NOVEL NEXT Chapter 545
Chapter 545. The Saint’s Decision
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(Things are starting to get exciting as we head towards Jill-kun’s return to the Demon Lord Kingdom…!)
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Liliana was putting on a brave front, but if one looked closely, her hand gripping the staff was trembling slightly, the joints of her fingers turning white from the strain.
It was less like she was leaning on the staff and more like she was clinging to it. It was clear she was pushing herself.
But—she was still going to go.
“…The truth is,”
I noticed Liliana’s facade when she seemed to notice mine as well.
“I’m still scared.”
With a stiff smile plastered on her face, Liliana whispered softly.
“…But I’m not the only one who’s scared, right? There are people trembling, suffering in pain, forcing themselves… there are many who are losing their lives even at this moment.”
Liliana lifted her head and gazed at the west window, where the curtains were tightly drawn.
A battlefield that looked close yet was far away, invisible from here.
“I’m really trying to push myself right now.”
With a tone surprisingly resolute, she continued.
“But—it’s worth it. I’m sure!”
Liliana declared brightly, winking playfully, “Also, I want you two to focus on completing Adamas without any reservations!”
…It was dazzling. I recalled the brave Liliana from her hero days in my past life, actively fighting on the front lines. Her determination to reclaim that spirit, even if it meant pushing herself, filled my heart with warmth.
“…Thank you. I’ll head over as quickly as I can.”
To complete Adamas.
I had no intention of letting her bear this burden alone.
“Hey! Ainz?”
“…Yeah?”
“Say something already!”
When I leaned in to see his face, Ainz turned away awkwardly. Come on!? We really need to make it in time, right!?
“And so—I’m worried about Alex and Leila’s injuries and illnesses, just in case something happens,”
Liliana said, alternating her gaze between Orderju and Helena.
“I want one of you to stay behind…”
Liliana seemed apologetic as she shrank back. Orderju and Helena locked eyes, but the moment their glances met, the outcome seemed decided.
“Ahhh, fine! I’ll stay!”
In front of Orderju’s gentle smile, Helena huffed and plopped down in a chair.
“…It’s just that I can’t match Gramps with either my bow or magic.”
—So, if we’re heading to the front lines, Orderju is definitely the better choice.
Helena’s toes were clenching in her sandals. Her voice was small, fading away, but it was filled with frustration and loneliness. Liliana rushed over, hugging her tightly.
“I’m sorry for always being selfish.”
“…Really.”
Helena returned the embrace. They didn’t look much alike, but somehow they felt like sisters. The caring older sister struggling with her mischievous younger sibling…
“If we left her alone, she’d probably charge into the Demon Lord Castle on her own.”
Helena glared at me. …An assault on the Demon Lord Castle, huh?
“I don’t want to feel that way again.”
“Don’t worry, this time I’ll make sure—”
Stepping back, Liliana smiled brightly.
“I’ll support the front lines until Helena and Alex arrive!!”
“…………”
Helena sighed dramatically, as if to say ‘that’s just how you are.’
“Well, Helena, I’m here with you this time too. There are places to escape, and if it comes to it, I’ll even drag the princess back, so don’t worry.”
“Okay… Gramps, really… just do your best.”
“Sure……”
The Forest Elves had distant looks in their eyes.
“Well then, I’m off! See you later, Alex! Everyone! Ainz, give it your all too!!”
“Whoa, a battlefield, huh? I’ve heard stories but this is my first time! I can’t wait to see how many lost souls there are and how many we can guide—”
With a cheerful bounce, Odigos raced out of the smithy, running fast behind Liliana.
“Please wait, your Highness! Just as I said—!!”
Orderju hurriedly tried to chase after them but suddenly stopped and turned back.
“Ainz-san.”
“…Yeah?”
“I truly look forward to your masterpiece. You’re a wonderful blacksmith. May the guidance of the spirits of fire and earth be with you.”
Orderju’s words made Ainz’s face soften with a grin.
“Thanks. I’ll show you something amazing, so look forward to it.”
Without stopping his hammer swings, Ainz turned back for just a second. Orderju nodded solemnly.
“Then… forgive me!”
With just that, he took off after Liliana.
Orderju… He may look that way, but he’s a magic weapon enthusiast. He can hardly wait for Ainz’s masterpiece.
『…………』
What’s up, Antendeixis?
『Well… it’s nothing.』
Antendeixis chuckled softly.
『I’m looking forward to it, to its completion.』
†††
Hurrying out of the mansion, Orderju felt relieved when he spotted Liliana waiting in front.
“I thought I’d been left behind.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t advance alone in that situation.”
Liliana smiled wryly.
“Let’s go.”
Walking down the stone-paved streets of the domain capital, Galdia, illuminated by the evening glow.
The windows of the houses were tightly shut, and a palpable air of tension from residents either trapped or deciding to stay in the city reached outside.
The streets were filled with dripping-sweat messengers from all over and soldier’s faces set like stone. Noticing them, Liliana and the others who were clearly Forest Elves, moved unhindered, directly heading for the front lines.
They no longer needed to worry about Alex or Leila. Benefiting from the protection and assistance of the wind spirits, the two moved with a speed comparable to full galloping horses.
“…Your Highness, there’s a difference between mental strain and physical or tactical strain, you know.”
Gliding like the wind, Orderju offered a reminder.
“Especially now, you’re disguised as an ordinary Forest Elf.”
Using half-hearted transformation magic, she mimicked an average Elf. Not merely in appearance, but her magic power was also weaker than in her High Elf form, probably affecting her healing ability and physical prowess as well—
“Please don’t push yourself like you did in your original form. Or do you want me to cancel that spell?”
Are you going to rampage in your High Elf form?
“…………”
After a moment of thought, Liliana shook her head.
“Right now, nearly every nightfallen knows my face.”
…Gripping the staff. Clinging to it.
Seven years locked away in a prison. It was ample time for the night elves across the Demon Lord Castle and kingdom to visit one by one and torment Liliana.
“If the ‘Saint’ who escaped were to start rampaging on the front lines, it could complicate things after he returns.”
Switching from a stern expression to one tinged with loneliness, Liliana said.
“It’s better to create a perception that a new ‘threat’ has emerged.”
That’s why she chose to fight in her current state. As much as possible.
“Well, I suppose.”
As she touched the deep hood covering her face, Liliana displayed a chilling expression utterly unlike her usual self.
“I have no intention of letting any nightfallen who sees this face return alive.”
Liliana possesses the Healing Power. She can heal any injury, illness, or curse.
However, no matter how hard she tries on the front lines, the number of people getting hurt or cursed doesn’t decrease in the slightest. Injured souls kept appearing one after another, often before she could even get to them.
So, how does she reduce the number of these victims?
It’s simple.
Cut off the root.
In other words, eliminate the beings that cause harm to people.
Liliana is not just a gentle mascot with healing powers.
That’s why she resolved to storm the Demon Lord Castle, knowing she might die—
“The front lines after eight years, huh… I wonder if I can manage it.”
Tightly clutching the cleansing light floating in her palm—
This night, the dark beings would come to remember.
The terror of the sun shining brilliantly even as it sets.