The Demon Saint is Missing, so I Ran to Another World

An Enemy at the Palatial Gardens (Part 1)

***The Holy Palatial Gardens***

Tension hung in the air around the Saint's Palace, as the entire Paladin Guards' Corps was summoned and deployed throughout its perimeter. Bolstering their ranks were the maidservants and royal knights from Nerfes—courageous and valiant in battle, as well as the guards' retinues of the queens of Amaranth and Cherwind. At their head was the Beastman Saint, Ruro of the Wolf, her claws unsheathed and on guard stance.

"..."

Facing them was a lone figure. Dressed in an all-black, goth-style clothing, with a delicate-looking rapier in her hand, the Saint of the Flame, Seirna, stood at the middle of that multi-national and multi-race army.

"Is this how you welcome your visitors?" Seirna asked, with a mocking smile on her lips. "The emperor of Chersea can give an even better reception!"

"Of course, we know who you are, Lady Seirna," Ruro answered her. "Nary a year ago, you nearly destroyed this world with your living dead! Do we really have to give a warm welcome to a mass murderer?"

"Mass murderer, eh?" the Saint of the Flame chuckled. "I guess I am a murderer, as you said, but at least I'm not some dog who willingly let her own people die for the sake of humanity. Aren't traitors just as despicable?"

"Who are you to tell me that?"

"Likewise, Lady Ruro. Likewise..."

The stand-off continued for a long while, as the Saint of the Flame had no intention of leaving. On the other hand, the human-beastmen armies held fast behind Ruro, blocking the entrance to the Saint's Palace. While everyone knew Seirna could always force her way in, it was a symbolic gesture meant to tell her that they're willing to die first before she could enter.

And then...

"My apologies for the delay, Your Holiness, the Lady Seirna!"

"!!!" Everyone's eyes fell on the young maidservant from the Duchy of Braunhauer, Eris. She carried an elegant, ceramic and silver tray, complete with an equally ornate teapot and cups.

"Welcome to the Holy Palatial Gardens, Holy Saint of the Flame!" she continued, much to others' disbelief.

"Lady Eris," Ruro never hid her dismay to what the young maid just said, "you're seriously thinking of letting that bitch inside?"

"I already talked to Lady von Leese and Lady Henristone," Eris explained. "If Her Holiness, the Saint of the Flame truly intended to harm us, this place had long been burning."

"Exactly as she said, doggie saint!" Seirna exclaimed, vindicated in her action. "You people are so paranoid and hot-headed, it clouds your judgment."

Ruro and the others glared at the Saint of the Flame, but since Eris had clarified that Seirna was to be welcomed, they had no choice other than to allow her passage.

At that moment, the smile on the Seirna's face disappeared. She sheathed her sword and asked the young maid, "Little Duchess, please lead me to the Human Saint's chambers as soon as possible."

"Is it that...serious, Your Holiness?"

"I didn't like what I witnessed," Seirna admitted. "I was leagues away from your position when I saw that dark pillar reach up the heavens. I want to see for myself Lady Rubinforth's condition."

"Please follow me," Eris didn't delay her any further, and led them (together with Ruro) inside the Saint's Palace.

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