I Was Deemed a Worthless Saint Without a Level-Up Blessing and Was Sent Off to Marry a Neighboring Country, but It Turns Out My Blessing Was Actually Level Cap Removal - Episode 23

“Isn’t there a way to lift the curse…!?”

When I asked desperately, Alvent’s fist slightly loosened.

“There’s only one.”

The voice that spoke quietly was clearer than the autumn night air.

“To defeat the dragon that cursed me. But I thought such a thing was impossible. To defeat a dragon that the entire knight order had to risk their lives to merely drive away… But”

Alvent’s gaze pierces straight through Ferulina.

“Ferulina. I have met you. The reason my mother and the others sought the saint, even going so far as to make a deal advantageous to the Kingdom of Klein, was to accumulate power to resist the dragon. They believed that if they could obtain a saint specialized in support and healing magic, it would make the battles against monsters a bit more favorable. And if they trained the entire knight order to their level cap, they thought they might be able to counter the dragon’s intrusion if it happened

With a smirk, Alvent’s lips formed a smile.

“Who would have thought you had the blessing of level cap release? If you lend us your strength, both I and the knight order can become even stronger than we are now. We might even dare to hope that defeating the dragon is not just a dream. So—”

Suddenly, Alvent kneels on the terrace. The hand that Ferulina was supposed to be holding was, before she knew it, enveloped in Alvent’s large, warm hand.

“I would never ask you to treat a cursed man like me as your husband, no matter what. If there’s anything I can do to fulfill your wishes, I will do it. Of course, I will protect you with all my might, no matter what happens! So, please…! I’m begging you. Could you lend your strength to the Gobules Kingdom?”

“Of course!”

Before I can think, the words come out of my mouth.

“If I can be of any help to you, Alvent-sama, I will do anything!”

With all my strength, I grip Alvent’s hand tightly in return. However, his bony, sturdy hand doesn’t budge at all.

“I… I’m so happy to be married to you, Alvent-sama! Ever since I was told I had no blessings, you treated me kindly without disdain… No matter how much I express my gratitude, it will never be enough! So… if there’s anything I can do to lift your curse, please let me do it!”

Since we met, it hasn’t even been half a month yet.

However, even in this short time, I had come to know Alvent’s character well enough.

Despite his intimidating appearance, he is sincere and kind… The “Cursed Gray Bear of Gobules” is completely unreliable.

Even if Alvent is not a partner, I feel like I could do anything for him. It’s no wonder the members of the group hold him in such high regard.

“Ferulina…!?”

As if unable to believe it, Alvent’s black eyes widen.

“Really, are you going to lend me your power to lift my curse…!?”

“Yes, of course! Rather, please allow me to ask you!”

When I met his gaze and nodded clearly, my hand was suddenly pulled forcefully. My swaying body was embraced by Alvent, who had stood up.

“Thank you…! How can I possibly express my gratitude…!”

The strong arms tightly hugging Ferulina seem to be desperately suppressing the surging joy. If they were hugging with all their might, she might have suffocated.

Even at times like this, Alvent is still considerate of Ferulina, and it makes my heart feel warm, just as I thought he was truly a kind person.

Ferulina gently strokes Alvent’s large back, which seems to say that he is choked up and at a loss for words, with her free hand.

“I don’t need any words of thanks. …Because we’re married, right?”

We’re just a couple in name only, having only signed the marriage certificate and not even shared a kiss.

Even so, the desire to be of help to Alvent is genuine.

At Ferulina’s words, Alvent’s broad back swayed slightly.

“Married couple, huh…”

The strong arms are slowly being released.
In the black eyes looking down at Ferulina, a light never seen before was shining.

“Ferulina. If you can forgive me――”

Alvent, who murmured softly, slowly bent down.

As I looked up at the fierce and handsome face, as if entranced.

“Ugh…!”

Suddenly groaning, Alvent placed his hands on Ferulina’s shoulders and pulled her away. The force was so great that the jacket she had draped over her shoulders almost slipped off.

“I think I understand why Lobes put a chain on the inner door… No, wait, maybe it’s me who needs the chain…?”

“Alvent-sama…?”

When I tilted my head slightly at Alvent, who was muttering something in a low voice, he shook his head and said, “It’s nothing.”

“It’s about time you head inside. You must be tired from the long journey, right? It would be terrible if you caught a cold from staying out on the cold terrace for too long.”

“Please wait!”

He released his hand from Ferulina’s shoulder and swiftly grabbed Alvent’s hand as he tried to turn on his heel.

“Could it be that you’re planning to jump over again?”

I absolutely don’t want to go through such a spine-chilling experience again.

As I stared up at the tall figure, Alvent let out a “ugh” and awkwardly averted his gaze.

“Please make sure to return through the hallway properly!”

I opened the terrace door wide to invite him in, but Alvent hesitated and didn’t move.

“What happened to you?”

“Hey, isn’t it extremely rude to enter a woman’s room at this late hour…?”

“Jumping over the terrace is way more unreasonable!”

Without thinking, I retorted indignantly, and Alvent blinked as if taken aback.

Before Ferulina, who was worried she had spoken too harshly, could apologize, Alvent burst out laughing.

“It’s the first time I’ve been scolded by you.”

“I’m so sorry…!”

When I hurriedly apologized, my lowered head was gently stroked.

“Don’t apologize. What you say makes perfect sense. Well then, excuse me, but I’ll be passing through the room.”

“Yes, here you go.”

It’s not like I needed to guide him, but as I walked ahead through the room, Alvent followed me obediently.

“Um, thank you for lending me your jacket. It was very warm.”

Before opening the door, I take off the jacket I was wearing on my shoulders and say thank you.

“Well, if it was even a little helpful, that’s good. …How about it? Are you starting to feel sleepy?”

“Yes, I’m fine now.”

I respond with a smile to the worried Alvent.

I was surprised to hear Alvent’s story, but thanks to having a clear idea of what I want to do, the anxiety I felt before going out to the terrace has dissipated.

Rather, thanks to knowing what I should do, my heart is as clear as the night sky seen from the terrace.

“I see. That’s good to hear.”

Alvent, with a relieved expression, gently patted Ferulina’s head.

“Well then, good night. Make sure to lock the door properly after I leave, okay?”

“Yes, understood. Good night, Sir Alvent.”

After seeing Alvent off, Ferulina locks the door properly as instructed.

Gently pressing the chest of my nightgown, I felt a faster-than-usual heartbeat.

Even though I know it’s inappropriate, I’m incredibly happy that Alvent confided in me.

If it means breaking the curse of Alvent, I’ll do anything.

Clutching the neckline of her nightgown tightly, Ferulina made a firm vow in her heart.