FTA Ch 25

<Chapter 25>

“I’m not taking sides, I’m just stating the facts.”

“Honestly, do you think you can handle Gloria with sheer force? You can’t.” Kais responded nonchalantly.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

To Gloria, Joshua wasn’t even a challenge.

“The reason you’re still alive today is because she let you live, nothing more.” Kais said.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Ha…, you just can’t keep your mouth shut, can you…!”

Joshua’s face turned red with anger as he breathed heavily.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Yet even he couldn’t find a solid argument to counter Kais’s words.

“Anyway, find out where that woman got the money to buy that castle.” Joshua replied.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Eventually Joshua relented, sinking into a chair with an exhausted demeanor.

“Doesn’t it seem strange? How could she afford such a massive castle?” Joshua asked.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Gloria despite her numerous contributions to subduing magical creatures.

She hadn’t received a single reward for her efforts.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Moreover, it was said that even the Marquis of Lanark’s household had never properly supported her financially.

“She had no chance to accumulate wealth, so how did she do it?” Joshua said.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Both the imperial family and the temple had exploited Gloria while also fearing her power.

They had gone to great lengths to prevent her from acquiring personal assets.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

She might worried someday build her own influence and no longer pledge allegiance to the empire.

She lived in a contradictory position and revered as a Saintess but as destitute as the orphaned beggar she once was.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Unless she stole the money, there’s no way she could’ve amassed such a fortune.” Joshua said.

“No matter how desperate she might have been, surely Gloria wouldn’t resort to theft….” Kais hesitated, frowning at Joshua’s suggestion.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

 

Before the conversation could continue, a sudden knock at the door interrupted them.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Both men paused, glancing toward the sound.

 

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“High Priest Joshua”

 

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

There are servant called as he entered and bowing deeply.

 

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Lady Iriana of the Rotheas Baron’s family has arrived at the Grace Hall.”

 

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Keeping his gaze respectfully lowered, the servant conveyed his message in an even tone.

 

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“The Archpriest commands all priests of the Grand Temple to gather at Grace Hall to welcome the new Saintess.”

 

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

* * *

 

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

At Bliss’s suggestion to move to a more comfortable setting, Gloria and the group relocated to their reserved lodgings.

Most accommodations in this village doubled as taverns on the first floor, but the place they had rented was unique.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

It featured an atelier on the ground floor instead.

The innkeeper’s apprentice who greeted them, introduced himself as the student of a famous artist who owned the place.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

His unpretentious face radiated admiration for his master.

Indeed, the portraits displayed throughout the atelier were exquisite, even to Gloria who had little knowledge of art.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

She couldn’t help but admire them.

As they climbed to the upper floor, they continued to pass captivating portraits hung along the walls and landings.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Gloria found herself so engrossed in examining the artwork that she nearly forgot her surroundings.

It was only after stepping into a modestly sized room that a question crossed her mind:

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

‘Why had Erhardt and the knights chosen to stay at an inn rather than the temple?’

The lodging was undoubtedly impressive, yet it was customary for temple knights visiting another territory to stay at the local temple.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Since this isn’t an official visit, we’re using personal funds to cover accommodations” Bliss said, as though reading her mind.

“We’ll step outside to give you some privacy. Please feel free to speak openly.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Bliss offering his usual polite smile, pulled out a chair for Gloria and then left with the silent Demian.

With a soft click, the door shut, and silence filled the room.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Gloria feeling slightly awkward and rubbed her cheek before taking a seat.

Erhardt quietly sat down across from her.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘Since this isn’t an official visit…’

Gloria hesitantly lifted her gaze, only to lock eyes with Erhardt the next moment.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

 

‘Why was it?’ Her throat went dry, and she swallowed nervously.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘It had been three years, hadn’t it?’

 

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He seemed even more mature than she remembered, and his appearance felt strangely unfamiliar.

Gloria found herself feeling awkward.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

She had let go of her childhood crush on him long ago.

Yet something about this encounter tickled her heart, leaving her both flustered and oddly unsettled.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Lowering her head again, she absently fiddled with the handle of her mace, only to accidentally drop it.

The metal shaft hit the floor with a loud clang.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Startled by the noise, Gloria looked up quickly only to see Erhardt’s face, which remained calm and expressionless as though he hadn’t heard anything.

For some reason, her lips felt parched, and she moistened them with her tongue before continuing the words she had left unfinished moments ago.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“So, did you come here to see me?” Gloria asked.

“Yes, I did.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Erhardt nodded, his golden hair glinting softly as it shifted.

“I came to see you, Saintess.” Erhardt explained.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

It was entirely unexpected.

Gloria had never imagined Erhardt would seek her out.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

After all, he was an extremely busy man.

That was how she remembered him constantly occupied.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

During the three years she spent at the Marquis’s estate before moving to the Grand Temple.

Her encounters with Erhardt had been rare, few enough to count on one hand.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

And even those sparse meetings ceased entirely once she began her training at the temple, as Erhardt had joined the subjugation unit upon reaching adulthood.

From that point on, he would leave on monster hunts lasting months and returning only briefly.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

As she searched her memory for the last time she saw him, Gloria recalled the first time they met.

She had been nine years old.,,

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

She sent to live at the Marquis of Lanark’s estate by the Emperor’s decree.

That spring, she had met Erhardt’s who had fifteen years old.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He had been a boy with a stern demeanor, seemingly devoid of emotion yet paradoxically kind.

Though burdened by the responsibilities of an heir, he had made an effort to look after his sudden young ‘sister’.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Gloria’s feelings for him back then had been like a cruel twist of fate.

He had seemed unreachable, with countless barriers separating them.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The greatest obstacle between them without question, He had been their vastly different social statuses.

Living at the Marquis’s estate, Gloria had come to understand that divide all too well.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

And as the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind”.

The longer they were apart, the easier it became to bury her feelings.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

In truth, it hadn’t even been a fully formed love to begin with a childish crush more than anything else.

Looking back, she wasn’t even sure if it was truly love.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Perhaps it had simply been a fondness for the only person who had shown her kindness.

But one thing was certain: during those difficult times, he had been a source of great comfort.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Just knowing that he was living under the same roof as her had given her strength to endure her overwhelming reality.

‘Yes, that’s how it had been.’,

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

‘And perhaps that’s why his sudden visit now left her feeling betrayed.’

Unable to suppress her bitter emotions, Gloria offered him a self deprecating smile.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“You’re busy enough as it is. You’ve wasted your time and I have no intention of returning to the Marquis’s estate.” Gloria said.

“I didn’t come here to take you back to the Marquis’s estate.” Erhardt replied.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…What?” Gloria confused.

“Not for a single moment did I ever entertain such an idea.” Erhardt explained.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”

Gloria was at a loss for words.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Erhardt’s unexpected reply left her unable to gauge how she should respond.

All she could do was stare at him with wide eyed, as he placed a heavy stack of documents on the table before her.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Saintess”

Erhardt began, sorting the papers into neat piles.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Then fixing his gaze back on her, he spoke again.

“Though it’s late, congratulations on reaching adulthood.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Gloria felt even more at a loss.

It was as if she had forgotten how to form words.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

She stared blankly at Erhardt, her mouth slightly open then slowly lowered her gaze to the papers.

“It may not be much, but I brought everything I could for now.” Erhardt said.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

 

The stark black lettering on the pristine white pages contained shocking revelations.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“The remaining assets, for which the transfer process is still ongoing, will be delivered to you as soon as the formalities are complete.” Erhardt explained again.