before heading to the town of Sylvesta the next day. The carriage stopped, and everyone lined up to welcome the Holy Maiden, with the captain of the guard opening the carriage door. A maid descended first, followed by the Holy Maiden.

The Holy Maiden, who was about the same age as Cain, had straight pink hair that reached her waist and wore a pure white robe embroidered with gold. She was a beautiful young girl, dignified and composed, befitting her role as the Holy Maiden. Lagunafr, being deeply devout, was deeply moved to tears at the sight of the Holy Maiden. Normally, as the highest-ranking noble, Lagunafr would have greeted her, but he was clearly in no state to do so.

Cain stepped forward to greet her on behalf of the group.

"Holy Maiden, I am Cain von Silford Drantle, Viscount. We have come to escort you from the capital. We will be staying here overnight and will head to the town of Sylvesta tomorrow. After that, we will escort you to the capital. Please take care of us."

The Holy Maiden looked at Cain with a blank expression and then spoke.

"I am Hinata Rira Marinford, the current Holy Maiden. I appreciate your escort."

The Holy Maiden bowed deeply, appearing far more mature than her early teenage years. She led the Holy Maiden's entourage to the tents, which were surrounded by guards. When invited to share a meal, the captain of the guard declined.

"We will prepare our own meals. It is sufficient that you have provided us with the tents."

Despite the apparent hostility, they decided to back off since the Holy Maiden and her guards were from another country and had already started preparing their own meals.

"Silk, they said they'll prepare their own meals..."

"That's a shame. I wanted to talk to her over dinner."

"Well, we just met today. We have plenty of time on the way to the capital, and I'll make sure to arrange a meal with Lord Lagunafr once we reach the town."

Cain, who had hoped to get along with the Holy Maiden, looked disappointed at the refusal.

"But it's okay because I can have dinner with you, Cain."

Cain blushed at Silk's unexpectedly charming smile.

The next day arrived without incident, and preparations were made to head to the town of Sylvesta. The tents were already packed into the carriage, and they were ready to depart. As before, Lagunafr and the knights led the way, with Cain and the others forming the rear guard around the Holy Maiden and her guards. The carriage started moving at Lagunafr's signal. Cain, while keeping an eye out for any pursuers, chatted with Silk as they traveled.

They arrived in Sylvesta by mid-morning. The news of the Holy Maiden's passage had spread, and the town was crowded with people eager to see her. Being close to the Marinford Theocracy, the town had many devout followers. The guards managed the traffic to ensure the carriage's passage, and the Holy Maiden did not show her face as the carriage continued through the town.

The carriage reached the guest house in less than twenty minutes. The knights had already informed the staff, and they were waiting in a line at the entrance. Cain and Silk also got out of the carriage and joined the line. The captain of the Marinford Theocracy's guard opened the door, and the Holy Maiden descended with her attendants.

"Please rest comfortably at this guest house today. We will prepare lunch for you shortly."

The Holy Maiden nodded silently in response to Lagunafr's explanation and walked into the house. After seeing her enter the guest house, Cain and Silk gathered in the lord's guest room.

"Still, the Holy Maiden doesn't seem very lively..."

"Yeah, I wonder what's wrong..."

Cain had imagined the Holy Maiden to be more cheerful, but the actual Holy Maiden was expressionless and spoke little. She was indeed a dignified and beautiful young girl, but that was all. Cain, who had been asked by Lime to assist her, was unsure how to approach her.

When the maid called them for lunch, they headed to the hall. Three seats were prepared at the head of the table, with Lagunafr already seated and one seat open for the Holy Maiden. Cain also took a seat, and Silk, being a duchess but not the head of the household, sat at a lower seat. After everyone was seated, the Holy Maiden was escorted to her seat, and Lagunafr, as the lord, greeted her.

"Welcome to the Kingdom of Esfort. Please enjoy your stay, even if it's just for a day. It is a treasure of my life to welcome the Holy Maiden. Let's raise a toast."

"Cheers."

The Holy Maiden raised her glass without a word. Lagunafr, considering it an honor to share a meal with the Holy Maiden, tried to engage her in conversation, but her responses were minimal, mostly "yes" or "uh-huh."

Cain, watching from the opposite side, caught the Holy Maiden's eye. She reached under the table and placed a piece of paper on Cain's knee. Surprised, Cain discreetly read it.

'There is something I would like to speak to you alone.'

Cain met her gaze again and nodded slightly. The Holy Maiden smiled faintly, which was a shock to Cain given her usually expressionless demeanor. The meal proceeded quietly, and the Holy Maiden returned to the guest house. Cain returned to his room and reread the note. It said she wanted to talk, but it didn't specify when or where.

"I'll have to go at night... The captain of the guard is too troublesome during the day."

Cain chuckled at the captain's attempts to keep them away. He had managed to exclude the captain from the meal, but the captain still waited outside the hall, likely listening in.

The Holy Maiden was supposed to join them for dinner, but the captain of the guard visited the lord's residence alone.

"The Holy Maiden is tired and wants to rest. She has canceled the dinner and will eat in her room."

Lagunafr, disappointed at not being able to dine with the Holy Maiden, arranged for a meal to be delivered to her room. Dinner was held with the Lagunafr family, Cain, and Silk.

"Tomorrow you will leave for the capital, and we won't be able to dine together..."

"Lord Lagunafr, the Holy Maiden will visit Sylvesta again on her way back from the capital. We can dine together then."

Lagunafr smiled, remembering Cain's words.

"Lord Cain, that's right. The Holy Maiden will visit this town again on her way back."

Cain chuckled at the sudden change in Lagunafr's mood, and Silk giggled. The dark atmosphere lifted, and the dinner proceeded pleasantly.

Late at night, after everyone had gone to bed, Cain got out of bed, changed clothes, and prepared to teleport. He had already checked all the rooms in the guest house, so teleporting would be no problem. He chose to teleport rather than visit the room directly, as the captain of the guard would likely not allow it. He assumed the captain would keep quiet, given that the God of Life, Lime, was watching over him.

'Teleport.'

The scene changed, and Cain found himself in the Holy Maiden's room. The Holy Maiden, who was thought to be sleeping, was sitting in a chair, already waiting.

"Lord Silford, I knew you would come."

Cain was surprised but quickly bowed slightly.

"I apologize for the late hour. I thought this was the only way we could meet alone, so I came despite the rudeness."

"It's fine. I expected it to be late. Thank you for coming."

The Holy Maiden, who had been expressionless during the day, smiled, surprising Cain.

"Is something funny? My change in demeanor? I didn't talk during the day because the captain of the guard was there. Please sit down, and we can talk."

Cain sat in the chair opposite her.

"Actually—"

The Holy Maiden began explaining her situation. She was being targeted by the Pope's faction, and the captain of the guard and a few others were knights sent by the Pope. Plans were in place to assassinate her within the Kingdom of Esfort, and if she were to die, the Pope would issue a condemnation against the kingdom. She couldn't speak freely because she feared someone might seek help if they learned the information.

"Of course..."

Cain understood, as it matched what he had heard from Lime.

But he had a question.

"Still... why me?"

The town had devout followers like Lagunafr and a female companion like Silk. Cain had greeted her, but it seemed odd to confide such a secret to him immediately.

"Lord Silford... Can I call you Cain? You are the Apostle, right? I recognized you at first sight. As the Holy Maiden, I received a divine message: 'If anything happens, rely on Cain von Silford. He will surely help you.' I didn't expect you to be around my age."

The Holy Maiden giggled, her smile as beautiful as those of Telesia and Silk.

Cain chuckled at the divine message.

"Did the God really say that..."

"Yes, and even that it would be fine to bear a child with you."

Cain burst out laughing at the Holy Maiden's shocking statement. He had heard from Lime that divine messages were being sent, but he hadn't expected such a specific message.

"I thought it was strange when I received the message, but after meeting you, I felt it was fine."

"Wait, wait. I'm not sure how to react to such a shocking statement. What are the gods thinking..."

Cain glared at the ceiling, imagining the gods watching over them.

"First, I understand that protecting the Holy Maiden is the priority—"

"Please call me Hinata."

"But—"

"At least when we're alone."

"Alright..."

Hinata smiled broadly at Cain's agreement. Her smile was divine, truly befitting a Holy Maiden.

They continued their conversation, and Cain took out a necklace from his item box and placed it on the table. The necklace was simple but had a beautiful red magic stone.

"This is—"

"This necklace will surely protect you, Hinata. If you hold the magic stone and infuse it with magic, I will feel it no matter how far away I am. It will also protect you."

Hinata took the necklace, her eyes shining.

"Thank you, Cain. I will wear it always. And... can you put it on me?"

Cain nodded, took the necklace from Hinata, and fastened it around her neck from behind.

"Thank you."

Hinata, looking delighted, bowed to Cain again.

"Actually, the Apostle should be revered more than me, and it feels wrong to be helped, but—"

"Let's keep the Apostle a secret... Only a few people in the kingdom know. It would cause a commotion if it were known—"

"Understood. It will be our secret."

Cain, surprised by her different demeanor, nodded.

"Then, let's work together from tomorrow."

"Of course, I look forward to it."

Hinata, looking satisfied, made Cain decide to complain to the gods later.

Thus, their secret meeting ended.

Thank you for always reading. This week, I will focus on revising the manuscript. I made some progress at a family restaurant after work, so I decided to update.