Reborn After Betrayal: The Frail True Princess Decides to Give Up

Chapter 208 : Bringing Home a Noble

Ariel had kindly helped, yet was subjected to Monica pointing at her nose and scolding her for over ten minutes.At the time, there were many onlookers, but they were all just watching the excitement.

Ariel hadn't expected anyone to come help speak for her, but at that moment, she couldn't help feeling somewhat disheartened.

Until she saw that strand of light ash-blond hair floating by.

Thinking of this, Ariel stared at Celitia, her emotions growing more complex.

This fool, did she think she was playing the hero rescuing a beauty?

What if she had provoked that crazy woman and accidentally gotten hurt?

Gratitude and annoyance intertwined. Ariel's voice rose three octaves, and once her lecturing urge started, it couldn't be stopped.

"If that apple had hit your forehead, you might have ended up in the hospital on the spot! Even if you want to act tough, you should consider your own situation before acting!"

"But weren't you right behind me?"

Celitia laughed, completely unconcerned. "Could you really just sit by and watch me get beaten by that old woman?"

She wouldn't just stand there and let Monica hit her, and besides, Shanie and Benita were nearby too.

With people like that, the more you backed down, the more they would push their luck.

It was only because Ariel didn't fight back that Monica could bully her so brazenly.

Celitia didn't want to see such a result.

"You—" Ariel was momentarily speechless.

She didn't even know whether this counted as Celitia trusting her or not.

"Don't want me meddling?" Celitia shrugged. "Then you should argue back properly, don't just let people use you as a punching bag for venting their anger."

Ariel hesitated: "But I'm the church's Saintess—"

Devoting herself to the Goddess and saving the people—this was the vow she had made. Suppressing herself for this was nothing.

"So what?"

Celitia smiled faintly, her voice light yet extraordinarily firm.

"Before being the 'Saintess,' you are Ariel first. At least for me, that's how it is."

Ariel was stunned for a long time.

She rarely thought about such questions.

For Ariel, choosing to act this way seemed natural.

If one day, what the "Church Saintess" should do conflicted with what she herself wanted to do...

Before Ariel could think deeper, Celitia interrupted her.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this."

Not wanting to discuss life philosophy with Ariel, Celitia deftly changed the subject. "How come you're here?"

"I received some news and came here to handle matters, and to visit my teacher by the way." Ariel answered.

Celitia asked: "Teacher?"

"Yes," Ariel nodded. "My teacher is the former Saintess, and her home is nearby."

Hearing Ariel mention her teacher, Celitia had a vague impression.

The former Saintess, if she remembered correctly, was named Joan.

She should be a legend from the same era as her own teacher, having retired long ago.

Ariel asked: "What about you? What brings you here?"

"Ah, Shanie's home is nearby. It's winter break, so she invited us to come play..."

Celitia answered absent-mindedly, still thinking about the previous topic.

She wondered if she might be able to see her teacher this time.

"Saintess!"

Shanie's voice rang out from nearby. She had finally dealt with Monica and hurried over with Benita.

"Saintess, how did you come to Paril Village too?"

Looking at Ariel, Shanie was very happy and enthusiastically invited her: "Since you're here, why don't you come play at my house too!"

"I came here on business." Ariel smiled and politely declined. "Once I'm finished, I'll definitely come visit."

Hearing the first half, Shanie was a bit disappointed, but hearing the second half, she immediately perked up:

"That's great! I'll tell my parents, and we'll definitely give you a warm welcome when the time comes!!"

"Thank you very much for your help this time." Ariel waved at them. "Well then, see you later."

After seeing Ariel off, the three walked side by side toward Shanie's house.

"That Granny Monica is really stubborn enough." Shanie complained. "No matter how much I tried to persuade her, she just wouldn't listen."

Benita consoled: "She is quite old, after all. It's always hard for elderly people to listen to others."

"But that doesn't mean she can just take her anger out on anyone," Shanie grumbled indignantly. "The Saintess was being kind, and Lily was completely innocent."

"It's fine, I don't mind."

Celitia was very calm. "I just didn't want to watch her scold Ariel. As for whether she likes me or not... what does that have to do with me?"

"Right, if we got angry with her, wouldn't we be the ones losing?"

Shanie thought about it and agreed, her belly full of displeasure immediately dissipating. "Alright, let's hurry back!"

Benita looked at the two of them: "You're both really open-minded..."

Compared to Celitia and Shanie, Benita thought she always had more things to worry about, always looking ahead and behind, unable to let things go.

Her mood became even more complicated, but she couldn't say anything.

The three walked along the village road deeper inside, finally seeing Shanie's house.

Different from what Celitia had imagined, compared to other villagers, Shanie's house was quite impressive.

Celitia had heard Shanie mention that their family were freemen who owned a small plot of land, normally only needing to pay taxes to live peacefully.

Besides farming, Shanie's family also did some small business, making them relatively well-off in the village.

Therefore, they had enough resources to send Shanie to study at Samuel Academy.

"Dad! Mom! I'm home!!"

Shanie excitedly pushed open the door and rushed inside, throwing herself into the arms of a middle-aged couple.

"It's good you're back, it's good you're back."

Shanie's mother Judy was very excited, hugging the girl tightly and constantly stroking her head with deep affection.

Shanie's father Lake, looking at Celitia and Benita, appeared somewhat nervous:

"Shanie, these two young ladies are the friends you mentioned, right?"

"Yes!" Shanie nodded proudly, her words full of boastful meaning. "Dad, didn't you always tell me to catch a noble? Lily and Benita are both very impressive nobles!"

After introducing Celitia and Benita, Shanie opened her sparkling eyes wide with an expression that screamed "praise me."

After Shanie said this, Lake's face turned red with embarrassment.

When I told you to catch a noble, I meant catch a future husband! Even catching someone of the same gender wouldn't be unacceptable.

But I didn't mean for you to bring two friends home!

And what's this about catching nobles—is this something you can just say in front of guests?!

Looking at Lake's expression that was about to crack, Celitia silently looked up at the sky.

If Shanie asked her to pretend to be a boyfriend or girlfriend, Celitia wouldn't be unable to help.

Going home for New Year to fool parents—she understood, she understood. It would be a small favor.

But since Shanie hadn't brought it up... then don't blame her for watching the show, right?