[Melissa's POV]
Three day after the attack, approximately one-third of the city's buildings have been destroyed. My tavern was among those that suffered damage to the rear section of the roof.
Currently, I am walking through the city streets toward my tavern to pack up my belongings. Several medical teams can be seen collecting blood at residents' homes to be used for those needing blood transfusions after being wounded in last night's battle.
In addition, many people are busy clearing the rubble of the destroyed buildings as well. It seems it will take several months for this city to recover. With the instability of this region, I believe our future plans will be easier to execute.
To be honest, we have already gathered enough data regarding this area and its surroundings. It is time to return and devise a strategy based on the information we have obtained.
Upon arriving inside the tavern, the place appears very quiet, unlike the usual days filled with citizens chatting and spending their time here. Especially that group of men; they must be busy today.
I then began gathering the items I needed to take with me; I do not want to leave any unnecessary traces in this place.
— Tok! Tok! Tok!
The sound of a knock on the door was heard while I was tidying up my things.
"Enter."
The door opened, revealing a black-haired man along with a woman from the medical team entering my tavern.
"Ah, Captain Raul. Is there something I can help you with?" I asked him.
"You look like you are tidying up your belongings, Melissa. Are you returning to your hometown in the Grand Duchy of Wiena?" the black-haired man asked.
"That's right; my father does not want me to be here while the situation is still unstable," I answered him.
"What a pity; we won't be able to taste your drinks anymore," the man said, looking regretful. "However, before you go, could you donate some blood to us? You know, healing magic can regenerate the wounds received, but it cannot replace the blood that has been lost from the body."
"Alright, I hope this small action of mine can help the citizens of the city."
Hearing my answer, the black-haired man smiled and then ordered the woman from the medical team to perform the procedure immediately. I then sat in a chair and placed my hand on the table, letting the woman do her job.
Turning to the side, I saw the black-haired man smiling happily while gazing at me.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"Nothing, I am just glad you survived yesterday's battle, Melissa," he replied.
Not long after, the blood-drawing process was completed. Both of them then took their leave and thanked me for cooperating.
"I hope you have a pleasant journey to your destination," the black-haired man said.
"Thank you; I hope we can meet again, Captain Raul," I said to him.
"Oh, don't worry, I have a feeling that we will meet again before long."
The two of them left; I watched the man's back as he slowly moved away and disappeared amidst the crowd on the city street.
Raul de Garcia...
He was the person who caused our team's previous intelligence operation to fail and resulted in more than half of our team members being captured by the Empire.
After arriving in this place, I frequently conversed with him. For some reason, I am slightly familiar with him, as if I have met him somewhere before. Rumors say he and his team were able to destroy a Demon group's base that terrorized this place. That means his strength cannot be underestimated.
After waiting for a few moments, the horse carriage I rented finally arrived. I then loaded my belongings and began to leave this ruined city.
However, my destination was not the border between the Empire and the Grand Duchy of Wiena, but rather a residence located in the northwest of this region.
After a three-hour journey, I got out and gave 30 silver coins to the driver, then carried my belongings to the building. From the outside, this building looked like an ordinary family home. However, this is the headquarters of the intelligence team we have in this region.
I walked closer to the front door of the house and knocked seven times. After that, I recited the individual password held by members to enter this building.
"I bring fish from the sea; would the Master and Mistress be interested in buying them?"
"What kind of fish and how many did you bring?"
Suddenly, the voice of a man answering my question was heard from behind the door.
"Six Mackerels, Sir," I replied to him.
After answering his question, the house door suddenly opened, revealing a person in butler attire who welcomed me.
"Welcome back, Captain," greeted the butler. "Let me take your things upstairs."
"Thank you, Eddie."
I entered the building and followed the butler from behind. We then arrived in a fairly large gathering room; many people could be seen conversing here. Sensing my presence, they all went silent immediately and stood at attention.
I climbed a staircase to reach the third floor of this large house. Not long after, I arrived in front of the door to a room. The butler then opened it and placed my belongings neatly.
"Captain, is there anything else I can help you with?" asked the butler.
"I am going to change my clothes; inform all the members to gather in the meeting room," I answered him.
"Very well, I will inform them immediately."
After the butler left and closed the room door, I sat at a dressing table and looked into a mirror in front of me. I then opened the locket attached to the necklace I was wearing. Inside was an artifact given to me by my mother.
Activating it with my Mana, the artifact suddenly glowed. The maroon hair I had in the mirror reflection began to change to black, and my green eyes also returned to their original orange color. I then removed the hair tie I was wearing and let my hair flow down.
This is my true appearance...
I use an artifact given by my mother that possesses Shapeshifting abilities. This allows me to change the appearance of my hair, eyes, and face to carry out missions like the one I am currently working on.
I—Siena di Reginossa—was assigned to perform an intelligence mission in the Empire's territory to gather information for our country's preparations in case a war breaks out with the Aragon Empire.
After changing into the military uniform I usually wear, I immediately left the room to head to the meeting room to discuss the results of our operation so far. Upon arriving in front of the meeting room door, the butler on guard opened the door for me.
I entered the room, which appeared to be filled with many members already inside. They all stood from their respective seats and stood at attention. At the front of the room, a table and chair specifically prepared for me could be seen.
After I sat in my chair, all the members who were standing earlier sat down simultaneously. They were waiting to open the final meeting of this intelligence operation.
"Alright, let us begin the meeting to compile the report before submitting it to the Central Government as perfect intelligence data."
***
[Brian's POV]
A few days after Sister Lunaria and I picked up the Chosen Saint—whom I did not expect to be Ariel...
When I met her in that ruined city, Ariel's aura was far different than before. I tried to speak to her at that time, but she kept ignoring me. Does she know about my agreement with Raul back then? Only I, Raul, and Princess Elena should know about this matter.
Currently, I am in the Holy City of Notredame. Specifically, in the main ceremony hall to witness Ariel's official coronation as a Saint who will lead the teachings of the Temple of Goddess Diana.
I sat in the third row of this large hall. The first row contained the leaders whose countries adhere to the teachings of the Temple of Goddess Diana. The second row was filled with important nobles, while the third row was occupied by high-ranking temple officials and Holy Knights. Normally, I would not be able to stand in this row. However, due to my status as the Hero wielding the Holy Sword Excalibur, this was an exception.
There was an altar in front of the first row. Vicar Lorentius and four Cardinals could be seen waiting for Ariel's arrival there. Not long after, the doors to the room opened, revealing a woman with platinum hair and purple eyes, wearing a beautiful white Priestess uniform.
She then walked through the center of the rows of important people present here toward the altar at the front of the room. All the guests in attendance watched Ariel as she walked gracefully over a red carpet. This sight was like a painting that would be remembered by generations to come.
"So beautiful..."
"She is like the incarnation of Goddess Diana herself..."
Everyone praised Ariel's beauty, especially the men. It was true; Ariel looked more beautiful, dignified, and mature than the last time we met at the academy. Her facial expression looked firm, strong, and more confident than usual.
She then ascended the altar and arrived before the Vicar and the four Cardinals on either side.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" exclaimed Vicar Lorentius, who seemed about to deliver an address. "Thank you for your presence in this place blessed by our Great Goddess! Today, we will perform the official coronation ceremony of our New Saint after five years have passed since the death of the previous Saint."
Everyone appeared focused on listening to Vicar Lorentius's words. Cardinal Marcus then brought a silver crown and gave it to the Vicar.
"With the presence of our new Saint, everyone need not worry about the Demons who may invade our world at any time! With the Saint's presence, our forces will always win any battle against the forces of that lowly Demon King!" said the Vicar with an enthusiastic voice. "Now, recite your oath, Saint Ariel."
Hearing the Vicar's words, Ariel nodded.
"I swear, as a Saint, to always uphold the teachings of the Goddess in this world she created! I swear to be as just as possible in using my power as the highest authority of the Temple of Goddess Diana's teachings! I swear I will not abandon any of my duties as a Saint and will lead humanity against the Demons who bring destruction!"
No one made a sound; everyone did not want to disturb this historic coronation process.
"If I should break all the oaths I have sworn, then the blessings the Goddess has bestowed upon me shall be revoked, and my soul shall be eternally trapped in the torments of hell in the afterlife!"
After finishing her oath, Ariel then bowed her head. The Vicar then placed the crown—which is a high-grade artifact—on Ariel's head.
"With this, you have officially become the 25th Saint of the Temple of Goddess Diana's teachings! May these teachings of love stand firmer and triumph under your leadership, Great Saint."
After the crown was placed on her head, Ariel then turned to face the invited guests present here. They all then stood to pay their respects to the new Saint.
"Long live... The Holy Saint!" cried the Vicar.
Everyone present then joined in shouting Vicar Lorentius's exclamation.
"Long live the Saint!"
"Long live the Saint!"
"Long live the Saint!"
I also joined in shouting words of praise for Ariel; and at this moment, she is the most influential person in the world, even exceeding the world leaders present here.