The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 35

In the early morning when the dew still glistened, I was inspecting the corpse of a massive monster that had just fallen. Its scaly body had already ceased moving, and the miasma that had been scattered around had dissipated.

“The request is complete, isn’t it?”

Emily said happily. Her straw-colored hair swayed in the wind. Recently, she had improved not only in healing magic but also in offensive magic. During the previous battle, she had unleashed a splendid fire spell.

“Good work, Emily. Let’s head back then.”

Even as the head of the guild, I still stood on the front lines. Jamel and Alexis often worried, saying, “Aren’t you working too much?” But I felt that being active in the field suited me.

It was vastly different from my days at the temple. Back then, I was forced to take on an absurd amount of work and was utterly exhausted. But now, it was different. I faced requests of my own will and felt the joy of accomplishment. Problems were solved, and I could see the happy faces of the people. That made me glad.

I was often told by those around me, “Don’t overwork yourself.” If my workload increased even slightly, they would say, “Don’t push yourself,” or “Please rest.” But I still had plenty of energy to spare.

After reporting to the farmer who had made the request, we set off back to the city. Since we had left early in the morning, the sun wasn’t high yet. This way, I would make it in plenty of time for the afternoon meeting.

When I returned to the guild, Nadine greeted me.

“Welcome back, Noella. I’m glad you returned safely. There’s still time before the afternoon meeting, so why not take a short break? You’ve been on the move since morning for that mission, right?”

“I’m still fine. I also need to check the pending requests.”

“Please leave that to me. I’ll handle it here.”

It was Alexis who spoke. I understood that since I made those around me worry like this, it was important to rest sometimes. If they went this far, I might as well take them up on their offer.

“Alright, I’ll take a short break then.”

As I said this, Nadine and the others showed relieved expressions.

Now, we had developed reliable personnel. The priestesses had grown splendidly and could handle complex requests with ease. If I left things to them, they would successfully complete the requests. Next, I had to make sure they didn’t overwork themselves. As the leader, showing them that it was okay to rest might set a good example.

The guild’s activities were going smoothly. We had the deep trust of the citizens, and requests never ceased. I took pride in the fact that we not only functioned as a replacement for the temple but provided even greater value. We didn’t just perform healing and blessing ceremonies; we also carried out monster extermination and community support activities. We collaborated with other guilds to reach out and help more people in need.

And it was likely this success that had drawn unwanted attention.

“Lady Noella, another envoy from King Eric has arrived.”

Anctuan reported to me apologetically as I was catching my breath in the office. His expression showed a hint of weariness.

“Again?”

King Eric, who had recently inherited the throne, had a decent reputation. Compared to the previous king, who had no interest in governance whatsoever, Eric showed proactiveness in acting for the kingdom’s sake. It might just be for show, though.

From my perspective, if he focused on the citizens and governed the country properly, I had no complaints.

I just wished he would stop desperately trying to involve himself with the guild. I didn’t want any involvement, yet he kept approaching us.

“‘For the sake of the kingdom, we need the guild’s power’—it’s the same request as before. This is the third time now.”

“…Understood. I’ll meet with the envoy.”

Honestly, I wished they would just leave us alone. Thinking that, I went to deal with the envoy. The envoy, shown to the reception room, was dressed in formal attire adorned with the royal family’s crest, exuding an air of dignity.

“On behalf of His Majesty King Eric, this is a proposal to establish a cooperative framework between the guild and the royal family. His Majesty highly values the guild’s activities and wishes for your assistance in the kingdom’s development.”

The envoy’s words were high-handed, and I felt clear pressure. However, it was only in words. They didn’t actually take any action. It seemed they didn’t have the intention to force compliance through brute strength. That’s why I also wanted to keep it at the discussion level.

“As I’ve stated before, our guild’s policy is not to involve ourselves in national politics. Our role is to support the daily lives of the citizens.”

“But! If you are to operate in the royal capital, a good relationship with the royal family is essential. With His Majesty’s protection, the guild’s activities could expand further.”

“Of course, we desire a relationship that avoids unnecessary conflicts. However, we are ultimately an organization for the citizens. We will not align ourselves with any specific power.”

I repeated my refusal over and over. Dissatisfaction appeared on the envoy’s face, but again, they didn’t press further.

After the envoy, who seemed to understand that persuasion was futile, had left, I gathered my companions and the guild’s executives: Alexis, Jamel, Nadine, and Anctuan. They were trustworthy allies.

“The royal family’s approaches continue. Let’s reaffirm our policy.”

Alexis spoke first. His sincere expression showed determination.

“I believe it’s better not to have any involvement with the kingdom. We could end up repeating the temple’s mistakes. If we are absorbed by the royal family, we would be forced to prioritize their intentions. That is not the path we aim for.”

Jamel nodded. Stroking his graying beard, he spoke with a serious expression.

“I agree with that opinion. We should maintain our distance from the royal family and nobility. They often prioritize their own interests. We exist for the citizens, after all.”

Everyone’s opinion was unanimous. The guild would prioritize the citizens first and maintain an appropriate distance from the royal family and nobility. That was our policy.

We communicated this policy to all guild members and reflected it in our daily activities. We are guild members. Carrying that pride and responsibility in our hearts, everyone continued their work.

Then, the following week, another envoy visited. This time, it seemed to be someone of higher rank.

“His Majesty earnestly wishes for a meeting with you, the head of this organization. For the guild’s development as well, shouldn’t you meet and discuss things at least once?”

“Please inform His Majesty that our policy remains unchanged. We are an independent organization and will continue our activities for the citizens.”

The envoy showed a dissatisfied expression but said nothing more and withdrew.

However, yet another envoy came. And the next week, too. Did they intend to continue until we agreed to cooperate?

“I wish they would stop already.”

Sighing, I looked out the window. At the building in the center of the distant city. I could see the former temple. Now, it had few people coming and going, giving off a desolate atmosphere.

I had escaped from that place and gained my freedom. I had no intention of being trapped by anyone’s schemes again. I had broken free from the restraints of being a Saint. The guild would not become a tool of the royal family.

“Lady Noella, if the royal family’s pressure intensifies, if they try to force us in, we have the option of leaving the country. My merchant guild has bases in other nations, so relocation is possible.”

Anctuan said quietly. With his merchant skills and extensive connections, it was certainly feasible. It was reassuring to have that as a last resort.

“No, I don’t intend to run away now. I am here for the citizens. However, I also have no intention of siding with the royal family.”

That was my answer. Without yielding to the royal family’s pressure, I would protect the guild’s independence. That was the path I, and the guild, had chosen.