Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 126: Resentment

As Darn's thoughts were stirred by the unexpected visitor Krestin, in a small town less than fifty miles from Beneto, Jeceta had just disembarked from her carriage, having completed the final trial of her saintess journey after a long and arduous journey.

For a month and a half, Jeceta had traveled with Saintess Anna, visiting every city in the Bylins Kingdom. At each location, the female priest would join her companions to provide aid to numerous devout believers and countless patients suffering from ailments, with Jeceta's impressive tenth-tier Light magic being the foundation of her healing efforts.

"For thousands of years, providing assistance to those yearning for the supreme deity's radiant light has been the duty and responsibility of the saintess. While we also have the duty to expel evil and surround this world, compared to the paladins, who are the divine force punishing evil in the world, our greater responsibility lies in proclaiming the grace of the supreme deity and spreading His light!"

Saintess Anna's words clearly explained why the entire process of the saintess trial involved providing healing to the injured and ill across the Bylins Kingdom. Subsequently, the candidates for this trial devoted all their energy to this sacred mission.

However, not all candidates were equally dedicated to aiding the sick and injured. At least, Jeceta, who had originally intended to fully utilize her tenth-tier Light magic, could not devote all her power to spreading the brilliance of the supreme deity Helios.

This was not to say that the female priest, who had once expended great effort to save the gravely injured Darn, had suddenly become cold-hearted. Rather, it was because, starting from the fifth day of the saintess trial journey, an unexpected incident prevented Jeceta from fully committing herself to healing.

This is... utterly infuriating! Darn actually sent someone to attack me! Five people! Five thieves! They harassed me day and night! This is just too outrageous!

With a weary expression and utterly exhausted, Jeceta, who had managed to heal very few patients on the final day, entered her room at the inn and collapsed onto the soft bed, an uncontrollable resentment surging within her.

At first, Jeceta did not connect her attack to Darn. In fact, the entire saintess trial team had not made the connection; everyone only knew that during the day, the candidates would split up to visit nearby villages and towns, casting Light spells and diligently healing the sick. Meanwhile, a disguised assassin had suddenly attacked Jeceta!

The attack had been fierce, forcing Jeceta to respond with all her strength. When she had neutralized the assault and prepared to counterattack with the soldiers who had just arrived, the assassin had swiftly fled.

How strange, why would someone attack me? I am merely the daughter of a powerless viscount, and I have not offended anyone!

At that moment, Jeceta thought to herself, feeling disturbed and exhausted. She hastily concluded her activities for the day and returned to the location where Saintess Anna was stationed.

Jeceta's attack surprised Saintess Anna and filled her with anger. However, neither Anna nor Jeceta anticipated that on the very night of the attack, a second assault targeting Jeceta would occur.

Could it be that I inadvertently offended someone? Or perhaps my father or brother? Though I was unharmed, Jeceta had expended considerable energy again. Yet, the girl, who had not rested well, did not suspect Darn but instead seriously reflected on her own actions and the grievances involving her family.

In the days that followed, Jeceta found herself in disbelief and furious as she encountered attacks from thieves and assassins daily. After ruling out the possibility that other candidates were attempting to eliminate a rival, she realized that none of the thieves or assassins intended to kill her; they merely sought to harass her, preventing her from healing properly. It was then that Jeceta finally recalled Darn, the only one with both motive and the resources to orchestrate such actions!