In that brief span of time, a myriad of thoughts flooded into Pelyria’s mind.
In the end, her original plans had been completely thrown to the wind thanks to a few words spoken by a bystander!
After such a grave insult, she had lost the upper hand. But, more importantly, now she could even lose her life!
“I have to block it!” Pelyria thought to herself as she gathered a dense layer of mana in front of herself to create a makeshift magic barrier.
However, without halting its momentum, the golden leaf tore right through the magic barrier like a hot knife through butter.
Swoosh!
Then, just as the golden leaf was about to reach Pelyria’s throat, a voice sounded, “Wait.”
All of a sudden, the golden leaf came to a grinding halt. The tip of the leaf had made contact with Pelyria’s throat, causing a small trickle of blood to run down the middle of her neck from the spot it barely punctured.
If that voice had been even a tenth of a second late, the golden leaf would have pierced right through her neck!
As for the one who spoke, there was only one person in the main hall who was courageous enough to tell the Holy Maiden to wait in her current state. This person was, of course, Izroth.
But, Izroth did not speak up for Pelyria’s sake. Nor was it due to the kindness in his heart.
‘She still has some use. I can’t let her die here just yet. That being said… She did plan on actually killing her just now?’
Izroth glanced over at Seina, who had a calm and commanding appearance. He could not tell if the Holy Maiden knew that he was going to stop her at the last second or if she truly was going to kill Pelyria over her offense.
However, even though it was just speculation, Izroth believed that if he had not said anything just now, Seina would not have hesitated to get rid of Pelyria after she raised her hand against him.
‘Is this the privilege of being an Official Saint with max favor?’
While that thought casually crossed Izroth’s mind, Pelyria felt cold sweats run down her back as an expression of disbelief and shock was written on her face.
She did not understand why that young man chose to save her life just now after she had recklessly attacked him. Did he have something to gain by helping her? Or, could it be that they were just a kind person who did not want to witness bloodshed?
Regardless, Pelyria was grateful he decided to speak up on her behalf.
“What is it, Saint Izroth? Are you perhaps worried that the consequences may lead back to you if I were to kill her? Rest assured, no one from the Fifth Great Clan will dare lay a hand on you as long as I am alive. All you have to do is say the word. Her life is in your hands.” Seina reassured.
“I’m afraid that if you handle such a sensitive matter with a strong hand, others will think that you are attempting to forcibly cover up your disciple’s actions. This will only reaffirm their suspicions and cause your disciple’s reputation to fall. As her master, I’m sure you do not want such an unfavorable outcome for your disciple, right?” Izroth said unhurriedly.
Seina stayed quiet for a few moments. Then, without warning, the golden leaf fell from Pelyria’s throat as the strong scent of cherry blossoms faded.
“Consider yourself fortunate that Saint Izroth has such a forgiving and compassionate character. Otherwise, your head would no longer be attached to your body right now.” Seina said coldly.
Pelyria let out an inward sigh of relief. Then, without skipping a beat, she quickly cupped her fists together in a respectful manner.
“Little Saint, thank you for having mercy and sparing this one’s life. My eyes were clouded, and my actions guided by anger and my devotion to our Fifth Great Clan’s little princess. Forgive this one’s inappropriate outburst.” Pelyria said as she quickly tried to regain herself.
The more she spoke, the more Pelyria felt anger flowing through her. After the feeling of relief was over, it was swiftly replaced by one of outrage. Why did she have to grovel in front of some nobody human who was young enough to easily be her great great great grandchild? It was humiliating!
“I must endure..! For the sake of our little princess..! I will make sure to repay this humiliation one day…!” Pelyria thought to herself as she contained her anger.
Izroth could see right through Pelyria. Although her words seemed genuine and apologetic on the surface, given her abrasive personality, she was probably secretly cursing him.
“When guided by anger and devotion, it is indeed difficult to control one’s actions. That being said… Do not misunderstand. The Holy Maiden may have acted on my behalf, but even if she had not stepped in, my life would not have been yours to claim. Remember that.” Izroth stated with an indifferent and distant gaze.
Pelyria tightened her grip on her cupped fists as her nails dug into her skin, drawing a bit of blood.
“This is ridiculous! Even if he is an Official Saint of your Order, how can you let him behave so unruly?! Holy Maiden, your methods are too unyielding! Do you see my Eight Heavens and the Fifth Great Clan as a bunch of unknown nobodies?!” Louven finally spoke up.
This entire time, Seina had not once treated them with the slightest ounce of respect despite where they hailed from. They were not like Avia and Balugon, who held decent positions but were still disposable. The two of them were high-ranking members of their respective organizations!
If anything happened to them, the old monsters who backed them would not sit still.
Louven believed that Seina was bluffing and putting on an act to cover up the fact that she was ill.
“Right now, she is probably putting on this act to maintain a strong appearance. But I won’t be so easily fooled. She is overexerting herself. Once she reaches her limits, let’s see if she can remain so arrogant in front of us.” Louven thought to himself.
Louven then set his sights on Izroth. In his mind, this ridiculous situation all started with the words that he spoke.
“That young man… Why is it that they look so familiar? I am certain that we have never crossed paths, but…” Louven contemplated as he inwardly frowned.
That’s when it suddenly dawned on Louven. Izroth—he had heard that name somewhere before!
“She called him Izroth… Wait, can it be that Izroth? The one whose name has been circulating throughout the Eight Heavens?!” A sudden realization came over Louven as he remembered why Izroth seemed so familiar.
Back when their disciples returned from the selection on the Sky Palace, a huge uproar was made in the sect because none of them returned with the captain’s seat. But, even more alarming, one of their disciples had actually fallen during the selection!
This news shook the entire Eight Heavens and sent out ripples throughout the organization. And, this was all due to one person.
A young man who claimed the captain’s seat for himself during the second team’s selection and defeated one of their most treasured disciples. That young man’s name was Izroth!
“It could just be a coincidence, but my gut is telling me they’re the same person. If so, he has trampled on the pride and face of our Eight Heavens. His life is no longer his to keep.” Louven thought to himself.
Out of nowhere, Izroth felt a wave of killing intent directed at him that came from Louven.
‘Oh? What’s this? Could it be that he somehow recognized me?’
Initially, Louven looked at him with some displeasure and annoyance. However, that abruptly changed to killing intent after Seina mentioned his name.
Of course, even if he wanted to kill Izroth, he was not so brazen and foolish enough to attempt to do so while Seina was present.
“What a presumptuous statement. You make it sound as if your existence represents the entirety of the Eight Heavens. While I certainly have no qualms with your Eight Heavens, my Order of a Thousand Blossoms will not allow anyone to suppress us. Nor will I permit outsiders to interfere and speak out of turn about how we discipline the members of our Order.” Seina stated.
She then continued, “Also, if you interrupt Saint Izroth again while he tries to speak—I will see to it that you are unable to open your mouth again.”
“!?” Louven wanted to protest; however, after seeing the look in Seina’s eyes that said she was serious, he decided to remain silent and put up with the humiliation—that is, for now.
Seina looked over at Izroth with a meaningful look.
“Since we have come to an understanding, I will ask again—do my words count?” Izroth inquired with a carefree smile.
Pelyria silently grit her teeth and spoke through them as she responded, “…Yes..! It is only right that we listen to all sides involved…!”
