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Chapter 52
The Holy Knights
A group I never thought I’d hear about before the main story even properly began. In the original novel, they only appeared in the latter half as near-final-level villains.
They are an abnormal group who worship fallen angels, and their power is so overwhelming that even Docef couldn’t attack them recklessly. Not only is their strength extraordinary, but they also possess a terrifying resilience, able to get back up even after being struck down. Docef referred to them as zombie soldiers risen from their graves.
“Holy Knights? Are you sure?”
Docef asked Michelle, gripping her as if he was startled like I was.
“Yes, yes. They definitely said that. Otherwise, the explanation of their exceptional power wouldn’t make sense. Oh, and since he’s a prince, I should probably be polite.”
“Holy Knights…”
Docef muttered under his breath, his face darkening rapidly. Indeed, the appearance of the Holy Knights was no ordinary matter—they were people who had been dormant in history. An ordinary person would probably never believe it. But since I’d read the novel, I already knew that one day they would be resurrected.
“Are you alright?”
Yet, Docef’s expression remained unusually dark.
‘Does he not know much about the Holy Church?’
In the original story, Docef had no interest in anything outside his awakening until he truly became aware. So he wouldn’t normally care about external matters.
“I’ll go to Helbern for a bit.”
He said this and left the room. Watching his serious figure leave, Michelle came over and held my hand.
“Halara, do you have any clue?”
“No… nothing.”
There was no way I would. I really wasn’t Halara and had no knowledge of the prior situation. That’s why we had been dragged here in the first place.
“Think carefully. It could also be something related to your family.”
“My family?”
If it was something related to Brinihanta, the situation might be different. What if the Holy Church already knew my identity?
‘Surely they didn’t destroy the Bloody Marys because of me…’
Back then, Halara had been affiliated with the Bloody Mary family… Could it be that they annihilated the family using Halara’s connection as an excuse? My mind grew tangled. I needed to find out the details, but one thing was certain: the threat of annihilation had drawn closer.
“I’m scared, Halara. I really died and came back alive.”
Michelle’s voice trembled slightly. I noticed a wound on the back of her neck.
“I’m sorry. It’s my fault you almost got into serious trouble.”
“Oh, don’t worry. You sent that red-haired prince to save me. Seeing that you’re alive now, I can’t even begin to say how relieved I am.”
“I’m relieved too. Is the baby okay?”
“Of course. He’s growing strong and healthy.”
Michelle smiled as she gently touched her not-yet-visible belly. Seeing her smile eased my mind.
“Anyway, I’m too scared to go home for now. I’ll contact someone I know in the market and stay somewhere else for a while.”
“What about staying here?”
“Here? In Bloody Mary’s house?”
Her eyes blinked rapidly as she scanned the room. Compared to the small house in the village where we used to live, this room was incomparably large and luxurious.
“No, Halara. I know my limits. I can’t stay here.”
“I actually asked the Duchess for a favor.”
I had received permission to invite Michelle to help Franchesca mass-produce kimchi. With Michelle’s cooking skills, she could be generously rewarded for her labor. For Michelle, who had to manage her child alone, this would be a big help.
“You don’t have to overdo it. Just helping would be enough.”
I explained the situation carefully, aware that Michelle might struggle with heavy tasks since she was pregnant.
“Oh my! Is that really okay?”
Yet, contrary to my worries, Michelle jumped for joy.
“As long as you’re okay with it!”
“Of course! When would I ever get to work at a duke’s house? And lodging and meals? Even the stables are fine with me!”
“Thank you!”
“No, thank you! Halara, I’ll do my best to help.”
“You should be careful in the early stages of your pregnancy. I’ll help too.”
“Yeah!”
Michelle rolled up her sleeves as if going on a picnic, her face glowing with joy. It was a relief that she could stay here safely, but having the Holy Knights around was a serious concern.
After Michelle left with Docef, Helbern muttered:
“What the hell? I saved her, and now she goes off with that brat?”
Helbern glared at their retreating backs. If Michelle had been the neighbor Halara was looking for, Docef would never have taken her.
“What a damn unlucky bastard.”
Helbern raised his middle finger at Docef’s back just to vent his frustration.
Then Nikolai approached.
“Even as the prince representing the Bloody Marys, you’re still acting like a kid. Tsk. So immature.”
Helbern shouted at him:
“Ah, brother!”
Too much had piled up inside him. But if he fought again here, he might end up back in prison, so he stepped back quickly.
“If you’re going to release me so easily, why did you even imprison me in the first place? Are you crazy? What’s wrong with your head?!”
“Maybe it’s your head that’s the problem. Didn’t you dislike Docef?”
“I do!”
“Then why did you stop me?”
“How many times do I have to say it?! It’s because of that flirtatious woman. That woman…!”
Helbern abruptly stopped, realizing he shouldn’t say too much.
Halara possessed strange powers and had even found the Blood Sword. She had almost died twice but was still useful. Moreover, she was the only one who had called him the best. He decided quickly:
“No, that’s not it.”
“I’m on her side, the two of them, that is.”
Naturally, Nikolai’s expression stiffened.
“Are you crazy too?”
“The fact that brat’s standing up for us makes things easier. I hated arranged marriage, but thanks to him, my marriage might go smoothly.”
Aside from swordsmanship, love and marriage were the most important things in his life. In that sense, Docef’s marriage lowered the barrier of the family’s social standing for him.
“Marriage is important than the family’s prestige?”
“Absolutely. You wouldn’t understand.”
Helbern took a step back—not out of fear.
‘I’m the strongest now.’
He now had enough power to face his elder brother.
Even as he thought this, he kept moving carefully. He tossed the bundle he was holding just in case Nikolai tried to attack.
“Don’t lock me up. Lock that guy instead! He’s a Holy Knight, so be especially careful!”
“A Holy Knight? What nonsense are you talking about, Helbern!”
“Brother, just look for yourself. Mother didn’t believe me. I saw him at the border last time. He’s exactly the same as that one.”
“You should’ve reported catching such a monster first. Where’s your head at, Helbern?!”
Nikolai shouted angrily at his misbehaving younger brother, but Helbern quietly slipped past him.
Honestly, this time Nikolai had been at fault. He had imprisoned someone who hadn’t done anything wrong for days, and it was Halara who saved him. But he didn’t care about grudges.
“Men like my brother are completely unreliable!”
“Helbern.”
Helbern finally frowned as he thought he was free. Docef stood nearby, arms crossed, looking at the sword Helbern cherished so much.
He has the Blood Sword, doesn’t he?
