The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 28

While I was handling work deep within the temple, one of the elder sages rushed in frantically. His face bore an expression mixed with excitement and some kind of scheme.

“Alexis, there’s an urgent, top-secret request. Come with me immediately.”

Wondering what it could be, I followed the elder sage to the office. What I heard there made me doubt my own ears.

“Eliminate an adventurer guild team?”

The elder sage nodded as if it were the most natural thing.

“That’s right. It’s a direct request from His Highness the Prince. He wants a certain adventurer team to be secretly disposed of. I haven’t heard the detailed reasons, but it seems they angered His Highness.”

I was dumbfounded. The temple’s duty is to protect the kingdom’s safety and spirit, to provide prayers and healing to the people, and to enrich their lives. Yet, harming ordinary citizens, no matter the reason should never be permitted.

“I cannot possibly accept such a request.”

When I refused to take the request, the elder sage’s expression changed completely.

“What did you say? Are you refusing His Highness’s request?”

“Of course. I cannot accept actions that go against the temple’s mission.”

The elder sage sneered. That expression gave me a bad feeling.

“Alexis, think carefully about your position. If you refuse, you know what will happen to the priestesses you’re so fond of, don’t you?”

The blood drained from my face. Could it be that this elder sage intended to take my subordinate priestesses hostage? Would he go that far?

“They have nothing to do with this!”

“Nothing to do? If you don’t comply, who knows what might happen to them. The temple’s power, and the prince’s wrath, are terrifying things.”

My fists trembled. Is this the temple’s way? Kowtowing to authority, harming ordinary citizens, and even resorting to threats using subordinates as hostages.

“There’s no time. Give me your answer.”

At the elder sage’s urging, I gritted my teeth. But in my heart, I had already made a decision. It was time to cut ties with the temple. There was no need for me or the priestesses to be bound to such a corrupt organization. No matter what, I had to ensure their safety.

“…Understood. I’ll consider it.”

“Good. Then get to work immediately. We can’t keep His Highness waiting.”

I temporarily smoothed things over and left the room. The elder sage nodded with satisfaction, but my mind was made up.

That night, I secretly slipped out of the temple and headed alone to the adventurer guild. The situation was urgent. I could only hope they would listen.

In a private room at the adventurer guild, I faced three men. After explaining the situation, they had come immediately.

Guild Master Baron, the head of the merchant association, Anctuan, and Jamel, who was said to be a member of the targeted team.

As I explained the situation again, their expressions grew increasingly stern.

“To think… Just for refusing a request, they’d resort to using the temple for revenge,” Baron groaned.

Anctuan nodded with a grave expression. “For the prince himself to take such measures and the temple cooperating? This is the worst.”

“The temple has had various issues lately. But to think they’ve fallen this far.”

I looked around at the three. They were people I had just met. I couldn’t immediately judge whether I could trust them. But for now, I had no choice but to trust and rely on them.

“I have a request. After helping me and the priestesses under my care escape from the temple, could you protect us? In return, I’ll accept any conditions.”

Offering myself in exchange for saving the priestesses. The three exchanged glances. I continued.

“I have considerable abilities. I also have extensive knowledge cultivated at the temple. I’m sure I can be of use to you.”

After a period of silence, Anctuan spoke.

“After hearing your story, I feel we must help. Let’s figure something out.”

“Really?!”

Hearing that they would cooperate, I felt overjoyed. Then, we discussed what to do next.

“Lord Alexis, how about we establish a new organization together with those who have escaped from the temple?”

“A new organization?”

A proposal from Anctuan, who was a merchant.

“Yes. A new organization that breaks away from the corrupt temple and fulfills the true role of priestesses. One that doesn’t cater to royal authority but purely dedicates itself to saving people. I believe we can assist in establishing such an organization.”

Baron also nodded. “As the adventurer guild, we’ll provide full support. In terms of protecting citizens’ safety, we share the same stance.”

Jamel also showed agreement. “Our party would be glad to cooperate as well. Our leader would find it reassuring to have someone like you with us.”

They were even considering what would happen after we escaped the temple. A ray of hope shone into my heart. I never imagined a path would open up like this.

“Are you truly, truly sure about this?”

“Of course.”

Anctuan smiled.

“However, the escape from the temple must be carried out carefully. The elder sages will surely try desperately to stop us. Let’s prioritize the priestesses’ safety and create a detailed plan.”

I agreed with Jamel’s concern. Then, I bowed deeply.

“Thank you. I will cooperate with all my strength. If we remain in the temple like this, both I and they will be ruined.”

As the discussion continued, a concrete escape plan and a blueprint for the new organization began to take shape. From a seemingly hopeless situation, a specific way to salvation had emerged.

I reaffirmed my resolve. We would all escape safely from the corrupt temple and walk a new path truly for the people’s sake. Together with the priestesses, we would fulfill our original mission.