CH 191

“Not you too!”

Was everyone angry that I made a speech all on my own? Why are they acting like this? I haven’t thought about my future with Ridrian…

‘Did I really not think about that?’

The idea of protecting this life and coming home to spend time with someone I cared about, sharing meals and talking about the day, filled me with warmth and happiness.

The thought of doing that forever with Ridrian, without a deadline or expiration, made me realize that perhaps I wanted the idea.

I couldn’t continue with this. I was busy fanning my flared face. Then I looked up at Ridrian after coming back to my senses.

“Ah, let go of all the Lucretian soldiers you’ve captured. It’ll be better if you let them get back home safely.”

“Ah, that was your intention.”

“You noticed?”

“I was surprised you thought that far.”

I was a corporate slave for 10 years in my past life. Of course I thought all about that. But to think that he noticed it instantly, he truly was an observant ruler.

“Since I’m here, I might as well make the most of it,” I said, smiling teasingly at Ridrian. “I’m going to turn you into the savior of this world.”

I wasn’t afraid of anything as long as I was with him.

I couldn’t do this alone.

“If that’s your wish, I’ll be whatever you want me to be,” he answered without hesitation, a warm smile on his face.

***

My speech was a great success. I turned it into an official statement and sent it to every kingdom, and the shocking news spread quickly, surprising everyone in the continent.

Rumors spread that the Pope of Theres group had collapsed in anger, and those who tried to bring down the Empire while supporting the group were frantically trying to find flaws in my speech.

However, since I was on the battlefield with Ridrian, they couldn’t send me any complaints. It was also intentional on my part to make the speech in the midst of the battle, so I wouldn’t have to deal with any of this.

Of course, there were other things I was aiming for. If this was done officially, it would’ve taken a few days, but using my speech, only one day was necessary.

“The Vanmon castle surrenders to the Great Emperor of Ivant.”

“… I’ll accept.”

Ridrian looked a bit uneasy but he accepted the surrender that the messenger brought from the Vanmon castle.

Following my speech, the Ivant army was able to enter three of the Lucretian territories without any resistance within a week.

The captives that Ridrian had released went back to their homes and shared what they had seen, and as they heard the shocking news, the estates that the Ivant army was heading towards also heard it.

In response, the estate owners all made their decisions.

The kingdom trembled at the thought of facing the powerful army led by the infamous Emperor of Ivant. His reputation as a conqueror and invader preceded him, striking fear into the hearts of those in his path.

However, there was something that gave the people hope. A saintess was by his side, a beacon of light and a symbol of God’s will. The people held onto the belief that with her presence, at least a massacre would be prevented.

And as they saw her stand beside the emperor, they knew that to follow her was to follow the will of God. It was with this hope that they surrendered with ease, offering their estates to the conqueror.

The emperor, in a surprising move, showed mercy. He allowed the estate owners and their families to remain in their castle and live peacefully. The only change was the flag, a symbol of their submission to the Ivant Empire.

‘The Emperor of Ivant has Theres’s will and he will save this world.’

***

Word of the Emperor’s kindness and mercy had reached far and wide, bringing hope to those who were weary and oppressed. Due to the kingdom’s history of corruption, the people saw a glimmer of change and were eager to welcome it with open arms.

I even heard that the estates that weren’t even on our way were also surrendering.

The palace was sending messages to all estates to not surrender, but there was no one who was willing to support a corrupted dynasty of old Lucretia. The kingdom, known to be prosperous, was an empty shell. As they came in, the whole country basically needed welfare rather than war.

‘They had so little that I didn’t even think about supplies.’

Despite his claims of a difficult upbringing, Ridrian lived a life of prosperity. Yet, upon encountering the famine and poverty in the Lucretian estates, he was shocked and immediately ordered supplies to be distributed. He worked to reassure the people that the situation in other kingdoms was not as dire as in Lucretia, endearing himself to the citizens and becoming a beloved figure.

I stayed with the Ivant army as they marched on, with Ravis and Kraman guarding me, and I was busy healing wounded soldiers and people. It was to intentionally show that I’m a Saintess, but it was also because there weren’t enough priests thanks to the fight with the group of Theres.

A treatment tent was set up near the commander tent. And I went to work there every day.

“Did everyone sleep well?”

I was initially intimidated by the tent’s strong odor of blood and sweat, but the warm welcome I received from everyone made me feel at ease and quickly adjust to my surroundings.

Everyone who could move greeted me the moment they saw me.

“Welcome, Saintess!”

I tended to the wounds of many soldiers, guided by the medic. Though there were not many serious injuries, as there had not been a recent battle, there were still plenty who required my care. The last patient of the day was a child, who had been hurt while trying to assist the soldiers.

“Oh! The pain is gone. Thank you!” the child exclaimed, as they waved goodbye.

Ravis smiled warmly as he watched the child leave. “You’ve become quite skilled in using your powers. I think you no longer need my guidance in healing,” he said, as he turned his attention to another injured soldier.

I let out a sigh and sat down next to him. “But controlling divine power is still a challenge,” I admitted.

“You’ll get used to it soon. You’re a fast learner.”

“I still seem to fail too much.”

“You’re busy with the secretary work too. Do it slowly. At this rate, you might collapse first.”

“I’m sleeping well though so don’t worry.”