I Once Thought I Had No Place, Being Married Off to An Enemy Nation as A Token of Apology but That Was Only for One Night - Chapter 11

Frieda was watching me. I could feel it on my skin. It was obvious what she was thinking, but before she could speak, a change occurred in the scene before us. The white snow I was manifesting began to turn black as it absorbed the miasma.

“This is black snow? Then was I mistaken before? No, it was definitely white at first. If that is the case, Princess Noel, your alias as the Saint of Black Snow is actually!”

Frieda realized the true origin of the name. Listening to her voice, which was thick with shock and excitement, I continued to purify the dense miasma dominating the area.

The density of this miasma was overwhelming, far surpassing any miasma pool I had purified before. Purifying this was genuinely exhausting. However, that was exactly why I had to do it; if I cleared this pool, the Saint resources previously tied up here could be diverted elsewhere.

I lost track of how much time had passed, though it likely had not been more than five minutes. Sweat began to sting my eyes, which was bothersome, yet I continued the purification with single minded devotion. The snow stained by the miasma vanished like melting ice the moment it hit the ground. Gradually, the new snow began to stay gray, until finally, it barely changed color at all.

“Frieda, is this sufficient?” “What? Oh! Yes, it is more than enough! In fact, you have gone too far! Usually, it takes over a dozen Saints working together, and even then, they never purify it to this extent!” “I see. Then that should be enough.”

The moment I stopped the purification, the strength drained from my body and I staggered. Almost instantly, Frieda supported me, asking if I was alright.

“I am just tired. I will be fine after a short rest.”

I pulled one arm close to my chest and stood on my own strength despite my heavy breathing. Seeing this, Frieda trembled.

“White purifying snow and the holy power to complete such a massive purification alone. You truly are.”

Frieda dropped to one knee, unfastened the sword at her waist, and placed it on the floor.

“White Saint, I have been eagerly awaiting your return.”

She looked up at me as if I were a dazzling light, tears streaming from her crimson eyes. She had clearly hated me before, but the moment she realized I was the White Saint, she cast those feelings aside.

That sudden change frightened me. In the next moment, Frieda drew the blade of her sword halfway from its sheath and pressed it against her own throat.

“Wait, what do you think you are doing?” “I am committing suicide.” “What?” “I was foolish enough to fail to recognize you as the White Saint. Furthermore, I committed numerous insolent acts against you. Such sins can never be forgiven. Please, let me atone with my life.” “Wait, wait! Stop right there!”

This was no joke. I grabbed the scabbard to take the sword from her. She did not resist, and I was able to snatch it away easily.

“I thought I should not trouble you with the task, but if I am to die by the hand of the White Saint, it is my heart’s desire. Please, finish it in one stroke.” “I did not take the sword to kill you!”

I scolded her, telling her to stop saying such dangerous things. At my words, she became dejected, looking like a puppy abandoned by its owner.

Has she not changed a bit too much? I had wondered how she would react when she learned I was the White Saint. I thought she might serve me while harboring resentment, or perhaps flip her attitude entirely as if nothing had happened. I never imagined her loyalty would be this extreme.

It scared me.

I believe Frieda would have shown me respect even if I had not been the White Saint, provided I performed the purification. Perhaps she would have started to acknowledge me for who I am. However, the fact that I was the White Saint had completely overwritten that possibility. If Emperor Albert finds out, he will likely be the same. I really do not want that.

“Frieda, I have a request.” “Yes! Please, give me any command!” “Then keep what you saw here a secret. Do not tell anyone that I purified this Hexagon Hall, that I used white snow to do it, or that I am the White Saint.” “What?” Frieda was visibly flustered. “But if I do that, the attitude of His Majesty and the other Hexagon Lords will remain as it is now.” “That is fine. I want to be acknowledged by everyone as the Saint of Black Snow.”

I appealed to her as if offering a prayer.

“If you want to be acknowledged, would it not be better to go public?” “Perhaps. But this was clearly overdoing it, right?”

Frieda had just said that even a dozen Saints would not purify an area this thoroughly. I had accomplished that. If that fact were made known, I would certainly be acknowledged. However, I had clearly gone too far this time. I did not know what the consequences would be. Depending on how things unfolded, people might start suspecting I was the White Saint. I did not want that, even if she might not understand why.

“I understand your feelings perfectly, Princess Noel.”

I was surprised. “You do?”

“You do not want to be acknowledged unconditionally just because you are the White Saint, correct?” “Yes, exactly.” “I understand. Right now, my heart is full of the desire to be acknowledged by you not as a Hexagon Lord, but as a single knight.” “I see.”

So Frieda felt the same way. I thought she might oppose me because of her devotion to the White Saint, so this was a pleasant surprise.

“Then you will keep it a secret?” “Of course. If you tell me to keep it a secret, I will never speak of it to anyone. If necessary, use a Saint’s Vow or anything else you require.”

That startled me. A Saint’s Vow is a type of ritual magic where a Saint uses her power to swear an oath to the Goddess. Keeping the promise brings a blessing, while breaking it brings punishment. It is a convenient tool where one or both parties can swear an oath, but using it to coerce someone is not its proper use.

“Thank you. But if you keep your word, I do not need a Saint’s Vow.” “Thank you for trusting me. In that case, I will cooperate with you. I will help so that you are loved by Emperor Albert not as the White Saint, but as Princess Noel!” “Wait! What are you talking about?” “What? You want to be loved by His Majesty as a woman, not as the White Saint, do you not?” “No, that is not it!”

I corrected her with all my might, but Frieda tilted her head in confusion.

“But you do not want to be loved unconditionally as the White Saint, right? Does that not mean you want His Majesty to love you as Princess Noel?” “No, it is not like that. I just want to be acknowledged.” “Is being acknowledged by your marriage partner different from being loved?” “It is different. It should be.” “Is that so?”

It was obvious that things would get complicated if I did not deny it completely. However, I could not find a clear reason to refute her. I sighed and nodded, deciding it did not matter.

“Anyway, my identity as the White Saint is a secret. As long as you protect that, it is fine. That is the end of this discussion. Now, go save Elsa.” “What?” Frieda trembled slightly.

“I do not know why, but you will not need to purify this place this month, right? With that extra energy, you should be able to provide treatment to the soldiers with erosion disease, their families, and the citizens.”

If that was not enough, I would be willing to purify one or two more miasma pools. I was prepared for that.

“Could it be that you did this for that reason?” “I did nothing. But one should make effective use of the luck they are given, right?” “I will never forget this kindness as long as I live, Princess Noel.”

Shedding large tears, Frieda bowed her head deeply.