Goodbye Saintess. novel Chapter 3

"Captain Holst?"

"Grimwald, bad news. A forest wildfire broke out in the mountains to the west. Three teams have already died on duty, and the situation shows no sign of improving. We're next."

My nerves tightened. Suddenly, my personal matters slipped from my mind. I had to be there for the team immediately.

"I'm ready for duty, sir!"

If the wildfire spiraled out of control, countless innocent lives would be at risk. Compared to that, my personal drama was laughably trivial.

"Not yet, Grimwald. You don't fully understand what we're facing. I want you to spend today with your family," Albert said. "Especially your wife. If I remember correctly, you're married, right?"

I stopped in my tracks. A heavy weight settled over me.

Everyone at the station knew I was married, but Hera had never appeared in person. She always refused to attend social events, even when others brought their families. I was certain my captain and teammates had nearly forgotten she existed.

"I understand, Captain Holst."

The call ended, and I sighed.

I had been Hera's husband for five years. Of course, I could predict her reaction or lack of one. Why would the Saintess care about the dangers I faced? Life was fleeting to the Awakened.

Even after warning her about the risks of my missions, the most she had ever offered was a scripted "take care," delivered without sincerity. I had grown so used to her apathy that I stopped burdening her with my work.

But this time, it could really be the end for me. Even if Hera showed no warmth or concern, I still had a duty to inform her.

When I finally returned home, I discovered a side of her I had never seen before. She was dressed to the nines—stunningly beautiful—and ready to leave in her car.

I approached her from the window. "Hey, I've got something I need to tell you."

She dismissed me. "Tell me after I return. I've got an emergency event to attend."

I frowned but did not back away. People suffering from that wildfire needed help immediately. I had to tell her now.

I wonder what kind of an "emergency event" it could be. Hera only ever went out for two reasons: work or a visit to an Awakenist monastery.

Then I noticed the passenger side. Edmund sat there, breaking Hera's silence. "Mr. Grimwald, I apologize. There's an afternoon tea party at my company today. She's my companion."

He turned to her. "Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I should go alone."

"No. He never has anything important. I can't say the same for you," she replied placidly. She then started the engine and drove away.

For a while, I did not move. It was as if my entire body had turned to stone. I certainly felt my heart weighing down on my chest.

Hera had declined so many of my social events for years. Yet when Edmund asked, she accepted immediately and dressed for the occasion.

I could not even ignore the fact that the event wouldn't even start until the afternoon, yet they were leaving early in the morning.

"An Awakenist would not lie, you said. And yet you had to be lying. You treat Edmund like he is your husband. Why else would you agree to be his companion? What, is your attendance somehow benefiting Bobby's wellbeing too?" I muttered bitterly.

There was no reason for me to stay here any longer. This house used to mean something to me, but now, it was just an eyesore. Every step I took to leave here felt like crushing every precious memory I shared with her under my foot.

…

In the evening, Hera suddenly sent me a text.

Hera: [I'm free. We can have dinner. You can tell me about whatever you wanted to say.]

It read as though the Saintess was generously granting me an audience out of pity.

I hesitated but decided to seize the opportunity. After all, we could discuss the divorce. If I were to perish in the fire, I would want to leave the world without any regret or lingering attachment.

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