The oversized Saintess's robe had a front hem that rested exactly one-third of the way above the knees, just as the underskirt did.
The golden piping consisted of patterns outlined entirely with pure gold thread mixed with sacred mithril thread.
Once dressed, I went to the Temple to handle official business.
Lola had been waiting for a long time.
"Your Highness, you summoned me?"
Lola stepped forward, and as she spoke, she subconsciously tried to push up the bridge of her glasses, only to realize she was pushing at thin air. She lowered her hand, her fingers rubbing together in slight embarrassment.
"Yes... Oh, right. Ella, go and take stock of the treasures in the vault. See if there is anything valuable and pick out eight items."
I turned and gave the order to Ella.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Ella didn't ask any questions and went to check the storehouse.
The massive Temple naturally had its own vault. Unlike the Saintess's display room, the items in the vault were various rare treasures collected by the Temple of the Kingdom of the Moon over the past centuries, though there wasn't a single cent of actual currency inside.
Ella's situation was a bit special. Right now, it was difficult to either keep her or dismiss her. I would observe for now, but I couldn't let her notice anything was wrong.
"Lola, go and find out who spread the news outside and exactly what is being said."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Lola nodded and pushed the bridge of her nose again. Seeing this, I couldn't help but frown slightly.
Perhaps her eyes had already recovered, but she was still accustomed to the sensation of the frames.
"Lola, do you have your glasses with you?"
Lola was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
"I do."
"Give them to me."
Though confused, she handed the velvet bag containing the frames to me.
Opening the bag and looking at the gold-rimmed glasses, I reached out and gave them a gentle snap.
With a 'click', I removed one lens, then the other.
I handed the frames back to Lola.
"If you aren't used to it, go and get a new pair made."
Lola was slightly taken aback as she took the frames.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."
She was my confidante, so I had to be extremely caring.
I couldn't overlook even the smallest detail!
Heh heh...
She must be very moved right now, right?
Hehehe...
Knowing this would move her, I used this small trick to touch her heart and make her loyal to me.
And I even felt happy and excited about it?
Do I really have the potential to be a villain?
This led me into a moment of self-reflection.
The result of that reflection was... I really am a villain.
But so what if I'm a villain?
Did a villain eat your food or something?
If necessary, I wouldn't hesitate to be a true villain.
Hmph!
While I was lost in thought, a familiar voice came from outside.
"Guardian Knight, Nar Alvin, requests an audience upon returning from battle."
"Knight Nar is back? Please, send him in."
Regardless of the noble infighting, at least these Guardian Knights were my wings!
Without them, I wouldn't even be able to flap my wings.
As soon as I spoke, a series of forceful footsteps and the clattering of armor came from outside the door.
Golden short hair and emerald-green eyes—these traits were identical to those of Adam Alvin, who had saved me at the West Gate.
As expected, the two belonged to the same family.
Nar strode to the foot of the divine platform and knelt on one knee.
"Guardian Knight Nar has returned as ordered. I greet Her Highness the Saintess. May the Holy Church endure forever."
Looking closely, Nar's silver armor was covered in various scratches. He had clearly gone through a difficult struggle.
"Knight Nar, you've worked hard. Please, stand up."
I quickly walked down from the divine platform to help him up. However, Nar looked utterly overwhelmed by the favor. He stood up hurriedly, avoiding my hand.
"Your Highness, you must not do this! I am merely a knight, while you are the high and mighty Saintess. To do so would damage the dignity of the Saintess!"
Though Nar's voice was youthful, his tone was world-weary and old-fashioned. He even made sure to caution me.
"Your Highness, you must maintain the poise of a Saintess. You must never be too kind to your subordinates. Excessive kindness only breeds ambition."
Is that really necessary?
I stood there stunned, blinking as I looked at the serious Nar. I awkwardly withdrew my hand.
"I understand, Knight Nar."
It seemed this Guardian Knight, the youngest at this stage, was a real straight-laced fellow.
Nar's stiff and formal manner was actually quite comical.
However, his emerald eyes were filled with solemnity.
It seemed he truly took this seriously.
"It is my duty as a subordinate to advise Your Highness, but for me to adopt such a superior attitude was out of line. Please forgive me, Your Highness."
I didn't expect Nar to be so pedantic.
He's only fifteen years old... how can he be so rigid?
What kind of family could raise a child like this?
"No, Knight Nar's advice is correct. As the Saintess, I must indeed lead by example. You were not wrong. Thank you for your counsel."
When dealing with a serious person, one must interact with them seriously, or they will think you don't value them.
With my left palm facing up and my right palm facing down, I locked my fingers together in front of me. I straightened my back and tilted my head slightly, adopting the posture of a high and mighty Saintess as I looked at Knight Nar.
"Knight Nar, I thank you for your campaign. Your bravery has brought me glory."
"Your Highness need not say such things. This is simply what I, Nar, should do as a knight!"
Nar's response was equally stiff and formal.
"Knight Nar, what reward do you desire?"
"This subordinate requires nothing! To give everything for the victory of Her Highness the Saintess is the duty of us Guardian Knights. To demand a reward for it would be an insult to the rank of Guardian Knight!!"
He suddenly became agitated, his voice rising an octave.
Seeing him like this, a sense of mischief began to spread within me.
"Hmm... It seems Knight Nar disdains ordinary rewards."
"Your Highness, I... that is not what I meant."
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