Chapter 32: It was Lady Violet who saved me.

“Miss, are you sure the new Oracle saintess is the one?”

“Positive.”

Outside Oracle Hall, Nora gazed at the majestic structure—joy and worry mingled.

Learning of two saintesses—she deduced: target = new saintess, Celis.

Appearance confirmed via Uncle William—exact match.

But… rumors swirled.

New saintess Celis—original Isabelle mistreated her. Suppressed, sabotaged…

Nora reluctant to believe—saintesses, how bad? Until: noble “imprisoned” at Oracle.

Isabelle truly vile?

Doubts cleared like dawn.

Soirée flash? Blossom escort + theft?

To block Celis meeting!

Isabelle knew search—schemed barriers.

Vile!

Today: find Celis, free her.

Deep breath. Gate. To guard maid:

“Duke Nora visits. Announce.”

Maid eyed, shook head.

“If for saintess—return. Not here.”

“Not? Hiding?”

Cold huff. Step forward.

“Two saintesses—no?”

“…Both absent.”

Maid helpless.

Others unaware—maids knew: Celis true phantom.

Oracle-wide—only Renia/Ver knew Celis schedule.

Mysterious.

Ver once predictable: 9/10 days Oracle, 1 palace with Frandor.

Post-Knight training—rare. Whereabouts unknown.

“Absent or not—duke enters?”

“Hey—Duke Nora!”

Nora disbelieved. Bypassed maid. Jenny blocked guard.

Tour: truly empty.

Unexpected—rear garden: Philly, the “imprisoned” noble.

“Duke Nora?”

Nora famous—Philly recognized.

“Philly? Isabelle’s captive?”

Step, wrist grab.

“Come—I’ll free you.”

Turn—Renia blocked.

“Duke Nora—uninvited rude.”

“Imprisoning—polite?”

“Regardless—can’t leave with her today.”

Renia unmoved. Nora sneered. Released wrist. Magic stirred.

“Oh? Maid—how stop me?”

Eyes narrowed. Magic pressure on Renia.

Shock: maid unshaken. Unaffected.

Impossible!

Just maid—such strength?!

Calm facade—inner storm.

Recall: bouquet thief—same pressure!

All Isabelle’s plot!

Vile saintess!

Standoff—Philly slipped behind, to Renia. Apologetic gaze.

“Philly?”

“Sorry, Duke Nora. Without Lady Ver’s permission—no leave.”

“Philly—no fear reprisal. I’ll protect.”

“…Misunderstanding. Not fear. My choice.”

Nora puzzled.

“Meaning?”

“No longer Greiro puppet. Lady Isabelle—new path. You understand.”

No puppet?

Nora knew Philly’s plight.

Greiro heiress—elders’ marionette. Life not hers.

Freedom-seeker Nora pitied—powerless to save.

Even self—family chains.

Yet this string-bound doll—chose?

“Philly… know what you say?”

Hand to heart—Philly blissful, fervent.

“I know. Lady Ver gave choice, courage. No puppet.”