Chapter 18: Do they have a good relationship?

Lucia knew Fratina always tried to act like an obedient servant in her presence.

Thus, Fratina rarely refused her requests.

Unless they crossed a line.

Like this topic now.

“You’re avoiding this subject?”

Fratina remained silent.

“If avoiding problems solved them, most people would do the same, wouldn’t they?”

Seeing Fratina still looking down, Lucia stood and approached her.

“Humans think you should’ve died, don’t they?”

Fratina’s head snapped up, meeting Lucia’s gaze.

“I also think I should’ve died in that fight with you!”

“And what would that have gained humanity?”

“Besides having your story written into books as gossip for idle folks, what else?”

“But…”

Fratina, as if giving up, poured out her heart.

“Because I’m alive, all my past deeds have been erased!”

“Who said your past doesn’t count?”

Lucia’s tone stayed calm.

“The people you helped, the things you did—they’re still there. The monsters you slew no longer plague humans. The people you aided live better lives. Aren’t those facts?”

“You’re scared they’ll turn ungrateful, hating you for your ‘betrayal.’ But won’t some still trust you, still be grateful for what you did?”

Fratina suddenly recalled the girl she helped yesterday.

Indeed, as Lucia said, some would remember her kindness.

“As my servant, I don’t demand you commit evil or oppose humanity. I only ask you to stand by my side. Would I stop you from helping humans?”

For some reason, Lucia’s words stirred an odd feeling in Fratina.

She looked at Lucia, puzzled, and asked instinctively, “Lord Lucia, you won’t… make me do evil?”

“Of course not. I won’t ask you to do anything against your values.”

“Besides, you’ve been here over ten days. Have you seen me do anything bad?”

Fratina thought about it. Aside from Lucia’s sudden absence yesterday, she hadn’t seen her do anything wrong.

Compared to some humans, Lucia seemed almost kind.

“Then…”

Fratina nearly asked if Lucia, claiming not to be evil, could dissolve their contract.

But realizing it might cross a line, she held back.

Their relationship wasn’t close enough to broach that topic.

Mentioning the contract could touch Lucia’s limits, possibly costing Fratina her current freedom.

Seeing Fratina hesitate, Lucia said nothing, quietly wiping sweat from her brow.

That speech had taken courage, but it seemed to have inspired Fratina positively.

If it had backfired, making her resent Lucia more, that would’ve been trouble.

Lucia sat back down, looking at the calming Fratina. “So, Fratina, do you understand? If you care about others’ opinions, you can go cry in your room.”

“I understand, Lord Lucia. I feel much better now.”

Fratina stood, bowing respectfully to Lucia.

“Thank you…”

Her gratitude was sincere, catching Lucia off guard.

It was the first time Fratina had shown vulnerability before her, and now, these were her most heartfelt words.

“No need to thank me. You’re… my servant, after all. Caring for your mental health is my duty as your master.”

Lucia awkwardly changed the subject.

Though Fratina still resisted their bond, she found herself thinking Lucia wasn’t so bad.

If they could dissolve the contract someday, she might even help Lucia reconcile with nearby humans.

*

While the two discussed the meaning of being a Hero in the cave, at the gates of Elan, the capital of Londe, a line of guards stood ready to welcome esteemed guests.

King Duncan, on horseback, gazed eastward.

In the distance, a ceremonial troop bearing white flags approached on horseback.

As they neared, Duncan recognized the emblem of the Papal State of Avignon, a symbol respected across the continent.

Days ago, the Pope’s letter had arrived, informing Duncan of a distinguished visitor, so he waited at the gates early.

Londe’s envoys rode out to meet the approaching troop.

After confirming identities, Londe’s envoys led the Papal State’s delegation to the gates.

The Papal envoy, remaining mounted, spoke directly to Duncan. “Your Majesty, we’ve heard your kingdom suffers from a dragon’s raids and sent a Hero to slay it. We’re here to aid your kingdom and the Hero.”

Mention of the Hero made Duncan smile awkwardly.

Only Londe’s leaders and military knew of Fratina’s betrayal, a secret he hadn’t spread.

Hearing the envoy offer aid for the Hero was awkward.

“My thanks for His Holiness’s support…”

Duncan offered polite gratitude.

The envoy continued, “Our Saintess personally leads the Papal Guard. She’s close to the Hero and hopes Your Majesty can share the latest news about her, as she’s been missing for some time.”

Learning of the Saintess’s close bond with the Hero, Duncan’s expression froze.

‘What now? If the Saintess learns the Hero betrayed humanity, will she blame me?’

After all, he was the one who ordered Fratina to slay Lucia.