Special Side Story (1)
Busy.
My life was busy every day.
Especially after Alois and I completed the companionship ceremony which held the title of marriage.
“The word is that the number of war orphans in Molrun has exceeded ten thousand.”
“And they want Your Holiness to perform a blessing ceremony for regarding the disaster in Paldeten.”
Most of the troublesome issue had been resolved, so I thought maybe I could spend my days blissfully living a carefree life.
But now, I was realizing just how much of a dream that idea really was.
“And for the upcoming pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Rougre would be—”
“Actually, we believe it would be best to visit the Principality of Calvin first.”
Right. I had forgotten one important fact.
That I am the Saintess, and my husband is the king.
I stared at the high priests in front of me, listing off agenda after agenda, as I thought of the face of my companion who hadn’t had a moment to rest since his coronation.
“For now, we plan to begin the pilgrimage in the Eastern Continent and work our way down toward the Southern Continent.”
Pilgrimage… how could I forget such a bothersome duty? Still, I kept any hint of reluctance well hidden in my eyes as I listened and listened again.
‘I guess it must be done.’
It was a hassle, but what can you do?
But once I left, how long would it take me to return?
Alois would probably be upset but act like he wasn’t…
I tapped my finger rhythmically on the table.
Then one particular comment caught my ear.
“Once this pilgrimage is over, Your Holiness should have some free time.”
My eyes widened slowly.
“Free time?”
“Huh? Ah, yes. After the pilgrimage, we do not schedule anything for about two weeks to a month. If there are any plans you’d like to arrange in that time, please let us know in advance.”
I had been so busy that I could hardly even see the face of the man who had become my companion so this was wonderful news.
***
The moment I heard the news, I went to look for Alois.
Or at least, I tried to.
But as soon as I opened the conference room door, I ran into the knights and had to stop in my tracks.
They looked like they were waiting for me.
“Lady Saintess, something happened with the barbarian subjugation, so His Royal Highness personally departed for the North. He said he would return soon and left this…”
Apparently, he had come to see me before leaving, but since I was in a meeting, he turned back.
I took the letter from the knight, read it, then returned to my room.
[I’ll be back within four days, I promise.]
“But in four days, I’ll already be leaving for the pilgrimage…”
I flopped down onto the bed.
Currently, the Kingdom of Eseah was focusing all efforts on expanding its territory.
With Alois’s nature, he wouldn’t back down, so he would likely achieve his desired result within a few years.
‘Like becoming emperor.’
I moistening my dry lips and muttered.
“That’s why he’s busy.”
I wasn’t exactly free either.
All the worries I once had were gone, only to be replaced with new ones. The question now was, ‘When will we ever get to just be together in peace?’
“If we keep going like this, it’ll be in some distant future not when we’re both old.”
That thought made a chill run down my spine because it sounded really possible.
Hmm…this couldn’t go on.
***
While Alois was on his way back from the barbarian subjugation, I set out on the pilgrimage.
The work was ordinary.
Just typical Saintess duties.
Still, I was glad to be helping people, so even though the schedule was demanding, it didn’t feel unbearable.
In the first place…
“Welcome, Your Holiness.”
Wherever I went, the kings of each land would prepare the roads ahead of time, so travel was never inconvenient.
Thanks to that, the long pilgrimage passed by quicker than I expected.
Well, except for those few men along the way who tried to flirt with a married Saintess.
“What kind of mindset makes someone flirt with a priest who already has a partner?”
Probably the ‘might as well try, just in case’ mindset.
I could only hope they would remember that there’s been Saints with companions before but none of them have ever had concubines.
And so, each night, I wrote letters.
To Alois.
We had missed each other’s paths and parted without meeting right before the pilgrimage began.
“Even though we were busy, we still shared a bed, so I saw him every day.”
But now…how many days had it been since I last saw his face?
Sprawled across the bed, I looked over the letters Alois had sent me so far.
At first, he had written quite simply, but the letters gradually became more detailed and descriptive.
By now, he even listed his meals, so I could tell exactly what he had eaten that day.
“Should I write mine like that too?”
It was quite interesting being able to know the details of his daily life even though he was absent.
As long as we were exchanging letters like this, I didn’t think I’d feel too lonely without him.
At least, I thought that until—
“…Haa.”
“Is something wrong, Lady Saintess?”
“No, not at all. Just…Let’s stop by Lumine Village on the way. There are many slums there so it will be worth a stop.”
Won’t feel too lonely?
Emilone, you better start thinking before you say stuff like that, ok?
“As expected of the Saintess! Even though it must be difficult, you still look after us people. It is truly an honor!”
Not lonely, my foot.
Alois’s letters, which detailed his every movement, only stirred up my imagination and made me miss him more.
I took it for granted that I saw his face every day and I never knew that not seeing his face would be so painful.
There was still one month left of the pilgrimage.
“Since we’re already here, after Lumine Village, let’s head straight to the Shisedo Kingdom. I heard the country has been unstable lately so we might be able to help.”
“Yes, Your Holiness!”
“We shall follow!”
For now, I had to push down the longing and desire for my companion who had completely filled my mind.
***
At last, it was the last day of the pilgrimage.
We were on our way back to where it all begun. The Kingdom of Eseah.
Lying in my room on the returning ship, I began to unfold all the letters I had collected, one by one.
“Finally…”
I don’t think I’ve ever longed for something this much.
Even after I was thrown into this world, I’d managed to live calmly…but this desire bubbling within me was a first.
“Haa…”
Once awakened, this thirst was not something that could be easily quenched. Even when I tried to ignore it, it clung to me like a hangnail, tugging at my skin.
I felt like a parched plant in a drought.
I knew exactly what I wanted, but the one who could fulfill my desire wasn’t here so I felt helpless.
“Ahhhhh…”
The sun-dried sheets crumpled harshly in my hands. There was still half a day left until the ship docked.
I felt joy at finally being able to see him soon, mixed with impatience at the long wait ahead.
How much time passed like that?
The loud sound of docking shook the air.
Blinking at the trumpet call, I rose to my feet.
After the attendants dressed me and escorted me outside, those who were going to disembark with me had already lined up in formation, waiting.
“Would you like to head straight to the palace, or head to the temple?”
“…The temple first.”
I answered calmly as I descended the ship.
I blessed the people who had gathered in anticipation of my return and exchanged greetings with the royal knights who had come to escort me.
“…?”
But every knight I saw was an unfamiliar face.
If Alois had sent them, I should have recognized at least one but I didn’t know a single face.
Just as I was about to step into the carriage, I paused and turned to the knight at the front, who looked especially tense.
“Which knight order are you from?”
“The First Order, Your Holiness.”
Hmm…?
Did Alois switch the knight orders without telling me?
Was there some reorganization I didn’t know about?
Pushing aside my doubt, I glanced at the heavily armored men.
“I see. I’ll be in your care then.”
I held out my hand and a tall knight stepped forward from behind.
He took my hand, lifted his helmet slightly, and pressed a kiss to the back of my hand.
Following that, a deep yet endless pleasing voice rang out in a very slow, polite and measured tone.
“It is an honor.”
Grab.
Without thinking, I clutched the warmthless fabric which brushed against my fingertips.
The gloves were soft and white; completely unsuitable for an armored knight.
A breath of silence passed.
From beneath the slightly lifted helmet, I could see flawless skin, a tall and well-shaped nose, red lips that curved in a beautiful line, and a sharp jawline.
Clench.
I tightened my grip, holding even harder.
I narrowed my eyes and slowly leaned toward the man standing below the carriage.
“…?”
“Lady Saintess?”
The paladins and priests who had accompanied me called out in confusion and the royal knights, allegedly sent by Alois, stepped back but did not let down their guard, their eyes still fixed on me.
Many of the common people were still standing around.
The cheers and chatter fell silent as they turned their attention toward us, whispering curiously.
“I wonder…if I’m dreaming right now.”
I spoke quietly, almost to myself.
A quiet laugh erupted from the knight who had taken my hand, echoing through the air.
He took my hand and with his other hand, slowly began to remove his helmet.
The heavy, cumbersome, and incompatible-looking helmet finally came off, revealing the one I had been longing for.
“There’s no way it’s a dream.”
At that moment, gasps echoed from the surrounding crowd.
Because the face of someone so terribly beautiful, so immaculate, someone no one had expected to see here, had appeared.
“Alois.”
Despite the chaos caused by the sudden appearance of the king, I called out his name.
Only I called him.
Only I could call him.
TL Corner:
*Interestingly enough, Alois is still being called ‘전하’(Jeonha) – ‘Your Highness’, instead of ‘폐하’(pyeha)-‘Your Majesty’.
Both can be used for a King but I usually find that authors switch the title to make the transition in status clearer because Alois was also called ‘전하’(Jeonha) aka ‘Your Highness’ when he was a prince. Or maybe ‘폐하’(pyeha) is reserved for Emperors? I never noticed.
*I’ve translated Alois’ title to Your/His Royal Highness for distinction.
- Honey, I’m Going on Strike – Chapter 30 - September 25, 2025
- Emilone’s Temptation Labyrinth – Chapter 137 - September 25, 2025
- Honey, I’m Going on Strike – Chapter 29 - September 24, 2025
Lmao, she was so thirsty that she was awakened twice
(“Hah…” Once awakened, …….) This part might be repeated twice
Btw is there some change/problem with cloudfare, it incessantly checks if i am a human