Chapter 22: How did you get her?

Fratina was unaware that her standing in Dorothy’s eyes had risen even higher.

She was still processing Lucia’s earlier words.

From what Lucia said, it seemed she was willing to leave the valley with her?

The thought sparked a flicker of anticipation in Fratina.

She had assumed she’d serve Lucia here until the contract was undone, but now it seemed she might leave sooner?

As the three negotiated, the Papal Guard soldiers nearby watched in stunned silence.

They couldn’t hear the conversation but could tell from their Saintess’s reactions that it was a winding exchange.

After a brief moment of admiration for Fratina, Dorothy turned her attention back to Lucia.

“What you’re proposing… it’s not impossible to consider, but…”

She touched her chin, thinking.

“If you truly mean no harm, why don’t we discuss this elsewhere?”

Lucia understood and nodded.

“Fine. Let’s talk at my place.”

With that, Lucia turned, leading Fratina up the mountain.

Dorothy signaled her soldiers to wait at the base.

The soldiers exchanged confused glances.

‘Wasn’t the Saintess here to slay the dragon Lucia and rescue the Hero?’

‘Why is she now chatting with her instead of attacking, even heading to her lair?’

Commander Alexius hurried after her, puzzled. “Saintess, you’re going up the mountain?”

“Yes. It seems the dragon Lucia isn’t our enemy. We can discuss Sister Fratina’s situation.”

“But that’s the dragon’s lair. If something happens, we might not be able to protect you in time…”

“It’s fine.”

Dorothy shook her head.

“I don’t think Sister Fratina is under the dragon’s control. She’s securing us a powerful ally. Gaining Lucia’s support could give us an edge against the demons in the future.”

“But… going up alone is too dangerous…”

“Isn’t Sister Fratina there?”

Dorothy smiled and waved a hand.

“Still, Father Alexius, if you’re worried, bring a few men along. Just remember to follow the host’s rules.”

Meanwhile, Londe’s guide camped in a forest some distance from the mountain’s base.

Calculating the time, he figured the Papal Guard and the dragon should have clashed by now.

Yet, it was eerily quiet—no signs of battle.

Sensing something off, he didn’t dare investigate.

If the dragon was so powerful as to wipe out a thousand-strong guard, going there would be suicide.

Shaking his head, he focused on the meat roasting over the campfire.

“Wow, so this is where you live, Lady Lucia? It’s truly remarkable.”

Following Fratina and Lucia into the cave, Dorothy let out an admiring exclamation.

Her words carried some politeness but also genuine awe.

From the outside, the cave blended seamlessly with the mountain, but inside, it was unimaginable—a palace in the wilderness.

“Naturally.”

Lucia led Dorothy to the hall and continued, “Lady Dorothy, I hear you and Fratina are close. Why don’t you two catch up in her room first?”

Lucia was astute. Knowing Fratina and Dorothy’s bond, she figured Dorothy would rather talk to her about recent events than negotiate now.

Besides, Lucia had treated Fratina well.

Letting Dorothy see her living conditions would surely improve her impression.

Dorothy, surprised that Lucia offered her and Fratina private time first, lit up.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Lucia smiled, turning to Fratina. “You must have plenty to say to Dorothy. I’ll leave you two alone for now.”

Fratina tried to read Lucia’s intentions.

But with the cloak hiding her face, she could only guess cautiously, as always.

Before she could respond, Dorothy grabbed her hand.

“Sister Fratina, where have you been staying? Show me!”

Helpless, Fratina led Dorothy to her room.

Opening the guest room door, they entered, and Fratina closed it behind them.

When she turned, she found Dorothy staring at the room’s furnishings, dumbstruck.

After a long moment, Dorothy snapped out of it and looked at Fratina.

“Sister Fratina, you actually live here? This isn’t some setup by Lucia to impress me, is it?”

Fratina sweated.

Dorothy’s imagination was wild.

“Well, we didn’t know you were coming with the Church until just now. We were in your sight the whole way up—there was no time to stage anything.”

Besides, she’d lived here for over ten days. The signs of habitation couldn’t be faked.

Dorothy, hearing this, grew even more astonished.

Fratina’s room was better than her own in the Holy City.

Though the Church advocated asceticism, the Saintess and Pope’s quarters were lavish to maintain authority.

Other nations also treated Dorothy with the highest hospitality.

In all her years as Saintess, she’d never seen a room this fine.

If she didn’t know Fratina’s situation, she might’ve thought Fratina was the master here.

With that thought, Dorothy solidified her belief that Fratina was staying willingly.

Stepping closer, she whispered, “Sister Fratina, how did you tame that dragon?”