"Mm, I know. Alicia is still Alicia."
A gentle, easy smile curved Nolan's lips.
He slowly opened his arms, showing he held no displeasure over her late-night visit, and the girl stepped into his embrace.
She simply held him quietly, without going any further.
As if that alone was enough to release the longing she had carried for years.
"How have you been these past few years?" Nolan let out a soft sigh, concern slipping into his voice.
"Thank you for thinking of me, Brother Nolan. Everyone at the church has treated me very well."
Alicia nodded obediently.
After all, the gods were never absent. They were always watching, always making their presence felt.
Under such solemn scrutiny, those who served them naturally kept themselves in strict check.
The two of them did nothing improper. They simply sat together, talking at ease through the entire night.
Alicia spoke about everything she had gone through over the years, while Nolan listened patiently the whole time.
Only when the first light of dawn crept across the sky, signaling their parting, did Nolan finally speak:
"Pass a message to that great hero for me. In three days, we attack the Count's domain."
"So soon?"
Alicia's beautiful eyes widened, a mix of surprise and reluctance crossing her face.
She had been hoping to spend a few quiet days with her savior, taking advantage of this rare time without interruptions.
"Time is tight."
Just like before, Nolan reached out and gently patted her head.
The touch made her swallow the words she had been about to say. Warmth spread through her chest, and she nodded obediently.
Three days later, Nolan kept his word and set out with his army without delay.
The entire force rode in silence, urging their horses forward without pause as they sped toward the southeast.
After a long journey, a vast landscape gradually unfolded before them.
An endless stretch of open land lay ahead, covered in lush green grass, like a massive carpet spread across the earth.
At the far end of the plains, atop a rise, stood a fortress of modest size.
From a distance, its gray walls were overgrown with wild grass and marked by the wear of time.
Several banners hung high along the walls, snapping wildly in the wind.
This was the renowned Miro Fortress, the domain of Count Luke, and the only stronghold in eastern Limgrave worthy of being called a fortress.
The territory of the Miro family was vast, stretching from the grand Saintsbridge in the west to the strange and eerie Summonwater Village in the east, encompassing the entire range of rolling hills.
"The arrows you use are quite unusual, Dolores."
Dolores had been checking her equipment when a familiar voice suddenly reached her ears.
"You recognize them?"
She lifted the arrow as she spoke, preparing to put it away.
The short arrow gleamed with a bright silver-white sheen, its tail carved with a delicate pattern resembling a withered sleep-lily.
"St. Trina's Arrow. A tool used by priests who serve the Saintess to spread their faith."
Nolan looked at the arrow, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes. A faint, warm smile rose to his lips.
"It's been years since I last saw one. I didn't expect to run into it here."
Dolores paused slightly.
That smile was gentle enough to melt someone.
But she could clearly tell that the warmth in it was not meant for her.
Her hand tightened unconsciously.
Her devotion to the Saintess was no secret within the Roundtable Hold.
But if this man was a fervent believer in the Golden Order, then things might become troublesome.
"Don't be nervous. I just saw it and thought of someone."
As he spoke, Nolan slowly raised his hand and gently took out an exquisite badge from the ring on his finger.
The badge was finely carved with the Saintess's face, so lifelike it felt as though she were standing right there.
He then held it out in front of the female hero.
"Don't look at me like that. I used to serve as a knight at the Saintess's side."
The moment those words fell, Dolores's expression froze in shock. Her eyes widened, bright as gems.
"You've seen Her Highness the Saintess?"
Her grip on the silver arrow tightened without her realizing it.
Seeing her reaction, Nolan was a little surprised and asked in return,
"What? You've never seen her?"
Dolores's expression dimmed at once, a trace of loneliness settling in.
She shook her head gently, her voice carrying a hint of regret.
"…No. With the world in turmoil, Her Highness has long since disappeared."
"Even though I serve as a priest, I've never had the chance to meet her."
To devote oneself without ever seeing her, especially in times like this, the Saintess's influence was truly remarkable.
"If there's a chance in the future, I could take you to meet her."
Nolan spoke suddenly, then added,
"Though… she might not be quite what you imagine."
As he said this, memories of the Saintess surfaced in his mind.
In those memories, she was nothing like the untouchable figure people spoke of.
Dolores frowned slightly, confusion flickering in her eyes.
She parted her lips as if to ask something, but before she could speak, Vyke came rushing over like a gust of wind.
The young man looked full of energy, his face lit with barely contained excitement.
"My lord, everything is ready. We can launch the attack at any time!"
Vyke's voice rang out, clear and confident.
With the help of their Finger Maidens, he and Nepheli had finally reached the level of heroes. They had been itching for a real fight.
"Good."
Nolan nodded.
"Have the cavalry ready. You'll charge with me."