Chapter 7: Isabelle? Just a fake saint.

“So you’ve been following me ever since I left?”

On the swaying carriage, Melin’s tense nerves finally eased. She sat in the back row, head resting intimately on Celis’s shoulder.

“You could say that.”

“Lady Celis…”

“Hmm?”

Melin looked up, forcing a smile.

“You know what? You’re the second person in the world who cares about me.”

Celis stroked her head, eyes full of understanding and pity. Her voice was soft, like she feared startling a small bird.

“Actually, no. Many in the Rose Knights care about you too.”

“Really?”

“Of course. You just haven’t known each other long enough for them to show it. From what I know, Leanna cares a lot.”

“Mmm, she does feel reliable. But you’re definitely the second who cares most.”

Hugging Celis, Melin nuzzled closer like a kitten.

“Once we reach Anna Town and see my mother, I’ll take you to the back of town. It’s full of white lilies. So beautiful.”

“When I was little, no matter how upset, going there always lightened my heart. I’m sure you’ll love it too, Lady Celis!”

Smiling, Celis nodded in agreement.

Everyone has a secret haven—a place to catch their breath in life. For Melin, the white lily garden was hers.

Such places are rarely shared. That she invited Celis meant Celis was already among her closest—second only to her mother.

After a morning’s travel, they reached Rhodel Fortress.

Finding the teleport array, Melin asked curiously.

“Lady Celis, why does no one seem to recognize you? You’re a saintess of the Aust Empire.”

Along the way, no one bowed. People glanced back not from recognition, but because of Celis’s beauty.

This puzzled Melin.

Imperial saintesses were famous. A place like Rhodel should know her. And Celis traveled with her real face!

Celis explained.

“Because… Oracle Hall matters are usually handled by Isabelle. Her fame far outshines mine. It’s normal they don’t know me.”

Normal?

Not really.

The Aust Empire had only ever had one saintess: Isabelle. Celis was a persona she created to… train the Rose Knights.

Near the capital, people might know. Far away—who knew Celis?

But Melin didn’t dwell. She only thought these people lacked manners for not recognizing Celis.

In her heart, Celis was the most worthy of respect. Isabelle was just a flashy fake.

Via Rhodel’s long-distance array, they soon reached Anna Town.

Stepping onto familiar soil, Melin froze for a long while. Only Celis’s urging snapped her from memories.

Following the well-known path, she stopped before a low house.

Though humble, it was neatly maintained—clearly repaired by order of the town governor.

Rose Knights were saviors in imperial eyes. The local governor would curry favor.

Debt collectors wouldn’t dare come near anymore.

But that honor belonged to Rose Knights. She was now just a shameful deserter.

Her raised hand hovered near the door. She couldn’t knock.

Knock knock knock—

Unexpectedly, Celis did it for her.

“Coming.”

A familiar voice. Melin braced for the old grating creak. Instead, a clean click. The door opened smoothly.

Only then did she truly realize—her home had changed.

Behind the door stood a middle-aged woman with half-white hair. Stooped, she’d seem elderly if not for her youthful face.

“Mom!”

“Melin?”

Mrs. Mariel stared in disbelief. Melin was the same. She gaped.

“Mom! You—you don’t need the cane?!”

“Thanks to the imperial physician, I’m much better. But you—why are you back? I heard the knights just formed.”

“I, uh…”

Melin faltered, face flushing.

Celis stepped forward.

“It’s new, so there are changes. Melin chose to come see you.”

Mrs. Mariel blinked, then asked.

“You are?”

“Celis. Think of me as her instructor. I came with her to visit.”

“Quick, come in!”

Hearing “instructor,” Mrs. Mariel hurriedly welcomed Celis. Melin exhaled in relief, eyes full of gratitude.

On the living room sofa, Mrs. Mariel held Celis’s hands, asking about the knights. Melin worried at first. But Celis’s flawless answers eased her.

Only…

In Celis’s words, Melin was brave and strong. She left the knights only because she missed her mother.

This made Melin blush with shame. She stayed quiet, occasionally pouring tea—obedient to a fault.

Soon, nearing dusk, Mrs. Mariel stood with a smile.

“I’ll make a grand dinner to welcome our guest and my daughter’s return.”

Melin linked arms with Celis, pulling her up.

“Come! While there’s time, I’ll show you the white lily garden behind town!”