Time-Limited Saintess, You’ve Been Caught by the Tyrant Once Again - Chapter 109

Chapter 55.1

Even after returning to her room, Ellin remained dazed.

What was that? What just happened?

She trembled as she replayed the recent events in her mind.

Erich didn’t see her as a saintess, but he was undeniably drawn to her in another way.

Erich, who had always served her with kindness, kissed her cheek.

In the stillness of the night, where tension sharpened her senses and darkness cloaked the world, the warmth of his lips was the only thing that remained seared into her memory.

What on earth was going on?

Why did he do that?

‘Erich… you weren’t like this before!’

And what did he mean when he said the saintess was dead? His cryptic words echoed in her mind, but no matter how she turned them over, they made no sense.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as her face twisted with sorrow.

If only this had happened in her previous life. No, if only it had happened before she learned the truth, back when she still had feelings left to give.

Back in her previous life, when she was still a young girl, Elena’s first love had been Erich. He was everything she wasn’t… mature, poised, and handsome. How could anyone not fall for him? He had always been gentle, shielding the clumsy young Elena with quiet patience, and from that warmth, a delicate love began to bloom.

But over time, those feelings began to fade.

Because the world never allowed her to remain the naive girl she once was.

She confined herself to the rigid role of a saintess. The people of the temple constantly worshiped her, showering her with affection. Through quiet persuasion, they made her abandon her emotions, leaving her no room to resist. By the time she had grown from a girl into a woman, those feelings had withered away.

And then… she read the prophecy.

‘So this was the reason… is that why you treated me so kindly?’

What had Erich’s expression been at that moment? She couldn’t recall. What she did remember was that, from that moment on, all her hopes and emotions faded away. Betrayal, anger, and hatred coursed through her veins, though she let them slip away. And in that moment, she truly became the saintess they wanted.

“Why now, of all times?”

Ellin muttered bitterly.

What Erich felt for her was blatant desire. Even someone as naive as she had been couldn’t fail to recognize it. If she had turned her head even slightly, their lips would have met.

She had never imagined that Erich, who was always so composed, would act this way.

She truly didn’t know.

The image of Erich’s alluring gaze lingered in her thoughts. Was this happening because she had chosen a different path? Because she had abandoned the saintess’s role?

Her cheeks burned as she reflected, a tinge of sadness creeping in.

At that moment, the door suddenly burst open.

“Ellin!”

Melissa’s voice rang out.

She let out a breath of relief when she saw Ellin still there, then struggled to catch her breath.

“Ellin, something terrible has happened.”

“Did something happen to Her Highness the Princess?!”

Ellin quickly stood up, but Melissa shook her head.

“No, that’s not it… The…false saintess is expected to enter the palace.”

“What did you just say?”

Her voice wavered as she asked.

‘Why would Arkan allow this?’

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

“Are you leaving?”

“Yes.”

Maynard gave a slight nod in response to Erich’s words.

The paladin’s silver armor gleamed as his emerald cape billowed elegantly in the wind behind him. Lined up before him were priests dressed in pure white robes and paladins adorned in platinum armor.

Erich gazed down at the assembled troops, their eyes fixed on the ranks before them. He was always smiling—so much so that he sometimes seemed oblivious to reality—but now, his expression was firm and unreadable.

“Are you leaving now?”

Maynard nodded at Erich’s question.

“This is enough.”

He was a little surprised that this man was concerned about him.

Erich’s expression remained tense.

“With that person gone as well… there shouldn’t be any trouble.”

“Who are you referring to?”

Erich let out a small smile in response to Maynard’s question.

“You might not believe me, but I’m a little worried.”

“….”

“Not because I doubt your abilities.”

“I know.”

This kind of concern was unfamiliar to him.

By rank alone, Erich was the noblest of the nobles. Paladins, despite their combat training, were often looked down upon compared to priests due to their limited divine power. Of course, Maynard was an exception due to his remarkable achievements, though the prejudice lingered nonetheless.

“I wish you luck. Stay safe. And if you ever need assistance… don’t hesitate to ask.”

As the man in front of him climbed onto his horse, Erich caught his wrist and spoke.

Maynard stiffly nodded, noting the worry etched across Erich’s striking features. Then, just before setting off, he glanced back and parted his lips.

“High Priest Erich.”

“Yes.”

“It’s about… Ellin.”

“….”

“Forget it.”

Erich’s eyes widened slightly, puzzled.

Without another word, Maynard turned and led his troops onward.

Erich cast a brief sidelong glance at the pope before turning his gaze back to Maynard, watching him leave.

Maynard, departing from the grand temple, fixed his eyes on the imperial palace looming in the distance. She was a woman who had nothing to do with him. Most likely, she never would.

“When will she leave the imperial palace?”

Maynard found himself unable to voice that question to Erich.

Instead, he kept walking.

He needed to reach the frontlines before winter set in. With his usual unreadable expression, he walked away from the imperial palace.

She was a woman who had nothing to do with him. It was strange that she kept crossing his mind.