The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 5

“Emily! Jamel!”

When I spotted their figures, I raised one hand high from my saddle and called out to them. Under the moonlight floating in the night sky, the silhouettes on horseback waiting at the forest’s edge gradually came into clear view. The moment I recognized them, a wave of relief washed over my chest. According to plan, we could reunite safely.

“Lady Noella!”

A young, clear voice broke the night’s stillness.

“Emily.”

I called her name again. The girl who had called my name with a heartwarming, adorable smile was Emily, my first disciple. Her green eyes and straw-colored hair shimmered under the moonlight. She was the kind girl who had noticed my plan and offered to “come along” herself. Seeing her wave back energetically filled me with warmth.

And beside her stood a figure wrapped in quiet dignity.

“I’m relieved to see you safe, Saint Noella.”

The man who responded in a calm, deep voice was the old sage Jamel. His neatly trimmed, graying beard and the deeply etched wrinkles that spoke of his age told tales of his experience and wisdom. When he recognized me, he smiled with a relieved expression, as if freed from long-held tension.

“Jamel. I’m no longer a saint. Just Noella.”

I corrected the title he used.

“Indeed.”

As he said this, a somewhat sad expression crossed his face. Complex emotions wavered in the depths of his eyes. This was the person who had looked after me since childhood, teaching me the knowledge and magic necessary to fulfill my duties as a saint, supporting me through various hardships.

And this time too, I had carried out what could be called a reckless plan, dragging him into it as well. Guilt welled up inside me for causing him deep worry and immeasurable trouble.

Myself, the former saint. Nadine, the female knight who served as my guard. Emily, my first disciple and a priestess. And Jamel, who had long served as the old sage at the temple. These were my important companions. There was one more person not present here – the merchant Anctuan, who was also assisting us.

Gathered here were those who had become mere commoners, stripped of all status. Through that magic, memories had been erased, and no one remained throughout the kingdom who knew our true identities. We had just taken the first step toward beginning new lives.

“Noella. Let’s head to the base immediately.”

Jamel suggested while keeping watch on our surroundings.

“Right.”

“Let’s go!”

When I nodded at Jamel’s words, Emily agreed with childlike innocence. Her bright tone slightly eased the tense atmosphere. For now, I wanted to reach the base and settle down. There, we could thoroughly discuss our future movements.

“This path is a shortcut. We can move safely without being seen.”

“Thank you. Lead the way, Nadine.”

“Leave it to me, Lady Noella.”

As Nadine skillfully guided her horse to take the lead, the three of us followed behind. Her back, advancing while vigilantly watching our surroundings with a knight’s sharp eyes, held both reliability and tension.

Our destination was the hideaway we had prepared for this day – a small mountain cottage deep in the forest, sufficiently far from the royal capital and hidden from view. A safe refuge arranged by Anctuan.

Without encountering any soldiers guarding the capital or patrolling knights, we safely reached our base. Dismounting, we could finally catch our breath.

“Noella. You should rest now. I can see your fatigue.”

Jamel said while studying my face intently.

“No, that…”

Had I really been showing such a tired expression? I hadn’t particularly felt it myself. I thought it was too early to rest. We needed to confirm our situation and discuss the future together.

But seeing the concern on Jamel’s face, I thought for a moment before nodding. Yes, I should do as he said.

“Understood. I’ll take my rest now.”

“That would be best. After using such powerful magic, your physical exhaustion must be considerable.”

Grateful for Jamel’s concern, I decided to obey honestly. He was right – the magic I used today required extraordinary power. I should rest properly to recover my strength. Better to prepare for the new life starting tomorrow.

“Then I’ll retire first. Everyone, please don’t push yourselves too hard?”

“You’ve worked hard today.”

Nadine bowed respectfully.

“Good night, Lady Noella. Sweet dreams.”

Emily saw me off with a bright smile.

“Rest well.”

And Jamel saw me off with fatherly gentle eyes.

After exchanging goodnight greetings, I headed to the prepared room. I quickly changed clothes and laid myself down on the soft bedding. Though I hadn’t realized it myself, I must have been near my limit from exhaustion. The moment I lay down, my heavy eyelids closed.

Through the magic’s effect, my existence had vanished from many people’s memories. I was no longer a saint. Though this was reality, I still felt like I was in a dream. Would this sensation eventually become normal, I wondered?

And what kind of life awaited me from now on? Holding such thoughts, I fell into deep sleep.