A party celebrating the return of Saint Evangelina was held at the imperial palace. Many nobles wanted to see her up close, as it had been a long time since the saint had appeared at an official event in party form.

Everyone was waiting for the saint’s appearance with eyes shining with anticipation. Finally, the doors opened and Evangelina slowly walked in.

“Wow! She’s still so beautiful!”

“She looks exactly the same as always!”

Evangelina, dressed in a simple white dress with almost no decorations, looked not just beautiful but divine. She was the image of a true saint.

Veronia also couldn’t take her eyes off the saint’s holy figure that she was seeing after a long time.

‘Evangelina… She seems more mature than when I first saw her.’

Well, that was to be expected. Back then she had just become a saint, and now 5 years had passed. Considering her experience traveling to various places and demonstrating the goddess’s power and grace to countless people, it was a natural change.

Veronia looked up at Killian beside her. If things had gone according to the original story, Killian would have fallen in love with Evangelina.

But his blue eyes looking at Evangelina showed no emotion at all. It was the gaze of looking at a complete stranger.

‘This feels strange.’

She thought she had gotten used to the current situation that had completely deviated from the original story, with Killian saying he loved her, but apparently not.

Somehow, having the male and female protagonists in the same space like this felt awkward and unfamiliar.

As Evangelina walked forward receiving everyone’s attention, she suddenly turned her head slightly and her eyes met directly with Veronia’s.

‘Ah…!’

Veronia was so tense she forgot to even breathe as Evangelina stared intently at her.

‘Evangelina… is looking at me! Why?’

Veronia’s heart pounded hard at the gaze that seemed to see right through her. Her whole body flushed red, feeling as if Evangelina was uncovering all her secrets.

Only after Evangelina smiled faintly and turned her gaze away could Veronia breathe properly again. It was just a moment, but it felt like dozens of minutes had passed.

Evangelina slowly walked forward and greeted the emperor and empress with proper etiquette.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesties the Emperor and Empress, who receive the glory of heaven and earth.”

“Welcome, Saint. You must have gone through much hardship. I hope your return journey wasn’t too difficult?”

Jonathan asked in an exceptionally gentle tone and expression. Thanks to that, Evangelina’s face, which had seemed somewhat tense, relaxed considerably. She answered Jonathan’s question in a modest tone.

“The journey itself wasn’t difficult, Your Majesty. Thank you for your concern.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“However, on my way back, I heard news of an epidemic outbreak in the southern region, which greatly troubled my heart.”

At the word ‘epidemic’ from the saint’s lips, most people filling the banquet hall wore surprised expressions. Veronia was the same.

‘An epidemic outbreak? And in the southern region?’

The southern region, which had been suffering from poverty and famine, was where a rebellion occurred 5 years ago. Just when things seemed to be stabilizing, now an epidemic! Seeing no change in Killian’s expression, it seemed he already knew about this.

Jonathan, his face darkening, opened his mouth.

“Ah, how terrible… The imperial court is also deeply concerned after hearing this news. I hear the speed at which the epidemic is spreading and patients are reaching critical condition is quite fast.”

“That is correct, Your Majesty. However, the cause of the epidemic has not yet been identified, so treatment is not easy.”

“Hmm…”

Sighs of regret and concern erupted here and there in the banquet hall. After being lost in thought for a moment, Jonathan spoke in a solemn voice.

“The imperial court will not stand idly by while the southern region suffers this hardship, Saint. So please do not worry too much and wait just a little while. We will select personnel to send to the south as soon as possible.”

“Merciful Emperor, thank you so much.”

Saint Evangelina bowed deeply at Jonathan’s promise of support. This time Jonathan looked around the entire banquet hall and raised his voice. The emperor’s solemn voice resounded.

“As you’ve all heard, the situation in the southern region is very dire. We need to provide as much support as possible, as quickly as possible. I need your help.”

The faces of those listening to Jonathan’s words stiffened slightly. Veronia knew why. Though not explicitly stated, Jonathan’s words clearly meant that a special tax in the form of donations would soon be collected.

The solemn voice continued.

“I hope you will show your loyalty for the sake of the troubled south, for the empire and the imperial court.”

As Jonathan finished speaking, people began to bow their heads one by one and shout loudly.

“Of course, Your Majesty. We will help actively, whatever it may be.”

“We will do our utmost with all sincerity.”

“We will follow Your Majesty’s will.”

Soon, everyone gathered in the banquet hall was bowing their heads toward Jonathan.

It was an attitude expressing willingness to gladly participate in the donations. Though they couldn’t completely hide their troubled expressions, it was still an attitude of trying to accept the reality they couldn’t avoid.

Soon a satisfied smile spread across Jonathan’s lips.

“As expected, my people never disappoint me. Excellent! Although our hearts are heavy with this unfortunate news, I feel very good at this moment!”

His laughter echoed throughout the banquet hall. And then as lively music began to play, the party officially began. The serious expressions quickly disappeared, replaced by bright laughter.

It was just as Veronia and Killian finished their first dance and were wetting their throats with champagne. A servant quietly approached and conveyed that Jonathan was looking for them.

“Me too?”

Veronia asked again at the words that he was looking for both of them. The servant nodded and briefly answered, “Yes.”

‘To have to face Jonathan again!’

She didn’t want to, but there was no choice. It was an order from the highest authority, so she had to follow. Veronia pushed back a sigh she couldn’t release deep into her throat.

As they headed towards Jonathan guided by the servant, Killian murmured in a low voice.

“It seems we’ll be going to the south.”

“I think so too. And… I want to go with you.”

When Veronia carefully opened her mouth, Killian immediately shook his head. It was an absurd idea.

“That’s not possible. It’s too dangerous.”

“Everyone there will be in danger. Including young children. I want to treat the sick children.”

“…”

“I may not be able to do much else, but that’s something I can do. And I can do it very well.”

“That…”

It’s still too dangerous. Killian couldn’t bring himself to say those words that had risen to the tip of his tongue. He kept his mouth shut and held back his words. He believed that neither he nor anyone else had the right to break Veronia’s strong will.

With mixed emotions, the two stood before Jonathan.

“I hope I’m not interrupting your enjoyment of the party.”

“Not at all, Your Majesty. We are grateful that you called for us.”

“The reason I called for you is that I have a favor to ask.”

Jonathan got straight to the point. It was the flow they had expected.

“Given the critical situation in the south, I was hoping you could take the lead and go to the south. What do you think?”

It seemed like he was asking for their opinion first, but the meaning of the command contained within was clear. Jonathan continued speaking in a calm tone.

“Prime Minister, you handled the rebellion in the south 5 years ago very well. I know the southern people’s trust in you is very deep. So I think if you stand with the south again this time, the people will be able to feel at ease even in this difficult situation.”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s command.”

Killian bowed his head and responded politely. At this, a satisfied smile soon appeared on Jonathan’s lips.

“But unlike 5 years ago, the Prime Minister can’t be away from the palace for too long, so I’ll ask for just 2 weeks.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And Lady Nia, I believe your healing power will also be of great help to the suffering children in the south. Please go to the south with the Prime Minister.”

“…”

“I know you’re busy preparing for your wedding in a month. But this is a matter of many precious lives at stake. So I hope you will lend your strength.”

“Yes. I will follow Your Majesty’s command.”

Veronia bowed her head respectfully towards Jonathan while glancing at Killian. Though his displeasure was evident in their exchanged glances, he kept his mouth shut. Veronia was grateful that Killian was no longer trying to stop her.

As they were leaving after greeting Jonathan, Veronia looked up at Killian and smiled brightly.

“Thank you.”

“…”

“You’re not angry, are you?”

“I’m not angry. You know, don’t you? I can’t get angry at you, Nia.”

“…Yes, I know.”

Puhh, Veronia laughed happily. Usually Killian would have laughed along, but this time was different. He seemed worried about her going to the south.

“Don’t worry. You’ll be by my side.”

“…Yes.”

Killian’s earlobes turned pink.