~Chapter 43~
The winter here—so close to the North—was harsh.
If left alone, these children wouldn’t survive it.
“Aren’t orphans from temples usually given jobs once they’re older?”
“Usually, yes. But I think the temple had high hopes for my sister. When she didn’t show any holy power, the priest was disappointed. He said he wouldn’t help her find a job.”
Calyx burst out angrily.
“Unbelievable! That kind of trash actually exists?”
Delphina frowned slightly. The way Ahin quoted the priest… sounded familiar.
She asked him carefully,
“What’s the priest’s name in charge of the orphanage?”
“Sir Hadin.”
“Full name… Hadin Frey?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I knew it.”
Delphina clenched her teeth.
She knew Hadin well.
‘He was Kasen’s friend.’
Back at the academy, he always hung around Kasen—and he often bullied Delphina.
‘He’s the one who spilled wine all over my dress.’
She never expected to cross paths with him again.
Now, everything made sense. Hadin would do something that awful.
Delphina turned back to Ahin.
“So, where is your sister now?”
“She’s being watched by Baron Orman’s knights. It’ll be hard to get close to her.”
This time, Elcayan spoke up.
“Don’t worry. We have someone who’s an expert at that.”
He looked over at Calyx. Calyx had always taken the lead when it came to punishing corrupt nobles.
Calyx gritted his teeth.
“I’ve seen Baron Orman a few times.”
“You know him?”
“Honestly, I’m ashamed to even say I’ve met him.”
“Yeah, I’d be embarrassed too.”
“Let me be clear—I have no ties to him. Not even a little. In fact, I’ve just started to really dislike him.”
Ahin was stunned.
Baron Orman was the most powerful figure in the region.
Most townspeople tried to show off any small connection to him.
But Calyx went out of his way to reject even the idea of knowing him. It felt… strange.
Calyx said with confidence,
“There’s more to this. The priest couldn’t have done it alone. Tampering with holy power tests is serious business. How could someone with potential to become a Saint be overlooked like that?”
“That’s true. But proving it won’t be easy.”
“Finding the real mastermind is hard. But punishing Baron Orman? That’s the easy part.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out… a black mask.
Delphina didn’t even question it anymore. When it came to Calyx, she had given up on expecting logic.
He said in a serious voice,
“I’m a noble who respects the law. Even as a commoner, I lived by the rules.”
Elcayan raised a skeptical brow. Delphina wasn’t convinced either. She didn’t believe Calyx followed unfair laws just because he was a noble.
The system chimed in, agreeing.
<Calyx Artman: A man who smashed everything in his way to grow stronger.>
“But sometimes… the law fails. Especially when nobles are involved.”
He was right. What happened to Ahin and Sestia wouldn’t count as a crime.
‘In this world, a noble’s word matters more than a commoner’s truth.’
The law wasn’t fair.
“Sometimes, justice is closer than the law itself. I’ll spare the details, since a child is present.”
Then, Calyx stepped outside.
“I’ll bring your sister back safe and sound. Don’t worry! Wahaha!”
Elcayan nodded.
“Don’t worry. Baron Orman won’t get away with anything. Calyx will handle it quietly. And even if Orman figures it out, what can he do?”
Elcayan’s eyes were cold.
“Calyx is a duke. He outranks a baron.”
“Kehahaha! That’s right.”
“Baron Orman is just getting back what he gave.”
Calyx laughed heartily.
“Exactly. Use rank against rank. Eye for an eye, punch for a punch.”
“I like it.”
With that, Calyx dashed away.
✦ ✦ ✦
Calyx returned not long after.
Beside him stood a small, skinny girl.
Delphina saw the system window pop up and was surprised.
<Sestia: Saint Candidate>
A blunt, sharp-tongued girl.
Ahin whispered, stunned,
“How did you bring her here? Baron Orman’s men were watching her.”
Calyx brushed his hair back dramatically.
His hand showed signs of a recent fight.
He muttered,
“Had to go the non-peaceful route today.”
“What happened?”
“Some things children shouldn’t know.”
He took off his mask. Sestia subtly stepped away from him.
Delphina didn’t need to ask what happened.
She had a good idea.
‘He probably wrecked the place.’
Calyx didn’t hesitate when punishing injustice. The Orman estate was likely in chaos right now.
Delphina stepped closer to the girl.
“Hi. I’m Delphina.”
Sestia gave a polite nod. She had a cold air about her, and her sharp eyes studied Delphina carefully.
“I’m Sestia.”
Ahin watched nervously.
‘Sestia doesn’t usually warm up to strangers. She’s probably just being cautious… especially since Calyx caused a scene.’
‘She already hates nobles thanks to what Orman did.’
There was a real chance Sestia would reject Delphina completely.
‘If we’re lucky, she’ll just ignore her. More likely, she’ll snap back.’
Ahin held his breath.
He was terrified Sestia might insult these powerful nobles.
She had already yelled at Baron Orman not long ago, unable to hold back.
“You’re 30 years older than me, bald, and completely shameless!”
The memory made Ahin sweat nervously.
Delphina spoke gently.
“Are you okay? It must’ve been shocking, being suddenly brought here by a big scary knight.”
Sestia answered calmly, with confidence.
“After nearly being sold to a man 30 years older than me, nothing really surprises me anymore.”
“So no—I wasn’t scared. I’m actually grateful he taught Baron Orman’s knights a lesson.”
Delphina nodded slightly, murmuring,
“That’s… fair. You’ve been through a lot.”
Sestia blinked, surprised at the agreement.
Ahin panicked again.
‘Please don’t say anything mean to her, Sestia! She’s the fiancée of the Northern Duke!’
He desperately hoped his mental warnings would reach her.
“Are you an angel?”
“Angel?”
“You smile so beautifully…”
Delphina smiled softly, then gently patted her head.
“I’m no angel… I’m just a cook.”
Sestia blushed.
“A cook? That’s… that’s so cool.”
“R-Really?”
“Yes! Can I call you Lady Delphina?”
“Of course.”
Sestia quietly grabbed Delphina’s hand.
Elcayan glanced down at their joined hands.
Sestia smirked and asked,
“Um… can I go with you?”
“Huh? Go where?”
“Wherever you’re going, Lady Delphina. I want to go too.”
Ahin was so shocked, he almost fell over.
