Chapter 56: Is this seduction?

Papal State, Holy See

“Your mood seems quite good.”

Pope Gregory looked at Dorothy below, noting her high spirits since her return.

From his entourage’s reports, he’d learned of her actions in Londe.

Though he had some reservations about her unilateral decisions, Gregory was pleased with her results.

She’d thwarted Londe’s ambitions and rescued Hero Fratina.

Most crucially, she’d secured a vital ally for humanity.

In the conflict between humans and demons, other races rarely got involved. If Lucia sided with humans, the dragons’ stance might tilt in their favor.

She might even rally other dragons to their cause.

“Of course.”

Dorothy nodded, smiling. “A triple win—why not?”

Gregory decided to temper the young Saintess’s enthusiasm. “But, Dorothy, as Saintess, clashing so openly with a king—have you considered future retaliation?”

A Saintess’s term was twenty years. After that, Dorothy would retire to a local church as a bishop.

If Londe held a grudge then, she’d be vulnerable.

“Why worry about that? In twenty years, Duncan might not even be on Londe’s throne. Will anyone care about recent events?”

“Haha, don’t be so sure. The pettier the person, the longer they hold grudges, waiting for your fall to strike back.”

Gregory stood, descending the steps.

Passing Dorothy, she followed.

It was Grand Sabbath Day. In the Holy City, the Pope led a full ceremony, and as Saintess, Dorothy had to attend.

Gregory pushed open the cathedral doors, spreading his arms as if embracing the faithful.

The devotees gazed piously, awaiting the ceremony’s start.

Outside Notting City

Night fell. Unable to sleep, Lucia rose from the bed in the room Christine had arranged.

The moonlight outside was bright enough to light her way. Slipping on her cloak, she decided to take a walk.

Passing the main hall, she saw Christine working late on battle plans.

Christine heard footsteps, thinking it was Emmeline urging rest. Turning to brush it off, she saw Lucia.

After the daytime glimpse, Christine now saw Lucia as a cloaked girl, making her feel closer.

“Lady… Lucius, up so late?”

“Couldn’t sleep.”

Lucia shook her head. “I’ve rested enough on the road. The moonlight’s nice tonight, so I thought I’d stroll.”

Christine set down her pen and stood. “In that case, how about I show you around our camp?”

“That’d be great. Thank you, Christine.”

“I’m no ‘Highness’ anymore. No need to call me that like Emmeline does.”

“Then I’ll just use your name?”

“Sure, and I’ll call you by yours if you don’t mind.”

Christine stepped forward, taking Lucia’s hand and leading her outside.

Moments after they left, two figures emerged from the shadows.

“Your lord’s quite charming, hooking Christine so fast.”

Emmeline teased Fratina, her tone sharp but tinged with grievance.

Fratina shrugged, puzzled. “I’d say your Highness has more charm…”

To her, Lucia had high standards. Even Dorothy, the Saintess, took a full day to bond with her.

Their closeness didn’t reach the level of Christine holding Lucia’s hand.

Seeing them walk off hand-in-hand, Fratina felt a sour pang, a subtle ache.

As if she instinctively disliked it.

Both knights shared a sudden goal.

Exchanging a glance, they followed, trailing Lucia and Christine.

In their minds, they were protecting their leaders, but whether there was more to it, only they knew.

“When we first came, this place was empty. Years later, it’s taken shape.”

Lucia was almost embarrassed. ‘Taken shape? With scarce water, this camp could hold out forever.’

“But thinking of abandoning it soon makes me sentimental.”

Lucia knew Christine meant the planned attack on Notting City.

“No choice. If you want revenge, you need a bigger stage.”

“True.”

Christine smiled.

She led Lucia to a pavilion and sat. Lucia joined her.

“I come here to rest. The view’s great—fields and forests below in daylight.”

Christine spoke as if to herself, eyes distant with memory.

“Lucia.”

“Hm?”

Lucia looked over, unsure why Christine used her real name.

“There are things I can’t tell Emmeline or anyone here. As their leader, I must always be strong, calm, wise.”

“But… honestly, holding the torch of revenge, I’m scared.”

“I fear failing and the fallout, people judging me for stirring war after so long, or no one supporting me…”

Christine poured out her pressures, treating Lucia as a confidante.

In the distance, Emmeline and Fratina watched, their gazes fixed.

Fratina turned to Emmeline. “Is your Highness trying to seduce Lord Lucius?”