My Love Debts Are Everywhere!

In the throne room...

Wearing a loose white saint's robe that subtly accentuated her curves, Arshley sat on the throne with a nonchalant expression, her long legs crossed. Her gaze remained fixed on Edward, who stood before her, his expression respectful.

"So, how did this period fare, Edward?" she asked calmly.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Edward slowly raised his head and replied with deference, "This period has seen significant improvements, Saint. Most notably in the economic sector, which grew by 8% compared to the previous period. Several factors contributed to this, but the most notable were the increased productivity in agriculture, trade, and livestock. Additionally, progress in the health sector, fueled by the large number of mages graduating from the academy, has greatly contributed to the welfare of the people."

Upon hearing this, a relieved smile spread across Arshley's lips, and she looked at Edward with a hint of appreciation.

"This period's report is truly satisfying. I'm deeply grateful to you and the other guardians for your efforts in overseeing the Holy Orthodoxy," Arshley said with evident satisfaction. "Therefore, all of you will receive generous bonuses later."

Edward smiled faintly, shaking his head as he replied, "Our role as guardians is to serve you and assist in your duties. There's no need for thanks, Saint."

Arshley waved her hand dismissively and responded nonchalantly, "I know, but your contributions were crucial to the success of this period. So, there's no need for modesty—don't refuse the reward I'll give you."

"Very well, Saint. As you command," Edward replied softly.

Nodding in approval, Arshley straightened in her seat and shifted the topic. "By the way, have there been any updates from the battlefield?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a trace of nervousness flickered across her beautiful face, concealed by a white veil.

In the past few days, Arshley had been waiting patiently for news of her brother's appearance on the battlefield, just as Edward had mentioned earlier.

However, as days passed without any sign of her brother, anxiety began to weigh on her with each passing moment.

She even started to question the ancient book Edward had found, which spoke of

"the fated one,"

and Edward's theory that the figure was her older brother.

Edward's expression shifted slightly upon hearing her question, and he let out a soft sigh.

"At present, there's no significant news from the battlefield, Saint. Humanity's army and the Demon army are still locked in a deadlock, with both sides holding equally strong positions. So, we'll have to wait for the results," Edward said calmly, though a trace of guilt lingered in his tone.

Like Arshley, Edward had been closely monitoring the war, hoping that the

"fated one"

—whom he suspected to be Leon—would appear, as the ancient book had foretold. But so far, there had been no word of his presence, leaving him just as confused and uncertain.

"Am I truly mistaken this time?"

That was Edward's first thought after several days passed without any significant news from the battlefield.

Still, he held on to his belief, feeling certain that Leon was the figure described in the ancient book.

Arshley's expression shifted to one of disappointment upon hearing Edward's answer. She nodded slowly, her gaze heavy.

"Very well, we will wait patiently for the progress of the war in the Desert of Chaos," Arshley said casually, though her tone betrayed her disappointment.

At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed through the room, and a soldier in white armor entered, his face tense with urgency.

He stopped several meters behind Edward and bowed respectfully to Arshley.

"Saint, I apologize for the interruption. I bring urgent news from the battlefield," he said, his voice a mix of respect and anxiety.

Edward and Arshley exchanged puzzled glances before turning their attention back to the soldier.

"Speak quickly," Arshley commanded, her voice steady yet tinged with both curiosity and a hint of nervousness.

The soldier hesitantly raised his gaze to meet Arshley's, his voice shaky as he spoke. "Two days ago, a shocking incident occurred on the battlefield. Marquis Guren, a key figure in humanity's forces, appeared wielding the Holy Sword of Zenith!"

At his words, Arshley and Edward's eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

As she regained her composure, Arshley's expression turned icy, and a terrifying aura radiated from her.

"Marquis Guren appeared with the Holy Sword of Zenith? Is this some kind of joke?" She demanded, her voice laced with killing intent.

The crushing pressure made the soldier's legs shake violently.

"I-I swear, Saint, it's true! This information came straight from our spies on the battlefield. I would never dare lie to you," he stammered fearfully.

Arshley took a deep breath to steady herself, drawing back the intense pressure she had unleashed.

Once composed, she turned to Edward, her voice taut with barely concealed anger. "Edward, what is your opinion on this?"

Edward's expression had darkened upon hearing the soldier's report. He remained silent for a moment, lost in thought.

After a moment, Edward gathered his thoughts and turned to Arshley with a resolute expression.

"Saint, it appears the Holy Empire of Elysium has been keeping this from us. Marquis Guren is very likely a hero," Edward asserted.

The soldier's report had led him to this conclusion. Though the existence of another hero besides Valen, Luna, and Leon seemed improbable, he could think of no other explanation. After all, the three holy weapons belonged to the heroes alone; no one else could wield or use them.

Hearing this, Arshley shot to her feet, clenching her fists as she struck the armrest of her throne.

"Impossible! A hero? That would mean four heroes have been born in this era. How could such a thing be possible?" She exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and defiance.

"I agree that it seems impossible, Saint. But as you know, only heroes can wield the holy weapons," Edward said with a soft sigh.

At his words, Arshley froze, her anger replaced by a stunned, rigid expression. She stayed silent for a few moments before her entire body began to tremble.

"If what you say is true, then Velix has deceived us, hiding something this critical. And... if Guren is now the Sword Hero, that would mean my brother..." Arshley stammered, her breathing growing unsteady.

Suddenly, her vision darkened, and she collapsed onto the throne, unconscious.

"Saint!" Edward exclaimed, rushing to her side.

"Saint! Wake up!" he called urgently, shaking her gently.

Despite his efforts, Arshley didn't stir. With a concerned look, Edward brought his index finger close to her nose. Feeling the faint warmth of her breath, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Fortunately she's still breathing,"

he muttered softly.

Without hesitation, Edward lifted Arshley's unconscious body and turned to the soldier, who stood frozen in shock.

"Send for Doctor Elise to come to the Saint's chamber," he commanded firmly before walking away.

The soldier snapped out of his daze and gave a quick nod, replying, "Of course, Your Venerable Edward. But there's another piece of news I haven't yet relayed."

Edward paused, turning back with a hesitant expression.

"Another news? Then go on," Edward said.

The soldier hesitated briefly before adopting a serious expression. "Shortly after Marquis Guren appeared with the Holy Sword of Zenith, a mysterious man wearing a half-mask appeared on the battlefield. He effortlessly defeated Marquis Guren and subdued Spear Hero Valen with just two fingers. It's rumored that this figure is likely the Demon Emperor."

Edward's heart skipped a beat, and his expression shifted slightly.

"The Demon Emperor?" he asked, astonished.

"Yes, the Demon Emperor," the soldier confirmed.

Edward was momentarily stunned, processing the information. After a deep breath, he nodded slowly.

"Thank you for the information. I will arrange a bonus for you later," he said softly.

The soldier, pleased, bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, Your Venerable Edward!"

Without another word, he quickly exited the throne room to find Doctor Elise.

Edward watched the soldier leave, his eyes narrowing in thought.

"A Demon Emperor with a half-mask? How intriguing..."

...

Inside the spacious room, a gentle-looking middle-aged woman was examining the unconscious Arshley.

After a moment, she sighed in relief and turned to Edward, who stood behind her.

"After using my healing magic, I found no injuries on her body," she said softly as she slowly rose to her feet. With a gentle smile, she continued, "Her fainting was caused by the intense shock, which led to a drop in her blood pressure. But there's no need to worry; it's harmless. Saint Arshley will regain consciousness in about two hours."

Hearing this, Edward let out a sigh of relief and looked at the middle-aged woman with a grateful expression. Continue your adventure at empire

"Thank you, Elise," he said quietly.

Elise maintained her smile and shook her head. "There's no need to thank me, Edward. It's my duty to assist the Saint."

After a brief pause, she sighed softly, her gaze lingering on the unconscious Arshley. "You must take good care of her. While Saint Arshley is stable, I sense her health has declined compared to before. The stress she's under may have weakened her immunity."

Edward's expression grew concerned, and he nodded faintly.

"I understand. Thank you once more," he replied.

Elise gave a gentle nod and said, "Good. Then, I will take my leave."

"Of course. Apologies for the trouble," Edward answered.

After watching Elise leave, Edward approached Arshley, his gaze filled with complexity.

Suddenly, his fists clenched, and a cold killing intent flashed in his eyes.

"Holy Empire of Elysium, you've truly gone too far this time. Don't think for a moment that I won't make you pay for this."

With a deep breath, Edward cast one last glance at Arshley before walking out of the room.

Moments later, Arshley's brows furrowed, and her right hand trembled as it rose, as if reaching out for something.

"Big brother... Help me..." she whispered faintly.