Chapter 125: I Wish to Praise

Yuna’s appearance didn’t really surprise Vilyric. After all, their “carriage” was quite close to the Saintess’s procession. That was merely the treatment a hero like Xī deserved. Although she was technically outside the official ranks, she could still be considered half a high-ranking member within the Expeditionary Army.

“I’ve never been here before, but the Heavenly Barrier… is quite an apt description. I’ve heard that the origins of these mountains are shrouded in mystery. Does Yuna, as the Saint of Bright Light, know some secret lore?”

Vilyric glanced back at the Blonde Girl, who merely responded without turning around, sounding indifferent, yet the Saintess merely smiled and shook her head, saying, “I’m not sure, but it is said that over a thousand years ago, when most nations in the world had yet to emerge, this Sacred Bergon Mountain range was already standing tall. Even the Holy Empire’s early existence relied on it as a boundary, splitting into two countries: East and West.”

“That period was chaotic; many ancient kingdoms fell, and their legacies and skills were lost. Even the historical records from before that time have all but vanished. Were it not for this, we wouldn’t have the regulations of the ‘New Calendar’ today.”

Vilyric turned her head to glance at the blonde girl, who was also gazing up at the majestic mountains, looking somewhat reflective. She nodded slightly.

“I’ve heard about that history. It is said that during that time, both East and West were still kingdoms, each ruling themselves and warring endlessly, leaving the people in dire straits. It was only after the Light Goddess selected the three Holy Maidens, granting them divine artifacts, that they led their followers to establish the Church of the Goddess and ultimately replaced the nobility and royalty, unifying the East and West and many small nations into the Holy Empire we know today, right?”

What Vilyric noted was recorded in the Holy Empire’s official history, occurring around a thousand years ago… More precisely, it was about twelve hundred years ago during the state formation history, after the calamity of the Gods erupted, and the age of the Gods’ rule gradually receded.

Though a millennium is far too long, for most non-immortal beings, many generations have passed, and due to wars, much of the past has become vague, turning into near-mythical tales. However, as it is documented in official history, it certainly holds some value as a reference.

Indeed, upon hearing this, Yuna smiled and nodded.

“Miss Xī is quite knowledgeable. Yes, the three Holy Maidens and the origins of the three divine families stem from the emergence of the three divine artifacts. Even today, the church and the very foundation of our nation depend heavily on the powers of the ‘Crown of Uncrowned,’ the ‘Saint’s Judgement Sword,’ and the ‘Ring of Salvation’…”

At this point, seemingly hesitant due to something, the blonde girl suddenly fell silent for a moment and waved her hand to the several Holy Warriors behind her.

“You all can leave for now.”

This abrupt action naturally caused concern among her devoted guards.

“But, Your Highness… Your safety…”

“Don’t worry; this isn’t a battlefield, nothing will happen here. Besides, isn’t Miss Xī here to protect me? Do you men really want to listen in on girl talk?”

“Uh, we wouldn’t dare…”

With the conversation reaching this point, the several Holy Warrior guards exchanged glances, reluctantly complying and lowering their heads.

“Then, Your Highness, we’ll wait at a distance. If anything happens, please call out loudly.”

Once the Holy Warriors, after numerous cautions, gradually moved away and their conversation could no longer be heard, the Saintess reestablished eye contact with the White Fox Girl, giving a slightly apologetic smile.

“I apologize; what I am about to say might be somewhat disrespectful to the Goddess and concerns certain secrets of the Holy Nation’s history, which is why I had them leave.”

“Oh?”

“How curious! You, the Saintess Yuna, would say something disrespectful to the Goddess? Am I dreaming?”

Chirping teasingly to lighten the mood, Vilyric didn’t feel that Yuna’s sudden odd behavior was inappropriate or strange.

Putting aside those guards ranging from the earth to the sky, if anything really did happen, it was debatable who would protect whom given Yuna’s demonstrated power. Bringing them along was likely more for the Saintess’s dignity and appearance.

Since Yuna had dismissed them, it indicated that what this Saintess wanted to say— the truth of history— must certainly conflict with the current doctrines of the Church, so it could only be shared with someone who wasn’t a cultist but shared a deep cooperative relationship with Xī.

Seeing the White Fox Girl seemingly prepared, the Saintess took another deep breath and slowly said in a serious tone, “In truth… the three divine artifacts of the Holy Nation were not directly granted by the Light Goddess as recorded in official history, nor were the blessings of our three divine families…”

“…?”

Silence.

The quietness lingered for a long while, and finally, the White Fox Girl tilted her head in confusion, curiously asking, “I see, but why are you telling me this?”

“Yes, why indeed…”

Sighing, a fleeting expression of “confusion” and “bitterness” flickered across the pure and noble face of the Saintess, the first time Vilyric had seen the high-ranking girl appear so… lost.

She sighed softly.

“Perhaps it is because of the information you mentioned earlier about knowing ‘that person’ that led me to make this decision, or maybe it’s just that you make me feel inexplicably close, as if we could share this secret together…”

The Saintess helplessly shook her head, brushing away that fleeting expression and once again dawning a pure and gentle smile.

“So, Miss Xī, do you want to continue listening? You should understand what this represents.”

“Um…”

Of course. Vilyric immediately grasped the implication.

It meant that once she truly delved into this secret buried under the dust of history, shadowed by the light, she would have to align herself with the Saint of Bright Light who shared it, at least not risk disclosing it, or else she would undoubtedly invoke the saint’s full wrath and eradication.

This wasn’t a matter of strength or weakness, but a matter of stance—either she became a closer companion, or she withdrew from the core of this incident, or… become sworn enemies.

The White Fox Girl suddenly realized that she now stood at a crossroads deciding her future. Her next response would likely lead to completely different turning points.

That was the entirely unknown and brand new world they would soon cross beyond the Heavenly Barrier.

The girl propped her chin thoughtfully.

“Well… since Yuna let me choose, can I pose a question before giving an official answer?”

Seemingly already anticipating she wouldn’t easily receive clear replies, the Saintess still wore that flawless, impeccable pure smile, like a mask.

“Please, Miss Xī.”

“Well, it’s very simple. Regardless of what you plan to do or how much you intend to reveal, there’s only one thing we care about— is your ultimate goal for yourself? For the Summerfield Family, or… for the Holy Nation and the countless lives within this realm?”

“And for this goal, what price will you pay?”

The smile gradually faded from the Saintess’s face.

Not because she wanted to turn hostile or that the White Fox Girl’s words struck a nerve, but rather, to provide a response. The eighth Saint of Bright Light, already in position for decades, finally revealed her true self, the real Yuna Summerfield.

That was an unwavering devotion and faith that transcended expression; it was as pure as light.

The Saintess spoke words difficult to comprehend.

“I wish to praise; those who praise Him will be saved, the forsakers will surely pay their dues.”

   

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