TFSAWE - Chapter 246: Save the Saint (Patreon)

"How should I proceed?" Latvan gazed at Iris descending the rock with the help of other knights. His body was fully recovered now, and he needed to return to his master. The problem, however, was Iris. Latvan knew better than anyone else that she possessed the power of a saint, as he himself had been blessed by that power.

But he couldn't take Iris with him. Yet, leaving her to Carl, hoping he would find her, was not an option.

"If that's the case..."

He decided that for the time being, he would keep someone by her side to avoid Carl's gaze. He had resolved to do so this morning, and since then, Iris had been following him as if she could read his mind. It made Latvan uneasy, as if he were a frightened puppy afraid of being left alone.

"For now, I should let her stay in a nearby village."

Living in the mountains, gathering herbs, and riding on the hills could only be sustained for so long. Moreover, according to the rumors, Aslan initially provided food, but after he fell asleep, Iris had been surviving on tree fruits alone. It was no wonder she looked so emaciated. Regardless, what she needed now was a hearty meal, new clothes, and a comfortable place to sleep.

Fortunately, among the knights, there was someone who had brought money from the temple headquarters. Providing things for Iris wouldn't be a difficult task. If he stayed with her and monitored the situation, they could buy themselves several weeks.

"Are we going to that village?"

Iris carefully asked Latvan, surveying the village in the distance.

"Yes. If I find no major issues after inspecting it, we will stay there."

Observing Latvan's expression, Iris asked again.

"Are you going too?"

“I cannot go. There's a warrant out for me, and since I frequently came here to suppress demons, there might be people who recognize my face. From now on, another knight will accompany Lady Iris."

Iris cautiously inquired in response to his words.

"Can't I go with you?"

"I ride the mountains well. I have good knowledge of tree fruits and herbs. I'll be of some help one way or another. And I can use my abilities as well."

"Iris Yang," Latvan calmly called out to her. That fact alone gave everyone a good idea of how Latvan would be received. Iris, sensing it, too, bowed her head.

"I must retrieve the Lady. It would be unthinkable to involve you in this perilous journey."

"But, I will never forget the kindness you have shown me."

Iris couldn't utter another word in the face of Latvan's firm voice.

After a brief conversation, they decided who would stay behind and guard Iris. The knight with the smallest stature and youthful appearance would stay, pretending to be Iris' older brother. Concealing his longsword among their belongings and dressed in the attire of a farmer, he stepped forward, causing Iris to hesitate before approaching Latvan and speaking.

"If you find the Lady, please make sure to let me see her. I'll give back all the power I possess! I don't want to be anything like a Lady."

"Of course."

After receiving promises from Latvan a few more times, Iris finally turned her body and followed the young knight. It wasn't only one young knight seeing her off. Two other knights would enter the village separately and keep watch over Iris and the young knight in their vicinity.

Latvan stood at a distance and watched them make their way into the village. There were still other knights remaining in the mountains. Now, he needed to rejoin them and set out to find Lina.

"Whether he likes it or not, I should pay a visit to Prince Leon first."

With that thought in mind, as Latvan was about to climb the mountains again, he saw a distant cloud of white dust rising. Soon, the figures of people became visible on the hilltop, causing Latvan's face to harden.

It was the Temple Knights. From their immaculate appearance, he could discern whom they were serving. And sure enough, at the forefront, he saw Carl atop his horse.

"Damn."

This wasn’t normal. They were looking directly at Latvan.

What should he do?

While pondering, Latvan unsheathed his sword.

Kyaahhh!

A piercing scream echoed from above the village where Iris had entered.