“Click, tough one.”

Clang, clang, clang!

Long, thin needles flew toward me in quick succession.

I always kept a barrier up, ready for an attack at any time.

Wait a minute—the barrier I’m using now reflects attacks back to the assailant!

The needles that struck the barrier rebounded straight toward the attacker.

“Guh!?”

The scream that followed was high-pitched.

It was hard to see in the dark, but… was it a woman?

I snapped my fingers, switching the barrier.

This time, I chose a physical-defense type that wouldn’t return the enemy’s attacks.

The assailant, seemingly realizing that ranged weapons were useless, pulled something out of her pocket.

That’s… a giant needle?

She clutched something resembling a creature’s sharpened fang tightly in her hand.

Should I take her down here?

Most likely, she’s… someone guarding that girl, right?

I stole a glance at the girl I had been speaking with moments ago.

And in that moment, I understood why she was called a Saintess.

“Hamil, stop.”

She didn’t shout, nor did she raise her voice.

But that clear tone carried as if amplified, reaching my ears effortlessly.

Clear voice, large eyes, an aura of sanctity.

All these elements combined to create an overwhelming sense of authority that demanded obedience.

Ah, so she truly is a Saintess.

I don’t know much about religion, but even a skeptic like me couldn’t deny the solemnity that surrounded her.

The needle-wielding assailant who had attacked me also lowered her weapon at the Saintess’s words.

She knelt, bending one knee to the ground, and bowed her head.

The Saintess gave a small nod of acknowledgment.

Then, as she approached me, the imposing authority she had just exuded seemed to vanish, replaced by the friendly demeanor from before.

“Bruno, I’m sorry for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Maria. Please don’t feel the need to use any formalities—just call me Maria.”

“Uh, but just now you were…”

Was she Volakia or Maria? A Saintess or not?

My mind spun with everything that had just happened, and Maria laughed at my bewildered expression.

“I was a Saintess, but that’s a title from the past. I’ve since relinquished my rank and now live simply as Maria.”

“I see, so that’s how it is.”

Perhaps she lost a political struggle or something.

I’d heard from Katya that there had been recent upheavals in Célie, with political turmoil causing all kinds of issues…

In any case, I decided not to dig too deep.

Getting involved in Célie’s affairs might not only spell trouble for me but also for Ivy and Katya.

Even if Maria wasn’t currently in power, it was clear she had been someone of great importance.

As long as I maintained proper manners toward someone of her stature, I should be fine… I think.

Still, I couldn’t shake a growing sense of unease.

“Well then, I think it’s time I take my leave.”

“Alright… until we meet again.”

After keeping the conversation as safe as possible, I parted ways with Maria.

Her parting words lingered in my mind.

“Until we meet again”… What did she mean by that?

It was as if she knew for certain we’d cross paths once more.

For now, I’ll consult Ivy and Katya.

I’ve already reached my limit with all this!

“…Shoot, I completely forgot to check the way back to my room…”

It took me even longer to locate the room assigned to me, and by the time I finally arrived, I was completely exhausted.