Chapter 61 : Take Care of That Child

“Stacy?”

Stacy—disguised as Eileen—shot Lillian a look. Without a word, she turned and fled back upstairs.

The name leak… it’s been found.

In this world, only Lillian—as Stacy’s other half—knew the Fell God’s true name. Milly, the little white-haired fluffball, still thought Stacy was just a powerful demon.

Faced with Tifna’s question, Lillian feigned thought for a moment, her voice laced with regret.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of such a person. Lady Tifna, why do you ask?”

Tifna glanced at the empty chair beside her. Milly had been gone a long time. The nun who went to find her hadn’t returned either.

“That child… Milly… I found her in the Ashen Wastes…”

For the next few minutes, Tifna recounted everything—finding Milly, her injuries, her story of being kidnapped.

Lillian’s expression remained calm, but inside, a storm raged.

Stacy… branded someone with a s*ave mark?

That white-haired girl must be important.

But knowing Stacy, a simple s*ave contract would never be enough.

What did that girl mean to her?
“Your Holiness?”

Lillian blinked, pulled from her thoughts. She forced a smile.

“Please, continue.”

As Tifna spoke of Milly, the grief in her eyes softened. That girl… clearly meant a lot to her too.

Tifna shared a lot—small moments, shared meals, fleeting joys. Even though their time together had been short, Lillian could hear the fondness in her voice.

Just moments ago, Tifna had collapsed—broken by a piece of metal. Now, she seemed… better.

But Lillian, as the Saintess, knew human hearts.

This was a fragile calm. Tifna’s heart had a gaping hole—grief temporarily suppressed by shock.

Milly… perhaps she could fill that void.

Lillian listened—minutes turning into an eternity. When Tifna finally fell silent, Lillian took her hand.

“I understand. Though I don’t know this person… if she exists, I will find her.”

The person Tifna sought was upstairs. And Lillian couldn’t say a word.

Once, she would have never uttered such a lie. But now… beneath the holy façade, she was as stained as Stacy.

Stacy was the one who fell.

But had Lillian ever truly escaped?

Click.

Milly had just finished dressing when the door opened. Was Stacy back already, impatient?

“Little Milly, do you know why I returned?”

Milly had no interest in guessing games. Either Stacy was here to drag her back, or to finish what she’d started.

Only one response was appropriate.

Milly fell back onto the bed, pulling her skirt up just enough to reveal the edge of her panties.

If Stacy wanted a show, she’d give one—better this than being stripped bare by force.

Eileen blinked—then approached.

She hadn’t come for the name. Milly’s sleep-talk was excusable, and Lillian would handle Tifna.

No, she’d returned because she’d forgotten something.

A crucial detail.

If left alone, Milly might not trigger it correctly. The grand reveal would be ruined.

The perfect performance needed the right stage, deeper bonds, and Milly’s willing sacrifice.

As Eileen drew near, Milly closed her eyes. If she couldn’t see, she could pretend it wasn’t happening.

But her other senses sharpened.

The feeling of Eileen leaning over her. Warm breath on her ear. A fingertip tracing her collar.

The dress wasn’t fully removed—just pushed aside.

A finger drew circles over the thorn sigil.

What was she planning now? To control her with the mark?

Discomfort prickled her back. Her small wings fluttered—as if in fear.

The sensation faded. The burning on her collarbone ceased.
Silence.

Milly peeked. Eileen was gone.

She looked in the mirror—blue eyes stared back.
The wings and tail… vanished.

That woman… what was she thinking?

“What does that child mean to you?”

Lillian’s sudden question caught Tifna off guard.

She’d never really thought about it.

From the moment she saw Milly, she’d felt an inexplicable connection. Hearing her story, she’d felt a primal urge to protect her.

Just like… he had always protected her.

“If I had to say… I think I see her as a little sister.”

A sister?

Perhaps that was enough. A new anchor for her grief.
As long as Milly’s connection to Stacy wasn’t too deep.
Whatever Stacy was planning… it couldn’t be good.

She rose, embracing Tifna. This time, Tifna didn’t resist.

“If that’s the case… then take good care of that child.”

A new purpose might heal the wound. It would scar—but she wouldn’t drown in darkness.

The Sword Saint was gone. Tifna was the last of her generation. For her own sake, and the Empire’s, she needed to recover.

Hopefully… that child would be her salvation.

She turned. Eileen was already waiting.

“Your Holiness, it’s time for our next destination.”

“Yes. Lady Tifna, farewell.”

Lillian left.

Tifna stared after her, absently stroking the armor fragment. She looked upstairs, then pressed a hand to her heart.

“Take care of my little sister… like you did for me, brother?”

She clutched the fragment tighter—as if he might answer.

The pain she’d suppressed surged back—a tidal wave, pulling her under.