Chapter 247: Reconciliation
Upon entering the mansion and passing through a long hallway, Iriels bedroom, accompanied by a splendid garden, came into view.
Stopping in front of the door, a brief knock was made, followed by a voice from inside.
Come in if you like.
The voice, unmistakably upset, was clear.
Ray entered and said,
Lets end this anger now.
Im not angry.
Despite the sharpness in the voice, it continued to deny any anger.
Sitting carelessly on the bed, he began to speak.
Im sorry I didnt tell you. But I had always planned to leave the Holy Kingdom eventually, and it just so happened that the time was right. I hope youre not too upset about it.
Moreover, there are still matters in the Holy Kingdom that need attending to, so I have no immediate plans to leave. That was the first time I spoke of leaving the Holy Kingdom in front of you and Mr. Eckley.
So, you were preparing for the eventual disappearance of the Saint.
Yes.
After a moment of silence, Iriel spoke quietly.
Even so during this journey, I was the one by your side. Inside the Holy Kingdom with the Academys affairs even matters related to the Western Continent and the heros lineage Ive supported you in everything. And this is all I get? You could have at least given me a hint!
If I cant stand by your side being nearby should still be okay!
She swallowed the last of her words.
Of course, Ray was well aware.
She had been the one to nag yet support him all this time.
Thus, his disappointment was even greater.
When the silence continued without a word, Iriel spoke again.
Do you really have to go? If you need something, the Holy Kingdom can be a great support.
Unfortunately, theres something I cant get from the Holy Kingdom.
Like always, Ill join you. Then somehow.
Her voice trembling, he firmly shook his head.
Then, Iriels already pale complexion grew even paler.
Resigned, she let out a forced laugh.
I see. Alright, I wont stop you anymore.
Im sorry.
Its okay. Well it will be a bit lonelier from now on, but thats only natural when youre not around.
Despite her characteristic smile, her hands on her shoulders trembled.
Without even trying to speak, she simply turned her head away from reality.
The memories, once joyfully painful, would soon turn to loneliness.
Iriel turned her back and said,
Since this is the last time, Ill help you as much as I can with your remaining tasks.
Thank you.
Its not much of a consolation, but Id like to be alone for a while. Youll help me with that, right?
In essence, she wished not to be sought out.
Ray quietly stood up.
Glancing at Iriel, he saw she still had her back turned, looking out the window.
He stepped out of the room with heavy steps.
Outside the bedroom, Faeya was leaning against the wall.
She offered an awkward smile.
Saint, could we talk for a moment?
I walked through the dimly lit garden for several minutes.
It was a beautiful garden, blending the fragrant aroma of flowers with the fresh scent of grass, but it didnt quite register in my mind.
Faeya sighed and said,
Haah What happened this time? It must be serious if the Saintess is in such a state.
If you were eavesdropping, youd know.
Who said I was eavesdropping? I even covered my ears, wondering if it was something I shouldnt hear.
Despite claiming to have covered her ears, she seemed quite aware of Iriels last appearance.
After a moment of contemplation, Ray explained everything that had happened so far.
His decision to leave the Holy Kingdom, and how Iriel came to know about it.
And his refusal of her request to not leave.
Upon hearing this, Faeya suddenly became angry.
The Saint is in the wrong! You philanderer! A Saint who doesnt know true love! Just a strong monster!
Faeya, who likely had less experience with romance than a kobold, struck at his heart, which was devoted solely to Aira.
The invisible blade of her words stabbed at his chest, and Ray couldnt help but writhe in the bushes, overcome with agony.
Then, Faeya sat down, pulling her knees together, and propped her chin up.
Huff So, what about you, Saint? Are you really planning to leave the Holy Kingdom?
Yeah. I was planning to leave from the start, but it just got moved up a bit.
Hmm Then, theres nothing that can be done. But its hard to understand. The Saint leaving the Holy Kingdom? It doesnt seem possible.
It defies common sense for the chosen one of the gods to leave the land of the gods.
Ray simply shrugged.
Its easy to get in, but not to leave.
If you really must leave the Holy Kingdom, I have no right to stop you. But!
She leaned forward and raised her index finger.
As a family serving the Saintess, I cannot overlook the Saint bringing negative influence on her!
At her bold declaration, he looked at her as if to say get to the point, and she coughed awkwardly before continuing.
So, at least make up before you go.
Reconciliation.
The word is easy to say.
How can there be reconciliation when she has asked not to be sought out anymore?
He racked his brain for a solution but found none.
Even combining all the friends from his past and present lives, he couldnt think of a good plan, as they were fewer than the fingers on his hands.
Seeing his pitiful state, Faeya offered her help.
Ill teach you, so dont worry.
It was a completely unreliable offer.
He would be better off seeking wisdom from an orc on the plains.
He looked at Faeya with the skepticism of a merchant being swindled.
You?
I have many friends, you know.
She boasted confidently, thumping her chest as if she had learned it from Iriel, but it was clear they were birds of a feather.
Normally, you wouldnt call someone who barely greets you or someone you growl at upon meeting a friend, would you?
With just a bit more confidence, she might as well claim friendship with the neighborhood dogs.
But perhaps, compared to him, who had gone fifty years without a friend, her twenty years of solitude might seem better.
Thinking it couldnt hurt to ask for advice, he inquired.
So, how should I reconcile?
Women are weak for food. Take her to a nice restaurant and boom! Hehehe.
She laughed slyly, swallowing her saliva.
She resembled a shady broker who harasses women in back alleys.
But as simple as it was, it sounded like a plausible plan.
Iriel did enjoy her food.
Maybe dining together in a good restaurant, as Faeya suggested, could make some progress.
Confidence surged in him, as vast as the Grensia Mountains, and he rose briskly.
Not bad!
Faeyas suggestion was adopted.
Thinking about reconciling amicably with Iriel filled my heart with joy, but only for a moment.
When I went to the mansion, I was turned away at the door.
When I asked why, I was told she wasnt feeling well and to come back another day.
Even though just a shout of Heal could repair a heart pierced by an assassin, I found the excuse quite satisfactory.
Eventually, with a record of one win and one loss, Ray went to see Faeya.
She was drinking tea in her office and was startled when the door was slammed open.
Whats going on!
Aaaaah! Iriel wont see me!
Crying profusely, the usually dignified and quirky Saint was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a mere child.
She sighed.
Lets talk a bit farther away; youre getting my clothes wet.
At Faeyas urging, he kept his distance.
While drinking terribly tasteless poison, which was supposed to be tea, Ray calmed down and explained the situation.
Faeya exclaimed in astonishment after listening.
So, the Saintess is refusing to talk?
I nodded, and she fell into serious thought.
This isnt just a simple pout. Maybe even food wont lure her now
Faeya, who believed even the emperor could be persuaded with a piece of meat, abandoned her plan.
What now?
Hmm. Cant help it. Women dont just like food. They actually like jewels too.
She said, showcasing the necklace around her neck, which sparkled brilliantly.
Surely, such jewels might be appealing.
He, who knew as much about a womans heart as an ant knows about arm muscles, was intrigued.
Once again, Faeyas suggestion was taken.
Sending the jewel resulted in a ring being returned, cut in half.
Showing this to Faeya, she wore a troubled expression,
Was the design wrong?
I dont think so
Hmm. Whats the problem then?
As she pondered, she suddenly clapped her hands.
Ah! How about trying this method as a last resort?
Seeing my skeptical look, Faeya, who had lost confidence after the previous strategies failed, flinched.
Th, this time its really trustworthy.
Spit it out.
Its about showing your willingness to reconcile.
Willingness?
Yes.
She answered succinctly. Asking what specifically I should do, Faeya exclaimed as if it was obvious.
Saint, youre really taking the easy way out. Its up to you to think about it now. Show the Saintess your willingness to reconcile.
I briefly imagined murdering Faeya in my mind, but the thought vanished.
As always, her words sounded plausible, so I decided to follow her advice.
Eventually, Faeyas last suggestion was also adopted.
Thinking about what I should do, I considered various ideas.
More than twenty strategies for persuading someone whirled through my head, but I soon shook them off.
After pondering for two days and another day passing, what came to mind was to empty my thoughts and follow my heart.
The simplest method.
I just stood quietly in front of the mansion until Iriel would come out.
At first, passersby tried to dissuade me, and even Euclid scolded me for not maintaining my dignity, but it was futile.
Standing like a statue, I leaned against the wall to sleep at night and watched the clouds flow by in the morning.
One day it rained, and it was the first time in a long while that I felt the rain sting my body.
Yet, I didnt know how to leave the Saintesss mansion.
If it rained, I got wet; if the sun was hot, I endured the heat.
After ten days passed in this manner, without eating or resting, it would seem logical to leave from exhaustion, but after enduring ten days as if they were a single day, the paladins were moved by my determination.
One day, they joined me in standing for a few hours, but standing still was not as easy as it seemed.
Unable to endure even a few hours, they left, and eventually, no one was around me.
It was the night of the thirteenth day after waiting ten days in front of the mansion.
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