Chapter 311

After a while, he hurriedly arrived at Fafnir, the place where Novia was, accompanied by Vlad III and Siegfried.

"Ahem, what a wonderful encounter! I actually witnessed the manifestation of two Saintess of the Church and the Shield of God. My name is Georgios. It's nice to meet you all. That guy over there looks pretty good. Would you like to take a picture with me? Just the two of us."

"Thank you so much, Georgios."

Novia exchanged a glance with the calm Georgios, but didn't ask any further questions, simply declining the offer.

Although neither of them said it, they were both aware of each other's identities.

As for Novia, he could sense a familiar power within Georgios, and in its manifestation, it was just like the one he had seen in Special F, which was actually Odin's Cú Chulainn.

Whose Executor was Georgios, the renowned dragon-slaying Saint revered in the Church's Faith?

The Answer to this question is actually quite simple: it is Michael the Godlike One.

Therefore, Novia couldn't understand why this Godlike One would appear in this way in the Singularity of France. After all, logically speaking, from the perspective of Godlike One, theoretically, could easily defeat First-Rank Planetary Class being like Draco, the Human Order Incineration just a trivial human disaster, and there should have been no need for him to intervene.

In fact, for the gods who have already withdrawn from the world stage, the Human Order Incineration just a disaster and there is no need to care too much about it. Moreover, due to limitations, they cannot personally intervene except for a few individuals.

Therefore, they might be watching everything happening here from the inside right now, which would be similar to watching a live TV drama.

After thinking about it, Novia felt he understood that the Godlike One probably had a very simple mentality: 'Since I can be on TV, it's not a bad thing if I have the chance.' He also thought about how Michael single-handedly blocked the Roman Gods, but it just so happened that only the Divine Ancestor managed to appear. It could only be said to be a very coincidental coincidence... probably.

In fact, Saint George was also puzzled as to why Novia had appeared and why Demi-Servant. The source of his confusion was the same as Novia's.

But then he stopped thinking about it. After all, he was working so hard, so there shouldn't be any major problems... Taking a photo of him alone was also a good idea.

And so, in their gazes met, they found a shared understanding.

Compared to Saint George, who was trying hard to keep his expression calm, Siegfried and Vlad III openly displayed their uncontrollable joy.

After all, they had participated in a Holy Grail War together in another world not long ago, so Vlad naturally recognized Novia at a glance. If it weren't for the fact that Novia didn't directly reveal her identity, and he wondered if there was some reason, Vlad would have shouted out.

After learning that it was Novia and the little Jeanne d'Arc on her neck who had made Fafnir obey, Siegfried felt at ease and began to have a friendly conversation with his old rival. Fafnir, out of respect for Novia, could only smile apologetically, but it had gotten used to it. In the past few days, it felt that its duty was to either light the fire for that green-haired little girl or just lie down.

Normally, or even when facing an opponent she couldn't possibly defeat, Fafnir wouldn't necessarily act this way. But what could she do? It was the aura of Typhon, the Primordial Dragon, so profound, it felt as if they were already intertwined. So there was nothing she could do about it.

In short, based on the information available at this moment, the only Servant under the Dragon Witch's command are Bluebeard, Sanson, Carmilla. As for the Phantom of the Phantom of the Opera, he was eliminated when Siegfried fought against all of his followers. Now, even Fafnir has joined their side. Therefore, this is simply the perfect opportunity to launch a decisive battle against the Dragon Witch.

The Cake Queen did indeed inquire why Fafnir, who should have been the leader of the Dragon Tooth Warrior under the Dragon Witch, was so compliant. To this, Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily preemptively explained—

"Because Novia is my Dragon Husband."

Upon hearing this, the crowd showed the same confused expression Novia had when she first learned that Jeanne d'Arc Alter addressed her that way, before realizing that it was because a chariot is a coachman, a horse is a groom, and a dragon is Dragon Husband —a very simple concept that perfectly suited a child's understanding.

Faced with the teasing looks from the crowd, Jeanne d'Arc could only cover her face with her hands to hide her embarrassment.

To be honest, she never realized how naive she used to be. She felt she was actually more rational than other children her age when playing in the fields...

Jeanne d'Arc.

As night fell, Novia called out these words, causing the Saintess, who was deeply surprised by how young she had become, to tremble slightly.

The silver-haired youth's smile lingered in the corner of Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily's field of vision, and at that moment, Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily and Jeanne d'Arc' Arc's eyes met.

She had to admit that, at least in the current situation, she was already doomed to lose. After all, the difference in numbers between the Servant was too great. Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily had already prepared to reveal her true identity when everyone met Gilles.

Although I'm a little reluctant to part with Dragon Husband, Gilles has been so good to me, so I can't just stand by and watch him go... So it's still Dragon Husband's fault!

He keeps showing favoritism towards Ritsuka Fujimaru, how annoying! And Jeanne d'Arc, she's actually so Perfection! Why can't I be like that when I grow up? I keep acting like a child, retorting nonchalantly, charging around recklessly, not even knowing what's in front of me, making a mess of things...

But why is this the kind of person I am as I grow up? It's so disappointing...

So it's all Dragon Husband's fault! He spoiled me too much, how awful! Couldn't he be a little more serious?!

Speaking of which, besides that biased Ritsuka Fujimaru and Jeanne d'Arc, that brat Kiyohime seems to have this aura that she'll act once she's made a decision... How annoying, she's not that much older... I'm working hard on my writing too... If only I had Dragon Husband's Command Spell, it's really... unbelievable that my Servant doesn't have Command Spell... What a close call! I can't think like that, I can't...

Jeanne d'Arc, who was meeting Novia's gaze, naturally noticed the change in the gaze of the Kuro Jeanne riding on Novia's neck; there was a look of disdain in her eyes.

This was a devastating blow to Jeanne d'Arc, who, despite not having much interaction with her, already considered her a younger sister. For her, it wouldn't have been bad to treat her past self as a younger sister, given their similar personalities.

But with Novia present, she could only force a smile despite her inner turmoil, and then Novia's next words left her speechless—

"I've already discussed it with Ritsuka and the others. We'll head to Orléans the day after tomorrow to see the Dragon Witch, Jeanne d'Arc. But before that, I'm taking you two to La Salite tomorrow, because there's a mother there waiting to see her departed daughter one last time."

Jeanne d'Arc Alter. jpg.

Chapter 357 So, I'm off, Mom.

On May 30, 1431, Isabelle d'Arc lost her child Jeanne d'Arc forever in Rouen.

Those who mocked her, those who looked at her with pity, those who wept as they watched her go—those who mourned her execution in the old market square of Rouen —were almost all ordinary citizens. Of course, there were also quite a few who ridiculed her as Witch.

Isabella learned from those returning from Rouen that her child had been burned at the stake twice, and to prevent anyone from collecting her Ashes, the England eventually threw the remaining ashes into the Seine.

However, just three days later, a dragon that only appeared in legends, along with the power of people who displayed what could be called miracles, swept across all of France, burning the France land with overwhelming force.

The survivors learned from those 'Demon' who was responsible for this Culprit—

Jeanne d'Arc Dragon Witch.

Therefore, in the City attacked by the dragons, the roars of the already desperate people would echo:

"Serves us right! It's all because we stood by and watched the Saintess die! That person has become the Dragon Witch! She's going to destroy us and this country!"

Such sounds are heard from time to time throughout France, and of course, there are also curses.

"Jeanne d'Arc of Arc was not Saintess at all; she was Demon in disguise, sent to destroy us!"

If curses are like songs from a distant land, then sorrow is the cradle of a mother's love.

"... I don't know how well you know that child, but I absolutely will not allow you to talk about someone else's daughter like that! That child would never do such a thing!"

On La Charité's very first day in Ritsuka Salle, France, before meeting Jeanne d'Arc of La Charité, Isabella was already refuting those who cursed or believed that the Dragon Witch was a resurrected Jeanne d'Arc who came to destroy France, and even threw punches at them.

"You old bastard--"

The man who had been punched was about to retaliate when the Dragon Tooth Warrior, who had rushed over, ripped his head off. The Soldier then headed towards Isabella, who was quite far from Ritsuka and Mash. Ritsuka wanted to help her, but felt it was too late.

It was at that moment that Jeanne d'Arc of Arc, wearing a cloak, appeared and saved her mother.

Afterwards, she retreated to the outskirts with Ritsuka and the others. Even when Isabella attacked, Jeanne d'Arc resolutely did not stop, leaving only her back view in Isabella's eyes. Although Isabella did not see Jeanne d'Arc's face, how could a mother not recognize her own child?

Moreover, in later history, Jeanne d'Arc of Arc's Judgment was largely due to the efforts of this mother.

Jeanne d'Arc...

Somewhere in La Charité, Isabella sat with her hands on her knees, gazing into the distance and murmuring to herself.

She still remembered what Jeanne d'Arc looked like when she was alive.

Beneath her naturally curly, smooth hair lay an incredibly healthy face. Unlike her own slender frame, she was much taller and larger. Born in a rural village, she was God. Her giggling laughter and smiling face made her seem like an ordinary farm girl to anyone who saw her.

Therefore, Isabella would never forget the day the girl left home.

After finishing her chores at home, Jeanne d'Arc sat quietly, not running off to play as usual. Isabella assumed she was just excited about going to the beach the next day.

"What, aren't you going out to have some fun?"

"I'll probably be going out alone tomorrow."

"Didn't we agree that I'd take you to the beach? If you miss this opportunity, there won't be another one!"

For the young Jeanne d'Arc of Arc, the boundless ocean was a dream she had to witness with her own eyes, because even if a vast wheat field were compared to the ocean, one could not hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

"Let's talk about this wish later."

The following day, Jeanne d'Arc embarked alone on the path of becoming a 'Saintess,' which marked her short life, her fleeting glory, and her tragic end.

Back in the present, Isabella, who has taken refuge in La Charité, still firmly believes that the person who saved her that day was her child, Jeanne d'Arc, and that the Dragon Witch was definitely not Jeanne d'Arc... She blindly trusts her child's character.

Then, as always, Isabella, basking in the warm spring sunshine in La Charité, saw three figures approaching from afar by the roadside where flowers swayed gently in the breeze. This made her widen her aged eyes, her pupils almost bulging out of their sockets.

After all, Isabella was sitting alone in a quiet place with few people around, surrounded by many trees, far from the bustling streets, so she could be noticed immediately when someone appeared.

"What... is going on?"

Isabella shifted her gaze from Jeanne d'Arc, who was walking towards her bathed in sunlight, and looked at Novia beside Jeanne d'Arc and Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily riding on his neck. The scene gave Isabella the illusion that Jeanne d'Arc had married, had children, and brought them back to visit her.

At the same time, Isabella also came to the three of them. Because of her old age, she was already panting heavily after only taking a few steps.

Jeanne d'Arc gazed at her mother, who was so close to her. The conflict between her initial reluctance to see her mother and Novia's demands vanished instantly, leaving only one thought—

My mother seems to be even thinner and weaker than before.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the Leaf, illuminating a smiling face, but revealing far more wrinkles than I remembered.

Jeanne d'Arc of Arc felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if pierced by needles.

"Mom--"

"Grandma, why are you crying...?"

Just as Jeanne d'Arc was about to reach out her hand, she noticed from Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily's words that her mother's eyes were filled with tears. At the same time, she stared wide-eyed at Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily, who had a curious expression, feeling somewhat uneasy, not because of joy.

Jeanne d'Arc naturally understood the reason for her mother's weeping, but she was somewhat surprised by Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily's words, because no matter what, she could not possibly not recognize her mother, even as a child. So why...

She doesn't recognize my mother? Could it be that she's not me? If she's not me, then why does she look exactly like me and know about my abandoned dreams?

A host of questions arose in Jeanne d'Arc of Arc's mind. Unable to find Answer for the moment, she could only look up at Novia. For a brief instant, their eyes met. Novia simply nodded slightly without saying anything, but this gesture alone was enough to reassure Jeanne d'Arc.

The reason for this is that Novia did it intentionally, because Jeanne d'Arc Alter is unaware that she was born from Bluebeard's resentment and is not another side of Jeanne d'Arc. Therefore, after meeting Isabella, she will probably wonder why she doesn't recognize her mother and ponder the Answer.

If it were the adult version of Jeanne d'Arc Alter, Isabella might have been killed outright. But because it's the Lily version of Jeanne d'Arc Alter, she's considering this issue, and it's also the way to allow Jeanne d'Arc Alter to be summoned again.

Although Novia's ability could forcibly inscribe it onto the seat, a mother's sincere love for her child is also an undeniable miracle.

Thus, this memory came to be, along with the memory of my mother.

She can then continue to exist as Servant.

"So, even if you're resurrected, you can only exist for a few days...?"

After a brief explanation to Isabella, the mother understood that Jeanne d'Arc was indeed dead, but had been resurrected for some special reason, and could only exist for a few days...

Of course, as a believer, she could have discussed many matters of Faith, such as the name of this silver-haired youth. In a different version, wouldn't it sound like the Pope recreating the story of saving the Saintess? But because it was her daughter whom she hadn't seen for a long time, she overlooked that.

"Then why didn't you see me, Jeanne d'Arc?"

"Because at that time, I was also very confused, and I was afraid that you would be scared, Mom..."

Even though she was an adult, Jeanne d'Arc acted like a child in front of her mother.

"I never expected to see Jeanne d'Arc as a child again. You were still so adorable..."

Isabella reached out and stroked the head of Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily, who was riding on Novia's neck.

Upon learning that the person before her was Jeanne d'Arc's mother, Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily fell silent; perhaps due to nervousness, her expression was stiff.

When Isabella's hands touched Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily's head, this gentle gesture eased her stiffness somewhat. At the same time, she subconsciously raised the corners of her mouth slightly. Realizing this, she forced herself to calm down and not pout.

I probably wasn't very cute in the past...

Jeanne d'Arc said somewhat embarrassedly.

"You do have some self-awareness. You're always running around playing, either in the mud or mingling with the sheep. I used to worry about how you'd ever get married. But you're still like that at your age. Maybe I didn't raise you well."

Isabella shook her head somewhat helplessly. "But little Jeanne d'Arc is indeed so much cuter than you, really. Is it just because of the difference in age?"

"This..."

Jeanne d'Arc hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but held back.

Previously, she could have joked openly, but now that this Jeanne d'Arc Lily had been born, and it was highly likely that she wasn't herself, she had some reservations.

"Jeanne d'Arc in her childhood must have been a child who celebrated a peaceful life."

Just then, Novia spoke up, and Isabella, upon hearing his words, laughed as if she had suddenly realized something.

"Indeed, that's certainly true. This little Jeanne d'Arc listens to me very well, unlike Jeanne d'Arc, who doesn't listen to me. That must be it."

At this point, Isabella opened her arms wide. "Little Jeanne d'Arc, would you like me to hug you? I haven't been able to hug you like this in so long. And why have you become so shy now that you're smaller? You would call me when you were bigger, but you won't when you're smaller. It hurts me a lot."

Isabella did this for a simple reason: as a mother, she had noticed an inexplicable difference between the little Jeanne d'Arc and the real Jeanne d'Arc, and besides, the little Joan of Arc didn't even recognize her.

Therefore, theoretically speaking, it's fine to consider him as a child who looks very much like Jeanne d'Arc.

But Isabella sensed a certain emotion in her, the same weight that Jeanne d'Arc carried in her past desire to see the sea. That's why she spoke and acted in that way, or, to put it another way, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she had already accepted the child.

"Really... is it okay...?"

Jeanne d'Arc Alter Lily's body trembled slightly.

Now, she has the Answer to the question of why she didn't recognize her own mother.