FLBE Chapter 3 Part 5
by SYLPH“You do remember. You’re quite sharp.”
Liena turned her face away, feeling awkward due to his unexpected compliment. As she recalled the situation in the indoor garden where she almost got overtaken by Rhetrik, her face flushed hotly. Come to think of it, she met two men that day. And with one of them, in a dream, things got rather… sticky.
Uhh…this is driving me crazy
If this man had also shown his face that day, then she wondered if she might’ve had such things with him in her dream too. The thought made her face feel like it was about to explode with embarrassment.
“You still can’t control your pheromones, it seems.”
“…What?”
Startled by the man’s sudden remark, Liena instinctively tried to pull her hand away. However, the man’s grip tightened a tad bit faster, and her hand remained firmly clasped in his large grasp.
Liena began to feel extremely uneasy. Only Alphas could detect the pheromones of an Omega. The fact that he sensed her pheromones meant that the man in front of her was an Alpha. There was indeed another Alpha besides Rhetrik.
Despite noticing her tense expression, he continued walking as if nothing had happened, still matching her pace. He spoke again, sounding concerned.
“This could lead to a big problem. Come to the temple anytime. I’ll personally teach you how to harness your pheromones.”
Liena’s eyes widened at his unexpected statement. Even as she remained wary of him, her mouth moved on its own accord.
“Really…?”
“Of course. If we get down to it, the temple is where you, the Saintess should be right now. Yet a presumptuous emperor is selfishly claiming a servant of God.”
“Excuse me…?”
Is he really saying this out loud?
She darted her eyes around, wondering if anyone might have overheard due to his brazen words. But he grinned, signaling that there was nothing to worry about.
“Do not fret. He cannot harm me. And of course, he cannot harm you either.”
Despite just meeting this man, she strangely found herself trusting him. Maybe it was because he was a priest? She wasn’t even sure if he was an Alpha, but somehow, he didn’t seem like a threat. Above all, even in front of Rhetrik that day, this man hadn’t shown any signs of submission. In that moment, he felt incredibly reliable.
Yes, when she thought about it, she truly belonged to the temple. Even the deceased Saintess had been there. Wouldn’t it be safer there?
Lost in thought, Liena was brought back to the present when the man stopped walking. Turning to face him, she saw an apologetic look on his face.
“I apologize for not finding you sooner.”
“Oh, it’s alri…”
“My negligence has put you in this predicament.”
“…”
“Just wait a little while. Soon, I will escort you to the temple.”
Soon… going to the temple?
The thought made Liena’s heart pound. Perhaps she could finally get away from Rhetrik! But her elation faded quickly. Although the deceased Saintess was at the temple, she ultimately met her demise at Rhetrik’s hands.
“I’m relieved you’re gentle and astute. The empire’s citizens will regain their vibrant lives through your blessings.”
“What?”
“I will teach you how to use your divine power. Please, never forget your duty as the Saintess.”
The Saintess’s duty…? Ah, the blessings.
The deceased Saintess, while being Rhetrik’s exclusive Omega, blessed the citizens during New Year’s ceremonies and other major events. This was achieved through her unique divine power. Because of this, Rhetrik’s imperial authority was solidified. She belonged to the temple, but she was the possession of the emperor who ruled over the land.
“… Can I really do that too?”
Even though Liena seemed unsure, there was an intriguing glint of anticipation in her eyes. He bowed his head slightly, meeting her gaze.
Upon a closer look, he appeared strikingly different from Rhetrik, with everything about him appearing snow-white. His flawless pale face contrasted with Liena’s, which was flushed with color.
“It’s exciting to think about how you’ll soar in the future. I’ll be your wings. So from now on, please rely on me.”
“…Yes.”
As his breath touched her, Liena responded as if enchanted. The man’s bright smile immediately put her at ease. Before she knew it, any caution she held towards him completely dissipated, and she eagerly awaited the day she’d head to the temple.
Feeling much lighter, Liena took a liking to Roan. His handsome appearance was a delight to the eyes, and his warm smile and tone were comforting. Unlike Rhetrik, who dismissed her, he also promised to teach her many things. How could she not be grateful?
“Once a week, a priest will come to escort you. Follow him to the temple.”
“But… will His Majesty let me, his… go…?”
She couldn’t quite bring herself to say the words ‘his exclusive Omega’ out loud, and so Liena vaguely trailed off. Even though she believed Rhetrik wouldn’t let her go, she wanted to believe that this man might have a solution.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll speak to the emperor.”
“…Ok.”
As expected, he spoke with great confidence, smiling.
For some reason unknown, she had a feeling that if she could just be patient a little longer, she might be able to break free from Rhetrik and lead a peaceful life. To escape from being a mere object of his desires and become the sacred Saintess who aids the citizens of the empire—how fulfilling that would be.
Suddenly, Liena recalled the moments in this world when she couldn’t save the severely ill with her limited medical knowledge. Each time, she had regretted not studying harder. But as a Saintess… If she possessed the unique healing power of a Saintess… It seemed like there wouldn’t be anyone she couldn’t save.
Could it be, as Rhetrik had said, that her calling was to heal and this was the fate given to her?
“Shall we move on then, Saintess?”
“Yes.”