Recently, the Order of the Divine Temple set out on a mission to subdue the monsters that appeared on the outskirts of the continent. Leaving only the minimum number of personnel to guard the temple, it was a large-scale expedition that even the Grand Commander, Latvan, participated in.

The Order of the Divine Temple traveled across the continent, exalting the name of the gods. After successfully defeating the monsters for several months, while returning to the temple, a problem arose. The sudden emergence of a large-scale monster caused significant damage to the entire Order. Thankfully, with the valorous efforts of Commander Latvan, the monster was eventually defeated, but the Vice Commander sustained severe injuries.

The senior priests who were accompanying the Order rushed to treat him, but their efforts fell short. Carrying him on his back, Latvan, as if possessed, rushed to the temple and arrived at Evelina's chamber in a single stride.

"Please inform the Lady! Quickly!"

Startled by the sight of Latvan, who was covered in blood and running, the priests knocked on the Lady's door. However, Evelina did not appear.

"Why is there no response from her?"

There was no way she could have missed the cries for help coming from outside the door. However, Evelina did not show herself. Latvan grew increasingly agitated. Then, one of the priests emerged from the Lady's chamber. It was one of the attendants who served Evelina. She hurriedly approached Latvan and asked.

"Did anything happen between you and the Lady before you set out on the expedition?"

Upon hearing those words, Latvan's face contorted.

Before departing on the expedition, Evelina had demanded that he leave the temple. Unless there was a compelling reason, her justification for making such a request was that she could not send inferior knights as an escort when she herself had to leave the temple. Naturally, Latvan found it problematic.

At that moment, Evelina erupted in anger.

"How dare you! Are you suggesting that one who is bound by the duty to serve the Lady would not obey my command!"

Raging like a mad person, Evelina suddenly fell silent. Then, she smiled so gracefully that one could doubt she was the same person who had been angry just moments ago. However, those who knew Evelina took a step back at her laughter. They knew that when Evelina laughed like that, she was most dangerous.

"Very well, proceed with your expedition, Commander Latvan."

"Thank you, Lady."

The abrupt change in attitude from the Lady, who had just caused a commotion and vehemently opposed granting permission for the expedition, was disconcerting. Nevertheless, Latvan quickly expressed his gratitude and left the Lady's quarters. Observing Latvan's departure, Evelina spoke.

"Someday, you will regret this day to the point of death."

Upon hearing those words, the expressions of the attending priests, who had been listening nearby, grew dark. It was evident that Evelina would commit some unfavorable act against Commander Latvan today.

And now, everyone realized as they anxiously stood outside the Lady's chamber, hoping for her appearance. The Lady was exacting her revenge for that day's incident.

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"Could it be... that the Lady is exacting revenge for what happened that day?"

Latvan's expression was incredulous. A saint is one who serves God and uses their abilities for the benefit of humanity. Yet, here he was, refusing treatment for the deputy commander of the Temple Knights, who was on the brink of death after battling demons, simply because they had fought that day?

He did not like Evelina. Despite her outward glamour and beauty, she was ruthless, venomous, and cold to the point of negating her title as a saint. Nevertheless, as a member of the Temple Knights, he served her. No matter what kind of person she was, she was the chosen saint, the one to whom he must unquestionably submit. So he continued to bow his head,

But to risk a human life just because it resembled a child throwing a tantrum?

Seeing Latvan's contorted face, the priest quickly intervened.

"Please, please, you must not confront the saint now. You must merely apologize for your misbehavior. Otherwise, she will never come out!"

"...."

In the meantime, the deputy commander's breathing grew fainter. It was clear that he would not last much longer like this. Latvan gritted his teeth and asked the priest beside him.

"Please tell me what you desire."

"Pardon me?"

"To... the saint... Please ask her how I should apologize for my previous rudeness so that she will heal the deputy commander."

In response to his words, the priest hurriedly went into the saint's chamber. When she returned, she approached Latvan hesitantly.

"What did you say?"

"Well... that..."

Unable to open his mouth, Latvan anxiously asked the priest again.

"What must I do to gain her forgiveness?"

With closed eyes, the priest spoke.

"Kneel down on both knees and crawl under the bed, she said. She won't believe the sincerity of the deputy commander unless you do that..."

At those words, the people standing nearby gasped and held their breath. Crawling under the bed was already absurd, but asking someone to kneel down on both knees astonished them even more. Kneeling on both knees was an act reserved solely for God. Yet now, they were being asked to do it for the saint, and not just that, but to crawl under the bed.

It was an impossible task for Latvan, the deputy commander.

Even the deputy commander, who was barely conscious, raised his head at those words.

"No... It can't be... Only for God..."

Struggling to utter the words, the deputy commander spat out blood and breathed heavily, but Latvan did not hesitate any longer.

"Open the door, please."

Uttering those words to the priests, he knelt down on both knees. Then, he crawled like a dog towards the saint's bed, visible through the open door. Evelina was sitting on that bed, smiling at Latvan's appearance.

In addition to Evelina, there were handsome young men sitting beside her in disheveled attire and posture. Evelina's own attire was no different. Until just a moment ago, it was all too clear what they had been doing in this place.

Evelina spoke kindly to Latvan, who had crawled all the way to the foot of the bed.

"Indeed, you truly embody the leader of the Temple Knights. To kneel on both knees for the sake of a subordinate. It brings tears to my eyes."

"Please save the deputy commander."

"Yes, indeed. How could I dare ignore the care and affection with which the leader crawled towards me like a dog?"

In the midst of the tranquil surroundings, Evelina's laughter echoed, as if unable to contain her delight. Thankfully, on that day, the vice-commander was saved. However, even Evelina's formidable abilities could not provide a complete cure. He had merely preserved his life, but could no longer wield a sword, leading him to resign from the order of knights and return to his hometown.

Since that day, Latvan never visited Evelina again. And Evelina, in turn, did not call for him. The officials in the palace, who held the highest positions, expressed their concerns over the complete separation between the two individuals. Yet, no one could bridge the chasm that had formed between them.