FTA Ch 22

<Episode 22>

 

“The fact is currently spreading rampantly throughout the institution…” Dennis explained.

“Leave.”

 

However, the response to the courageously added comment was a cold dismissal.

 

“…Pardon?”

 

Dennis looked up at Erhardt with a bewildered expression.

 

“I said, leave.”

“…”

 

Dennis, whose voice had been firm with a burning sense of duty, was suddenly at a loss for words.

He gazed at Erhardt with a confused look, failing to grasp the situation.

 

“Do I need to repeat myself for you to understand properly?”

 

Erhardt didn’t bother to hide his annoyance at Dennis.

His brow furrowed deeply as his eyes briefly closed in frustration.

 

“I don’t have time to waste listening to your nonsense, so I said, leave.” Erhardt ordered.

 

Dennis couldn’t utter another word.

He wasn’t so oblivious that he couldn’t read the extreme weariness etched on Erhardt’s otherwise smooth face.

Barely managing to stammer out his agreement in a trembling voice, Dennis eventually excused himself.

The soft click of the door opening and closing echoed quietly as he left the room.

Only then did Erhardt slowly open his eyes.

The icy chill radiating from his blue gaze was similiar to frost in the heart of winter.

 

“Every single one of them has surely lost their minds.” Erhardt said.

 

It was almost unbelievable how foolish they could be.

Over five years of victories Gloria had achieved against the monsters that seemed to mean nothing to anyone else.

And now they turned their backs on Gloria to put their faith in some random woman who had appeared out of nowhere.

So many idiots.

He hadn’t realized the world was filled with so many shallow and thoughtless people.

These were the same people for whom Gloria had sacrificed so much.

Despite the ongoing monster subjugation, Erhardt couldn’t help but feel that perhaps it was for the best that Gloria had left alone.

Letting out a deep sigh, he ran a hand through his hair.

His gaze eventually settling on the silver chain around his left wrist.

Gloria had given it to him as a gift on the day he became an adult.

She’d handcrafted it herself, even though temple regulations forbade her from owning or giving material possessions.

It was a crude piece to say the least, far from anything that could be called well made.

But Erhart had never once taken it off.

 

“…”

 

As he stared at the bracelet, which now had bits of rust showing here and there a sudden thought struck him.

 

“Gloria had likely left with nothing.’

 

The realization jolted Erhardt into action.

He moved from his spot, where he’d been standing as if rooted, and quickly resolved to act.

This wasn’t the time to stand idly by.

He could vividly picture Gloria, struggling alone in an unfamiliar land.

Worse, those shameless people who had demanded so much of her sacrifice were bound to start searching for her again.

That thought struck him like lightning.

Erhardt made up his mind.

He would ensure Gloria’s successful escape and quiet life in exile.

Those who had fought alongside her on the battlefield were rewarded with titles, land, and immense fortune from the royal family.

Meanwhile, she hadn’t received a single coin.

It was grossly unfair that the one who had fought the hardest in the monster subjugation had been left without any compensation.

With a clear purpose, Erhardt retrieved the trust fund documents worth billions in gold that he had been granted in advance by Gabriel.

Securing the papers, he left the mansion without hesitation.

 

* * *

 

At dusk, the streets were sparsely populated.

Yet, the expressions of the people walking through the dimming streets were uniformly bright.

That was what Gloria liked about this place.

It wasn’t overly bustling, nor was it entirely underdeveloped.

A moderately populated, peacefully quiet village.

Over the years, Gloria had traveled through countless imperial territories with the subjugation team.

During that time, she had noted down places that might be suitable for living alone someday.

After carefully narrowing down her options, she had chosen this place.

This tranquil village was also close to the town where Gloria had been born and raised.

That might have played a significant role in her decision to settle here.

Gloria walked leisurely, quietly taking in the scenery of the street she would now see regularly.

Strolling without any urgency, letting her feet guide her and turned out to be a surprisingly pleasant experience.

Most of all, she enjoyed the cozy.

She charming scenery and the warm, serene atmosphere of the village.

 

‘This really was a great choice.’

 

It was sheer luck that she had been able to purchase a large castle in such a lovely town.

She recalled the time when she had asked Claude to find her a modestly sized home.

Back then, Claude had introduced her to a castle he had previously bought at a bargain price.

Apparently, when a horde of wyverns had appeared near the village.

The castle’s lord had fled in a hurry and sold the castle to Claude for next to nothing.

Claude had fully restored the castle and repaired its interior to perfection.

What’s more, he had sold it to Gloria at an exceptionally low price without charging her for the restoration.

Remembering that now, Gloria couldn’t help but think hiring Claude as the castle’s caretaker was an excellent decision.

 

‘Even if he’s still technically a novice.’

 

Lost in thought as she walked, Gloria eventually reached her destination.

Claude’s guild had gone under, and she could no longer sell materials like Triol’s eyes there.

But since she was already out, she decided to spend some time at a café before heading home.

It was late enough that the stores lining the streets were beginning to close one by one.

Seeing this, Gloria quickened her pace.

She soon noticed a café with its lights still on and headed inside.

The bell on the door jingled cheerfully as it swung open.

A man seated at the counter promptly stood up at the sound.

 

“Welcome—”

 

The moment Gloria stepped inside, his voice faltered.

His eyes widened in shock, and his lips quivered slightly.

 

“—welcome.”

 

He managed to finish his sentence, swallowing nervously.

It was an odd reaction, no doubt about it.

Gloria tilted her head, puzzled, as she studied the man.

 

‘What’s wrong with him?’

 

Furrowing her brows slightly in confusion, a thought suddenly struck her.

 

“Are you closed for the day?” Gloria asked.

“…Huh? No, no! We’re open!” He answered.

 

She was relieved to hear his confirmation, having feared otherwise.

As Gloria glanced around the empty café, deliberating where to sit.

She felt an unrelenting gaze.

Turning back, she caught the man staring blankly at her, looking dazed.

 

‘What’s his deal?’

 

Gloria gave him an uncertain look.

Was there some sort of issue?

This was her first visit to a café like this, so she wasn’t quite sure.

Since her sacred mark was hidden under her hair.

It couldn’t be that he had recognized her by it.

Gloria nervously toyed with her bangs.

At this, the man visibly flinched and slowly lowered his gaze.

His eyes stopped on the mace she was holding in her hand.

Realization dawned on Gloria, and she inwardly winced.

She quickly tucked the mace behind her back.

 

“This is just for self defense,” she explained.

“…Excuse me?”

 

The man’s bewildered voice only made her explanation feel more awkward.

Holding his unsteady gaze, Gloria continued.

 

“If bringing this inside is an issue, I can sit at one of the outdoor tables.” Gloria said.

“No! Not at all! Please, sit wherever you like.”

 

The man hurriedly shook his head and waved his hands in denial.

But Gloria was now convinced his strange behavior was entirely due to her intimidating weapon.

 

“I’ll sit outside, then.” She said.

 

It was disappointing, but she had no choice.

She’d hoped to relax and enjoy the café’s ambiance like everyone else.

Still, she didn’t want to make others uncomfortable.

Gloria picked a table outdoors and seated herself.

Shortly after, the man brought her a menu.

Carefully scanning it, she chose a few intriguing drinks.

As she waited for her order, idly gazing at the street.

She heard a voice behind her.

 

“…Saintess?”

 

The unexpected, familiar title made Gloria freeze momentarily.

But she remained calm, pretending not to hear anything.