There was a way to get permission.
But it was a method I truly hated to use.
“A miracle always comes unexpectedly. It is only up to you to obtain it.”
The moment I spoke those words, Dean Ender’s eyes widened in shock.
He looked at me as if I’d said something unbelievable.
“…You. Where the hell did you hear that?”
“Sorry. I can’t tell you.”
I had to deceive Dean Ender—there was no other way.
Getting his permission through normal means was out of the question.
“If you had any kind of relationship with him, there’s no way I wouldn’t know. And you’re telling me you can’t say?”
“Yes.”
Because there was no relationship.
You can’t call it a relationship when it’s between a reader and a character.
“…Fine. You’re allowed to leave this weekend. Just this once. If it’s connected to him, there must be a reason.”
Dean Ender stared at me, clearly disapproving.
I could practically hear the trust he had in me crumbling.
With a heavy heart and a sense of regret, I bowed to him and left the office.
***
There is a religion in this world called Martires.
They serve Eos, the creator god, and as the only recognized faith, they wield enormous authority.
Even the Astraia Empire finds it nearly impossible to interfere directly with them.
The Saintess refers to a woman chosen by Eos.
And the words I just spoke—a habit of a Saintess long past—are known only to a few.
Dean Ender is one of those rare few.
In the original timeline, Sophia’s recognition as a future Saintess begins when she casually mumbles those words in front of him.
That’s why I never wanted to use this method.
One wrong step, and the future could veer wildly off course.
But I couldn’t let that stop me.
My goal is to save Reina.
That’s why I need to go out this weekend—to change the future.
I don’t know how drastically the story will twist, but I understand this much: my actions are going to shift many things.
I felt no guilt.
At most, I was only worried about causing trouble for Sophia.
But that, too, is unavoidable.
Because from now on, my mission isn’t just to save Reina and Anna.
In the end, I have to prevent the countless deaths that will occur in Arcana.
***
[Dear Ike, Hello.
This is Anna Margret, Lady Reina’s exclusive maid.
But soon, I believe I’ll be leaving her side—for a short time, or perhaps for good.
Originally, I never intended to do this. I had sworn to walk alongside Lady Reina to atone for my sins.
It was an oath I meant to keep.
And yet, now I’m about to break it.
Why? Because of the promise I made with you, Ike.
Do you remember what you told me when you left Heros?
“Please protect Lady Reina. No matter what.”
That day, I swore to do just that.
To atone by remaining at her side.
To protect her.
A promise… and yet now, I must break it.
It’s strange, isn’t it?
Of course, I wish I could do both.
But if something were to happen to Lady Reina, I know I wouldn’t be able to go on.
So, I’ve made my decision.
Before I leave, I want to speak briefly of the past.
I was once a member of an assassin group called Avatar.
Yes, it’s true—I once belonged to them.
It sounds outrageous, doesn’t it?
But I think you already know what I mean, Ike.
Last month, under Lady Reina’s orders, I secretly followed you through the market.
That’s when I caught a strong scent of blood coming from you—thick and unmistakable, as if it seeped from your very being.
When I asked about it, you simply told me to judge for myself.
I was shocked.
There were limbs strewn about, and the cleanly severed necks showed no hesitation.
At first, I thought it was murder.
I even suspected you were stalling, trying to escape.
But then, I saw the tattoo: a snake and thorns strangling a lion, etched on the corpse’s right shoulder.
And I understood.
Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t suspicious.
How does Ike, son of the Duke of Axus, know of Avatar?
Why did you mention Lady Reina’s name back then?
What were you trying to protect?
But I won’t ask.
Because I trust you.
And because I believe it’s to protect her.
Now, I’m going back to Avatar.
They never truly forgave me for betraying them.
Even after I became part of the Rogelia Duchy, ambushes continued. Rogelia can hold its own against mere assassins, but their attacks have become more frequent.
Their skills are improving.
And I can’t guarantee Reina’s safety under these circumstances.
But maybe… if I return to Avatar, the ambushes will stop.
I don’t know much about their current plans, but I know they still value me.
That should be enough to negotiate.
So, until I return—
Please protect Lady Reina, Ike.
No matter what.
—Anna Margret]
thank you for the chapter!