Harper looked at the peak and saw a figure standing on top of a tree, seeming to look for something. Soon, the figure flew towards her and Matthew.
Matthew slowed down, still holding on to Harper's waist. In a moment, the Holy Maiden of South Kingdom was standing in front of them. She glanced at Matthew and then at Harper. "Is this your husband?"
Harper nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. He is not good at making conversation. Please forgive him."
"It doesn't matter." The Holy Maiden looked at Matthew and turned around to lead the way. She confessed, "When I didn't see you coming up after waiting for a while, I was worried something had happened to you, especially when I realized there was something wrong with the spiritual creatures in the mountain. That's why I came out to look for you. Luckily, there's nothing wrong, or I'd have felt very guilty."
"Your Grace, please don't worry. This is the Holy Mountain. How could something happen here? Besides, with you here, no monster or demon would dare approach us." The Holy Maiden's consideration quite moved Harper. As the lofty Holy Maiden, it was unnecessary for her to pick them up in person, but she still came.
"You saved my life. I can't let my savior get in trouble in my place. Besides, I'm not so mighty as to have that effect on the monsters. There are many poisonous insects and snakes in this mountain. They would be very dangerous to you but are considered treasures to our people in South Kingdom. People here are good with poison, and those kinds of poisonous stuff are the best material for making poison," the Holy Maiden said with a smile.
"I understand that people in South Kingdom need them in their poisoning skill. Even deadly poisonous bugs have their own uses. I'm sure you have the amazing power to make the best use of those things," Harper responded thoughtfully.
The sincere smile on Harper's face somehow dazzled the Holy Maiden. She looked away and said, "Your smile makes you look adorable. I like it."
Hearing this, Harper smiled brighter. "Your Grace, I'm sure your smile will be even more charming. You should smile more."
The Holy Maiden gave them a shy smile. She did a lot of that recently. With her identity, she couldn't show any emotion. But for some reason, she felt happy whenever she saw Harper and couldn't help but smile at the sight of her.
"I recall seeing my youngest sister laugh so much as a child, just like you. It's a pity I haven't seen her since I became the Holy Maiden," she said.
"Why don't you go back to visit your family? You're quite powerful, Your Grace. It will thrill them to see you," Harper said sincerely.
"Will they be happy?" The Holy Maiden sighed weakly. Although she was whispering, Harper could hear her clearly. After becoming the Holy Maiden, she had to forget her previous life and turn a blind eye to any feelings, including love. Assuming she wanted to go back, the rules would not allow it. And even if she went back, she could not return to her previous life, the way things once were. Her parents would have to treat her with reverence and respect instead.
Matthew didn't say a word during the entire exchange, but he didn't let go of Harper. Their intimacy made the friendless Holy Maiden look even lonelier.
"Why aren't you saying anything, sir?" the Holy Maiden asked him softly.
"Your Grace, please forgive my husband. He doesn't talk much to others. Not to mention, your honorable status makes him worry he'd say the wrong thing and offend you," Harper responded at once. It was impossible for Matthew to talk to any other woman with a trace of friendliness.
"It doesn't matter. I don't care." The Holy Maiden's voice was both tender and sweet.
However, Matthew remained silent. He focused his attention on Harper. Seeing that she'd slowed down, he frowned. Then he stretched out his hands to pick her up and said, "If you feel tired, just tell me."
A flush rose to Harper's cheeks. "I... I'm not tired. Put me down. Her Grace is still watching us."
The Holy Maiden was also shocked by Matthew's behavior. She then said warmly, "You are still very weak. It will take a lot of energy to climb the Holy Mountain. It was thoughtless of me not to consider that."
"No, it's nothing. I just feel a little tired from the lengthy walk. I can go on after resting a little. Your Grace, please don't worry. I'm fine." Harper looked at Matthew, urging him to put her down. Even though she didn't get embarrassed easily, it was uncomfortable to be stared at by such a beauty.
Matthew tightened his hold on her and said, "Don't move. You must be tired after walking for such a long time. It won't bother me to carry you up the mountain."
Looking at Matthew's face, the Holy Maiden was stunned. Although people in South Kingdom were open-minded, the men weren't that considerate to women. Climbing from here to the top of the mountain whilst carrying a woman would be too tiring for him and his arms would go numb.
"How about this? I can fly her up there myself. That would help ease this on both of you," the Holy Maiden suggested.
"No need for that. She's my wife. No matter how heavy she is, I can carry her," Matthew said calmly, with no trace of guilt or evasion in his eyes. The look on his face was full of confidence.
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