Chapter 30: A hopeless idiot

“Here.”

The newsstand owner handed Melin the paper. She scanned—lips curved slightly.

Blossom Rite detailed: start to end. One line:

[Celis left in haste; Isabelle long delayed.]

Timing matched Floor 10 crisis.

Not proof—Celis could’ve sought Isabelle.

Unlikely.

Isabelle arrived too precisely.

Guess strengthened. Still—confirm.

Bought flowers. Met team. To Oracle Hall.

First visit—awed by sanctity. Heaven vs. Anna Town.

Renia led to lounge. Met Celis.

“Lady Celis—for you.”

Leanna first with lilies. Aaliyah quick. Melin observed Celis closely.

After Celis accepted Aaliyah’s—sat beside, offered hers.

“Right, Lady Celis—where’s Lady Isabelle? Another flower—for her.”

Celis silent. Aaliyah gasped, hand to mouth.

“Melin! Skipped group buy—for two?!”

“Nonsense! Isabelle saved me—want to give her one.”

“Isabelle? Her type—might scorn your flower.”

Leanna grumbled.

Safe here—team only, plus Celis.

Spill.

“Isabelle hates flowers. Prefers training time. To her—we’re tools.”

Worried Melin’s gesture wasted.

Unexpected—Melin coughed, defended Isabelle.

“Uh, Lady Isabelle wouldn’t. Anna—overthinking.”

“Overthinking? Melin—you’re bought easy. Saved you—forget prior treatment? Not good.”

Leanna spoke—Melin winked frantically.

No catch.

Gave up. Sighed.

Leanna finished rant. Melin ignored—turned to Celis.

“Lady Celis—Isabelle’s location?”

Guessed: busy.

As expected.

Celis smiled gently.

“She’s out—Oracle business. Might not return today. Give me—I’ll pass.”

Voice warm, smile sweet. Melin leaned on shoulder—lavender scent. Question:

If same—true personality?

Celis gentle? Isabelle cold?

Lingered post-departure.

Team issues—to Leanna. This too.

“Anna—Lady Isabelle’s real character?”

“Character? Cruel…”

“Sigh—”

Finger to Leanna’s lips.

Whispered softly.

“Idiot.”

“Huh?”

Hopeless idiot.

Leanna unaware same person—hated “oppressor” Isabelle.

Melin kept secret.

Not selfish—saintess’s reasons. Reveal—trouble.

True character—fuzzy conclusion.

Isabelle’s “death training”—none died. Cold—facade.

Celis’s sunshine—warmed all. Love real.

Saintess—gentle from start.

Why play villain? Hidden pressures?

Melin silent—unanswerable.

Unclear—ask direct.

If gentle like Celis—no punishment for boldness.

Night—back to Oracle.

Quiet. Maids knew identity—no block. Near lounge.

Before door—argument.

“…Sander Fortress fallen. When Rose Knights ready? Day late—hundreds dead.”

“You swore fifteen days hold. Now rush battlefield? Underestimated abyss demons?”

“Hmph. Not here for blame. Yes or no—Knights combat-ready?”

“No. Per agreement—five more training days.”

“Five? Thousands die!”

“Your fault. Without—Knights die!”