8mi Chapter 251 : Ariel's Dilemma
Chapter 251 : Ariel's Dilemma
Hearing Celitia's words, Shanie became even more disappointed."Well, I was planning to invite Lady Ariel to join us in going to the old village site to search for the relic treasure..."
Shanie muttered gloomily, "Now it seems there won't be such an opportunity."
Seeing Shanie mention "treasure," Ariel's eyes moved slightly.
Right, the few of them planned to search for the treasure entrance the next day.
Erwin said it was the legendary treasure of the Clarence family...
"How about this," Ariel suddenly spoke, "Since you plan to search for the legendary royal treasure, as an adopted daughter of the Clarence family, I cannot stay out of it."
Celitia was stunned, thinking Ariel suddenly changed her mind because she was worried about their safety:
"You don't need to worry. We'll be careful about safety. If we encounter any abnormalities, we'll retreat immediately."
Ariel was silent for a moment.
It wasn't because she was worried about them, but because she didn't want to be treated as a distant friend by Celitia and pushed away with reasons about considering her welfare...
But these words, Ariel could only keep in her heart—she couldn't voice them no matter what.
"No need to say more," Ariel spoke firmly, not giving Celitia a chance to refuse. "I'm going with you tomorrow."
Celitia had no choice but to close her mouth. She already understood Ariel's stubborn nature that brooked no opposition very clearly.
But wasn't she the one who just said she wanted to go back?
Why did she suddenly change her mind?
Celitia was very confused.
Forget it, as long as Ariel was happy. Besides, they'd have another powerful helper on their side.
However, this treasure was again related to that mysterious old village site.
Would it arouse Ariel's suspicion and draw the church's attention?
Thinking of this, Celitia was momentarily weighed down with concerns.
When they returned to Shanie's home, the sky was almost dark.
Ariel also stayed overnight at Shanie's house. Fortunately, Shanie's house was quite large and could easily accommodate one more person.
The villagers who attended the banquet had been drinking and were clamoring for an evening party. Lake and Judy had already gone to prepare.
"What kind of party?" Benita was hearing about this for the first time.
"A bonfire party! They rarely do this in cities, right?"
Shanie showed a brilliant smile.
"But in our countryside, when there are festivals and celebrations, we light a big bonfire, everyone drinks and eats together, and sometimes we even dance around the bonfire!"
Ariel nodded: "The weather is nice today. Holding a bonfire party for everyone to have fun is a good idea."
"Has Lady Saintess also attended bonfire parties?"
Benita asked eagerly, getting excited too. "How do you participate? What kind of dances do you do? It shouldn't be the ballroom dancing from social banquets, right?"
"Well, that... you just dance casually."
Ariel's expression was somewhat stiff.
She had indeed attended bonfire parties, but had never personally joined in the dancing.
Because no one dared invite Ariel to dance together.
This time would probably be the same situation.
Ariel had originally deliberately concealed her identity, but it was exposed when she stepped forward to speak for Celitia.
Celitia silently turned her head and glanced at Ariel.
Although Ariel hadn't said anything aloud, Celitia still sensed her inner conflict.
"Then let's all go have fun together tonight." Celitia suggested.
Ariel didn't respond immediately.
"Are you tired?"
Noticing the faint weariness on Celitia's face, Ariel lowered her voice. "How about resting well tonight instead of tiring yourself out?"
To be honest, having been busy nonstop since yesterday, Celitia was indeed somewhat tired.
But seeing the excited expressions on her companions' faces, she couldn't bring herself to say anything disappointing.
"I'm fine. Since you're all planning to go, I naturally can't be left behind."
Celitia smiled.
"Because this might become an important memory of our trip—how could I miss it?"
Ariel's gaze became slightly complex.
She was always like this, constantly forcing herself so as not to affect others.
No matter how much she was advised, she never seemed to listen.
"Alright, then I'll accompany you. If you feel unwell anywhere, tell me immediately."
Just as Celitia was about to agree, those nonsensical words Erwin had said earlier unexpectedly surfaced in her mind.
She hadn't believed them, but if even that old man could sense something was off, perhaps she should maintain some distance?
Thinking this, Celitia adjusted her expression, making both her demeanor and tone somewhat more distant:
"Thank you, Lady Saintess. If I feel uncomfortable, I'll go back to rest. Lady Saintess needn't concern yourself with me—just enjoy the event."
Feeling the change in Celitia's tone, Ariel couldn't help but be stunned.
But her response was impeccable, and Ariel couldn't say what exactly was wrong.
Right, something just wasn't quite right.
What had happened?
Ariel thought for a long time but couldn't figure it out.
Birds carried the twilight away, the sun completely set, night settled in, and stars adorned the sky.
A bonfire blazed brightly in the open space by Shanie's front door.
Deep red wine swayed in glasses, toasts were exchanged, and the aroma of food filled the air.
The villagers' faces were flushed, their eyes reflecting the firelight, with laughter and chatter echoing noisily.
Learning that a bonfire party was being held here, Baron Tucker specially sent people over with plenty of wine and food, saying it was an apology to Celitia, Ariel, and Lake's family.
Fortunately, Baron Tucker himself didn't show up, so the party could continue pleasantly.
Shanie pulled Benita to join the celebrating crowd.
The two were talking loudly about something, surrounded by several villagers, seemingly telling them interesting stories from the city.
Celitia sat in a reclining chair near the corner of the house, away from the lively crowd, half-looking up silently at the ink-black sky.
Ariel sat beside her, accompanying her as they gazed at the high-hanging galaxy in the distance.
"I'm really fine—you don't need to accompany me." Celitia spoke softly. "It's so lively over there, and even Benita is having such fun. You should go enjoy yourself with them."
"No need," Ariel shook her head. "If I go over, they'll become reserved and won't be able to relax."
"That's true." Celitia sighed quietly.
After learning that Ariel wasn't an ordinary priestess but the famous church Saintess, the villagers' gazes toward her became filled with reverent respect.
Just speaking to Ariel required mustering courage, fearing that one careless word might offend her and provoke her wrath.
Monica had sought out Ariel several times, bowing repeatedly and apologizing frantically each time.
Even though Ariel told her not to take it to heart, it didn't help much.