Chapter 19: The End of the Midnight Sun

Three days passed. Renee still didn’t want to go to the Holy Kingdom, and Vera was still following her. But if you asked if they were making progress, the answer would be yes.

Vera was now walking beside her, not behind. Two steps away. This change wasn't because of a dramatic event. Two days ago, Renee had simply said, “You can come closer.”

She had also remarked that people might look at him strangely if he kept following her from a distance and that she couldn’t hear him well. But Vera didn’t care what others thought. He was so filled with joy that Renee had allowed him to walk by her side that he couldn't think of anything else.

He was still getting used to being so close to her. Her gaze was often lost in the air, her white hair dazzling in the sun like fresh snow. Her blue eyes, though facing nowhere, held a light that captivated people. She was so beautiful that even her blank stare was mesmerizing.

If anyone asked if he was in love with her, Vera would shake his head. He knew his feelings were not love or lust. Throughout his life, he had been moved by her nobility, and his emotion was pure admiration. This admiration hadn’t changed in four years, and her appearance now wasn’t going to turn it into something else. Besides, she was only fourteen, a child. He didn’t have such a vile taste.

He suddenly remembered something she had said in his previous life. When he asked her if she was sure everyone who saw her felt love for her, she had answered with confidence. Vera smiled at the memory. You were wrong, he thought. He didn't know about others, but he wasn’t romantically attracted to her. It pleased him that the woman who acted like she knew everything had been mistaken about this.

Renee's voice broke through his thoughts.

“The weather is nice.”

“That’s right.”

“The breeze is cool.”

“That’s right.”

“Are you going to say ‘that’s right’ again next?”

“I apologize.”

Renee sighed at his predictable answer. “You don’t have to speak so formally. I’m not as important as you think, Sir Knight.”

“The Saint is great enough for me.”

“...Stop it,” she said, falling silent.

Vera's attitude was suffocating. She was grateful for his kindness, but his excessive reverence made conversation impossible. Every time she spoke, he would reply with “thank you” or “that’s right.” If she joked, he would say “I apologize.” How could she keep a conversation going? He’s just too serious, she thought. He was the embodiment of ‘no nonsense,’ and while that was a good quality, it made their relationship awkward.

She sighed, her mind drifting to their conversation three days ago. Her cheeks grew hot with shame. That day, her nerves had been frayed, and she had spoken harshly to him for no reason. She had apologized on the spot, but it still bothered her. He had comforted her even after her outburst. And even if he had forgotten about it, she couldn’t. That’s why she had let him walk beside her. It wasn’t because he had been following her for over a week and endured her tantrum; she just felt bad for him. Her cheeks flushed a deeper red at the thought.

“We’re here,” Vera said.

“Huh?”

“We’ve arrived at your home.”

“Oh...” She had been so lost in thought that she hadn’t realized they had finished their daily walk.

“Um...” The brief farewell was brief. She hesitated, her lips pursed, before finally speaking. “Please get home safely.”

“Yes, have a good night.”

“You too.”

She disappeared behind the door. Vera stared at the closed door for a moment, then took a breath and turned away. As soon as her house was out of sight, Norn appeared.

“Things going well?” he asked, meaning, “How is the persuasion going?”

Vera thought back on the last few days and nodded. “Yes, she seems to be opening her heart little by little.”

Renee still didn’t talk about the Holy Kingdom or her stigma, but they were getting closer. Her attitude toward him had softened. He hoped that if he continued like this, he could win her trust and she would make her own decision.

Norn smiled, seeing the rare gentle expression on Vera’s face. “She’s still young, so you’ll have to wait a little longer until she makes up her mind. By the way, she’s fourteen. The same age as you were when you first came to the Holy Kingdom. Do you have anything in common?”

“None whatsoever.” Vera frowned.

Norn chuckled, then his expression changed. His voice grew serious. “Sir Vera, it’s good to be considerate of the Saint, but... we don’t have as much time as I thought.”

Vera looked at Norn, who spoke calmly. “A group of Dragonians is nearby. It would be fine if they were just passing through, but... I think they know something. They're moving with a clear goal.”

Norn’s intelligence confirmed a group of Dragonians had entered the Remeo Province and were traveling without rest for three days. He didn't know how much they knew, but they certainly hadn't come here by chance.

“Sir Vera.”

“...Alright,” Vera said, deep in thought. It was hard to guess what he was thinking from his expression. “I’ll handle it. Sir Norn, just in case, could you send a request for backup to the Holy Kingdom? A small number will do. We don’t want to attract too much attention.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

Vera then walked toward the forest on the outskirts of the village. “I’ll return by dawn.”

---

In a dark, empty clearing in the middle of the forest, Vera sat on a rock, thinking. The Dragonians are coming here. This forest path was the fastest way through the small province of Remeo, so they were sure to come this way. He had to wait for them and stop them before they learned more about Renee.

Rationally, he should take Renee to the Holy Land now instead of fighting them here. A group of Dragonians coming here meant other groups would soon follow. The Followers of the Night would also arrive. If he made a big commotion, he would attract even more enemies. The number of enemies would only grow.

His hand gripped his sword’s hilt. He knew he was acting like a fool. He was waiting for her, waiting for her to open her heart. His decision was based on emotion, but it was also a belief in her strength. He believed she could stand up to despair on her own, so he couldn't ignore her wishes. There was also fear. If he went against her will, would she resent him? Would her light turn its back on him this time?

The fear was overwhelming, something he hadn’t felt before. He took a deep breath. I need to calm down.

He had been working diligently for this moment. He had not only realized his arrogance and ignorance, but he had also steadily grown stronger. He had learned to use the divine power that was once only in his fists more systematically. He had put more effort into his physical training and was now as strong as he had been in his previous life. He closed his eyes, peering into his own soul to calm his anxiety.

I will live for the Saint. An oath he had made himself was etched on his soul. He looked at it, then opened his eyes and stared forward.

In the distance, five Dragonians approached with hurried steps. Dark scales covered their half-naked bodies, and their eyes, glinting in the moonlight, were like a reptile's. They were the unfilial sons of dragons, coveting the Saint’s power to surpass their masters.

Vera stood from the rock, drew his sword, and waited. I just have to stop them, he thought. He was strong enough to stop hundreds or even thousands. He wasn't so weak. His sword was the sword of a beast, made for taking life, not protecting it. But it was enough to buy her time.

The Dragonians stopped at the edge of the clearing, eyeing him with suspicion. Vera released his suppressed divine power. He would not give them a moment’s rest. A brief standoff, then a solemn voice broke the silence.

“I declare,” Vera said, divine power erupting from him. “From now on, all magic and magical spells cast within this realm are prohibited.” A gray divinity swirled, and a golden law was etched into it. “In accordance with that law, everyone in this realm is compensated with a physical ability equal to their lost magical power.”

A feeling of strength surged through his body. He felt his muscles awaken as he stared at the Dragonians. “However, those who break this rule will pay the price with their heart ceasing to beat.”

The Dragonians twitched, sensing something strange in the divinity. He wished they weren’t stupid. Feeling a pang of pity, he recited the law.

“All these laws are enforced under the name of Lushan.”

The Sanctuary roared, and the laws took effect. He felt the energy build in his body, raised his sword, and leaned forward. This was not an ideal situation for him. The Dragonians, masters of magic, would receive a great boost in physical power. But he wasn’t worried.

“Roar!” The Dragonian on the far right charged, moving at a speed that was barely perceptible. But he was fast enough to counterattack. Vera swung his sword in a short, controlled movement, instantly decapitating the approaching enemy.

Splurt. A head flew through the air, blood spraying onto the forest floor.

Four, Vera thought, fixing his stance. They panicked, but it was meaningless. He was the most confident in his ability to cleave.