Saint and Dragon Chapter 24 (Patreon)

His Highness and Her Highness the Princess

Three days after His Highness Alberto was placed under house arrest, Mari returned to Misery and, unprepared for her trip, went to the Prime Minister's office to report on Cyrus.

When she visited his office, she found herself in the middle of a battlefield. A large number of military and civilian officials are discussing the situation. When the Prime Minister saw Mari, he left his seat and walked over.

"My Lady, I apologize. As you can see, the situation is very hectic, and I can't take my time with you."

"No, that's fine. Let's make this quick since we're talking about business."

"I would appreciate it if you would."

Mari put her mouth close to the Prime Minister's ear and spoke only her conclusion. She informed him that Gargantis had appeared as expected, and that the possibility of a similarly violent dragon had increased.

"Bad things come together at bad times."

"But we are lucky, if you think about it. Not necessarily tomorrow. Let's just think of it as buying us some time until that day."

That's very positive.

"Besides, we can solve the dragon problem with a small party. If you leave it to me, I will take care of everything.

"You mention the dragon as if it's not a big deal. After all, you are a saint. I'll leave the dragon thing to you."

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

"Thank you for your help this time. Please take a good rest."

With these words, the Prime Minister returned to the meeting circle.

The Prime Minister returned to the meeting circle.

When he returned to his room, Sarah ran up to him and hugged him. Mari also hugged her.

We had dinner together, and I told her about Cyrus. I told her honestly about the hangover, but it would be better not to talk about Gargantis.

It was a strange experience, though---Mari couldn't help but grin.

"Sister, did something good happen to you?"

"I just remembered we met a funny couple in Cyrus. It's no big deal, so forget it."

"Okay. I'm surprised you didn't know about the sobering spell."

"Really?"

"All the priests of Misery can use it. Apprentice priests go from house to house during the feast season and heal people with a single copper coin. I used to do it when I was a little girl."

"Oh yes, I wish I could have seen Sarah back then. Oh yes, you must teach me some sobering magic on your next day off."

"Yes!"

Seeing Sarah's happy face makes Mari happy too.

"But, sister. Even if you learn sobering up magic, you can't have a hangover."

◇＊◇＊◇

The next day, Mari was summoned by the Prime Minister. When she entered the office, Chris and Glenn were already there. And there was another young man with blond hair whom Mari did not know.

"The saint is here. Shall we begin?"

The Prime Minister looks around at those present.

"Since this is our first meeting, let me introduce you to the Holy Woman. This is His Highness Prince Alberto, the second prince of the Kingdom of Runesia."

Despite the vizier's introduction, His Highness turns away with a pouty face. Glenn looked at Mari, who was fluttering her eyes, not understanding the situation, and explained.

"His Highness has taken Kyriel to jail and tried to recapture the female vampire. Now he is not a guest of honor, but is here as a suspect in the skeleton attack."

I was told that Sophie and Glenn captured the female vampire who tried to assassinate him. His Highness attempted to let it go---along with Kyriel?

"So it was the Kingdom of Runesia that was behind the skeletons?"

"We are certain that His Highness is involved, but we have no proof that the whole kingdom is involved."

Hearing this, His Highness Alberto laughs coldly.

"Are you going to torture me to get proof?"

"I will do no such thing."

"Then what are you going to do? I'm not going to say anything."

"Will you help us?"

"I have no intention of doing so!"

The Prime Minister huffed as he looked at His Highness, who said strongly.

"We have no choice. There is no point in detaining His Highness any longer. It will only cause diplomatic problems. I will release you after this, and you are free to go."

"You are very understanding, aren't you?"

"But, Your Highness, are you sure you want to continue as you are? The Divine Kingdom would like to help you, and the saints are here too."

His Highness stared at Mari for a moment.

"I would like to speak to Her Holiness."

"At your service."

"Is it possible to restore an undead person?"

"I'm sorry to say that it is highly unlikely."

"I am sorry to say that it is unlikely, but you saved my life when my men were about to be contaminated by the darkness. It's not at all impossible."

Glenn asked, remembering Lily.

"At that time, even the dark contamination was in its early stages, so we were able to treat it. The dark powers repel each other with sacred magic, and if used forcefully, it can lead to death in the worst case. You know that heal disintegrates the undead."

"Is it true that it can be cured in the early stages?"

His Highness looked at Mari with sullen eyes.

"I can't say for sure without examining the symptoms, but I can tell you that it is more likely to be cured."

"Holy woman, I have a favor to ask you! I only need to examine her to see if it can be cured. I just need to see if it can be cured."

"That's fine, but you can't go to the palace of the kingdom."

"No, my sister is in this castle."

Everyone is surprised by His Highness' statement.

"Your Highness, could it be that the female vampire we are holding is...?"

Chris asked, his voice trembling, and His Highness nodded broadly.

"This is my sister Felicia."

◇＊◇＊◇

Everyone in the room headed for the dungeon.

Inside the dungeon was that female vampire, who, upon seeing Glenn, emitted an ominous aura. However, when His Highness Alberto rushed to her, the black aura suddenly decreased. The change was so dramatic that Mari was surprised to see it.

(I didn't know that family affection could suppress the power of darkness to such an extent.)

Mari was convinced that a cure was possible.

"Your Highness, we may be able to cure him."

"Really!"

"But there is a risk that your body will not be able to withstand it, and you will die. Do you still want to treat him?"

His Highness looked at his sister Felicia, who was now a vampire. She looked at her brother and shook her head in agreement.

"Please, Your Holiness!"

Mari began chanting a spell, and a vortex of light particles enveloped Felicia. Then she began to scream violently.

"The attributes are about to change to the opposite. The strain on your body is considerable, this is how it is supposed to be. Please be patient."

Chris soothes His Highness.

When the spell ends and the swirl of light fades away, there lies a beautiful golden-haired girl.

"The cure was successful. You are now at ease."

Felicia is unconscious, but her breathing is already calm.

His Highness came to Mari's side and knelt down.

"I, Alberto, and my sister Felicia, pledge our lifelong loyalty to you."

Then he gently kissed Mari's hand.