Chapter 189

Chapter 189

Traveling on the train in third class was fun.

People were sprawled comfortably in the open, and even with the complete lack of privacy, everyone didn't mind each other.

It felt like it was the only cradle of freedom the Federation allowed. Simon took time out of each day to meet with people.

Some resisted Efnel or didn't believe in the Goddess despite being citizens of the Federation. Of course, they pretended to be devout believers when facing the inquisitors.

Meeting all these new people naturally broadened Simon's insight.

Rete, on the other hand, wasn't used to this kind of environment and spent most of her time the first day on her bunk bed, face buried in her pillow to avoid being stared at.

However, by the second day, she seemed to have gotten used to it and she started wearing more casual clothes. She made friends with a commoner girl her age, and they often hung out together.

And so, after five days of train travel, they arrived at the station in the same town they had stopped by when they first arrived in the Federation.

A lot of people bid them farewell.

Even two of the inquisitors on the train that Simon got close with came to him personally to shake his hand.

After getting off the train, the two immediately went to meet the broker.

They had arrived at the agreed upon location, an old tavern, and were sipping at some water when a man in a drab robe appeared.

"The confession of the wolf goes to"

Prompted the broker.

"a foolish lamb."

Replied Simon. It was the very same broker who had brought them here.

"Good to see you again. Preparations to return are complete."

"How's the situation at the border now?"

Asked Simon, and the broker answered as if he had been waiting for that question.

"It's wonderful! The borders are more relaxed now that the biggest nuisance of the Federation, Heavenly Blood, has been destroyed. It's quite the strange turn of events."

Simon and Rete exchanged a glance and smiled.

The three were now on a set schedule.

"Then, we'll move on to the Dark Territory early tomorrow morning."

"Yes, we're counting on you."

And

The journey with Rete was over.

In fact, Rete wanted to cross over to the Dark Territory and stay at Anna's side until she healed, but Israfill had scolded her again.

"No matter how immature you are, this is too dangerous and reckless. If you are representing Efnel, control yourself!"

She issued Rete a curfew, not as her friend but as a Saintess. In the end, Rete had to promise not to cross the border.

"Should I"

"?"

Rete said flatly as they walked back to their lodging after meeting with the broker,

"Should I just ignore Israfill and cross with you?"

At this seemingly impulsive idea, Simon advised,

"Don't worry too much. Mom's going to be fine, and we also finished way ahead of Father's deadline. I'll make sure to send a letter across the border after the operation goes well."

He had caused too much trouble for Rete. Not once, but twice she had to go out of her way for the sake of his family. She must have her own things to do as well. Staying top of her classes must be really busy, so she would've sacrificed a lot just to make time for Anna.

Simon thought that he shouldn't put her through any more trouble.

""

"What's wrong?"

Rete was pouting in dissatisfaction, turning away upon Simon commenting on it.

"It's nothing."

It was getting dark.

This was their last night in the Holy Federation. They slipped on their robes and stepped out into the night market.

Simon remembered the first time he'd been here. It was a battlefield after inquisitors stormed in.

But on his second visit, no such thing happened. It was full of life and vibrancy, just as Simon had envisioned the night market to be.

'Now, what shall I buy?'

With Israfill's cooperation, the trip ended quickly and he didn't have to spend a big fortune on the 'White Leaf', so he had some money left over.

They wandered around the night market together, grabbed some food, and bought some gifts for Anna.

Since Anna was living in the Dark Territory, it would be difficult for her to attain these items.

He bought new, clean copies of scripture, various prayer items, and some local foods and snacks.

"Let's get her some of these, too! I'm sure she'll like them."

When they were picking gifts for Anna, Rete's advice came in handy.

"What's this? A medjool?"

"Yeah, a medjool. They're sweet and delicious. When I was a kid, Teacher Anna always made me sit on her lap and give me the ones with its pits removed."

"It's up to me how I use my power. Let's go. I'll send you off, at least."

They stepped outside into eerily quiet city compared to its previous vibrance while the night markets were open. They walked through the deserted streets while taking in the early morning breeze.

"There you are."

When they arrived at the appointed location, they found the broker waiting for them. He bowed his head, gesturing to beside him where a teleport circle was being prepared.

Having done it once before, Simon already knew what was going to happen.

The teleport circle would take him to a warehouse near the border where he'd be placed in a box on a wagon and taken through the 'Gate of Divinity'.

Then, he'd activate the circle drawn on the floor of the box and travel to Hobb, a neighboring territory to Les Hill.

"I'll meet you on the other side."

As before, the broker went first, stepping on the circle.

Now Simon and Rete were the only ones left in front of the magic circle.

A moment of farewell.

There was an awkward silence for a moment. Rete was the first to speak.

"I'm counting on you with Teacher Anna."

"Yeah. Thank you so much for everything."

""

She slowly pulled up the hood on her robe. Seeing Rete's mouth twitch, Simon asked,

"Is there something you want to say?"

Her white hair swayed in the wind.

"I'm your greatest enemy."

"Yeah."

"We only briefly worked together because of our common goalTeacher Annabut our destinies have already completely diverged."

"I know."

"I'm going to be a Saintess, and I'm going to do what the Goddess and Efnel tell me to. My missions shall be my priority, and I won't hesitate to kill if I have to."

"Yup."

"In the course of my missions, I'll have many encounters with Kizen. Your loved ones and your friends may die at my hands."

"They may."

"So"

Her golden eyes shone from behind her hood.

"I'll give you one last chance. Fight me, necromancer."

Simon let out a long sigh.

"What's gotten into you?"

"Shut up and give me your all! Even that Prince bastard! Fight me properl"

"I refuse."

Simon shook his head.

"I won't hurt you."

Rete had saved Anna. The whole house was now indebted to her.

He had seen what kind of person she was. He knew there were good people among the Saintesses, like Israfill.

"There's no point in expecting the worst when it won't happen. Let's do our best in Kizen and Efnel. If the day comes when we must fight, let's fight with all we got. And let's not hate each other for it. We know who we are, we know how we lived, we know each other now."

""

After a moment of silence, she giggled.

"You really are so full of yourself."

"I'll get going."

She slowly removed her hood again. Her bangs drifted to the sides, revealing her golden eyes.

"Goodbye, Simon."

Simon was about to step on the magic circle but paused. Then, he looked back with a smile.

"And now you're giving me an emotional farewell?"

"Ugh! Ah! Shut up and get lost before I change my mind and kill you!"

Simon giggled and stepped on the magic circle.

Their eyes met for a moment before a blinding blue light transported Simon to his next location.

""

All that remained where Simon stood were small flecks of blue mana drifting through in the air, but they too soon disappeared.

"I'll never lose to you."

Rete stared at the empty air for a moment. Then, with a determined look, she tied back the hem of her robe and stepped outside.