After my rebirth, Miss Saint turned evil

So, from some point on, Buckingham, who had been in charge of the Castina family's foreign affairs, became the family's agent.

To be honest, this is not a good job. Celebrities who have lost their place of support are basically dispensable.

Therefore, if there is anything else Buckingham can do, it is to sell the rights to retake Crossmaria and to ensure the life and status of the clan members in the royal capital of Leiden as much as possible.

In order to please the nobles, he attended various social occasions every day, where he played the role of his once confident self.

Buckingham loved wine, women, and even more so pranks, and he always played the role of such an indulgent person, so as to arouse the interest and make the aristocrats who were eager for excitement laugh.

In a sense, this is Buckingham's way of life.

However, in this repetitive process, Buckingham's former love of wine, women, and pranks all made him depressed, and even he himself couldn't help but grit his teeth and laugh at himself, saying that he really had become a boring person.

However, no matter how annoying it was, he still had to continue playing the role of this pleasant existence.

It was this contradiction that bred pain in Buckingham's mind.

——Contradictions always brew in our hearts, and after being resolved, they brew again. Isn’t this what is called human nature, Ames?

Buckingham still remembered that he had proudly said such words to his niece Aimees, but as he said it, he became like this now, which was really ridiculous.

Another source of trouble for Buckingham was the matter of his little niece, Aimee Castina.

Of course, she actually performs very well here. Her words and deeds are impeccable. Occasionally, when she appears in social occasions, she can communicate tactfully and considerately, and she has good eloquence.

After losing her left eye, her temperament did not become more humble, but instead became more vigorous.

Buckingham firmly believed that she would grow up well if she continued like this. Although he had some preference for his relatives, it should not be wrong.

Because of this, Buckingham felt even more worried - because of Ames's recent behavior, he inexplicably felt a sense of danger.

Sometimes, she shows a rough side to life in the arena, and other times, she acts like a risk-taker.

Of course, this doesn't mean that she will be in danger because of this. On the contrary, it is more disappointing. The shining gold can always return safely, as if nothing had happened.

But even so, Buckingham could not turn a blind eye to it.

Because he had never seen Ames like this before in Crossmaria.

At that time, she was both a believer and an embodiment of justice and kindness. She did not feel troubled or confused by this, but simply carried out her justice to the end.

It was no exaggeration to say that it was Aimee Castina, and although Buckingham used to say that it was completely devoid of humanity, he couldn't help but miss that time now.

Buckingham believes that Aimee is on a path of self-destruction, and her dangerous behavior has become particularly serious recently.

That is not impossible. After all, Ames is still too young now. It would not be an exaggeration to even call her a child.

Therefore, when someone loses his father, his support, or even an eye, it is not surprising that there is a dark feeling deep in his heart and internal organs, even if no problems can be seen at ordinary times.

That won't do. Although she hasn't undergone the ceremony yet because she's not yet an adult, Ames is a hero appointed by the Grand Cathedral.

If there are no mistakes in her growth process and the times can give her a good push, she will definitely be able to soar into the sky.

At least, that's what Buckingham believed.

——Boom, boom.

There was a polite and low knock on the door of the room.

"Please come in."

Buckingham immediately asked the visitor to come in, but his voice was a little hoarse, perhaps because he had used his throat too much last night.

"I'm coming in, uncle."

Accompanied by such a voice, the golden-haired Ames Castina appeared from the door and sat down nonchalantly on a chair inside.

Her hair, which had always been beautifully styled in Crossmaria, was now a little disheveled, but it didn't give the impression of being messy, probably because of her manners.

Buckingham spoke, carefully considering his words.

"Ames, I have good news for you from the Cathedral."

Ames narrowed her right eye slightly, chewing on Buckingham's words. After a few moments, as if she was considering something, she opened her lips.

"It doesn't matter. Is it to hunt the head of the monster beast, or to serve as someone's guard?"

Ames lowered her chin and nodded slightly, as if to say that everything was fine.

That can be seen as arrogance, calmness, or even self-abandonment. It always feels like a very ambiguous answer.

Buckingham raised his hooked nose high, moistened his lips as if to gauge Aimees's attitude, and then shook his head.

"Although I'm a guard, there's no danger. Of course, you're the next hero of the Cathedral. How could I possibly let you be in danger?"

Buckingham spoke smoothly, showing his white teeth in a smile that was completely different from the one he wore in social situations.

Then, he spoke again, interrupting Ames who was about to say something.

"You're going on the Journey of the Holy Maiden, as a pilgrim escort, Aimee. One of my old friends is a Templar Knight known as the Knight of Honor. Formally, you're his companion."

As he spoke, Buckingham's mind flashed with the image of a knight brandishing a red spear and showing a ferocious smile.

There is absolutely no danger around him, and the so-called pilgrimage is equivalent to being protected by God, and there is no danger of death there.

In the anecdotes of pilgrimages that have been passed down in the past, it is customary that all companions, including the saint, are miraculously saved.

"Anyway, it's just to accompany the ceremony. I'm not particularly interested, but if that's the duty entrusted by the Cathedral, then I'm fine."

Buckingham couldn't help feeling guilty when he saw Ames saying this almost without interruption.

In the past, Ames was definitely not the type to say "not interested," especially when it came to accompanying a pilgrimage. Anyone would want to do it, but it was a job that only the chosen could do.

Moreover, the anecdotes of the saint can also be said to be part of the myth.

Buckingham was speechless for a moment. In order to hide his hesitation, he deliberately put on an exaggerated look, nodded vigorously, clapped his hands, and then dipped his lips in the water and took a sip.

Buckingham also contributed to the fact that Aimees was chosen as a companion on this pilgrimage, but the most important thing was that the Cathedral made this request.

Buckingham could easily guess the reason.

The Cathedral is now somewhat anxious because they are lagging behind the Church of Heraldry in the battle that is about to enter the Dead Snow.

Although the cathedral will not be destroyed just like that, even so, the priests will still be very panicked, after all, they may be held responsible.

In addition, the public mood has been somewhat shaken.

——So, those guys wanted a story, a satisfying, climax-filled story, something that could divert people's attention from the responsibility for the defeat.

So they came up with this story.

A young hero, whose home was taken away by the Cult of Heraldry, strengthened his will under the protection of the Grand Cathedral. Then, after a pilgrimage by the Saint and receiving divine revelation, he became a Templar Knight who vowed to destroy the Cult of Heraldry.

It is a beautiful story, one could even call it a masterpiece. After all, even with such a cheap drama, the citizens can feel their blood boiling from the bottom of their hearts.

But, no matter what the idea behind it is, it is definitely a good opportunity.

The so-called Templar Knights are different from the knights under the king. Because they are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Templar, they have a kind of inviolability.

At certain times, they possessed power exceeding even that of many nobles, with the Grand Cathedral serving as their clear backer.

Was it because Aimees was becoming self-destructive, or was there something else going on? Buckingham didn't know.

Despite this, it is absolutely meaningful to give Ames another title of Templar Knight.

In any case, before undergoing the ceremony to become a true hero, Ames was just a child with no real name.

Even if that identity could bring some convenience, it would definitely not be that much, and it was still a long time before she could undergo the ceremony of adulthood.

If she could have the identity of a Templar Knight during this transitional period, the future of the Castina family would be much easier.

In fact, if the Saint had gone through this pilgrimage, the Cathedral might have changed its stupid dogma and given Ames a name in advance.

Therefore, there is no beating around the bush on this matter, and the good news that came this time also proves this point. Even if it is said to be the guidance of God, it is definitely correct.

"Then get ready, my friend—his name is Garlas. He's a very kind man. This should be a very good trip."

Buckingham said this while looking at the slightly narrowed golden right eye and shaking his hooked nose.

Aimees has always had an incredible charm.

Could it be said to be mesmerizing? In short, no matter who it was, once her eyes pierced through them, their innermost being would be illuminated.

Regardless, it's incredibly fascinating stuff.

Before he knew it, Buckingham felt that his headache didn't hurt as much.

Chapter 3 Thoughts Spoken by Steel

The Heraldry Church prepared disproportionate tents for Belphein's mercenaries on the battlefield. Considering their current number, the size of the tents was really too large.

Was it because they expected more people to flock to the city, or was it because of some kind of concern? Considering that the organizer was Lalge An, it was probably the latter.

Besides, since it provides ample space, no one will be dissatisfied.

Rather, it is precisely because of this that this is a suitable place to drink, and no matter how noisy it is, it will not affect other tents.

Anyway, you can enjoy your wine to your heart's content only in a spacious place.

Murphy poured the cold beer down his throat in one gulp. Perhaps because of the temperature, a comfortable touch spread throughout his internal organs after a moment.

Although dead snow is not a good thing, being able to drink ice-cold beer to your heart's content is a good thing. After all, people who can drink cold drinks in normal times are generally magicians or nobles.

"Master Murphy, are you usually like this?"

Just as two of the mercenaries began to duel with swords as a form of entertainment, Vistalinu tilted her head in surprise and spoke.

Murphy took a sip of Belphein's special beer he got from the mercenary, feeling the spicy sensation that made his lips slightly numb, and shook his head and said.

"Not really. But anyway, it seems that quite a few people are very angry about my actions in Philos this time, so I'm just waiting for time to calm them down."

In fact, before, Murphy felt okay. After all, he was busy dealing with the aftermath of Philos and had to deal with the monsters brought by Rosso. Everyone was very busy and didn't have much time to chat.

However, now that it was nearing the end, the situation was becoming a little more dangerous.

Should I say it's the good atmosphere, or the good view? In short, Murphy feels that these things that can make people's backs shiver have been increasing recently.

The reason for this was, of course, that of Filia, Frodo, Eldis, Mattia, and An. Everyone's eyes seemed to be telling him that if it weren't for the emergency, they would have to nag him for a few words.

The biggest problem is probably Filia. She is someone who you never know what she might do, and this time is especially true.

Anyway, when Murphy was heading to Philos, he refused Filia's request to accompany him, saying that it was not a big deal.

As a result, Murphy suffered burns all over his body at the hands of Philos, and as a price, Filia might have cut off one of his arms in a fit of rage.

At least Murphy was sure that if it were her past self, she would definitely do the same.

Sure enough, the cold wind brought by the dead snow is needed to cool down the heat a little.

Thinking of this, Murphy sighed, and her throat, numbed by alcohol, felt a little painful.

What a nostalgic and reassuring scene. Murphy couldn't help but think so as he watched the duel between the mercenaries in front of him, and the other mercenaries noisily gambling around him.

As he handed Vistalinu a glass of ale, he asked, "How is Bruda now?"

Vistalinu took the cup with a slightly confused expression for a moment, but even so, she drank it all in one gulp.

She has a really good alcohol tolerance, worthy of being Bruda's sister, or should I say worthy of being the leader of the Belphein Mercenary Group?

"It's not a good outcome, but according to Lord An, going to heaven has been avoided, but it will still leave some scars."

"Really?" Murphy nodded and poured the beer in his glass directly into his throat.

Although his throat was hot, he felt a sense of relief deep down in his heart. So, it's okay.

Humans who are touched by demons, their natural enemies and predators, often end up dead.

Therefore, Bruda was lucky to escape the disaster.

But will it still leave scars...?

Although Bruda chose to go to the battlefield on his own, he must have been prepared and felt that something of this magnitude was natural.

But maybe I should beat that guy Rosso up again at that time... Just as Murphy was thinking this, cheers suddenly rang out around him.

It seemed that the duel was over. A mercenary knelt on the ground with blood on his arm. In a gambling duel like this, the winner would be decided as long as one side bleeds.

Just then, Vistalinu, who was sitting next to Murphy, said with his eyes narrowed.

"I want to thank you first about my sister. Next, I have something to discuss with you."

Hearing this voice, Murphy couldn't help but look sideways at Vistalinu's face who said this.

The expression was serious and seemed sincere, but because she was a serious person, she probably didn't even have the thought of joking.

So, Murphy dipped his lips in the freshly poured wine and urged Vistalinu to continue.

In fact, he had already anticipated something, so he didn't interrupt intentionally.