Incompatible Interspecies Wives

Chapter 81: An Unresolved Curiosity (3)

Bellingham hadn't forgotten the conversation he had with the paladin, Dominic, who recognized Berg.

'Bishop-nim, I will follow your command... but there is something I must inform you of.'

'What is it, Dominic?'

Dominic hesitated for a moment before answering.

'Gale-sama had some advice.'

"...From Gale-sama?"

'He said that even if all five of us paladins are present, it would be wise not to draw our swords at the base of the Red Flames.'

Bellingham had hoped from the beginning that the situation wouldn't come to drawing swords, but he couldn't help but be surprised by this statement.

Paladins were exceptional beings, forged through intense training and sacrifice.

Not only must they have integrity and loyalty, but their strength must also be built over time.

Five paladins weren't a number to be taken lightly.

Initially, five escorts were assigned to Bellingham based on this assessment.

Furthermore, if their opponents were not an army but mercenaries swayed by money... Bellingham had believed that five paladins would be more than enough.

'...Is it because the Red Flames is too tightly bound?'

Bellingham posed the question, trying to find some reason.

However, Dominic shook his head.

'No. It's more that... within the mercenary group, there is an incredible talent. One that we might not be able to match.'

'...'

'If commanded, we will try our best... but I fear a situation where we fail to protect the bishop might arise.'

Bellingham remembered being enveloped in doubt when he heard this.

Who within this mercenary group could possibly have ties to Gale?

Could Gale and Berg have possibly known each other?

...No, that seemed unlikely.

"...."

However, upon facing Berg directly, Bellingham felt he could understand Gale's warning.

There was a palpable, tingling aura different from others.

Even Bellingham, who had never engaged in a fight, could sense the menace.

Chills ran down his spine upon hearing Berg's warning.

It felt as if he could perceive the emotions within Berg.

Even through their brief exchange, the suppressed hatred within Berg became evident.

Bellingham felt strongly as if they had touched upon Berg's painful wound.

The saintess' man.

The one she loved most deeply.

A being she likely still loved.

Facing him now, it was evident why she had loved him so profoundly.

It wasn't just due to his appearance and demeanor.

Seeing the raw pain he still displayed, it showed just how purely he had loved the saintess years ago.

How many could show such a vivid reaction for a departed loved one after so much time had passed?

He too, much like the saintess, seemed to be gasping amidst profound wounds.

Perhaps he had suffered even more than the saintess.