The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 7

“Mmm…”

I woke up. It was a very pleasant awakening. Perhaps I had fallen into a deep sleep for the first time in a while, as I felt thoroughly rested to my core. After stretching in bed for a moment, I slowly got up and walked over to the window.

When I opened the curtains with both hands, dazzling light flooded the room. Outside was clear, with a deep green forest spreading beneath the perfectly blue sky. The trees, damp with morning dew, glittered in the sunlight, and the chirping of small birds pleasantly reached my ears.

“……”

Captivated by the view, I stared blankly for a while.

This was a completely different, fresh morning alone compared to when I was at the temple. Back there, attendants were always nearby, and I never had any time to myself. While I was grateful for their support, there were moments when I wanted to be alone. The quiet and freedom spreading before my eyes now were something I had been longing for.

After enjoying the morning scenery for a while, I got ready. Changing into simple clothes, I brushed my hair while gazing at my reflection in the mirror. Not dressed as a saintess, but just as a woman. It felt somewhat strange, but not bad.

Once I finished getting ready, I realized I was hungry. I needed to prepare breakfast. This, too, was a fresh experience for me. At the temple, meals were always provided for me. I wasn’t allowed to prepare them myself.

“If you have time for that, handle your duties as the saintess,” I had been ordered. Back then, I felt gloomy from the morning. But now, no one was ordering me around. I could spend my mornings freely. Just that thought made my heart feel lighter.

I left my room. The hallway was very quiet. Probably no one else was awake yet. Last night, I was the only one allowed to rest early. Perhaps they had discussed various things without me afterward.

I’ll ask later if they talked about anything.

Careful not to make any noise, I explored the mountain lodge alone. I found the pantry and checked inside. As expected of Anctuan, the provisions he had prepared were ample in both variety and quantity.

Vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, dairy, grains. Everything necessary was there. I could sense his consideration as a merchant. I must go see him soon and properly thank him.

For now, I’ll try making breakfast with what’s here. I carefully selected what to use and brought it to the kitchen. Limited resources must be used wisely.

I started cooking in the kitchen. I lit the fire, picked up a pot and knife, and while thinking through the steps, I carefully chopped the ingredients. The work progressed smoothly.

I had read about cooking in books, but this was almost my first time actually doing it. Even so, a savory aroma gradually began to fill the room. Since I had the knowledge, it seemed I could manage surprisingly well.

“Hmm. It worked out. A delicious-looking breakfast is complete.”

After finishing the final touches, I arranged the finished dishes on the table. Bread, an egg dish, a simple soup, and a vegetable salad. It wasn’t elaborate, but the colorful spread didn’t look bad. I had prepared portions not just for myself, but for everyone. I wonder if they’ll be pleased.

“Lady Noella?!”

Right as I finished preparing breakfast, I heard a surprised voice. Turning around, I saw Emily standing there, rubbing her eyes.

“Good morning, Emily.”

“Ah, um. Good morning.”

Her face still half-asleep, she seemed to be trying to process the scene before her.

“Did you make all of this, Lady Noella?”

Pointing at the dishes arranged on the table, she asked with an astonished expression. I simply smiled and nodded.

Perhaps she had been planning to make breakfast for us too. But I had prepared it first.

“Yes, that’s right. Though I could only make simple things.”

“No, it looks very delicious!”

Emily’s eyes sparkled, and her cheeks flushed. Seeing her reaction, I felt relieved that at least the appearance seemed acceptable. As for the taste, I wouldn’t know until they actually tried it.

“Good morning, Lady Noella.”

“Good morning, Nadine.”

Next to appear was Nadine. She was already fully prepared, radiating the same sharp, vigilant aura as this morning. She probably maintained that tension to be ready to protect against danger at any moment. Even she showed a brief look of surprise at the sight on the table.

“Did you prepare enough for us as well?”

“Of course. We’ll have to cooperate as companions from now on. Let’s eat together.”

“Thank you.”

She bowed her head in gratitude.

But from now on, we are equals. I want us to live together cooperating as peers, without hierarchical relationships. Not as saintess and knight, but as Noella and Nadine.

The last to appear was Jamel. Unusually, he had a dazed, sleepy expression. This might be the first time I’ve seen the usually dignified old sage show such a human side. Back at the temple, he always had a stern, difficult expression.

“Lady Noella. Good morning.”

His voice was hoarse, but his tone was polite.

“Good morning, Jamel. Now, please have a seat.”

“…Yes.”

His speech was proper, but his movements were slower than usual. He too took a seat.

Gathered from the morning, we sat around the table to eat together. After saying “Let’s eat” to each other, we began serving food onto our plates.

This was the first time I had eaten at the same table with them. While I occasionally ate with my disciple Emily, I never had the chance to sit at the same table with High Priest Jamel or Knight Nadine. Given my position as saintess, it wasn’t permitted.

“This is really delicious!”

Emily said with her mouth full.

“Indeed, it’s a wonderful flavor.”

Nadine also showed a satisfied expression. There was no lie in it.

“I had no idea you had such talent for cooking, Lady Noella.”

Jamel’s expression had softened too. I never had the chance to serve homemade meals before. But I don’t think I did anything worthy of being called talent. I just cooked normally.

Their reactions made me happy. Right now, I’m not a saintess. The others, too, are just ordinary people who have lost their respective titles. Like this, we can enjoy meals together as companions. That freedom was the greatest joy of all.

Everything felt fresh from the morning onward. Feeling that freshness, I enjoyed the meal with everyone. The morning sun streaming through the window gently illuminated the table.

“It would be nice if we could eat together like this every day from now on.”

“Yes, it would.”

Emily said with a smile.

I nodded in agreement. I felt the same way. Would this scene become the norm from now on? If it does, I would be truly happy. Feeling the start of a new life, I was genuinely happy.