2-51 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

Title: The Young Lord as a Saintess? - Volume II, Chapter 51: Can You Play Without Nerfing? Mirexia was left standing confused for some time in front of the empty dormitory of Fanghui. By the time the mentors and students arrived, she had already begun searching the rest of the holy chapel, but Vannesa was nowhere to be found. This filled Mirexia with unease, leading her mind to race through various unsettling possibilities. Could it be that Vannesa had successfully summoned the Goddess of Light, but at the cost of her own life? Or had Vannesa encountered some trouble, being abducted before others could arrive? Where exactly was Vannesa now? Though outwardly composed, Mirexia was deeply unsettled. She knew that if Vannesa were still alive, it was surely the time she needed her most. Typically, post-disaster, it was the senior staff and non-combat mentors who were most occupied, followed by the student council responsible for managing student order. This was when the academy needed her the most. Yet, Mirexia found herself too troubled to devote any energy to work or consider other issues until she received definitive news about Vannesa's condition. Every thought she had was centered on Vannesa, leaving no room for anything else. Only now did Mirexia fully realize just how important Vannesa was to her. In search of answers, she approached Wenny's roommate, Shikondell. "Eh? Wenny? Actually, now that you mention it, I didn't see him at the shelter. He handed me over to Milen before rushing off somewhere, seemingly for something urgent." Shikondell, noting the urgency in Mirexia's demeanor, also began to worry about Wenny's safety. She had assumed Wenny was among those crowded in the shelter and that she simply hadn't spotted him. "But according to the president, Wenny never went to the shelter?" "What... what's going on? President, Wenny didn't come to the shelter?" Shikondell anxiously scanned the dissipating crowd for his familiar figure, but found nothing. Mirexia stayed silent, fully aware that Wenny could not be found here. Inquiring with Shikondell was more about clinging to a sliver of hope that he might have returned. In truth, she knew this was unlikely. "Don't worry, he'll be fine. Take care of yourself," Mirexia reassured Shikondell before hurriedly departing. "Huh, huh?!" Shikondell watched Mirexia leave with such haste that, despite her assurances, an uneasy feeling lingered. Could something really have happened to Wenny? Shikondell couldn't shake her worries. "Shikondell, don't worry. With his thick skin, nothing would happen to that guy. Even a zealot couldn't take him down," offered Milen in reassurance, seeing Shikondell's anxiety. Shikondell remained silent, casting her eyes skyward, hands clasped in silent prayer. Though she was an elf, this did not stop her from praying to the Goddess of Light for Wenny's safety. Over the next few hours, following intense battle, Mirexia tirelessly searched nearly every corner of the academy's major areas, stubbornly refusing food or drink, yet she still couldn't find the familiar figure. If, if every corner of the academy turned up nothing, did that mean... No, it couldn't be. Such a thing wouldn't happen. Mirexia was steadfast in her belief that Vannesa awaited her aid somewhere. Suddenly, a childhood memory with Wenny crossed her mind. "The park... yes, the park..." "Could you be there?" Following her gut, Mirexia headed toward the abandoned old school building's park, a place no one would visit, especially at such a time. As the blonde girl descended upon the abandoned park, having tucked away her dragon wings, she couldn't fathom why she chose this place over the others. The academy had several small parks, after all. She simply felt that if Vannesa were safe and thinking the same thoughts from their childhood, she would choose the most secluded park. The odds seemed slim, considering Vannesa's current situation and whether she too thought of that childhood promise. The probability was negligible unless they were truly synchronized. She awaited, losing hope as time passed without sight of a soul, until she saw a cloak-clad figure enter her view—clearly a girl. Excitement surged through her when the figure unveiled her cloak, revealing Vannesa. Mirexia's heart finally settled in relief. "Virtue +400." "Current Virtue: 5704." "Vannesa, how did you find this place?" "Our childhood promise," Vannesa replied, a gentle smile on her lips. "When we couldn't reach each other in emergencies, we'd wait at the little park. So here I am, keeping the promise." "Weren't you here for the same reason, Mirexia?" "Vannesa..." Mirexia moved quickly, embracing Vannesa in a heartfelt hug. "Virtue +100." "Current Virtue: 5804." Vannesa was momentarily surprised by the warmth. Yet feeling Mirexia's urgency and realizing how much she had worried Mirexia, her expression softened. "Mirexia, you still love being doted on like when we were kids." Vannesa soothed Mirexia with gentle pats on her back and a motherly tone. "As long as you're okay," Mirexia replied, realizing her eagerness, she let go of Vannesa, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stepped back. "I just wanted to check if you were hurt." "Eh? Why stop? You can't learn much with such a short check, can you?" Vannesa mischievously teased Mirexia. "Only teasing me—you must be alright," Mirexia noted, averting her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest. "And your Soul Sorcery is still [Holy Guide]." "You were out of reach for so long... what happened to you for those hours?" Mirexia felt relief knowing Vannesa was unharmed, yet still puzzled over her absence. Although she was often the composed, rational princess shaping national policies, right now she resembled a girl at the cusp of young love, shyly prodding her affections for neglecting her. "Well, there was a little complication earlier. I intended to come find you at the first chance, Mirexia," Vannesa explained. "That's what you say," Mirexia muttered softly. Ordinarily, no one would imagine that the usually composed and poised princess could show such an endearing expression in private. "And who else would I think of in moments of crisis, but my most trusted and beloved childhood friend?" Vannesa said with a charming smile. "Most... beloved?" Mirexia's breath caught. "Why, don't you believe it? Would you like me to say it again? I adore my childhood friend the most." 'Virtue +300.' 'Current Virtue: 6104.' "No more of this dangerous stuff on your own, okay?" With Vannesa's words, all of Mirexia's prior questions faded away, replaced by simple relief that she was unharmed. Vannesa promised as much, and nothing bad came of this incident. Before Mirexia could say anything else, she detected a not unfamiliar yet unusual scent coming from Vannesa—a cold fragrance of roses and rosehips. "Vannesa, where have you been?" "Well..." Vannesa hesitated, sensing an impending challenge, but noticed Mirexia's eyes narrowing like a cat's, calm yet frightening, stirring a sense of imminent danger. ... Let's go with the detailed version then. "Here's what happened," Vannesa began, recounting how Aesphyra had rescued her. She left out the part about Aesphyra using [Divine Favor] and her taunts, simply saying she was aided and brought to safety. "Aesphyra saved you?" Mirexia recognized the calming fragrance as belonging to Aesphyra. "Yes, it was a close call. I'm grateful Aesphyra acted quickly to get me out of there and avoid exposing my identity. Who knows what would have happened otherwise," Vannesa sighed with relief. "So that's it." Mirexia had wondered who could have whisked Vannesa away under so many eyes. It made sense that it was Aesphyra—a person with a mysterious background and unparalleled talent. Seeing Aesphyra's name once again grew Mirexia's fondness for her. Of course, this fondness was anchored on Aesphyra's assistance to Vannesa. Still... Mirexia observed Vannesa, feeling a gut instinct that there were missing pieces to her story. Aesphyra brought Vannesa to her home, and then? According to Vannesa, she was incapacitated, depending on Aesphyra even for meals. This seemed rational enough, yet something felt off to Mirexia, without a clear explanation of what. It reminded her of a keen awareness some people have when sensing competition for a partner's attention. Mirexia wasn't sure what this feeling was; it just felt odd. She didn't dwell on this notion for long. Regardless of why Vannesa might hold back certain truths, Mirexia held Aesphyra in high regard, crediting her with much help. She believed Aesphyra to be moral and selfless and doubted she'd act improperly. So, though the thought occurred, she let it pass. "Oh, Mirexia, I have a favor to ask." "What is it?" Mirexia inquired. "Do you have anything that can detect spells or enchanted objects on someone? I want to ensure I haven't been cursed or enchanted," Vannesa asked. "I do, but why the concern?" Mirexia questioned. "Well, you know how dirty the tactics of [Bronze Blood] and Eurnes can be. After fighting them, I worry about curses," Vannesa admitted, though her main concern was with Aesphyra's potential spells. Vannesa hadn't forgotten her time unable to move while in Aesphyra's care. Placing a tracking enchantment on her would have been easy for Aesphyra. Though she doubted Aesphyra intended harm, caution was advised. "Alright, but the tool is at my house. Let's go retrieve it," Mirexia suggested, then queried, "How long do you have, Vannesa?" Clearly referring to how long until Vannesa returned to being Wenny. "Oh, still some time before 24 hours are up." "Perfect! Let's wait at my place." "Okay, that sounds good." Vannesa readily agreed, trusting Mirexia completely. "Then I'll rely on you for a lift." Vannesa donned her hood, concealing her identity, and nestled into Mirexia's embrace. As Mirexia held Vannesa, she recalled the time in the Demon's Domain. 'Virtue +50.' 'Current Virtue: 6154.' Mirexia's rate of gaining virtue—could you manage without a nerf? 2025/05/31/21/28