"Nora, are you serious? You’re really planning to... to... with the Hero..."

The Sword Saint’s tongue stumbled, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Though she and Nora were close enough to speak without filters, her noble upbringing and education still made such crude words stick in her throat.

Just imagining the Holy Maiden of the Holy Light Church doing *that* with the Hero sent her mind spiraling into vivid, flustered scenarios.

"What’s there to be shy about? You’re twenty-one already—look at you, blushing like a schoolgirl."

Nora wiped stray tea droplets off the table with a handkerchief, curling her lips in disdain.

*Twenty-one. Practically ancient. And still flustered by this?* Even if Leah had never witnessed such things firsthand, she’d surely heard rumors.

"You’re a straight-up gang leader—where’s that pure Holy Maiden act now?"

The swordswoman’s lips twitched. Without knowing Nora’s true identity, anyone would mistake her for a street thug.

Blunt. Filthy-mouthed. How could such vulgar talk slip so easily from the Holy Maiden’s lips?

Leah crossed her arms, a dark vein throbbing on her forehead. *How did I even end up friends with this brat?*

Such a pretty, lovely girl—why did she have to open her damn mouth? *If only Nora stayed silent...*

"You’re no better. Don’t think I don’t see you for the repressed old woman you are."

Nora glanced toward the balcony door, then rose and stepped beside Leah.

Her small, pale hand settled on Leah’s shoulder. Milky-white halos shimmered from her palm.

Holy light washed over Leah’s body and the air around her, instantly purging the lingering scent of alcohol.

"At least put your wine jar away."

Leah eyed the jar on the table, smacking her lips regretfully. She hadn’t finished her drink.

But with company arriving, she’d better behave—getting caught like this would be mortifying.

"You clean up. I’ll let Leon in."

Nora waved dismissively. She had no habit of collecting empty jars and cups.

Besides, Leah always handled it before. No reason to change now.

"I’m years older than you! By seniority, I’m your elder sister!"

"You little brat—ordering me around? Disrespect your elders, and you’ll choke on water."

Leah grumbled but still grabbed the empty jar and cups, tossing them over the balcony railing.

Her right palm lifted, fingers half-curled. A transparent vortex swirled into a sphere above her palm.

"*Ki Blast*."

Her soft lips parted. Compressed wind shot from her palm like a cannonball, shattering the jar and cups into particles that vanished midair.

"Hmm. Still as accurate as ever."

Leah snapped her fingers. *Nice shot!*

She shrugged helplessly as she spotted the white-haired elder approaching with Nora.

Rising from her chair, she draped her long coat back over her shoulders.

"How was your chat? Catch up properly?"

Leon smiled warmly at the Sword Saint, now properly robed.

The Holy Maiden had calmed considerably—thanks to the Sword Saint’s timely arrival.

Without her, Nora might have sulked for hours.

"We reminisced about old times," Leah said, placing a hand over her chest in a noble curtsey.

"I also shared amusing tales from my recent travels. Her mood improved quite a bit."

*Gotta keep up the dignified Sword Saint act around outsiders. Damn exhausting.*

"Leon... are you here to stop me from seeking the Great Hero too?"

Nora turned to the white-haired elder. As Archbishop, he had the authority to restrict her movements.

But only authority. If she insisted on leaving the Church, he couldn’t force her to stay.

"Holy Maiden, you know how uniquely vital you are," Leon said gently, gazing at the girl he’d raised like a granddaughter.

He couldn’t bear sending her into this perilous world alone—not with tensions between humans and Demon Kin at breaking point. But...

"If you truly fear for the Hero’s safety and are determined to find him..."

Leon’s expression turned grave. "Then this old man begs to accompany you. Let me guard you on this journey. If danger comes, I can ensure your escape—even against the Four Demon Kings."

"*You* come with me?"

Nora froze. *Absolutely not. There’s no way I’m dragging this old man to meet the Hero.*

"Archbishop Leon, I’ve been curious about the Hero myself," Leah cut in, ignoring Nora’s darkening glare. "Let me escort Nora instead. Two women traveling together is simpler—and my strength far surpasses yours. What do you think?"

*Leon tagging along? Nora’d lose her mind.* Besides, Leah was intrigued by this summoned Hero.

She’d test if he truly deserved Nora’s obsession.

And if he *was* as extraordinary as claimed? Well... she might just learn a thing or two.