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Chapter 40
Ariadne thought it would be a million times better to go to the epidemic area than to get involved in Rensha’s affairs.
“Oh? The saint said that?”
“Lady Rene is not a saint, but she said she would do so. And I have the duty to accompany her and assist her.”
“But I heard that since the saint arrived in Illiad, she hasn’t gone outside at all.”
That was natural. There was no need to use her healing power here, so it made sense she stayed inside. Going around the palace under the name Rene was too risky. Ariadne added an explanation.
“Normally, Lady Rene doesn’t like going outside.”
“Is that so?”
People in Illiad, who had no preconceived image of healing powers or saints, accepted Ariadne’s words as they were. Of course, that didn’t mean they trusted the healing power. They placed far more faith in machines and scientific technology.
“If there’s no special need to use her healing power, she probably won’t go out. If you need to speak to Lady Rene, you can go through me.”
Ariadne added a few details to hide the fact that she and Rene were the same person.
First, Rene Ashad didn’t like her power being used randomly, so she rarely went outside.
Second, whenever ‘Rene Ashad’ went out, she had to go through Ariadne. Any requests had to be made through Ariadne, and Rene would only act through her. This clarified a lot.
Later, people might find out that Ariadne was Rene, but for now, she wanted to enjoy her freedom as Ariadne, without being tied to her healing powers. Even if only for a short time, that was enough. How long this act would last, she didn’t know.
“I see?”
The Emperor’s face showed curiosity at that.
“I’ve heard the epidemic is quite troublesome. Let Lady Rene handle it!”
Ariadne spoke quickly, partly to avoid mentioning the Count, and even she felt her excuse was believable.
“Hmm… I see. If the saint herself wants to inspect the area, I can’t stop her.”
From the Emperor’s point of view, this was appealing. If the epidemic was handled well, it would strengthen his rule.
“Lady Rene doesn’t like being called a saint, so it’s better to just use her name.”
Saint… It was just a label created in Rensha to make it easier to use healing powers. She didn’t want to hear about saints here. She simply wanted to be called by her name, ‘Rene’, without any titles.
“I understand. Shall I call you Lady Rene?”
“Yes, thank you for that.”
“It’s just a title. So when do you plan to depart?”
“I heard we plan to leave as soon as preparations are done. Probably a few days from now.”
“Hmm. Then I’ll leave the Rensha delegation matters to someone else.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Ariadne smiled brightly. The Emperor seemed satisfied and let her go.
On her way back, she ran into Kanin, who had come after hearing the news.
“What’s all this commotion? Is it true?”
“Eh?”
Kanin asked in disbelief. Ariadne widened her eyes, thinking Illiad’s people were indeed quick-tempered.
“The Emperor sent me to help the saint, no… Lady Rene.”
“Help? With what?”
“You said you wanted to go to the Haren region!”
He raised his voice slightly.
“Shh, someone might hear. Come this way.”
Ariadne grabbed Kanin’s arm and led him somewhere quiet. She looked around and spoke softly.
“Have you checked who’s coming with the Rensha delegation?”
After meeting the Emperor last time, she had asked Kanin to find out who would be part of the delegation. Kanin raised his eyebrows.
“I was about to tell you, but the Emperor suddenly called me… He said I should escort Lady Rene to Haren. It’s been chaotic.”
“I’ll explain that later. But who’s coming with the delegation?”
“Ah…”
Kanin’s face darkened in embarrassment, but when he met Ariadne’s eyes, he couldn’t avoid answering.
“Baron Bliars is coming as the representative.”
“I thought so.”
At the name Baron Bliars, Ariadne’s expression stiffened instantly. She took a deep breath and continued.
“Whether I like it or not, I’ll have to meet the delegation in the palace. I don’t want that. I’d rather be in the Haren region.”
“…Understood.”
He agreed very quickly.
“Then may I go to Haren?”
“That’s fine. But since the Emperor ordered it, I can’t not go with you.”
Ariadne shrugged and smiled lightly.
“It’s fine if it’s His Highness. As long as he doesn’t reveal that Rene and Ariadne are the same person.”
When Ariadne agreed to go with him, Kanin’s tense expression softened.
“It’ll be safer with me. And if any trouble arises, I can handle it.”
Her confident words made Kanin laugh, partly in disbelief.
Ariadne thought it was best to make the most of the one choice she had. If someone could back up the story that Rene and Ariadne were different people, it would be safer.
“Understood. Tell me the departure schedule. I’ll bring only those who can keep secrets.”
“I want to leave as soon as possible. I don’t want to hear a single word about Rensha.”
“Understood.”
Kanin was very cooperative and helpful with her plans.
Just as Ariadne wanted, they were able to leave for the Haren region two days later.
To avoid drawing attention, the party was small.
Though small in number, the people who went with them were not weak—they were all capable and skilled.
“The captain of the royal guards?”
Ariadne couldn’t help but gape as she heard the positions of those introducing themselves. She was surprised at the powerful people assembled.
“Since you dislike large numbers, I brought only those capable of handling a hundred each. And they are very discreet. Nothing they see or hear on this pilgrimage will be leaked. You can rest assured.”
This time, they would travel by train, not airship. Kanin, who rode with Ariadne, casually said this. Ariadne couldn’t argue—he promised only capable people would go, so she had to be careful herself.
For security, Rene Ashad would board the train first, and the others would board separately, ensuring no one saw her.
Soon, everyone was on the train.
“This is amazing. It moves so fast and reaches the destination quickly, right?”
Ariadne looked around, noticing the difference from the airship. Kanin had chartered the entire train, and their car, likely for nobles, was very luxurious.
Tracks stretched straight outside the window, converging and diverging as they went.
“Yes, the ride is better than on the airship.”
Ariadne blushed, recalling how she had wobbled on the airship. She quickly looked away.
“Are we leaving now?”
“Yes. Once we’re ready, the announcement will be made—”
Then, a sudden commotion interrupted Kanin’s voice.
“Th-this is not allowed!”
“Go back!”
The noise came from outside the train. Ariadne opened the window slightly and peeked outside.
“It looks like someone is fighting.”
She stretched her neck to see more clearly and suddenly spotted someone, unable to believe her eyes.
