Wait, no!

Elise’s eyes lit up.

Indeed, Saintess Aelia had no true peers or friends—and zero romance experience.

In other words, she might genuinely struggle to tell friendship from love.

Or perhaps, bound by saintly modesty and discipline, she instinctively downgraded any budding feelings.

True, it might be too early to call it love—but this was the first time Elise had seen Saintess Aelia admire a man so openly.

Even from just now, it was clear she held genuine fondness for Hero Luke.

Sadly, Saintess Aelia was far too selfless. Even with someone she liked, she’d quietly step aside…

Elise couldn’t stand it anymore.

On other matters, she’d admit she had no right to question.

But love? She would not yield!

Love *should* be selfish. You chase it with everything you’ve got.

As romance novels say: “Lose a leg before you lose love!”

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Leave it to me—I’ll get the full story,” Elise declared, patting her ample chest.

“No, that’s not what I meant…” Aelia stammered, a rare flicker of fluster in her voice.

Seeing this, Elise grew even more certain: Aelia liked the Hero, yet shrank from competing for him.

Knowing Aelia’s habit of sacrificing herself for others, Elise quickly softened her tone:

“I understand. You simply wish to know your companion better—nothing more, right?”

“Mm… yes.” Aelia opened her mouth slightly as if to protest, then gave a shy, reluctant nod.

“I’ll do my best!” Elise’s spirit flared.

“Thank you, Elise, but…” Aelia still seemed uneasy. “Lord Luke has his own path. We can only respect his choice…”

At this, Elise’s expression tightened slightly.

Years ago, the Messiah Kingdom had arranged a fiancé for Aelia: the Second Prince, once praised for his conduct.

But before the engagement, he was exposed for affairs with multiple noblewomen. When the King confronted him, he defiantly snapped, “Why should I live by your rules?”—nearly costing him his title.

Thankfully, Aelia pleaded for mercy. The King merely annulled the betrothal and exiled the Prince.

Now, Elise realized: Aelia had only *seemed* unbothered. Deep down, she feared a partner who’d stray.

Her vigilance sharpened.

Yes, Luke passed Charles’s test.

But let’s be real—men wear two faces before and after dropping their pants.

Charles couldn’t test Luke’s heart.

No one expected the “honorable” Second Prince to be a womanizer who recorded intimate moments with magic…

And Elise knew *exactly* how eagerly noble ladies, married women, and maids pursued handsome lords.

Could Luke truly resist their relentless, full-scale romantic assault?

Worse—abandoning original partners after rising in status? Commonplace among nobles.

*(I must investigate thoroughly. I won’t fail Saintess Aelia’s trust again!)*

Resolved, Elise left.

After closing the door and casting her soundproof barrier (blocking all noise except knocks), the pink-haired girl threw her head back and laughed, hands on hips.

“This time… victory is mine!”

Truth was, Charles ranked among Messiah Kingdom’s strongest—rivalling even the Church of Holy Light’s Grand Archbishop.

With him crushed, no one else could challenge Hero Luke… except Aelia herself.

But Saintess Aelia? A paragon of holiness, grace, and compassion. She’d never brawl with a Hero—undignified, unseemly, *messy*.

She preferred clean wins: coast to victory, ride the favorable tide. Why risk an unexpected stumble?

That’s why Charles’s betrayal infuriated her.

Martial route? Closed.

But “civilian tactics”? Very much open.

Watching Elise’s love-struck fervor, Aelia recalled how she handled the Second Prince.

(To clarify: he *was* a womanizer with Cao Cao’s cunning ambition. Yet for the throne, he stayed discreet—never foolish enough to record videos or flirt under a husband’s roof.)

But if *he* wouldn’t record… *she* would.

No guts to show Wei Wu’s bold flair in daylight? Fine. She’d grant him a “courage” buff—Liang Jingru style.

Too revered for ladies to approach? Simple fix: make him irresistible. Amp up *their* boldness, hunger, daring.

In healing and support magic, Aelia had long mastered artistry.

Time to reuse the playbook.

If Elise found Luke had a past lover? Perfect. Capture his “betrayal,” pair it with a tearful exposé, flood the kingdom—let public outrage bury him.

If not? No problem. A “tiny” magical nudge to noble ladies, wives, maids… send them surging toward Luke like a tidal wave of affection.

When the moment ripens, she’d lead the raid—catch him red-handed, leak the scandal, brand him a despicable womanizer. Then, before the King, offer a *sweetly* feigned plea for mercy… exile guaranteed.

Just imagining that scoundrel Hero, ruined yet bowing apologies to *her*? Aelia felt utterly refreshed.

*(Dare upset this super invincible cute girl? This is your fate.)*

That night, cradling sweet dreams of someone’s spectacular downfall, Aelia drifted into blissful sleep.