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 58

“Ferulina, what is that book?”

It was the second day since returning from the expedition. Ferulina, who was holding a book borrowed from the royal castle’s library in both hands and was about to return to her room, hesitated at the question from Alvent, whom she ran into in front of her room.

“Th-this is, um… Well, just to clear my mind…”

Cursing my own carelessness for not having thought of an excuse when Alvent caught me, I quickly came up with a reason on the spot.

However, it seems that speaking while averting one’s gaze was too unnatural.

“Change of pace?”

Alvent’s voice sank low with suspicion. Then, striding over with long steps, Alvent peered into the several books that Ferulina was holding in her hands.

“Isn’t it just ancient documents? With such a difficult book, it won’t be a change of pace, will it?”

When I couldn’t immediately respond to the overly pointed remark, Alvent suddenly bent down. A large, warm palm enveloped my cheek.

“Your complexion looks bad… Are you really getting enough rest?”

The fact that Robes secretly came to meet Ferulina the day before yesterday is a secret from Alvent.

To Alvent, I merely said, “I will spend time in my room slowly,” and almost locked myself in my room, but instead of resting, I was deciphering ancient texts, even sacrificing sleep.

I was told by Robes to take a good rest, but there’s no way I can relax in this situation.

“Y-yes, of course. Um…”

As I couldn’t come up with a good excuse and hesitated in my speech, the black eyes that had been peering into my face narrowed.

“Last night, the light in the room was on until late because I accidentally forgot to turn it off and fell asleep, he said during breakfast… But is that really the truth?”

“Uh, um…”

When I was pointed out at the breakfast table, I felt a pang of conscience, but I reflexively lied.

Since I had hardly ever told a lie before, I was anxious about what would happen if I got caught, but since nothing was said at the time, I thought I had managed to cover it up well…

“I’m so sorry…”

I can’t cover this up any longer, so I hug the ancient documents I was holding with both hands to my chest and apologize.

“I never intended to worry you, Alvent-sama! But thinking about the high possibility of fighting a dragon, I just couldn’t calm down and rest…! I was desperately searching for a way to break the curse!”

“What if you collapse because of me!?”

As soon as I deeply bowed my head, a harsh voice came down on me.

My shoulders tremble slightly.

It is only natural for Alvent, the commander of the knights, to reprimand a member who does not follow orders. Moreover, Ferulina even went so far as to lie.

Even though I understand it rationally, my emotions, overwhelmed by panic, automatically well up in my eyes, and tears are about to spill over.

It was the first time Alvent’s anger was directed at Ferulina.

In the face of intense anger, her teeth were chattering in fear, and Ferulina clenched her molars tightly.

However, Alvent’s anger does not subside.

“I told you, didn’t I!? For heaven’s sake, think of your own safety first! If something happens to you, it’s not just me, but the safety of the entire knight order is at stake! And yet, you’re doing this for my sake…!?”

“But…!”

Forgetting the fear, I involuntarily jerked my face up.

Alvent is not something to be taken lightly.

“I apologize for not following your instructions! However, I want to be of more help to you, Alvent-sama!”

The first person to recognize Ferulina’s worth.

It’s not just that. Alvent’s clumsy kindness, always showing concern for Ferulina, has healed her heart, which has been neglected all this time.

At first, we became a couple through a contract. Since I was a saint who was practically bought, I was wary that if I didn’t work hard, I might be treated even worse than in the Kingdom of Klein.

However, Ferulina’s worries were nothing more than groundless fears; just a few words exchanged with Alvent made her anxiety melt away like a light snow.

Every time I spend time with Alvent and get to know him better, I find myself more and more drawn to him…

Only now do I finally realize my feelings, even to the point of whipping my body to find a way to break the dragon’s curse.

Because I love Alvent.

The reason I am desperately searching for a way to break the dragon’s curse is all because I want to walk through the rest of my life by Alvent’s side.

“I am Lord Alvent’s wife…! Is it wrong for a couple to devote themselves to their husband…!?”

Looking up into the black eyes, I convey my sincere feelings.

I don’t want to lose Alvent. For that, I’ll do anything.

There is only so much Ferulina can do for Alvent.

So at least, could you accept this feeling of wanting to dedicate myself to Alvent?

However.

“I don’t need it! All you have to do is protect the knights as a saint! There’s no need for you to do anything more!”

The words of Alvent, filled with rage, turn into blades and pierce Ferulina’s chest.

“Ah…”

I thought my heart had a hole in it.

The spilled voice is hoarse, unable to form words.

It was Ferulina’s arrogance.

I believed that I was at least somewhat thought of as a wife.

When Alvent said, “My precious wife,” how happy I was.

Surely that was Alvent’s kind lie. In a foreign land for the first time, so that Ferulina could settle down and exert her strength quickly.

What Alvent really seeks is only the power of a saint…

Perhaps, Ferulina and others might have even secretly resented the fact that she was called “wife.”

As if drawn by the pain of the gaping hole in my chest, tears spill from the corners of my eyes.

Suddenly, as if waking from a dream, Alvent opened his eyes wide.

“Ferulina…”

As if wearing a rusted armor, the moment Alvent awkwardly tried to reach out.

“Captain! A swift horse from the reconnaissance team has arrived! The dragon is approaching the town of Tanzes…! Prepare to depart immediately!”

Robes’s voice echoed from down the hallway. At the same time, I saw someone running towards me.

“A dragon already…!?”

Before Alvent, who had let out a voice of astonishment, could turn around.

“I-I’ll prepare it, so…! Excuse me!”

Turning on her heel, Ferulina dashed into her room as if fleeing.