The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 16

After concluding my meeting with Lord Anctuan, I decided to act alone. Using the art of concealing one’s presence that I had mastered in my youth, I hid in the shadows and secretly observed the temple’s condition. The temple where I had served for many years could now be viewed from an outsider’s perspective.

The splendid white marble temple shone divinely in the morning sun. Though I had always seen this sight, today everything appeared different. I headed toward areas where even ordinary people were permitted to enter.

Priests came and went each time the massive bronze gates opened along the multiple tiers of staircases. They seemed busy, rushing about with their daily duties.

The temple after Saintess Noella’s disappearance and the manipulation of people’s memories appeared calmer than I had expected. On the surface, nothing seemed to have changed. However, upon closer observation, I noticed subtle differences.

Now that I was an ordinary person, I could openly gather information. Though I had spent decades in this temple as an Elder Sage, I was now completely unrelated to it. This actually worked to my advantage. The priests in their navy-blue robes passed by without paying any special attention to me, an old man.

As I sat near the fountain in the inner courtyard watching people’s movements, two young priestesses approached. Unaware of my presence, they began speaking in hushed tones.

“I heard Saintess Elise skipped work again. She suddenly claimed illness for today’s blessing ceremony too.”

“Shh! You mustn’t say that. If the Elder Sages hear about it, there’ll be trouble. We need to be careful where we talk.”

She anxiously glanced around but showed no particular interest in me, an old man. What they were concerned about were the Elder Sages.

“But the farmers said the blessing at the recent harvest festival was insufficient. If this continues, the temple’s reputation will suffer.”

“Even so, she is the Saintess. It’s not our place to interfere.”

The two sighed and walked away from the fountain. It seemed a priestess named Elise had taken the position of Saintess in place of Noella. She was the woman who had been with Prince Eric at the party venue where Noella was summoned and told her engagement was canceled.

Actually, I knew a little about Priestess Elise.

I had previously obtained information that some Elder Sages were secretly negotiating with Prince Eric to make this woman the Saintess. Prince Eric had been working to cancel his engagement with Saintess Noella, whom he disliked.

This was reliable information.

Sitting on the temple’s stone steps, I observed the passing crowds while pondering. Priests who had finished their prayers emerged one after another. Their expressions were calm, but I could sense some unease.

The Elder Sages were fools. They had planned to strip Noella of her position as Saintess and make her their puppet, but ended up losing everything. They had underestimated Noella’s decisive action.

“With the Saintess’s blessing, this year’s harvest should be abundant too. I’ve requested the usual bountiful harvest ceremony,” I overheard a merchant-like man speaking to a priest.

They had received work from people like him and delivered results. Until now, Noella had sufficiently contributed to the temple. She had helped people with her power to summon rain, heal illnesses, and nurture crops. The Elder Sages had done nothing, yet maintained their positions and honors through the benefits of her achievements, receiving more than enough favor.

Still, they sought even greater results. If they hadn’t done anything unnecessary, they might have maintained their current positions.

They mistakenly thought Noella was convenient – obedient, never complaining, and willing to do anything to help people. And they crossed the line. They planned to demote her from Saintess to priestess to use her more conveniently for their own purposes. I had considered trying to stop their plan but couldn’t.

In the end, Noella solved it herself. Though her methods were somewhat forceful.

The Elder Sages’ plan ended in failure. Moreover, they probably don’t even remember that thought. Given their greedy nature, they’re likely already devising another foolish scheme.

Many sages sincerely try to fulfill their roles considering the kingdom’s future. But because of some Elder Sages, the entire temple can’t be seen that way. It’s regrettable.

They should have accumulated wisdom, yet they use that wisdom only for personal gain.

Given such a place, Noella escaping was absolutely the right decision. I’m proud of her initiative and determination.

They’ll probably stay quiet for a while. But I suspect they’ll start moving soon. With this woman Elise in the Saintess position, I anticipate various problems arising. I don’t think things will go well with Elise, who can’t fully demonstrate the Saintess’s power. Chaos will surely emerge soon.

How much impact will there be? I hope no harm comes to us so Noella can live quietly, but that seems difficult too. Seeing the priests’ anxious demeanor, problems might have already started. Perhaps I can’t investigate that deeply into internal affairs.

Leaving the temple, I walked alone through the market while thinking. In the lively market, merchants loudly promoted their goods, and shoppers enthusiastically haggled over prices. It was a place filled with the scent of daily life. Though the Saintess’s power rarely directly involved this place, it was somewhere that indirectly benefited through abundant harvests and health.

For now, I’ll watch over and support that girl so she can live as she pleases. I should always pay attention to developments to ensure she doesn’t get involved with the temple crowd.

Having completed my observation of the temple, I blended into the crowds and left the city.