Chapter 49: I Didn’t Plan to Become a Great Saint.
“Wow, that’s really too much. So, they didn’t even assign you decent teachers?”
Following Ace and Frosti’s words, Suna steered the conversation toward her desired direction, then heard their complaints.
“Forget decent teachers—they either brush us off with irrelevant stuff or lecture endlessly, ignoring our questions.”
“Yeah, exactly. And Skoll’s combat instructor is even worse: unreasonable high-intensity drills, forcing early real fights, all dressed up as ‘enhanced training.’”
As Ace and Frosti vented, Peter gave a wry smile, attempting to defend and change the subject.
“Not everyone in the Golden Bough Temple is like that. You could report to senior priests. And complaining about the temple in public like this…”
Before Suna could respond, Skoll, staring at Peter, countered in a low, steady tone.
“Someone we know said that making people afraid to discuss their suffering openly is oppression itself. We’re not the ones in the wrong, so why hide it?”
Skoll’s logic left Peter speechless, forcing a helpless chuckle.
Suna was surprised the words came from her own fabricated past.
[Did I say that? Must’ve borrowed a quote from some saintess story during my research.]
Pushing further to extract more info, Suna made a bolder guess without pause, denying Peter a chance to interject.
“Insufficient supplies for training, inadequate healing. Your instructors are neglectful and cruel. I’m starting to suspect even your basic needs—food, clothing, shelter—are being mishandled.”
She turned abruptly to Skoll. “Skoll, have you ever gone hungry because of this exclusion?”
Peter, sensing her intent, tried to deflect. “The temple wouldn’t be that harsh on novice knights…”
Frosti, emotions ignited, snapped angrily. “It’s not like that, mister. Skoll’s meals get tampered with all the time. That damn instructor Vishes even extends drills into lunch, dragging us here instead feels like a relief.”
“Yeah, and Skoll’s a hero candidate, not some novice knight, yet treated like this.”
Ace’s revelation drew shocked looks from Boon and Mist, who’d been listening quietly.
“You’re a hero candidate?” Boon asked.
“Wait, Skoll’s one of the recent hero candidates?” Mist echoed.
Their chatter drew attention from nearby tables.
Peter’s face twisted as Skoll’s identity “leaked.” He realized from the invitation, it was a “trap.”
Glancing at Suna, veiled and sighing-like, she offered a summarizing remark.
“Doesn’t the temple’s training system have issues?”
Peter noticed corner tables: plainclothes figures with coffee, notebooks or magic data pads, scribbling furiously—reporters chasing hot stories.
Even as one subtly photographed, Suna remained unmoved, watching Peter grapple with his emotions.
Without revealing his identity, he had no grounds to stop them.
Forcing it would provoke Suna into confrontation, potentially exposing him and amplifying the news.
“Saintess Suna, you care deeply and uphold justice, but you know these words could affect your own standing.”
[Hah, as a Demon King’s officer, why care about temple status? I’m not aiming for high saintess.]
Internally scoffing at Peter’s veiled warning, Suna replied calmly.
“I trust my heart’s choice.”
Peter knew the “clash” was over. He retreated decisively.
Ring ring ring~
Answering his ringing communicator, Peter forced an awkward smile. “Sorry, friends calling with an emergency. I’ll head out.”
Suna, unretentive, responded warmly. “Okay, goodbye, Peter. Hope you sort it quickly. Don’t forget the meal tab.”
Peter’s mouth twitched at her wallet jab. “Yes, goodbye.”
As he hurried past the photographing reporter, he “tripped,” pressing the mini-camera in the man’s pocket.
After a quick apology, he left.
Suna snorted at his trick.
[Overexposing with light magic to erase the photos? No matter—as long as the reporters spread the word. I’ve gathered Skoll’s temple updates and stirred trouble for the Golden Bough Temple. They’ll either suppress rumors or disclose hero training, making intel easier to collect.]
Pleased, Suna grabbed her beer and chugged.