The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

"besides!"

"And...yes, I have another purpose..."

Besides her parents, there was another goal that sustained Tatsia's struggle. Compared to her parents, that goal was somewhat abstract and distant, and Tatsia couldn't recall it at the moment. But with Naka's reminder, she realized there was something else she needed to do to survive, something she had to accomplish herself.

"I will... kill the Demon King!"

Taqia said through gritted teeth.

She realized the truth. The source of all this tragedy wasn't herself. It was the demon king who destroyed the elven kingdom and exterminated the elves. He alone was the root of all evil. Offering his head as a sacrifice to her parents was the best way to repay them. In this way, she could finally atone for her mistakes.

"Yes, there are still things you need to accomplish. Your life is not without meaning."

Naka gently stroked Tatsia's back and hair, then buried her head in her chest.

So, don't do anything foolish again. Whatever you do next, I'll be with you.

The loneliness, isolation, and panic that followed the loss of her parents were all dispelled by Naka's warm embrace. She knew she wasn't alone; she had someone supporting her. Thinking of how she had almost made a terrible mistake due to a momentary lapse in judgment, and of Naka, who had placed such high hopes in her, Tatya, overwhelmed with regret, remorse, and gratitude, finally broke down in tears in Naka's arms.

Her tears, saliva, and snot soaked through Naka's clothes. But Naka didn't care. Instead, she hugged her even tighter, embracing Tatsia with her body, letting her freely release the emotions she had been holding back for so long. She believed that only in this way could Tatsia undergo a transformation.

"Your Majesty, the Demon King..."

"Stop talking, Fan."

Naka understood perfectly what Fan was trying to say. For a demon king to urge a hero not to forget his mission to kill the demon king and to live on was incredibly strange, even irrational. But she also didn't want Tatya to die before her eyes. His desire to use her was real, and his desire for her to live was also genuine. Therefore, Naka was now incredibly tormented. Tatya could confide in Naka. But who could Naka confide in?

If this matter were unrelated to Naka, it naturally wouldn't be enough to move her. But the source of all of Tatsia's misery lies with Naka herself, who issued the order to destroy the Elf Kingdom. This is retribution in this life; what about the next? Naka is now reaping the consequences. No one can harm the Demon King, but the Demon King's own actions are tormenting Naka's heart. And this alone is not enough to atone for the sins Naka has committed. She herself understands that more retribution awaits her in the future.

"....yes"

Fane could understand Naka's situation. However, he couldn't comfort her. As a subject, one could only obey the monarch's commands.

Rather than comforting her or forcing her to do things she didn't want to do, Fain believed that addressing the problem directly was the right way. The Naka she knew now was significantly different from the Naka she knew now.

Before becoming the Demon King, Naka was savage and brutal. As the Demon King, Naka is both cold and cruel. He has never forgotten the scene when Naka sat on her throne, smiling as she gave the order to kill the elves. If it were Naka back then, Tatia would probably have already passed away the day she met Naka on the western mountain.

However, the two years she spent training under Jess, the people she met in that village, and the events she experienced had changed Naka to some extent. While her power remained unchanged compared to two years ago when she was the Demon King, she had become more easily swayed by her emotions. Her near-fatal injury during the battle with the Wolf Demon, caused by her concern for Tatya and inability to react to the enemy's attack, is the best proof of this. In short, Naka had become vulnerable.

Different environments shape different personalities. Naka was a completely different person before and after becoming the Demon King, let alone after spending so much time with humans. Fan initially thought that learning more about human ways of emotional communication would be a good thing for Naka, but now he doesn't think so anymore.

Whether it's Jasmine or Tatia, if Naka might be put in danger again because of their relationship, then Fane felt he couldn't continue to sit idly by in the Demon King's castle. He had to take concrete action.

Tatya, of course, was unaware of the secrets in Naka's and Fan's hearts. She simply clung to Naka and wept bitterly.

In Tatia's eyes now, her older sister, who has accepted her immaturity, naivety, and shortcomings, and who cares for her at all times, is the most precious gift God has given to this unfortunate little lamb. Even though their parents are gone, she can still feel the warmth from her that she can only experience from her own family.

Tatia knew she was a crybaby. But she resolved that this would be her last tear. From tomorrow onward, she would cast aside all tears. She could no longer be weak; she had to become stronger. Because for her, there were two more things worth fighting for with her life.

One was to kill the Demon King using the most bloody and inhumane methods, to comfort the spirits of her parents and people in heaven. The other was to repay Naka, who had stood by her through her most difficult and sorrowful times, for the debt of gratitude she had received—a debt that could perhaps never be repaid. Now that her parents were gone, Naka had become the most beloved person in Tatya's eyes, the most important person in the world.

In the small cave, two tiny bodies, each carrying a wish that could never be fulfilled, embraced each other.

That night, the two returned to the small cliff. The small mound there had now become two. An additional small stone had been added to replace the tombstone.

Tatiana decided to bury her father and mother together. Although it took a lot of effort and time, the two lovers who had never been able to meet until their deaths were finally reunited.

Tatiana knelt before the two graves, solemnly bowing to her parents. Firstly, to express her gratitude for their childbirth, and secondly, to bid them farewell.

"Father, Mother. You must have met in that world now. Your daughter sincerely blesses you. I'm so sorry I can't join you yet, because I still have things to do. For this, I'm about to embark on a new journey... Please rest assured, Father and Mother, I'll be fine, because I have Sister Naka by my side. But one day I will return here, carrying the Demon King's head. I don't care if he's Level Infinite or who he really is... I will offer his blood to Father and Mother, and all the fallen members of our clan, as my final act of filial piety and a tribute. To give Father and Mother, and all our clansmen, a complete closure."

After saying this, Taqia kowtowed three more times.

Naka stood behind her, holding a slightly worn piece of paper. It had been found while cleaning the cave. It was Osider's last message to Tatia and Naka before his death.

Tatiana, by the time you read this letter, you'll surely see my corpse. But please don't blame yourself. This was fate. I seem to be getting better these past few days, but I know very well that it's just a final burst of energy before death. These past few years have truly been hard on you. After I'm gone, you can live more freely, however you like. I've been binding you, hurting you, and I'm so sorry.

Saying goodbye to the person I cherish most is a thousand times more painful than I imagined. When I came to my senses, tears had already soaked this paper. If I could, I would love to see Tatya grow into a beautiful young woman, get married, and have children. But that is an unattainable dream. Even if I am no longer in this world, I will watch over you forever from hell. Remember, Dad will always be with you.

You must listen to Sister Naka. Obey her arrangements. After I pass away, and until I find your mother, she will be the best person in the world to you. You can confide in Sister Naka about any troubles you have; you can seek her help with any difficulties you face. However, don't become too dependent on her.

Vilia, the potion you sent me was incredibly effective. Thanks to you, I'm still alive. If Tatsia ever finds you, I hope you and she can live happily ever after. Though we are separated by death, I will always love you.

Miss Naka, I've left this mess in your hands; she'll likely cause you a lot of trouble in the future. As her father, I apologize on her behalf. My daughter is unworthy, and I hope you'll take good care of her. I've seen your immense kindness towards Tatsia, and I'll cherish it to the grave. That's enough...

The last part was reduced to illegible scribbles. It was at this point that Naka's magic took effect, causing his consciousness to blur and ultimately stopping his heartbeat.

To Naka's surprise, Tatya didn't shed a tear when she read the letter. However, Tatya's resolute expression showed that she had deeply etched her father's last wish into her heart, without any wavering. Naka felt very gratified. This was the Tatya she, and her parents, wanted to see.

Naka put the letter into her luggage. After her father's death, Tatya no longer needed to live in that cave. She packed all her belongings and began searching for her next place to stay.

"Sister Naka"

After the worship was completed, Tatiya stood up and said to Naka.

"May I... come and bother you for a while?"

"Huh? You want him to live with us? No way, absolutely not!"

Naka, of course, had no objections. However, Jasmine strongly objected when Tatsia was brought back to the inn. Although Jasmine felt very sorry for her father's recent death after hearing Tatsia's story, one thing was one thing. She couldn't bear to spend every day with a "man" she didn't like. "Naka, this inn has double rooms, where are we going to find an extra bed for him?"

"Let him sleep in my bed."

"Varied...."

It was already absurd for a man and a woman to be alone in a room, and Naka even suggested sharing a bed. She never expected this "couple" to be so open about their affection right under her nose. The thought of possibly hearing their intimate moments every night sent chills down Jasmine's spine. She didn't want to be a third wheel; who knew that one day they might team up and kick her out...

Of course, Jasmine didn't really think Naka was that kind of person. It was just a little joke Jasmine made to herself. But even if Jasmine could tolerate it, there were some things that weren't entirely within her control.

"No, no. Even if I agree, we'll have to pay a lot of money if the shop finds out..."

"It's alright, I won't let him stay here for long, just a few nights."

"What's the meaning?"

"this"

Naka held up a hand and presented a poster to Jasmine. Jasmine recognized it as the same advertisement for the Sunflower Adventurers' School that she had shown Yotakia and the others on the day they had dinner together.

I want to send her to this class.

"What?"

"I mean, I'm going to send her to classes here. This school includes accommodation and meals, so..."

"No, no, that's not what I meant... What about the tuition? It must cost a lot of money to attend classes here..."

I will support him.

"...Sorry, I didn't hear you clearly. Could you say it again?"

I paid for his classes.

"Naka, are you alright?"

Jasmine reached out and touched Naka's forehead. She suspected Naka had a high fever that had damaged her brain; otherwise, she wouldn't have said such absurd things. However, Naka's forehead temperature was perfectly normal. She was serious.

"Didn't we save some money? I'm thinking of using it for tuition. It should be enough for two people to attend classes."

"You mean that money? That's our operating capital... though it wasn't exactly wasted. By the way, what did you just say... two people?"

Naka nodded, placing her left hand on Tatsia's shoulder.

"I'll go too. I really can't bear to let him go alone."

Naka's abilities as a saintess hadn't improved, and she wanted to use this opportunity to hone them. At the same time, she was worried about Tatia's identity being exposed. Of course, the most important thing was the hero named Fros. Killing him was the real reason Naka made this request.

"You're going to go because you're worried? You're his mother, aren't you?... Sigh, I know you're reluctant to let him go. If you two go, won't I be lonely leaving me here alone?... Fine, if you two go, I'll go with you."

Naka's inexplicable concern for Tatya, even to the point of spending so much money on her, was something Jasmine couldn't understand. Even as teammates, it seemed a bit excessive. But Jasmine assumed they were a couple deeply in love, and she was an outsider, so she didn't feel comfortable interfering. However, if they were going, Jasmine didn't want to be left behind. Like Naka, she was quite bothered by her low level. To broaden her pool of potential boyfriends, she felt it necessary to continue improving and developing her skills.

Furthermore, if Naka used all the savings she won, it would barely be enough for the three of them to cover their classes for the first half of the year. Since room and board were provided, they wouldn't have to worry about going hungry for at least the next six months. After some internal struggle, Jasmine finally agreed.

Tatia, who had been standing silently behind Naka, immediately ran to Jasmine when she saw that Jasmine had relented, took her hand, and smiled at her.

"That's great! Thank you, Sister Jasmine!"

"You, you little rascal!"

Jasmine quickly blushed and withdrew her hand. Even though Tatya appeared obedient and cute, Jasmine dared not let her guard down. This "boy" seemed quiet, but remembering how she had torn Naka's clothes, Jasmine found it hard to trust him. Because of that unresolved misunderstanding, Jasmine saw Tatya as a super predatory man with a baby face. Now, seeing him, he was indeed extremely aggressive. Taking a girl's hand without hesitation was not something an ordinary man could easily do.

Tatya immediately realized that she was a boy in Jasmine's eyes. As a "boy," she realized she had done something very rude to her. Blushing, she repeatedly apologized to Jasmine.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I was just too happy, so..."

"Young man, we're not exactly strangers, so I can turn a blind eye. But don't act like that towards other girls outside. I'm fine with it, but I'm worried your sister Naka will get jealous."

"I won't be jealous!"

Then followed another round of seemingly harmonious but actually witty banter between the saintesses. However, it didn't last long before Jasmine steered the conversation back to more serious matters.

"By the way, when does class start?"

"The advertisement says registration closes in a week and classes start in three weeks. It takes about two days to get from Isaac to Sunflower Town. Let's set off in three days. Going now is a bit early; if we're delayed by unforeseen circumstances in four days, we might miss the deadline."

"Alright, let's do it this way. Let's find a way to get this kid to stay for two nights, and we'll leave on the third day."

Naka had already meticulously planned everything. She had considered it thoroughly enough, and Jasmine had no objections or suggestions for additions. Thus, the matter of attending the Sunflower Adventurers' School was settled.

However, in the end, Jasmine still had something she wanted to say to Naka... no, to be precise, it was more of a complaint.

"Naka... what happened to you! The nun's habit I finally sewed up for you is all tattered again!"

Because she hadn't had a chance to change out of the clothes torn by the wolf demon, Naka was still wearing her nun's habit, ripped and covered in blood and large wounds, when she returned to the inn with Tatsia. In fact, this appearance already attracted a lot of attention on the street.

"Ah, this is..."

"Take it off! I'll help you get some support!"

As she spoke, Jasmine began to tear off Naka's clothes. Removing the nun's habit was easy. But then she realized that not only the habit, but also Naka's white blouse and even her undergarments were tattered.

"What happened to you? What were you fighting with? It's amazing you're still alive after getting so badly injured. Also, why are you, the saintess, in such a terrible state, while the young hero's clothes are completely undamaged? Who's in charge of the fighting and who's in charge of supporting you?"

Ever since they returned, Jasmine had wanted to complain about how unnatural everything was. She hadn't found the right opportunity to speak up. Now, she could finally unleash a barrage of complaints, pushing Naka onto the bed and stripping her of all her tattered clothes. In other words, she stripped Naka completely naked. Although both were women, this was the first time Tatsia had ever seen Naka in her newborn state. She let out a scream and covered her eyes in embarrassment.

"Get out of here, boy! And Naka, go take a bath right now! You reek of blood and sweat! You're making a mess of the whole house!"

Jasmine kicked Tatsia out of the room, then pushed Naka into the bathroom. She then stayed inside, mending Naka's clothes.

Although they had just experienced many things, both troublesome and unfortunate, the three of them spent this day in laughter.

The pain is now in the past; before them lies the promise of happiness after hardship, a tomorrow full of hope... or perhaps even more despairing pain.

None of the three of them knows which future they will truly face.

Two nights passed in the blink of an eye.

There were few people on Isard Street in the early morning. It had rained heavily the night before, and only some town officials could be seen sweeping the streets.

In front of the Adventurers' Guild stood a receptionist stretching and yawning. Adventurers could come at any time to hand over quests, so the Adventurers' Guild was open 24 hours a day. He had worked the night shift. Now that the rain had stopped, he could finally come out and get some fresh air.

"Receptionist"

Just then, a familiar voice reached the receptionist's ears. But due to drowsiness, the receptionist couldn't recognize the voice's owner at first glance. He rubbed his sleepy eyes before he could clearly see who it was.

"It's Miss Naka... Is there anything I can do for you so early?"

The figure before them was none other than Naka. She walked over, holding a mission sheet. Seeing what she was holding, the receptionist instinctively asked…

"Are you here to turn in a mission?"

"No, I'm here to abandon the mission."

"Really... is the mission too difficult?"

Naka nodded

"Please come in, I'll take care of the formalities for you."

The receptionist opened the door and led Naka into the Adventurers' Guild.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing... Starting today, I'm leaving Isad Town. I probably won't be back for about six months, so this is also a way of saying goodbye. I've been very kind of you to me these past two months."

After sitting down, Naka brought up this matter first. It wasn't the main point of Naka's trip, but she still wanted to inform the Adventurers' Guild.

Although they didn't interact much, and their relationship remained purely professional, they had developed a certain rapport. The receptionist also felt a little reluctant to part ways.

"Is that so...that's a real shame. So, what about your team relationship with that guy..."

That one is still kept.

"I understand. Now, please hand me the task sheet."

According to the procedure, once the task sheet is returned, the receptionist will check the "accepted" box and put it back on the task board, and the process will be complete. But Naka was not satisfied with this.

"Bring your manager out here."

"The person in charge? You mean Mr. Ijima?"