"Hm?" William was surprised that so much had happened in such a short time. Holding her hand, he muttered, "I shouldn't have left you alone."

Emma shook her head. "You couldn't be with me all the time. I had to face it one day." Then she glanced at the blindfolded woman. "And… I also got some help."

The woman smiled gently. "I believe you would have handled things even without my help. I only helped you remember what you're capable of."

William looked at the woman properly for the first time. Her attire clearly marked her as a nun, and she carried an air of kindness.

He gave a brief bow and said politely, "Thank you for your help. If I had been more careful, this situation would never have arisen."

The woman's smile widened. "It was her fate to slay that demon. No one can go against their fate, child."

William did not argue.

Yes, he was worried, but it would have happened sooner or later. Emma facing a powerful Devil on her own was inevitable; he had always known that. Yet knowing it did nothing to ease his concern. That was why he was genuinely grateful to the woman.

"It's surprising though… I've never met anyone with the same stream of skills as me," Emma said.

It wasn't uncommon for two people to possess a similar set of spells. After all, the Golden Record of Spells did not contain the abilities used by every individual. It was a record based on the past users of every stream of abilities.

Skills like body strengthening and detection were very common. In a crowd of a hundred, two or three people could easily possess them.

But streams like Healing, Emission, and a few others were exceedingly rare, appearing only once in a million or even ten million.

Like Kevin, there was no one else in this world with the same set of skills as him.

That explained Emma's surprise.

The woman tilted her head and said, "But I believe you heard about me from my son recently?"

Both Emma and William blinked in surprise. Just then—

"Mother," a voice sounded from behind.

They turned to see two familiar boys walking toward them.

Emma's eyes widened slightly in realization. A few days ago, she had spoken with Brutus outside William's cabin, where he had told her about his mother.

"So… she's your mother?" William asked, leaning back. "Quite distinctive personalities."

Brutus rolled his eyes and didn't respond.

He turned to his mother instead. "What are you doing here?"

The woman stepped forward and gave her son a brief hug before replying, "I heard this town was suffering, and since I was among those closest to the border region, I responded to the emergency."

Brutus sighed. "Mom… with your condition, haven't I told you not to move around like this?"

The woman lowered her head slightly. "You know I can't just sit by and do nothing when people are suffering."

Bardy sheepishly smiled and rested his hand on Brutus's shoulder, "Don't scold her now. She just wanted to help people."

Brutus sighed and chose not to pursue the topic further. He glanced at the fading monster in the distance before muttering, "So… that was the cause of the disturbance?"

Bardy frowned. "A ranked one…"

William wondered aloud, "I'm surprised you two didn't rush over despite sensing it."

Brutus narrowed his eyes at the blond man. "I trusted Miss Emma's abilities enough to leave it in her hands."

Bardy scratched his head. "I was busy dealing with stray Devils."

William hummed, offering no comment.

Then the oldest among them spoke. "Now, now. Forget about the monster and let's move somewhere safe. I believe it will take some time for the military to bring the situation under control."

Gesturing toward the church, she said, "You can all rest there."

William exchanged a glance with Emma. Her condition was poor, and traveling any farther would be dangerous. As such, he nodded. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

The woman spoke gently. "The church is a home for anyone in need of shelter. Now, please, come in."

Just then, Brutus said, "You all go ahead. I'll go check the front lines."

His mother hummed, her brows knitting with concern. "Then take someone with you. I won't let you go alone."

Bardy stepped forward. "I'll go. Go on, we'll join you shortly."

Not long after, the two young men headed toward the battlefield, while Emma and William followed the nun to the church.

As they walked, the woman introduced herself. "My name is Fiona, by the way. You can call me sister, aunt, or by my name, whichever you prefer."

William replied, "Sister would be most appropriate, given your role in the church." After a brief pause, he asked, "Were you stationed near the border?"

Fiona nodded. "As one of the few who can chant healing magic, I stay closer to regions where injuries are most likely."

Her shoulders slumped before she added, "Though my son doesn't want me to wander around because of my eyes, I just can't stay still and do nothing when I know my presence can make a real difference in dire situations."

Smiling, she continued, "I'm sure little Emma must understand me."

Emma sighed. "Well, I'm not as benevolent as you, but when I see someone injured, I don't think twice before helping."

Fiona nodded. "And that is what makes you a kind soul, someone this world truly needs."

Emma didn't respond to that. She simply glanced at William and found her lover smiling at her fondly.

Before long, they reached the church, where a few church workers welcomed them.

Fiona turned to the others and said, "They will show you to your rooms."

William looked at Emma, then said, "We'll be fine sharing one room."

Fiona shook her head gently. "Forgive me, but within the church, an unmarried couple cannot share a room. Please abide by the rules."

William exhaled a sigh before telling Emma, "I will meet you here in an hour, okay?"

Emma nodded before the two individuals were taken to two different locations.

Fiona's smile faded as she muttered under her breath, 'Get used to living alone, William. Because I have no intention of letting the Saintess go anywhere.'

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