Chapter 22: Part (6): Almsgiving

“Hey, kid. Who do you think you’re talking to, my Saint?”

Kaya’s voice suddenly came from behind Mili, dripping with disdain.

Swinging the curved blade in her hand, she walked up to Mili’s table and firmly positioned herself to block the girl from behind.

The scarred man froze for a moment, not expecting anyone to step in for her in this way…

“Li—little… kid?!”

Who’s calling whom that—!

Just some little girl!

“I just want an answer!” he quickly reacted, suppressing his anger, his teeth clenched as he glared.

“Ho?” Kaya sneered.

“Who do you think you are? Why are you acting like that toward her?”

“What does your son’s death have to do with her?”

“Nothing at all! And what does she owe you?”

The man gritted his teeth: “She said she wants to make the world better… then she has to take responsibility…”

“Responsibility?” Kaya exaggeratedly opened her mouth, spreading her arms toward him.

“Are you out of your mind? How old is she? Why should she bear the suffering of the entire world?”

The people around began whispering to one another.

Some nodded, some shook their heads.

“But she’s the Saint! If she dares to stand up, she has to bear the consequences!”

“Consequences?” Kaya stepped in front of him, looking down with contempt. “Your son’s death is tragic, yes, but whose fault is it?”

Then she shrugged and shook her head with a sigh:

“Ugh—really! People like you never use your brain. Talking nonsense with you is a complete waste of my time.”

After saying this, Kaya turned to Mili, winking, and whispered:

“Little Saint~ since I stood up for you, don’t forget to praise your queen for me, okay?”

“…” Mili blinked innocently.

The scarred man was enraged by Kaya’s casual, playful attitude; the prosthetic on his arm trembled at his side.

“You… you people! You don’t understand the pain of losing a loved one!”

“Pain?” Kaya suddenly turned back, her smile vanishing instantly. “I’ve seen more dead people than you’ve ever eaten meals—how dare you talk to me about pain?”

Her voice became ice-cold:

“Your son died. Were those monsters released by her? Did she dismantle the defenses? Did she redirect the guards?”

“No, right?”

“Then why take your anger out on a little girl?”

“Or maybe I should open a green channel for you—straight to [White Night Queen]…” She pulled out her communicator and held it to her ear.

The man was stunned by her rapid-fire questioning, and when he heard the revered name Seraphina, he gaped silently.

“Don’t…” he involuntarily shook his head.

“Scared?” Kaya’s voice grew louder: “Tsk tsk tsk.”

“If you really want revenge for your son, go after those monsters. Go after the damn Purification Court!”

“What skill is it to bully a little girl who’s trying to help everyone?”

“You shrink at the mere mention of Seraphina? So afraid of the soft and weak?”

“…”

Not only him, but even the soldiers aiming their guns and Deputy Eveline had twitching mouths.

The barefoot really isn’t afraid of the shoe-wearer…

Just as Kaya stepped back to the table, arms folded, watching the man fumble with amusement, the sash around her waist was gently tugged from behind.

She turned and saw Mili leaning on the table, quietly saying to her:

“That’s enough…”

“Hm?”

“He’s a veteran… and he’s injured…”

“Hmph.” The woman snorted coldly at him. “Since the Saint said so, we’ll let it go for now.”

“The Saint is generous, and today’s a good day—no need to bother with a kid like you.” She sheathed her curved blade and flicked her fingernails, adding:

“You…!”

“What about me?” Kaya stared at the scarred man seriously:

“And one last thing—”

“You should honor the uniform you’re wearing.”

Kaya’s words pierced the man’s heart like a knife. He was left speechless, staring at his uniform, unsure how to respond.

After a moment, he lifted his head and looked at Mili deeply, his eyes full of mixed emotions.

“Forget it…” he shook his head, murmuring with deep exhaustion, turning to leave.

“Wait.”

As he was leaving, Mili suddenly spoke, softly calling after him.

He stopped, his back stiffening.

“Well… you should take a portion of the food too…” The girl pointed to the sack beside her. “Everyone’s the same—it’s not easy for anyone…”

“…”

The man was stunned.

After a moment, he waved his hand without looking back: “I don’t need it.”

Kaya leaned on the table, rolling her eyes: “Whatever, take it or not, I don’t care…”

“Take it!” Mili stood up and personally grabbed a sack, handing it to a nearby soldier. “Help him carry it.”

The soldier looked at Eveline.

The deputy nodded, stowing her gun, and took the bag, quickly walking to the barricade to deliver it to him.

The scarred man stared at the sack, his shoulders trembling.

“Why…”

“Life must go on…” Mili shook her head. “Losing a loved one is painful—I… understand that…”

He took the food silently and, without a word, limped away into the crowd.

Watching his fading figure, Mili’s mood grew heavy.

“Tsk—don’t overthink it. You’re just too kind-hearted, easy to be stepped on, got it?” Kaya sighed, walking behind her to pat her shoulder.

“But…” Mili sat back down. “He really is grieving…”

“Forget it, forget it—just focus on being happy…” Kaya pouted.

“But you know, some people are always like that—hard in words, soft in heart, obsessed with pride, suffering for nothing.”

“People like that are everywhere. If you tried to help them all, you’d exhaust yourself first.”

Scattered applause broke out in the crowd, soon swelling into enthusiastic clapping.

“The Saint is so kind!”

“She doesn’t even blame those who treated her badly!”

“That’s a true Saint!”

Mili, embarrassed by the sudden praise, could only force a smile.

“Alright, alright, don’t crowd around! Keep distributing, keep distributing.” Kaya clapped, signaling everyone to settle down. “There are still so many people waiting!”

The line reorganized, and distribution continued.

But after the earlier scene, the crowd’s attitude became even more respectful, even…

Slightly in awe.

Each person bowed deeply when receiving food; some even offered local goods in return, making Mili extremely uncomfortable.

“No need, really…” she repeated, forcing a smile until her cheeks ached.

Distribution at the square lasted the entire morning.

By the time the last sack of food was handed out, Mili was exhausted, barely able to straighten her back.

“Take a break.” Kaya handed her a bottle of water. “There are still several distribution points this afternoon.”

Mili gulped it down, realizing her throat was hoarse.

“St–still several…?”

“Four.” Kaya counted on her fingers:

“Your deputy is busy with other things. Before leaving, she told me: ‘Three in the slums, two in the outer city. One was done this morning; the rest still need to be covered.’ Don’t blame me~”

“Let’s go, Little Saint!” Kaya patted her back. “Strike while the iron’s hot! Your prestige is at its peak right now!”

“Ah—?!”

Mili almost fainted.