"S-sir Hero?"


    "Yes?"


    Observing the bewildered Isabe before me, I couldn''t help but fight back a chuckle.


    It seemed my prank fromst night had taken a more significant toll on her than I initially anticipated, evident in the unsteady way she walked and the trembling in her legs.


    The effects of my actions, as I pped some sense into her, lingered as she navigated the aftermath.


    ''Her round mounds were pretty fun to p''


    While sleeping with her might have been a more fitting punishment, the potential consequences of such an act, considering my sister''s nature of making me take responsibility for my actions, held me back.


    Yet, given all the things she did to me the other night, I couldn''t help but think that this form of retribution was fitting for Isabe.


    It might seem childish but if youpare it to what she did to me, my form of punishment was quite lenient.


    ''I mean she literally almost enved me with that charm of her!''


    I even took into ount her goddess''s love for her and held back as much as I could.


    "Ian, you''re familiar with Isabe…?" Elena inquired, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.


    I hadn''t shared the details of my encounter with Isabe a few days ago when the Pope attempted a private conversation with me.


    Ipletely forgot that Elena was unaware of this connection, and she scrutinized me with a mixture of suspicion and distress.


    Is she aware of her charms? The thought crossed my mind. If so, exining theplexities surrounding Isabe would likely be much easier now. Still, I could sense Elena''s unease and a subtle desire to keep me at a distance from Isabe.


    "Yes," I finally replied, deciding to be honest.


    "I met Isabe a few days ago when the Pope sought a private discussion with me. We''ve had some interactions since then."


    Elena''s expression shifted, registering surprise and, perhaps, a hint of concern


    Elena appeared to mull over what I said for a moment, her expression reflecting a mix of contemtion and understanding.


    "I see…," she finally acknowledged, turning her attention back to Isabe.


    Isabe stood before us, visibly trembling. Even with her eyes concealed by the blindfold, the pain etched across her face and the quivering of her body were unmistakable.


    Elena, her empathetic nature prevailing, stepped forward, expressing her desire to help Isabe alleviate her suffering.


    "You are in pain, Isabe. Allow me to help," Elena offered gently, moving closer to Isabe. However, her well-intentioned gesture prompted an unexpected reaction.


    Isabe, seemingly panicked, frantically screamed at Elena, urging her to stay back.


    "Stay back…! No… I mean, stay back, please. I''m really fine, so you don''t need to help," Isabe pleaded, her words filled with a sense of urgency. Despite her insistence that she was alright, the contorted expressions of pain and difort revealed a different truth.


    "I''m really fine, so… please go on your way," Isabe reaffirmed, attempting to dismiss the offer of assistance. Elena, though concerned, respected Isabe''s wishes.


    "But…" Elena began to protest, wanting to extend a helping hand.


    "You know the two of us can''t be seen together, right?" Isabe interjected with a resolute voice


    "That—" Elena began to respond, her voice reflecting a mix of surprise and hurt, but her words were abruptly cut off by Isabe.


    "''Thief''… No, saintess, please be on your way. Making a scene here would only be bothersome for the hero," Isabe asserted with a haggard voice, her head slightly tilted down.


    Elena''s head now hung low, her demeanor absorbing Isabe''s words. The unexpectedbel of ''thief'' struck Elena like a sudden storm.


    The gravity of the usation was evident in the newfound seriousness etched across her face.


    A few moments after the words settled, Elena spoke, her voice calm yet carrying an undertone of hurt.


    "Let''s go, Ian…" Elena said as she walked forward, choosing to ignore Isabe, who stood right next to us.


    Walking beside her, I couldn''t help but notice the subtle tremors in Elena''s lips and eyes.


    It became clear that there was a history between these two, and the word ''thief'' carried weight beyond its literal meaning. While I was tempted to inquire further, Elena hadn''t shared the details of her past with me yet.


    It was a private matter she would unveil when she deemed it necessary.


    ''It''s not that hard to guess what happened…. Just from the amount of divine power they had, I''m sure there was a lot ofplexities that happened in the past''


    For now, it was evident that there were unresolved issues between the two women.


    The weight of their unspoken history lingered in the air, and as they continued forward, it was clear that this was a matter that Isabe and Elena would have to address and resolve on their own.


    Before wepletely walked past Isabe, I reached out and touched her hand.


    She trembled, ncing in my direction, but the nod she gave in response indicated that she understood the unspoken message.


    With that, Isabe continued on her way, disappearing into the depths of the corridor.


    "Are you okay?" I asked Elena, sensing a heaviness in the air.


    Elena looked at me with a mixture of surprise and gratitude before offering a gentle smile.


    "I''m okay… It''s just frustrating to think about stuff that happened in the past, only for it to haunt you in the present," she confided, her words carrying a weight of emotional history.


    ….


    As we made our way back to our rooms, I pondered the events that had transpired.


    Not much seemed to be unfolding outside since my arrival, and I wondered if it was a deliberate withholding of information or if the world had simply not decided to move yet.


    Given the recent actions of the Pope, thetter seemed less likely.


    Theplexities of my existence, coupled with its political significance, might be the reason behind the stagnation.


    Perhaps the other countries were still waiting for either the empire or the holy kingdom to make the first move.


    After all, these were the two most powerful nations on the continent, and the politicalndscape remained delicate.


    I probably would have to spend a few more days here.


    The training I receive in this unfamiliar environment holds potential benefits for the future, and for that, I find myself genuinely grateful.


    As I consider the unfolding events and my role in the grand scheme, there are several matters that require my attention.


    First and foremost, contacting the kid is imperative.


    Ensuring that he''s aware of the ongoing developments and possibly coordinating our efforts will be essential. His unique connections is still needed.


    ''His organization has yet to make a move as well…''


    Moreover, staying informed about niel and the others is crucial.


    ''I can''t exactly establishmunication here after all''


    Especially with the goddess presence almost everywhere.


    Not to mention after what I did to her; I doubt she''ll let me go that easily.


    The second act of this grand y is about to unfold.


    I don''t necessarily need to take immediate action.


    The Demon King, a powerful yer in this intricate game, will likely make his own moves.


    ''He must be quite happy with the results in the academy''


    After all he now has several information about the powerhouses at y.


    Patience bes a virtue, allowing events to unfold naturally before I intervene is a must right now.


    ''Aria, Lilliana, Euphemia….''


    Aria and Lilliana should be rtively safe at the duke''s side by now, and Euphemia, knowing her family should have returned to her kingdom.


    As for Alex, Tristan, and the others, they should be navigating their own paths now.


    Monitoring them would be advantageous, but the presence of Siena adds an unpredictable variable. Unwanted conflicts might arise if we attempt to observe them closely.


    The emperor, with his keen eye for talent, would unlikely release the promising prospects of Tristan and Alex easily, especially with Siena''s support.


    The fate of the entire continent hung in the bnce, andfort became a luxury in the face of the unfolding situation.


    The academy, initially intended as our base of operations, is gone now.


    Despite the unexpected turns of events, the forest still remained so it wasn''t much of a problem, now at least we know who to properly control and how much variables we have to take into ount, the demon king isn''t stupid so he''s probably making ns by now.


    The Demon King, and his forces is likely waiting for new information before descending upon the continent.


    ''Or is he waiting for our cue?''


    Well it doesn''t really matter...


    As long as this y continues the end is Inevitable.


    Among the potential targets for the Demon King''s invasion, the northern kingdoms emerged as a prominent choice.


    Unlike the countries on the central part of the continent, where two powerhouses stood, the northern kingdoms operated more as tribalmunities engaged in intermittent warfare.


    Their civilization was marked by a constant struggle for dominance.


    While they might be considered civilized, thebel of ''good people'' didn''t quite apply, as warmongering was ingrained in their way of life.


    For the Demon King, choosing the northern kingdoms as a strategic base would not only offer a geographical advantage but also serve as an ideal starting point for raising his demonic forces.


    ''It would be the best choice so I hope he makes a move there''


    ….


    As the ck carriage with intricate golden details rolled to a stop in front of the grand chapel, a man stepped out gracefully, while the coachman hurriedly opened the ornate carriage door.


    The insignia of a wolf, proudly disyed on the gs, identified their presence—the Tellus family from the Lumenian Empire.


    "Wee, Duke Tellus of the Lumenian Empire," greeted a priest, bowing slightly before the distinguished visitor.


    Adjusting his sses, the priest''s eyes traveled from the Duke to the beautifuldy standing beside him.


    Bowing once more, the priest hesitated in acknowledging thedy''s identity, careful not to disclose her connection to the Duke so casually.


    However, the simrities between them, from their golden blonde hair to their crimson red eyes, made it apparent.


    "She must be the Duke''s daughter," the priest mused silently. Despite the unspoken acknowledgment, another unexpected guest wasn''t something they anticipated.


    Only the Duke had received the permission to enter the holy nation''s capital.


    After a moment of contemtion, the priest let out a sigh. Political intricacies weren''t his responsibility, and he certainly couldn''t force the Duke''s daughter to stay behind.


    Despite being in the holy nation right now, he was acutely aware of his own vulnerability.


    The Duke, with his formidable reputation and elevated status, could effortlessly sever his insignificant role within the holy order without incurring any repercussions.


    The holy nation, with its stringent hierarchy, would prefer to overlook the transgressions of a low-ranking priest rather than risk a confrontation with someone as influential as the Duke in the Lumenian Empire.


    The Duke, with hisposed demeanor and inscrutable poker face, surveyed the surroundings.


    His keen senses detected multiple presences in the vicinity.


    With a measured stride, he walked forward, unperturbed by the aura of sanctity that enveloped the holy nation.


    "Are you, my guide?" the Duke inquired, breaking the silence that permeated the grand chapel.


    The low-rank priest, acutely aware of the significance of this encounter, nodded respectfully before responding, "Please follow me."


    Aria followed right behind her father with tipsy steps.