Chapter 53 : An Invitation from the Saintess

“Again.”

Tifna’s voice was lower, her eyes sharp.

Milly’s earlier move—the one that disarmed her—overlapped with a memory so vivid it hurt. The details were identical.

Tifna changed her stance—the one she always used when sparring with her brother.

And every time, she’d lost to the same counter.

The first time? Coincidence.

This time? Let’s see.

Milly tightened her grip, held her breath, and watched.

As Tifna’s blade lunged, her body reacted—sidestepped.

Exhaled.

The opening in Tifna’s form appeared.

One flick—Tifna’s sword flew from her hand.

“Again.”

Tifna retrieved it, her voice now edged with urgency.

She changed tactics again—faster, fiercer.

Milly matched her, breath controlled, muscle memory guiding her. This time, the duel lasted longer.

But she found the flaw. Disarmed her again.

“Again.”

Still?

Milly was gasping for air, exhausted.

Tifna came at her, even faster.

Milly blocked, but her breathing was ragged. Her rhythm broke.

And with one precise strike, Tifna disarmed her.

“That’s enough for today.”

Tifna sheathed her sword. Milly collapsed, dignity forgotten.

Maintaining that rhythm in a real fight? Too hard. She couldn’t even keep up with Tifna—let alone Stacy.

At this rate, she’d last a few minutes, then her power would fizzle out—like a Sentai hero with a blinking chest light. But at least they got a final attack. She’d just get killed.

Tifna watched the white-haired girl on the ground, a complex look in her eyes.

Until her breath gave out, Milly’s moves had been a perfect mirror of her brother’s.

Such a coincidence was impossible.

But the alternative… was insane.

“Milly, those moves… are they a special ability?”

Milly, too tired to think, answered on instinct. “Sort of. I call it ‘breathing technique.’ Doesn’t last long.”

Tifna bit her lip, then smiled faintly. “Two ways to solve that. One: strengthen your basics, use it as a surprise. Two: train your breathing. Which do you choose?”

Kids choose. She wanted both.

Only by getting stronger could she defeat Stacy.

“I’ll do both.”

“Greedy, aren’t you? But if you can handle it…”

Tifna helped her up, handed her the sword. “Then let’s start with the basics.”

Morning light brightened the yard. The only sound was the clash of wood. Tifna corrected Milly’s form, replaying her moves in her mind.

Those familiar motions… were they coincidence? Or a truth she couldn’t face?

After training, Tifna led Milly to the dining table.

Breakfast: normal bread, fried eggs, a glass of milk.

Happiness came so suddenly. Milly devoured it all like a storm.

“Slow down,” Tifna said, but it was useless.

How long had this girl been starved?

“We’re going out after this.”

Milly drained her milk, then hesitated.

The Adventurer’s Guild? It’d be crowded.

Her demonic identity had been exposed only days ago. Someone might recognize her.

She was about to refuse—but Tifna had already gone upstairs, returning with a dress.

“An old one of mine. It might be a bit big, but it’s better than nothing. We’ll buy you new clothes after we turn in the quest.”

What could she do? She did need clothes.

But the risk…

How many people saw her that day? She hadn’t covered her face. But maybe the vegetables had hidden it enough. Her white hair, though… too conspicuous.

“Afraid of being seen by your kidnappers?” Tifna said, pulling out the cloak from yesterday. “Come here.”

She gently combed Milly’s hair, tying it up, then draped the cloak over her.

“Better?”

Milly looked in a small mirror. Her hair was hidden. With Tifna’s family reputation, people would be curious, not suspicious.

It felt like using Tifna… but it was her only choice.

She changed in the bathroom. The dress was a bit large, but better than a nightgown.

This was it. She couldn’t hide forever. Maybe the demon scare had already blown over.

Outside, a carriage waited. Idis waved from inside.

As Milly climbed in, Tifna pulled her to sit beside her.

“It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”

The carriage started. At first, silence. Then—

“Wait—when did you two get so close? I want to cuddle too!”

Idis squeezed in beside Milly. The feeling was uncomfortable, but she endured it, even when Tifna bopped Idis on the head.

“It’s crowded!”
“But I want to be close to Milly too!”

Amid the chatter, they arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild.

As they stepped out, a nun waiting by the door approached Tifna.

“Lady Lillian wishes to visit your home this afternoon. Is Lady Tifna available?”