* * *

Recently, Seo Woohyun found comfort in everything around him.

A space with consistent temperature and humidity, excellent meals guaranteed to be nutritious and delicious, and the unparalleled safety assured within the cathedral—all contributed to his sense of peace.

It also couldn’t be ignored that his once-awkward relationship with Eridian had taken a new turn.

After resolving the chaos that unfolded on the ship, Raullet returned to the holy city with Fin.

Barely back, Raullet immediately requested an audience with Seo Woohyun.

Reading the formal document requesting his permission, Seo Woohyun scratched his head.

‘What could this be about? Is it something important enough to require formalities? Even if it is, what can I really do about it?’

Though he bore the title of Saint, he knew little about the actual workings of the Temple.

It felt strange that Raullet, who had always spoken to him casually, now sought permission in such a formal manner.

Yet, he couldn’t refuse; after all, it was none other than the knight commander who had always protected him.

Instead of relaying his response via document, Seo Woohyun got up and peeked out of the study door.

“Raullet.”

“Yes, Saint. Do you have Temples for me?”

“I just saw your document. You wanted to talk to me? Come in for now.”

Seo Woohyun led Raullet to the lounge adjoining the study.

As soon as they were seated, Raullet knelt on one knee before him, removed the scabbard hanging at his side, and placed it on the ground.

It was the ceremonial sword passed down through generations of the Commander of the Temple Knights.

“I’ve failed twice to ensure the Saint’s safety. Such disloyalty cannot be repaid, even with my life. I wish to resign as commander of the Holy Knights effective immediately.”

“This is because of what happened on the ship, isn’t it? That was because the assistant priests panicked and blocked the door.”

“Even so, the fact that I, who should have prioritized your safety above all else, delayed getting outside the cabin is my undeniable mistake.”

If Raullet, a Swordmaster capable of matching the entire military of a small kingdom, had acted in earnest, the assistant priests barricading the cabin would have been severely injured.

“No. If you had hurt the assistant priests to save me, I would have been just as uncomfortable.”

Seo Woohyun didn’t believe in assigning value to lives.

While the consequences of a death might vary depending on the person, he didn’t feel right weighing one life against another.

Since no one had been seriously hurt or killed in the incident, he didn’t see a need to make an issue of it.

“…But, Saint…”

Raullet raised his head.

The Saint, clad in his light priestly robes, sat upright on the sofa.

Had his usually wide, darting eyes ever looked this resolute before?

“And at my age, I should learn to take care of myself too.”

“…”

“If you’re really that concerned, why don’t you teach me some basic self-defense?”

Having felt helpless during the ship incident, Seo Woohyun realized he needed to take action.

While he needed to hone his divine powers, he didn’t want to rely on them excessively.

‘Eridian’s scolding last time was intense, but I think Raullet might agree now.’

Besides, the idea of being a Swordmaster’s apprentice was thrilling.

Honestly, Seo Woohyun found the notion of being a student more appealing than his burdensome role as a Saint.

‘Eridian might sulk if I tell him, though.’

Extending both hands toward Raullet, Seo Woohyun watched his silently.

Mistakes happen in life, and he didn’t think Raullet’s actions warranted dismissal.

If others like Sihero criticized him, he was ready to defend her.

“Did Sihero or the High Priests say anything to you?”

“No, Saint. My decision to resign was entirely my own. I intended to inform the High Priests after apologizing to you.”

Relieved, Seo Woohyun nodded.

He extended a hand to Raullet, who was still kneeling.

“Don’t quit. If you do, I’ll feel really uneasy. And don’t dwell on it too much; it wasn’t that big of a mistake.”

Raullet stared at Seo Woohyun’s pale, outstretched hand.

“If that is your wish, Saint, I shall abide. If you command me to lay down my life, I will. If you ask for the Emperor’s head, I will bring it to you.”

His voice brimmed with resolve as he bowed deeply.

He nearly kissed the Saint’s hand in an oath of loyalty before stopping himself.

As he reached for the hem of his robe, a firm voice interrupted her.

“Ahem. That’s far enough.”

The voice, tinged with disapproval, startled them.

Turning quickly, they saw Eridian, standing in midair, his silver hair gleaming more vividly than usual and his muscular chest partially exposed.

“Eridian…”

Raullet’s voice was filled with awe, but Eridian merely smiled softly.

“I know how you feel about Woohyun. Since he’s decided not to dismiss you, your only task is to protect him well.”

“That’s right. And I’ve never asked for the Emperor’s head either,” Seo Woohyun chimed in, nodding quickly.

Eridian, amused, gazed at Seo Woohyun briefly before picking up the sword Raullet had placed on the floor and handing it back to him.

“This sword still remains?”

“This sword, you say…”

“It’s the one I wielded when I was human.”

“It’s nothing special,” Erdian replied casually, but Raullet froze, stiff as a board.

He had heard the blade was a symbolic relic passed down to Commanders of the Temple Knights, but never that it was the very sword Erdian himself had wielded.

“…Does this mean it’s a sacred relic?”

‘Ah, I guess I never mentioned that.’

Erdian smiled faintly, pressing the scabbard into Raullet’s hands.

His golden eyes glimmered as he stared directly at Raullet, his voice calm yet firm.

“Be a loyal Commander who faithfully follows Seo Woohyun’s will. If Seo Woohyun ever commands you to strike me down with this sword, you must do so.”

A divine Temple so ruthless it could demand harming even the vessel of the god one worships.

Listening silently, Seo Woohyun gasped and shook his head fervently.

“No, what are you even saying all of a sudden? Why would I ever command Raullet to harm you? Raullet, don’t listen to him!”

Unlike the flustered Seo Woohyun, Raullet bowed his head, still holding the sword raised to his forehead.

“I pledge to devote my life to serving Erdian’s will.”

“No… Raullet, I would never give such an Temple!”

“Hah, it’s just a hypothetical,” Erdian laughed, gently brushing Seo Woohyun’s cheek with a finger.

“Hypothetical or not, isn’t that an outright blasphemous example?”

“Oh, so you do recognize me as a god?”

“Of course. You pop out of nowhere all the time like you own the place!”

“Adorable, aren’t you.”

Since deciding to overtly pursue Seo Woohyun, Erdian’s gaze had become blatantly indulgent, enough for even Seo Woohyun—normally oblivious in such matters—to notice.

“Are you planning to keep treating me like a kid?”

“How can I help it when you’re so cute?”

“I’m a grown adult! What’s cute about me?”

“Do I really need to spell it out for you?”

While the god and saint bantered, Raullet tightened his grip on the sword, silently vowing to fulfill his divine mission.

He slid the blade back into its scabbard and adjusted it on his belt, his sharp senses detecting noisy footsteps approaching from afar.

“It seems the little one is returning. I’ll take them outside so the two of you can speak in peace.”

“Very well. Keep that noisy one occupied. I have a private matter to discuss with Seo Woohyun.”

“Understood.”

After bowing respectfully, Raullet carefully exited the sitting room.

As the approaching steps grew louder, he decided to visit High Priestess Sihero to discuss the newly revealed sacred relic.

“To avoid interrupting their conversation, I’ll find a way to coax the child to come along.”

His expression was calm, devoid of any trace of concern, as he thought up excuses likely to pique the child’s interest.

* * *