Chapter 20: The Saint Arrives

“It’s not that, just… I didn’t expect you to be into these things besides fighting.”

Lucia said.

From what Lucia knew, those destined to be protagonists usually grew up in hardship, scraping by in the streets.

Being literate, thanks to the Church’s help, was already considered well-educated.

Heroes were tied to traits like “resolute will” or “great strength,” rarely to “literary.”

“Did you read a lot before?”

“Well… I helped someone once, and I learned a lot from her.”

“Oh?”

Lucia searched her memories.

Since coming to this world, her recollection of the original story was fading. She only remembered Fratina was the protagonist and would eventually kill her after biding her time. Other details were slipping away.

But one name surfaced: the Church’s Saintess, Dorothy.

In the original story, Dorothy was Fratina’s admirer. When she was a Saintess candidate, Fratina saved her from a monster attack.

Afterward, Dorothy invited Fratina to the Holy City, treating her as an honored guest.

Fratina’s love for reading likely developed during her stay there.

At that moment, Fratina glanced outside the cave, noting the time, and prepared to hunt.

“Lord Lucia, it’s getting late. I’ll go hunting.”

“Alright.”

Fratina stepped out, reaching for her hunting bow, when a flock of startled birds in the distant forest caught her attention.

The number of birds was significant, and their continuous flight suggested something approaching the cave.

In an instant, her experience told her a large group was advancing.

“Have they lost their minds? Didn’t Londe agree not to invade here anymore?”

Muttering, Fratina hurried back inside.

Seeing her rush back, Lucia frowned, a bad feeling rising.

Fratina was usually methodical, rarely making mistakes.

Her frantic return was a first.

“Lord Lucia… outside, there’s likely a force of at least a thousand heading toward the cave.”

Lucia’s heart jolted.

Did Londe sense her weakness?

No, that couldn’t be. She’d never shown herself to them—they shouldn’t know her condition.

So why this sudden large-scale approach targeting her?

Still, this might not be bad.

If Londe was making a move, she could have Fratina confront them, confirming if their goal was the valley’s mineral vein.

She wanted Fratina’s rift with Londe to deepen.

Standing, she said, “Let’s go see what’s happening.”

In the valley, Dorothy followed the guide, leading the procession.

The guide pointed to a distant mountain. “Saintess, that mountain has a cave where the dragon resides.”

Dorothy looked closely and nodded.

“Thank you. There may be combat ahead. If you’re worried about danger, you can head back.”

“Well…”

The guide hesitated, touched by her consideration, but didn’t want to leave alone.

“Then… Saintess, I’ll wait here. If you defeat the dragon and save the Hero, I’ll guide you back.”

“That works.”

Dorothy turned to the Papal Guard’s commander. “Father Alexius, please instruct the soldiers to prepare.”

“Understood.”

On the mountain, Lucia and Fratina observed the activity below, growing certain a large force was targeting them.

Lucia looked at Fratina. “Fratina, if those people attack, what will you do?”

Fratina paused, recalling the three oaths of their contract. “I’ll defend your dignity, Lord Lucia, and hold this place.”

“Good.”

Lucia nodded, satisfied.

If it was just Londe’s soldiers, she could transform into her dragon form, and with Fratina, they could easily handle them.

To protect the area from battle damage, they descended the mountain.

After waiting at the base, they finally saw the approaching force.

When Fratina spotted the familiar Church banner, her pupils shrank.

At the forefront, she saw a familiar figure.

Blue hair swayed in the breeze, and golden eyes lit up with excitement upon seeing her.

Of all the people Fratina dreaded meeting, this one had appeared in the valley.

And it seemed she was here to confront the dragon beside her.

The two groups met, and Dorothy, spotting Fratina and Lucia, ordered her troops to halt.

They stood about five hundred meters apart, the Papal Guard in formation, while Dorothy stepped forward.

As she approached, Fratina felt an urge to flee.

But then, Lucia placed a hand on her shoulder.

Fratina glanced at her, seeing Lucia’s calm demeanor, and felt a pang of shame.

If Lucia wasn’t afraid, how could she, the servant, want to retreat?

Steeling herself, Fratina straightened and faced Dorothy head-on.

Unbeknownst to her, Lucia’s hand on her shoulder was purely because…

Lucia was terrified.

Upon seeing Dorothy’s aura, Lucia knew this girl was no ordinary foe.

The banner wasn’t Londe’s but the Church’s holy flag, renowned across the continent.

Given the girl’s extraordinary presence, Lucia realized she was likely the Saintess, Dorothy, she’d just recalled.

But no matter how she racked her brain, Lucia couldn’t fathom why Dorothy was here at this critical moment.