Chapter 29: Triumph?

With a hint of resentment, Lucia trailed behind Fratina and Dorothy as they descended the mountain.

At the base, the Papal Guard soldiers were fully prepared.

Londe’s guide, sleepless most of the night and only dozing off near dawn, was woken by the soldiers’ morning preparations and had to help.

Now, sporting dark circles under his eyes, he looked at Alexius. “Sir, when can we head back?”

“Soon.”

Alexius smiled, instructing two soldiers to “watch” the guide, then stepped out of the camp.

Soon, he greeted Dorothy and the others coming down.

“Saintess, did you rest well last night?”

“Yes.”

Meeting Church members, Dorothy instantly resumed her dignified demeanor.

She nodded calmly.

In truth, she hadn’t just rested well—she’d felt like a king.

Not only was her lodging better than a king’s, she’d also outmaneuvered a dragon.

Who on the continent could claim to have bested a dragon?

Dorothy’s heart swelled with pride.

Seeing her good mood, Alexius relaxed.

The Saintess’s judgment was indeed sharper than his. Despite the dragon’s reputation, she saw through external biases and chose to trust her.

Dorothy added, “By the way, Father Alexius, I need you to leave two hundred men here.”

“…Why?”

Alexius looked puzzled.

“Well… not just here. I need them to guard the main routes into the valley.”

She glanced back at Lucia.

Lucia nodded, and Dorothy shared their agreement with Alexius.

Hearing Londe’s ulterior motives, Alexius frowned.

For caution, he whispered, “Saintess, this is significant. Shouldn’t we consult His Holiness first?”

Dorothy rejected the idea.

“We need to act quickly. If we report to the Pope, Londe will catch wind. We must pressure them to sign the treaty now, ensuring the valley’s stability. Otherwise…”

She glanced at Fratina.

“If the Hero can’t act freely, our losses against the demons will be greater.”

“But isn’t Londe in the same position?”

Alexius was still confused.

Restricting Londe for the Hero’s sake risked pushing them to the enemy’s side.

Even if Londe didn’t ally with the demons, they might slack in the fight or exploit treaty loopholes later.

“Don’t worry. I know what kind of man Londe’s King Duncan is. He seized the throne and cares only for power. He’ll choose a deal with us to secure his crown over gambling on the demons’ empty promises.”

Hearing this, Alexius said no more.

The Papal Guard was fiercely loyal to the Church.

In foreign lands, with the Pope absent, the Saintess represented the Church. Alexius had done his duty to advise; now he obeyed.

He assigned two hundred-man squads to guard the valley’s key routes, with headquarters at the base to prevent treasure theft.

The valley’s size made full sealing impossible, even with two thousand men, but blocking main paths and patrolling the woods would deter illegal mining.

Ore was heavy—moving large quantities required manpower or carts, both easily spotted.

Small-scale private mining would have negligible impact.

After arranging the guards, Alexius rejoined the main force.

Smiling at the guide, he said, “Good sir, please lead us back to Elan City. Can you do that?”

Seeing Dorothy return with two people, one called “Sister Fratina” warmly, the guide guessed they were the traitorous Hero and the valley’s dragon.

Fearing treason charges, he hesitated. “Sir, the two with the Saintess—are they Hero Fratina and the dragon Lucia?”

“So what? They’re not the Church’s enemies. We’re returning to mediate between your sides. Are you worried we’re colluding with the dragon?”

The guide shook his head.

Even if he was, he couldn’t say it here, in their stronghold.

“Then it’s settled. Lead us, and when the treaty’s signed, you’ll be rewarded.”

“Or, if you fear Londe’s punishment, we can take you to the Papal State, find you work, and help you settle.”

With that, the guide had no choice but to lead.

He felt little loyalty to Londe, but treason was a severe crime everywhere. His only fear was retribution.

If there was no punishment and he could work in the coveted Papal State, he’d defect in a heartbeat.

*

Days later, in Londe’s capital, Elan City.

Two days earlier, King Duncan received a letter. It didn’t mention whether the Church defeated the dragon but confirmed the Hero’s rescue.

Relieved, Duncan assumed the dragon was dead.

He celebrated with a grand feast the night before, drinking heavily.

This morning, greeting the Papal forces, he was still slightly drunk.

But he figured the Church’s soldiers, having slain the dragon, were in high spirits and wouldn’t mind.

As he thought this, Freeman whispered, “Your Majesty, the Papal army has returned.”