Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 280 - 267: Peter’s Castle

Despite the horrifying sight, Aurianna calmly sank to the ground, allowing the spikes and chains to lash and constrict her.

"You’re ridiculously calm for someone getting stabbed like that," Avriel said, raising an eyebrow.

Aurianna’s voice was steady, though strained. "I’m... getting used to it. Even though it hurts like hell, it’ll stop right about..." She winced as the black chains suddenly recoiled, only to be devoured by another set of even darker, thicker chains that materialized and dissolved them entirely. "...now," she finished, slumping slightly.

Jade rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Oh, interesting. These must be the chains Hadina mentioned before."

"What chains?!" Elena cried, her voice cracking in frustration. "Why is no one explaining anything?!"

As the last of the chains disappeared, Zagan crouched down and gently nudged Aurianna, who was now lying motionless on the ground. "Uh, I think Master fainted."

"What? How?" Jugi rushed over, panic evident in his voice. He knelt by Aurianna, confirming that she was unconscious. Noticing the state of her torn clothes, he quickly removed his cloak and draped it over her before scooping her up in his arms.

"I mean, it makes sense," Ruigo said grimly, his brow furrowed in thought. "A magic attack on the soul would be enough to kill anyone. The chains don’t just appear when she evolves anymore—they now react every time she uses her powers. This is spiraling out of control."

"Well, it’s been interesting standing here, but this old man’s legs are getting tired," Grat said with a kind smile. "I’d advise everyone to come with me. We’ll rest before heading to the World Summit."

"Huh? Is he threatening us?" Avriel asked, her voice laced with irritation as she instinctively prepared to fight.

Before she could act, Jade’s hand landed firmly on her shoulder. "Avriel, let’s comply."

"But why, Jade?" Avriel asked, looking at him surprised.

Jade’s gaze flicked to the surrounding shadows before leaning closer to her. "Some people are watching. The best course of action is to leave this place entirely."

Grat gave a small nod of approval. "Good thinking, boy."

Saem stepped forward, his expression calm yet detached. "You all go ahead. When Aurianna wakes up, tell her we’ll meet again someday." He gave a casual wave before stepping back.

"Will do," Grat replied with a polite nod.

Grat tapped his staff against the ground, and a large magic circle spread out beneath them. Light surged from the circle, and in an instant, the group was teleported away.

_____

In a luxurious room bathed in golden light, Aurianna laid peacefully in a grand bed, her breathing steady as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Batholem approached her silently, his steps careful, carrying a glass bottle filled with a shimmering liquid. Gently, he poured a small amount onto a soft cloth, the faint scent of herbs wafting through the air. He then pressed the cloth to Aurianna’s forehead, wiping away the faint sheen of sweat. Her tense features relaxed almost immediately, her grimace changing to a calm expression. Satisfied, Batholem took a seat in the ornate chair beside her bed.

"Is there anything you’d like us to do, Prince Batholem?" an elvish maid asked, her voice gentle yet formal. Behind her, ten other maids stood in perfect formation, awaiting his orders.

"There’s no need. You may leave now," Batholem replied, his tone polite but firm.

The head maid gave a graceful bow. "Please do rest as well, Prince Batholem. We shall be off." With synchronized steps, the maids exited.

Batholem leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Aurianna’s tranquil expression. "She actually looks a lot less crazy when she’s sleeping peacefully like this," he murmured to himself, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.

"I’d say you look weirder staring at me like that," Aurianna said, her eyes fluttering open as she turned her head toward him.

"Aurianna, you’re awake!" Batholem exclaimed, his face lighting up with relief.

"As you can see," she replied.

"I... I need to ask you something," Batholem said, his tone suddenly serious, though hesitation lingered in his voice.

"Go on," Aurianna prompted, raising an eyebrow.

"When you found out you’d become a Saintess, why did you seem so... angry?" he asked, leaning forward. "I want you to tell me everything, Aurianna. No more lies or secrets." His gray eyes locked onto her white eyes.

Aurianna tilted her head, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "When have I ever lied to you?"

"Well... you never told me you were going to kill those people. But, to be fair, they deserved it," he admitted, glancing away briefly.

"I told you I was going to destroy the Flonkong Organization and save the slaves. And didn’t I do just that?" she countered, her smirk widening slightly.

"You did," Batholem admitted with a nod.

"So, did I lie?" Aurianna asked, her tone teasing.

"I misunderstood. I’m sorry," he said sincerely, his voice softening.

"No probs," Aurianna replied with a casual shrug, her smirk fading into a more neutral expression.

Batholem hesitated for a moment before asking, "But... can you tell me why you wanted Paige’s mark removed?"

Aurianna’s face darkened, her expression momentarily unreadable. "I’ll tell you one day... just not now."

Batholem studied her, and nodded. "Hmm... alright."

Aurianna shifted slightly, her brows furrowing. "I can’t move much," she said bluntly, her frustration evident.

"Yeah... that Ruigo lady said you’d need to rest for a while," Batholem explained, scratching the back of his head.

Aurianna let out an irritated sigh. "Figures. Those chains do destroy my body for a while."

Batholem chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Well, if it makes you feel better, at least you’re not alone."

"Lucky me," she muttered, though her eyes softened as they met his. "You’re still here, after everything."

’I honestly though he’d be afraid of me,’ Aurianna thought.

"Where else would I be?" Batholem replied with a small, reassuring smile. "You’re my friend, Aurianna. Crazy or not."

"Hmm, okay," Aurianna mumbled. Then her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized her surroundings. A subtle floral scent wafted around her, and she noticed that her clothes had been changed. Her gaze snapped to Batholem, a sharp glare settling on him.

"Who bathed and changed me?" she demanded.

Batholem raised his hands defensively. "Why are you looking at me like that? It wasn’t me. It was Queen. You know, your summon?"

Aurianna sighed in visible relief, her shoulders relaxing. "Phew. Alright."

The moment passed, but her stomach growled loudly, breaking the silence. Aurianna let out an embarrassed groan. "I’m hungry," she blurted out, crossing her crystal arms.

Batholem smirked. "Hmm. What would you like? I don’t mind feeding you myself."

"Ugh." Aurianna pulled a face, glaring at him.

"There’s no need to frown like that," Batholem teased, his grin widening.

"I want something delicious," she huffed. "What do you recommend? And where even are we, anyway?"

"Peter’s family castle in Nervon City." Bathem said.

"Nervon City?" Aurianna repeated. "Is his country actually full of elves?"

"Sort of," Batholem replied. "It’s a mixed-race region, but elves are the majority here."

Aurianna groaned, clenching her fists. "Damn it! I just had to be unwell at a time like this!"

Batholem tilted his head curiously. "Why? You wanna meet the elves or something?"

"No," she replied firmly. "I just wanted to see what the place looks like. But at the moment, I’d be satisfied with some good food."

"Alright, then. I’ll ask Peter. Be back in a bit." Batholem stood up, giving her a brief nod before leaving the room.

"Hmm. Fine," Aurianna muttered as she waited, tapping her crystal fingers against the bed impatiently.

After a short while, Batholem returned, this time accompanied by Peter, who rushed to her bedside with an enormous grin.

"Aurianna, you’re awake!" Peter exclaimed, his voice bursting with excitement. "I brought you all of this!" He waved his hand, and a group of elf maids entered, balancing trays of food. They quickly set up a table beside Aurianna’s bed, the fragrant aroma of various dishes filling the air.

"What do you take me for, a glutton?" Aurianna asked, raising an eyebrow as she eyed the feast.

"Says the one clearly drooling," Batholem said, barely suppressing a chuckle.

"My mouth just aches!" Aurianna retorted, hastily using her sleeve to wipe her lips before licking them, her eyes locked on the food.

Peter laughed and gestured toward the table. "Go on, Aurianna. Eat! We made sure it’s all delicious."

As Aurianna examined the spread of food, her gaze settled on the various meat dishes. She raised an eyebrow at Peter, her tone incredulous. "Wow, so you guys actually eat meat."

Peter blinked at her, his expression unamused. "Did you think I was lying?"

"Yes!" Aurianna nodded with zero hesitation, earning a stifled laugh from Batholem.

Peter sighed, stepping closer to her. "You shouldn’t assume things, Aurianna." Without warning, he reached out and tugged on her cheeks.

"Ow, ow, that hurts!" Aurianna cried, swatting at his hands.

Batholem leaned back in his chair, watching with amusement. ’She really does remind me of a cat when she’s pouting,’ he thought, barely suppressing a grin.