Chapter 170: Already Far From Humanity

If you asked Rita who among all the Holy Knights had left the deepest impression on her, she might have a few candidates.

The tall Herlag, the perpetually scowling Brownie, and Fran, who swung a warhammer comically disproportionate to her own frame…

But in the end, Rita would always choose a woman who barely ever showed any power and had no particular distinguishing traits: Eltel, the Emblem Knight whom the King inexplicably trusted and who, from the throne hall, had once spoken of Rita’s handling in the coldest tone.

Now, that very face appeared before Rita, less than ten meters away.

Eltel was taller than most women, her figure more imposing as well, with long, orange-red hair cascading to her waist.

Despite Eltel’s striking looks and figure, Rita always felt that if she got too close, she might get burned by the heat radiating off her.

But what truly left a mark on Rita wasn’t Eltel’s face, nor her impressive figure, but the constant, intangible sense of danger that made Rita deeply uncomfortable.

Even against opponents she barely managed to defeat, like Xingxian or Brownie, Rita only felt they were strong—never this suffocating pressure that Eltel alone exuded simply by standing before her.

The moment Rita saw Eltel, Eltel also raised her gaze, her eyes landing on Rita.

She saw her.

No, more than that—she recognized her.

But this unexpected encounter was an opportunity. Rita decided to put aside her original plans and at least greet her.

Rita walked up to her. “Lady Eltel…”

But at that moment, a sudden commotion broke out behind Eltel.

“Move aside! Move aside! The horse’s spooked for some reason!”

As the driver shouted, a horse charged forward from behind Eltel, heading straight for a freshly arranged bread stall at the roadside.

Without a second thought, Rita stepped forward and grabbed the reins with one hand.

The horse neighed and reared up, hooves pawing the air. Rita raised her hand and gently patted its head, as if soothing it, channeling a bit of her beguiling aura through her fingertips and into the horse’s nostrils.

The horse steadied on its hind legs, hooves kicking a few times before slowly coming down.

She’d done the right thing—if it happened again, Rita would make the same choice. But wasn’t her main task today to get close to Eltel and strike up a conversation?

What a shame! She’d just wasted a golden opportunity!

Rita let go of the reins and patted the horse’s neck, then turned away, dejected.

But as she turned, Rita saw Eltel approaching the carriage, carrying several heavy parcels in one hand.

“Uh…”

Rita wanted to say something, but Eltel walked straight past her, placing the bundle onto the carriage. The entire vehicle sank suddenly under the weight.

“Thank you, thank you.” The coachman thanked them both repeatedly, but Eltel simply waved him off in silence.

Instead, the onlookers started whispering.

“She’s amazing! She just caught that heavy load with one hand.”

“That young lady too—how did she calm the horse down so quickly?”

Eltel ignored it all, but as she passed Rita, she said quietly,

“Well done.”

Huh? Eltel spoke to her!

“It’s nothing! It’s what I ought to do!” Rita hurried to catch up. “Lady Eltel, where are you heading?”

“Work.” Eltel strode ahead with her head held high. “Why are you following me? Don’t you have anything to do?”

A sharp question—Rita was at a loss for words.

But Rita had a small advantage: when she didn’t know how to answer, she wasn’t afraid of embarrassment and could just be honest.

“His Majesty gave me the test of earning the approval of the Emblem Knights. Since you are one of the most renowned among them, I naturally hope for your recognition as well.”

“Most renowned.” Eltel repeated the words thoughtfully. “Is that what you’re here for?”

Rita had never encountered such a question, but she nodded repeatedly. “Yes. As long as I can earn your recognition, I’m willing to do anything.”

“You must have a lot of resolve to say something like that. Then come with me.” Eltel didn’t even pause for a moment.

Go? Go where?

Though she didn’t know what Eltel intended, Rita followed.

This was a rare chance to get close to a strong knight—she could learn about Eltel’s thoughts and also make a good impression. Why wouldn’t Rita jump at the chance?

A day passed, and at last Rita saw the towering spires of the palace once more.

“Well done. I’ll wait here for five minutes tomorrow morning. If you want to continue, meet me here.”

Eltel left those words behind and turned away.

“Yes, Lady Eltel!” Rita didn’t care if Eltel could hear her, she shouted her promise until Eltel’s figure completely vanished, then trudged back to the palace with a gloomy face.

After these days, Rita had become a familiar sight to the palace guards. She still couldn’t come and go as she pleased, but no one bothered her anymore when she returned to her room or visited Cecilia’s chambers.

Although Rita wanted to go straight back to rest, she knew Cecilia was more important.

“How was your rest today?”

As soon as she entered the room, Cecilia put down her book and turned her chair to face Rita.

“I didn’t rest at all! So tired, so tired!” Whenever Rita went out with Cecilia, she put on a stern face and tried to act like a dignified knight, but when they were alone together…

This was the simplest part of the job—really, the only time Rita could rest in a day, but it still took up quite a bit of time.

But then again, why were all the tasks just chores? Wouldn’t it be easier to leave these to ordinary soldiers?

Was Eltel testing her, or was this really Eltel’s daily routine?

Rita thought about complaining, but swallowed the words. Cecilia, however, saw right through her.

“Eltel is just like that. With her around, city affairs are much easier. If there’s really nothing to do, she patrols the city herself.”

So, she was a rigid workaholic who never considered her own state.

“Lady Cecilia, do you think if I work with her for two days, she’ll acknowledge me?” Rita’s eyes lit up as she asked.

“Hard to say. I don’t know what’s in her heart either. But if it works, that would be best.” Cecilia answered with such seriousness that Rita’s briefly kindled hope was snuffed out.

Not to mention whether this would earn her recognition, Rita suspected she’d die of exhaustion before that. She was a succubus, after all! Who ever heard of a succubus being worked to death? Was Eltel even human?

“All right, all right.” Cecilia stroked Rita’s head a few times, her cool little hands gently kneading Rita’s face. “I know you’re tired, but being able to work with Eltel is still an opportunity for you.”

“I know, I know! I can get useful information from her, learn from her, get closer, and maybe even ask about the Emblem. I know all that!” Rita wailed miserably.

“My Rita, you’ve actually thought it through so much.” Cecilia widened her eyes slightly.

Rita was speechless. “You don’t actually think I’m an idiot, do you?”

“Aren’t you?” Cecilia tilted her head.

“I am not! I’ve been working hard to learn!” Rita’s cheeks flushed as she protested loudly.

“You have, you’ve improved a lot.” Cecilia’s grip on Rita’s face tightened, squishing her soft cheeks like marshmallows.

Being praised like that, Rita didn’t even have the strength to complain anymore. She could only pout and let Cecilia do as she pleased.