Chapter 40
“The Saint has returned to Mios! We haven’t lost the favor of God! Mios is still the chosen land!”
With the approval of the Crown Princess, this exhilarating news spread rapidly throughout the Mios army. The gloom that had hung over them for months was swept away, replaced by joyous expressions on every face.
On the Eagle Kingdom side, the mood was naturally the opposite, with a demoralized air hanging over them like a heavy cloud. But that was the enemy’s concern, not theirs.
Mios mobilized with utmost haste, abandoning even Nanling City in their eagerness to escort the Saint back to the capital. They feared delaying might invite unforeseen complications.
Coincidentally, Nanling City housed a white horse, perfectly suited to pull the Saint’s carriage.
Now, all etiquette prioritized the Saint. Even Crown Princess Tsukiyo could no longer travel by carriage, instead riding alongside everyone else on horseback.
Despite practicing horsemanship in the capital, her young age and relative inexperience were evident amongst the seasoned mercenaries. She struggled to keep pace, her body swaying precariously in the saddle.
Though they would accommodate her, Tsukiyo, as the Crown Princess, was reluctant to lose face. She cast a pleading glance towards Wakako and whispered, “Master.”
After five years as a mercenary, was still not adept at interpreting the subtle cues of royalty. It took her a moment to realize what Tsukiyo was asking for.
“Your Highness’s horse seems thirsty,” she suggested. “We’ll have someone bring water for it shortly. For now, why don’t you ride with me…”
Though the excuse was poorly crafted, it was at least plausible.
However, before she could finish, a soft cough emanated from the carriage behind them. It wasn’t loud, but it was enough to make Wakako tremble slightly.
The members of Mercenary Squad Omega, guarding the Saint’s carriage, immediately inquired with concern, “Lady Saint, are you unwell? Is the journey too bumpy?”
After a pause, a reply came from within. “It’s nothing. Just an old ailment.”
But the voice clearly betrayed her words.
They couldn’t neglect the Saint’s health.
One of the guards thought for a moment, then suggested, “Before we left, Lady Saint mentioned Lady Kitagawa had some herbs to treat her ailment. It’s cold outside. If she knows how to prepare them, maybe Lady Kitagawa could get in the carriage and brew something for the Saint.”
Ordinarily, it would be improper for an Alpha like Wakako to share a carriage with the Saint. However, given the urgency of their journey and the Saint’s condition, such formalities could be overlooked.
Moreover, with everyone present and observing, what could possibly happen?
All eyes turned to Wakako. She forced a smile and agreed.
But she had no medicine with her.
Inside the carriage, a small stove and utensils for brewing tea had been prepared for the Saint, which would have to suffice.
Wakako lifted the curtain and entered, sitting respectfully with her head bowed, reaching for the small stove. With so many guards outside and only a thin curtain separating them, any conversation would be overheard.
Although Miki was frail, Wakako was certain this wasn’t a recurrence of her old ailment.
Even without medicine, she had to brew something to maintain the pretense. As Wakako silently poured water, a hand suddenly grasped her wrist.
“Lady Saint,” she said softly, her tone carrying a hint of seriousness.
In the next moment, the Saint, draped in a white cloak, gracefully settled herself onto Wakako’s lap. She was as light as a feather, yet the weight of her presence pressed heavily on Wakako’s heart.
Wakako’s expression remained unchanged, though she silently took a deep breath. “Didn’t you want medicine?”
The scent of cherries subtly filled the air.
The Saint replied calmly, “Yes.” And with that, she produced a small, black pill from her pocket.
Wakako recognized it. It was a common tonic for replenishing energy and blood, typically taken orally. However, Miki had always disliked the bitter taste, preferring to have it dissolved into a weak broth with added sugar until it was sweet enough for her liking.
Miki placed the pill into the vessel and said softly, “I’ll trouble you, Lady Kitagawa.”
Despite using the most formal of honorifics, she leaned against Wakako with an intimacy that belied her words, her toes even entwining around Wakako’s legs.
Outside, someone seemed to be about to lift the curtain, causing it to flutter slightly. Wakako stiffened, terrified of being discovered in such a compromising position.
The Saint, however, timed it perfectly, coughing softly twice. “Keep the curtain closed,” she said weakly. “I mustn’t catch a cold.”
“We were thoughtless, Lady Saint, please forgive us!” The curtain fell back into place as instructed, and apologies poured in from outside.
Wakako’s heart pounded so hard she feared it might leap out of her chest, her face flushing with anxiety.
Miki glanced at her, a hint of amusement in her eyes. Her lips moved silently, forming the word, “Useless.”
Wakako pressed her lips together in embarrassed frustration. She had faced countless dangers on numerous missions, never flinching even in the face of death. Yet, now, she couldn’t bear the thought of being discovered like this.
She didn’t care about her own reputation, but Miki… with her status as the Saint, she couldn’t be seen in such a compromising situation.
From outside, a voice addressed them through the curtain. “Lady Saint… there is a mercenary who wishes to apologize to you.”
Everyone knew about Miki’s transgression against the Saint’s name, so they avoided uttering those words in her presence.
Wakako watched as the smile in the Saint’s eyes disappeared completely, and her own heart sank with it.
Ever since the Saint had captured her in the blood sacrifice ritual at the bottom of the mountain, Wakako’s first concern had been whether the Saint might impulsively kill Miki.
Although Wakako wasn’t particularly close to Miki, she was still a fellow mercenary who had endured years of rigorous training. Out of camaraderie alone, Wakako couldn’t bear to see her life taken.
However, things had unfolded unexpectedly. The Saint didn’t kill Miki, nor did she imprison her. She hadn’t even so much as touched a hair on her head. Instead, she had released both Miki and Lin Lin back to Mios right in front of Wakako.
For anyone else, this might have been attributed to kindness and generosity, but it was completely out of character for the Saint.
Wakako couldn’t fathom Miki’s intentions, but she couldn’t even ask. With all the mercenaries and even the Crown Princess present, gossip would spread quickly. She had to keep her questions to herself.
She only knew that uttering the name “Miki” would undoubtedly provoke the Saint’s wrath.
Yet, Miki had come specifically to apologize to the Saint!
Outside the carriage, a clear voice rang out through the curtain. “I deeply regret my disrespectful behavior towards the Saint on the mountain two days ago. Please forgive me.”
The pill dissolved, releasing a faint bitter scent.
The Saint remained expressionless as she stared at the now-boiling tea stove. But when she responded, her voice was sweet as honey, soothing to the ear. “Not at all. You are too kind, Lady Miki.”
She had spoken the name “Miki” aloud.
The Saint’s breathing became more rapid, and in an instant, she suddenly bit down on Wakako’s cheek.
Wakako stifled her cry of pain. The Saint’s sharp teeth pressed against her cheek, the pressure so light it wouldn’t even leave a mark, yet… on her, it was both painful and arousing.
A fleeting thought crossed Wakako’s mind. If only she had bitten somewhere else, preferably while simultaneously…
Even though she said nothing, the Saint, with her acute perception, did exactly what Wakako had imagined.
Right through her clothes, leaving a wet spot.
The curtain could be drawn aside at any moment, perhaps by someone or even by a gust of wind, yet Wakako allowed the Saint to continue.
“You are too kind,” Miki heard the Saint’s voice, slightly turning as she continued to ride her horse, offering more polite words.
But after a while, there was no response from inside, only the sound of the medicine boiling.
Her eyes darkened. “Lady Saint? Lady Wakako?”
When she was captured alongside Lin Lin, Miki had already suspected the other woman’s identity, and subsequent events only confirmed her suspicions.
That night on the mountain, the only person with Lady Wakako was the Saint.
In other words, she was the “stubborn Omega girl” Lady Wakako had mentioned.
She had witnessed the marks on Lady Wakako’s body and had been driven nearly mad with jealousy. But no matter how hard she tried, no matter how many Omegas on the enemy front she considered, she would never have guessed it was the Saint!
The Saint, a once-in-a-century figure, was not someone of their world.
Moreover, the Saint was supposed to remain chaste for life. What they were doing… wasn’t it breaking a sacred vow? Wouldn’t it anger God?
Miki felt as if she had stumbled upon a monumental secret, her heart filled with fear and confusion. The unexpected truth was so unbelievable that she instinctively resisted it, prompting her to probe for a reaction.
Finally, before her patience wore thin, Wakako’s voice rang out, slightly hoarse. “The Saint is taking her medicine.”
Indeed, she was taking her medicine, if Wakako’s breast could be considered as such.
The curtain swayed, and from outside, they could only vaguely see her holding a cup of the prepared medicine.
Miki was burning with curiosity, almost unable to resist lifting the curtain. But inside was the Saint, a figure she couldn’t offend. She had to restrain herself. “Alright, Lady Saint, please rest well.”
Then, she dejectedly rode away.
Miki, like a pure white cat, leaned completely into Wakako, her delicate frame a stark contrast to Wakako’s sturdiness. Her eyes held a hint of seductive charm.
She remained seated on Wakako’s lap. “Feed me the medicine, Lady Kitagawa.”
The scent of cherries now lingered in the air, and Wakako could only plead softly, “Please, have mercy on me.”
If this continued, her own scent of sunflowers would be impossible to conceal, and everyone outside would surely know what was happening between them…
“I’m talking about this tonic,” Miki said lazily. “Feed it to me, and I’ll be fine.”
Wakako hurriedly brought the medicine to her lips, but the mischievous cat-like woman shook her head. “I want you to feed me.”
There was no time for hesitation.
Wakako took a mouthful of the medicine and, carefully cradling Miki’s head, slowly poured it into her mouth.
There was no sugar, and even though the taste had been diluted, Miki still frowned at the bitterness. But then she kissed Wakako’s dimple and smiled contentedly. “Very sweet.”
She raised her voice slightly for those outside to hear. “Thank you for preparing the medicine, Lady Kitagawa.”
Before Wakako could exit the carriage, Miki leaned close to her ear, her voice a soft whisper that seemed to know exactly what Wakako was thinking. “When we return, I fear I may plunge both kingdoms into chaos.”
Her gaze was like amber, captivating and deep.
“Saburo will awaken soon, and when he does, I’ll be surrounded by enemies on all sides,” Miki said, a hint of worry in her voice, deliberately showing a touch of vulnerability. “You will stay with me, won’t you?”
She didn’t mention Miki, because there was no need. The reason she didn’t kill her was the same.
To the Saint, Miki was as insignificant as an ant, not worth her effort. Instead, she would wind herself around Wakako like a vine, making sure everyone could see the name etched onto Wakako’s very being—one unmistakable word.
Miki.
