The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 25

When we entered the Adventurer’s Guild, the woman at the reception desk spotted us and frantically waved her hand as soon as she saw us.

“Noella, we’ve been waiting for you!”

She was the same receptionist who usually greeted us with a smile, but today she wore a slightly tense expression. Something must have happened. As we approached the counter, she glanced around before speaking in a hushed voice.

“Actually, a special request has come in.”

“A request?”

It was unusual for us to be summoned directly to the Adventurer’s Guild rather than through Anctuan. While I understood it was a special request, I wondered who it could be from.

“What kind of request is it?”

When I asked, she bit her lip with a troubled look. Then she began speaking hesitantly, telling us what the request was about.

“Actually, it’s from Prince Eric.”

“…From the prince?”

I was bewildered. I never expected to hear that name. What purpose could he possibly have for making a request to us?

“Yes. He wants you to come to the royal castle in person. It’s a request specifically naming you all, with instructions from above to make sure it’s delivered. I’m sorry.”

The receptionist who delivered the message looked genuinely apologetic. Judging from her attitude, it seemed the guild staff also considered this matter troublesome.

Instructions from above. Even though it wasn’t her fault, she ended up apologizing.

“Anyway, I understand. We’ll handle the request from here.”

“Thank you.”

The receptionist’s expression relaxed with relief at my words as I accepted the request document. We finished our conversation and left the guild. After walking a short distance, I stopped.

“What should we do about this?”

When I turned around, I saw the same confusion reflected on the faces of Nadine, Emily, and Jamel, who had remained silent during the conversation. Jamel in particular wore a stern expression, deep in thought.

“I think it would be best to consult Anctuan about this matter.”

Jamel made the suggestion. Indeed, this situation was difficult for us to judge on our own. But…

“Relying on Anctuan… Is that alright?”

I never wanted to see Prince Eric again. After all, I had used memory-altering magic to escape that environment. My true feelings were that I wanted to avoid meeting him entirely. So, I wanted to refuse this request.

But it was a request from the royal family. It would be difficult to refuse something formally requested through the Adventurer’s Guild. If we refused without reason, it seemed likely to cause various troubles. I wanted to avoid that.

Anctuan might be able to handle it somehow. As a merchant, he had various connections. If he used those, he could probably prepare appropriate reasons for refusing the request. He was one of the few people who understood our circumstances. But wouldn’t I be causing him trouble? I also felt guilty about always relying on him.

“Let’s at least inform him. He is our companion, after all.”

Jamel looked straight at me with sincere eyes. The tension left my shoulders at his words. Jamel was right, Anctuan was also our important companion. We could trust his judgment. We should inform him regardless.

“Understood.”

We headed toward the commercial district. Along the way, Emily kept peering at my face with an anxious expression. She probably worried that the prince might take an interest in me again, just like before. That getting involved with him might drag us into trouble. She must have sensed my feelings and was concerned.

“It’s alright, Emily. We’ll manage somehow.”

When I gently patted her head, she smiled as if slightly reassured. If I were alone, it might be impossible. But with reliable companions by my side, I felt we could overcome this matter too.

We came to Anctuan’s trading company to discuss the royal request. When we entered, he welcomed us with his usual polite customer service. His smiling face carried a sense of security as if he had no worries at all.

“Oh my, what brings you here today?”

“Actually, we received this request from the Adventurer’s Guild.”

When I handed him the request document and briefly explained the situation, Anctuan immediately grasped the circumstances. He understood the situation and told us what we should do.

“Regarding Prince Eric’s request, I’ll handle it from here. First, let’s investigate their purpose.”

I was surprised by his efficiency. I was once again amazed by his speed in judgment and action as a merchant.

“Are you sure we can leave it to you?”

“Of course, it’s fine. I am also one of Noella’s companions, after all.”

Anctuan wore a gentle smile, but his gaze was sharp and serious. In the depths of his eyes, I could glimpse the calculations and caution characteristic of a merchant.

“I’ll investigate what the prince intends, what he plans to do. He’s probably having problems with the temple and seeking new power as a replacement. He may have heard about your recent reputation at the Adventurer’s Guild.”

His analysis made sense. Indeed, over the past few months, our party had become a force to be reckoned with at the Adventurer’s Guild. It wouldn’t be strange if that had reached his ears.

“Noella, just give me your orders.”

His reliable words made me feel I could entrust everything to him.

“Understood. Please handle it, Anctuan.”

“Yes. Leave it to me.”

Relief welled up within me at Anctuan’s words. If I left it to him, it would be fine.

Prince Eric, why would a summons come now from the man who had once abandoned me? Was it coincidence that he was trying to get involved? What if he remembered me? No, that shouldn’t be possible. The memory-altering magic should have been perfect.

Even so, it might be unavoidable that I would have to meet him again. When that time comes, would I be able to remain calm? Could I face my former fiancé without showing my emotions?

I’m different now. I’m no longer a saintess – I’m living as an adventurer. Nadine, Emily, Jamel, and Anctuan – I have companions who support me.

The old me might have tried to bear everything alone. But now I’ve chosen to walk forward together with my companions. So no matter what difficulties await, I’m sure we can overcome them.

Believing this, I decided to wait for our next move together with my companions.