"I want to meet the Saintess."
Klaine did not immediately respond. He continued reading the document in his hand, eyes scanning the page calmly.
"For what purpose," he asked at last, voice even.
"To apologize."
That made him look up.
His eyes rested on her face, studying carefully.
"You did not commit a crime."
"I still caused trouble."
A pause.
His fingers tapped once against the parchment.
"You may speak carefully," he said. "Do not create more disturbance."
Arietta smiled brightly.
"I'll behave."
He stared.
She tilted her head.
"…Mostly."
A quiet breath left him.
"I will arrange it."
Her smile widened — genuine.
"Thank you."
The meeting took place in the chapel garden.
White flowers drifted down from the trees, soft against the stone path.
Arietta walked beside Klaine — confident at first.
But when she saw them—
She slowed.
The Saintess stood beneath a white flowering tree, sunlight catching in her pale hair.
She looked exactly the same as Arietta remembered.
Gentle smile.
Calm eyes.
Soft posture.
The Hero stood slightly ahead of her, one step forward, one hand resting near his sword.
Not aggressive.
Protective.
The Saintess noticed them first.
Her smile did not disappear.
"Lady Arietta."
Her voice was warm.
Hearing it in real life made Arietta's chest tighten strangely.
She's real.
Arietta stepped forward before Klaine could speak.
"I'm sorry."
Her voice was clear. Not shaking.
The Saintess blinked slightly.
"For what?"
"For appearing at your wedding."
Arietta lowered her head slightly — not a deep formal bow. Just honest.
"I didn't mean to cause panic."
The Hero's eyes did not soften.
"You appeared without warning," he said.
His voice was calm. Controlled.
"Yes."
"In the center of a royal ceremony."
"Yes."
"Knights drew their weapons."
Arietta glanced at him briefly.
"I know."
"You could have been a threat."
"I wasn't."
He took half a step forward.
"But we did not know that."
She didn't look away.
"That's true."
A short silence followed.
The Saintess watched Arietta closely — not suspicious, just careful.
"You looked confused that day," she said softly.
"I was."
"You did not attack anyone."
"No."
"You did not speak."
"No."
The Saintess tilted her head slightly.
"Then… do you know why you appeared?"
Arietta hesitated.
Her fingers curled slightly at her sides.
"…No."
That part felt heavy.
The Hero's gaze sharpened.
"You are very calm for someone who appeared in a foreign land."
Arietta looked around the garden.
Then back at him.
"I don't feel like you'll hurt me."
His brow lowered.
"That confidence is unusual."
"Maybe."
Klaine finally stepped slightly forward.
Not in front of her.
But closer.
"You show little fear," he said quietly.
She glanced at him.
"I don't see a reason to be afraid."
"You disrupted a political alliance," he replied.
She blinked.
"Oh."
That reaction made the Hero narrow his eyes.
"You did not consider that."
"No."
"You did not consider the consequences."
"I didn't even know where I was."
Silence.
The Saintess looked at her hands — then back at Arietta.
"You do not hate me?" she asked gently.
Arietta looked surprised.
"Why would I?"
The Saintess smiled faintly.
"Many people would."
Arietta shook her head lightly.
"I don't hate you."
The Hero crossed his arms slowly.
"You stay near Lord Valemont."
"Yes."
"Why."
Arietta didn't hesitate.
"Because I like him."
The answer was so direct it made the air still.
The Hero stared at her.
"You just met him."
"I know."
"That is not logical."
"I didn't say it was."
Klaine's eyes moved to her.
"You attach yourself quickly."
She shrugged slightly.
"I don't have anyone else."
This time—
The Saintess's expression softened.
Not pity.
But understanding.
"That must have been frightening," she said.
Arietta paused.
Her smile faded just a little.
"It was confusing."
The Hero watched her carefully.
"You are reckless."
"Probably."
"But you do not feel hostile."
"No."
The Saintess took one small step closer.
"I accept your apology."
Arietta blinked.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Her smile returned — gentle as before.
"I do not believe you wished harm."
The Hero's voice lowered.
"If your presence ever becomes dangerous to her, I will act."
His eyes were steady.
No exaggeration.
Just fact.
Arietta nodded slowly.
"That's fair."
This time she didn't grin.
She understood.
When they turned to leave, Arietta walked beside Klaine again.
He spoke quietly.
"You were honest."
"Yes."
"You admitted your carelessness."
"Yes."
He looked at her from the side.
"You look at them as if you know them."
She kept walking.
"…Maybe."
"You are not telling them everything."
She stopped for half a second — then resumed.
"…Not yet."
His gaze lingered.
He did not ask more.
But he was thinking.