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 56

Alvent, who had introduced Ferulina to Ilk, returned to the royal castle with Robes.

In my heart, I want to stay close to Ferulina to prevent her from doing anything reckless, but I don’t want her to hear what I’m about to say.

Therefore, it could be said that Ferulina’s offer to help Ilk was, in a way, quite convenient.

To be honest, I want Ferulina to take a good rest, but at this rate, she probably won’t listen even if I tell her.

Not only does she possess special blessings, but even without them, she has remarkable skills as a saint. Yet, Ferulina always strives to help others, as if to say she is not worth considering.

If you say it’s typical of the kind-hearted Ferulina, then that’s true, but surely it’s not just that.

Alvent recalled the words and actions of the messenger from the Klein Kingdom he had just sent away, clenching his fists in anger.

Ferulina’s self-deprecation and lack of confidence, as well as her willingness to devote herself to others without regard for her own well-being, must be because she has been constantly looked down upon in the Kingdom of Klein.

When I think about the treatment Ferulina has received in the Kingdom of Klein, it feels like my brain is burning with anger.

I have no intention of ever returning Ferulina to the Klein Kingdom.

For that reason.

The place Alvent headed to with determined strides was the office of his older brother, the Crown Prince Eivert.

I secretly informed my brother earlier when I reported that I would like him to set aside some time later for a more in-depth conversation.

When I informed the attendant of my visit, Eivert personally opened the door and welcomed Alvent.

“Brother, thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”

As soon as he entered the room, Alvent thanked him, and Eivert shook his head with a gentle smile.

“What are you talking about? You just got back from the expedition, and yet you’re working non-stop without a moment’s rest. Compared to you, my situation is nothing. Having to fight different monsters than usual must have made this expedition tough for you too.”

In response to her brother’s kind words, Alvent shakes her head with a smile.

“No, not really. Because an unexpected situation arose, the expedition was shorter than usual, so I’m not that tired. More than anything, thanks to Ferulina being there, we were able to proceed more efficiently than usual. The fact that not a single person was injured during the expedition is entirely thanks to Ferulina.”

“That’s wonderful.”

At Alvent’s words, Eivert gazed in admiration at his brother’s eyes of the same color.

Although there are potions to treat injuries, unlike holy magic, it takes a certain amount of time for the healing effects to appear, and during that time, rest is necessary.

Therefore, when there are many injured, it inevitably disrupts the march and slows down the speed. The carriage that Ferulina was riding in this time was originally meant for when there were injured.

“Moreover, it’s precisely because my older brother is reliably taking care of things at home that I can confidently go on expeditions. I’m not suited for paperwork.”

If I put my mind to it, I could do it, but swinging a sword is much more to my liking than dealing with paperwork.

Eivert laughs at his younger brother’s words, who shrugged his shoulders.

“Why are you praising me so much? What exactly are you planning to talk about? The fact that you didn’t mention it earlier means it’s quite a troublesome matter, doesn’t it?”

It seems that Eivert was well aware of his brother’s thoughts.

As evidence, the only ones left in the already cleared room are the trusted aides, like Robes for Alvent.

Prompted by his brother, as soon as Alvent sat down facing him at the table, he leaned forward with a serious expression.

“Brother, I have a special request. If anything happens to me… please promise that you will never return Ferulina to the Klein Kingdom and that you will protect her in this country.”

At Alvent’s words, Eivert’s eyebrows shot up.

“…What are you thinking? When you were just talking with Father and the others, you weren’t saying such weak things, were you?”

Earlier, when reporting on the expedition to the king, queen, and Ferulina, Alvent mentioned only two things: that the same strange occurrences as three years ago, when a dragon appeared near the forest close to the magical realm, were happening again, and that if a dragon were to appear, it would likely target the mines in the town of Tanzes once more.

Alvent’s request to send a reconnaissance team to the town of Tanzes and keep watch over the surroundings has already been accepted during the discussions.

In case a dragon is truly approaching, after resting for about three days, the Second Knight Brigade will move to the town of Tanzes and prepare for an attack for a while.

At her brother’s dubious voice, Alvent involuntarily furrowed her brow.

“I didn’t want to make Ferulina anxious. Of course, I have no intention of losing to a dragon. I will definitely win no matter what. But…”

The voice I spun out was surprisingly bitter, even to myself.

“In battle, you never know what might happen. There could be unforeseen circumstances. The curse placed on me might become a hindrance while fighting the dragon… Therefore, I would like you to ensure Ferulina’s future, so I can fight without any worries.”

“Captain!?”

Before Eivert could answer, it was Robes who let out a sharp voice.

“What are you thinking!?”

Looking at Alvent’s back, Robes knows that the curse is progressing.

Due to their keen intuition as milk brothers, they must have sensed that Alvent was willing to sacrifice his life to defeat the dragon when the time came.

However, not mentioning that the curse is progressing is probably his own way of showing loyalty.

Even with Ferulina’s power, the curse could not be broken, so for Alvent to survive, there is no choice but to defeat the dragon that cast the curse.

Therefore, during the report, I deliberately did not reveal anything about the curse.

Even if I reveal it, the future where we will eventually fight the dragon is already decided. So, I don’t want to cause any more unnecessary worry.

Three years ago, when Alvent was on the brink of life and death, how much my family worried about Alvent… Just remembering it still makes me feel guilty.

“Robes is right. It’s not like you to think about losing before the fight even starts.”

Eivert casts a gaze as if trying to discern Alvent’s true intentions.

Alvent gave a wry smile and shook his head, dodging his brother’s probing questions.

“I can’t remain reckless forever… I’ve come to have something precious to protect. Shouldn’t I be prepared for any eventuality?”

“Your infatuation with Lady Ferulina has already spread throughout the castle.”

Eivert chuckled softly and looked at his younger brother teasingly.

“Yes, that’s right. So, dear brother, could you please ease my worries?”

To Alvent, who had earnestly pleaded, Eivert nodded gently.

“Understood. If that will ease your worries, I will gladly take it on. However, the members of the knight order will never let Lady Ferulina go, more so than I would.”

I recall the earlier exchange with the knights of the Klein Kingdom at Eivert’s words, which were mixed with a bitter smile.

Indeed, the members who are devoted to Ferulina will surely prevent her from being poached by others if it seems like she might be.

Thinking back to the anxious Ferulina when we first met, I can’t help but feel truly happy that she has been accepted by the members.

However, it would be more certain to receive the protection of Prince Eivert, the first prince, rather than leaving it to the members of the group.

At his brother’s words, Alvent deeply bows his head.

“Thank you very much. It gives me great strength to hear you say that, brother.”

My tense body feels like it has relaxed just a little with relief.

With this, the greatest worry has been dispelled.

If even Ferulina’s future is guaranteed, then Alvent will simply take down the dragon, even if it means going down fighting.

――Until then, ever since the expedition began, make sure no one notices the discomfort you feel.