Eugene tilted his head and glanced sideways at Hemoria. Hemoria had no intention of avoiding his gaze. Instead, she showed that she had noticed it.

Boom!

The thick-heeled boots that she was wearing made a loud stomp as she came to a halt.

Following this, there was complete silence. Even the Knight of the Blood Cross, who had accompanied Hemoria on board, didn’t say a word. Judging from the way he stood behind Hemoria, it appeared that Hemoria was of higher rank than the knight.

‘Though they might not be from different branches, perhaps they work together so closely that their two organizations are practically one,’ Eugene suspected.

Was Hemoria still in the middle of her Vow of Silence? As Eugene was just thinking this, Kristina stood up.

“Inquisitor Hemoria, I didn’t hear that you’d be showing up to receive us,” Kristina said suspiciously.

It was only then that Hemoria reacted. Instead of voicing anything, her hands moved to form sign language.

Eugene still didn’t know how to read sign language. He had no intention of learning either. It might be a different story if someone else were the one using it, but even if Eugene learned sign language right now, the only one he would be able to use it with was the perpetually tooth-grinding Hemoria. He didn’t meet with her that often, nor did they have such a deep relationship, so what was the point of him spending his precious time learning sign language?

“Do you know how to read sign language?” Eugene asked Kristina.

“I do,” Kristina slowly admitted.

“So what is she saying?”

“She says that she’s here on Cardinal Rogeris’s orders. This matter was only decided upon today, so she couldn’t inform us in advance and asks for our understanding.”

“Hmmm.”

Kristina was still considered to be the Saint Candidate. While it wasn’t unusual for the Holy Knights to come out and escort Kristina, who would officially be confirmed as the Saint in a few days, it was suspicious for even an Inquisitor to have become involved in this reception.

“Fine then,” Eugene agreed as he uncrossed his legs and stood up. “I really don’t like the sound of your teeth grinding, and last time you were the one who picked a fight first and pulled quite a bit of annoying shit, but well… didn’t I also punch you in the stomach a few times, box your eyes, and kick your ass? So let’s just let go of all our resentment...