As weeks passed, Katharina was still in shock over the sudden loss of her legs. Katheryne couldn't stop blaming herself for being the one to amputate her sister's legs. Although both their parents reassured her it wasn't her fault, pointing out that Katharina's wounds showed clear signs of infection and venom, the guilt lingered in her heart.
Finally, the family returned home. In less than ten days, Katheryne's once-hopeful life had turned into a nightmare. As Katharina slowly recovered, she was given wooden prosthetic legs and a staff to assist her movement. However, her body remained weak, so she still relied on a wheelchair.
One day, Katheryne went to visit her sister's room and found Katharina staring out of the open window, gazing at the fields and their family's garden.
"Kath, I'm going to the market. Do you want anything?" Katheryne asked.
Katharina tried to hide her sadness behind a small smile.
"Could you get me some cheesecake if you happen to pass the bakery?" she replied softly.
Katheryne nodded and kissed her sister's forehead before leaving the room.
As she left the house and headed toward the market, guilt weighed heavily on her. She couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility for what had happened.
At the market, Katheryne noticed Robinson talking to another orc she didn't recognize. This orc was much larger than Nagal, clearly from a different tribe and definitely not from the local area.
As Katheryne approached, Robinson greeted her with a warm smile.
"Hi, Robinson. Your wounds—are they healed already?" Katheryne asked.
"Hi, Ms. Katheryne. Yeah, it's nothing. I guess that thing's poison wasn't too bad. Oh, by the way, this is one of my companions from Night Raven," Robinson said with a smile.
"Hey, I'm Dunrish from the Fire Bear Clan," the orc introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Katheryne Sherwood, Justiciar Paladin," she said, extending her hand in greeting.
"So, what's the occasion? Are you leaving already, Robinson?" Katheryne asked, her concern evident.
"Yeah. My sister insists I return, but I've decided I won't leave until my mission is done," Robinson replied.
"I was sent here to take you back. The Big Boss and Big Sis will beat me if I don't bring you home," Dunrish interjected with a grin.
"That's why I said you could help me first with this cultist problem. Then I'll go home," Robinson explained.
"You know we've already contacted the local paladin order. They said they'll send reinforcements to fortify this area. I don't think you need to worry about them for now," Katheryne reassured him.
Robinson's expression darkened, his face showing traces of sadness. "Well, at least let me enjoy a couple of days here," he said before entering a nearby restaurant and ordering some food.
Katheryne noticed something was bothering him. She and Dunrish approached.
"Hey, is something wrong?" Katheryne asked as she sat beside Robinson.
"It's nothing," Robinson said flatly.
Dunrish stood and clapped Robinson on the shoulder. "I'm going to get you two a room, Boss. But you might want to talk about whatever's eating at you. Even if you don't want to tell me, it's better than keeping it to yourself." Dunrish then walked outside.
"So... something is definitely wrong," Katheryne said, pressing gently.
"Nah... it's just... I feel ashamed of myself," Robinson admitted reluctantly. "I haven't achieved anything in the guild. Compared to my sister and... others..."
"That's not true. You literally saved me yesterday. And you saved my sister too. If not for you, I or my sister would probably be dead," Katheryne said, trying to cheer him up.
"Yeah, but if it were my sister, none of those casualties would've happened. She would've wiped out most of those monsters without a problem," he said bitterly. His mood darkened further as he continued. "She was right—I shouldn't venture out on my own. If I'd stayed with the group, none of this would've happened."
Katheryne reached out and took Robinson's hand. "Hey, listen. You're still young. You have your own adventures and your own life ahead of you. It doesn't matter what others have achieved. What matters is that you live your best life—whether you're a legendary hero, an adventurer, or anything else. You shouldn't feel embarrassed about that," she said firmly.
This brought a small smile to Robinson's face. "Thanks... I didn't realize I needed to hear that. I guess I just don't have to give up on everything so quickly," he said.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you should throw your life away recklessly," Katheryne added with a smirk.
Robinson took a deep breath. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But I still really want to finish this mission."
"What about your family?" Katheryne asked.
Robinson paused, thinking. His family would undoubtedly send him home one way or another. Without someone backing him up, staying here would be a challenge.
"I have an idea. Are you going after the cultists too?" Robinson asked, looking at Katheryne.
"Well... I don't really know. It's usually the Loyal Swords Paladins who deal with these kinds of problems. Spear of Justice Paladins don't typically handle cases like this," Katheryne replied nervously, fidgeting under Robinson's gaze.
"Considering you and your entire village were attacked, you're not just going to stand idle, right?" Robinson pressed.
"Yeah... but as I said, it's not our case to handle. Plus, in less than two weeks, I have to accompany my envoy to Krest," Katheryne explained, trying to temper his expectations.
Robinson leaned forward, his tone more persuasive. "How about this? Help me get contracted by the local Paladins or guards to deal with the cultists. As payment, you won't have to pay me a single coin—I'll be your personal guide in Arkhari. My sister and I studied magic there for over ten years; I know the place inside and out."
Katheryne hesitated, the weight of his plea evident on her face. "After the incident last week, my sister lost her legs," she began, her voice heavy with emotion. "I've heard stories about implant-based treatments that could help people who've lost body parts. As much as I want to help you, my focus has to be on finding a solution for her first."
Robinson nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard about something like that too. There might be someone in the Night Raven Guild who knows more about those treatments," he said, scratching his chin.
Katheryne fell into silence, her thoughts churning.
"How about this," Robinson continued, sensing her hesitation. "Contract me to deal with the cultists, and in return, I'll find a way to help your sister with the implants."
Katheryne took a deep breath, considering his offer carefully. "Well, I guess it's worth a shot. I only have less than two weeks here, and I won't get far searching on my own," she said finally, agreeing to help him.
As they went their separate ways, Robinson explained the situation to Dunrish, assuring him that he would accompany the Paladins back to Arkhari. Dunrish nodded, relieved they wouldn't have to worry about him.
Meanwhile, after purchasing everything she needed, including the cheesecake for her sister, Katheryne sent a letter to inform her envoy about securing a guide for their mission in Arkhari.
That night, Katheryne went to Katharina's room with the cheesecake in hand. Sitting beside her younger sister, she gently said, "Katharina... I'm so sorry about your legs, but don't worry. I'll find a way to help you, no matter what." Katheryne hugged her little sister tightly, her resolve clear in her voice.
The two eventually fell asleep together, curled up on the same bed, seeking comfort in each other's presence.
As the morning sun rose, Robinson stood waiting outside Katheryne's family home.
Spotting him from the window, Katheryne called out, "Wait for me! I'll just change into my armor."
Moments later, Katheryne stepped out, fully clad in her gleaming white-silver armor, accented with gold linings. The red feathered plume atop her helmet swayed gently in the breeze. She carried a white spear with a crystal blade, her twin swords secured at her waist.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said with a polite smile.
With that, the two began their journey toward the nearby Paladin outpost
They were greeted by the captain of the outpost.
"Greetings, Justiciar. I'm Paladin Knight Captain McGreggor of the Loyal Sword Paladin Order, 26th Company, Southwest Branch. May I know the occasion that brings you here?" asked the captain.
Katheryne stepped forward and introduced herself and Robinson. "I'm Katheryne Sherwood, 18th Justiciar of the Spear of Justice Paladin, Whiteford Branch. This is my companion, Robinson, a member of Night Raven. Eight days ago, my village of Amrid was attacked by a massive number of cultist-controlled monsters. Thankfully, the casualties were minimal, and no major damage was dealt. However, we are attempting to track the cultists, who we suspect are hiding near the border between Whiteford and Myriad Country."
McGreggor furrowed his brow in thought. "I've heard of that case. Pardon me, Ma'am, but the Southwest Branch is currently short on manpower. Even here, at this outpost, only four of us remain. Myriad Country is in the midst of a civil conflict, so most of our Paladins have been stationed there."
Katheryne nodded. "I understand. While Amrid Village is near the Myriad border, it remains within Whiteford territory and thus outside the jurisdiction of the Southwest Branch. However, at this rate, the attacks on nearby villages won't stop."
"Can't we request assistance from the Whiteford Branch?" Robinson asked.
"Unfortunately, the Loyal Sword Paladins of Whiteford Branch are located far to the north—much farther than even the capital. A round trip would take weeks. As for the Spear of Justice Branch, they usually don't handle this kind of problem unless it's deemed urgent," Katheryne explained.
Robinson scratched his head. "I'm sorry, but I don't really understand how the Paladin Orders work."
Katheryne smiled slightly and explained, "The Paladin Orders are split into three:
The Spear of Justice Paladins: Our task is to enforce laws and, when necessary, impose martial law. We are often sent to regions left lawless after wars or conflicts, ensuring villages, cities, or settlements remain protected. We also focus on preventing and ending tyranny and oppression.
The Loyal Sword Paladins: Their primary focus is eliminating threats from outer gods, demons, anomalies, or any abnormal dangers. They operate both within Paladin and allied territories and beyond, often accompanying military expeditions to guard outposts or explore treacherous lands.
The Forgiven Shield Paladins: They safeguard nations both physically and politically. They're responsible for protecting royal families, national leaders, religious figures, and other key individuals. Additionally, they guard strategic locations of great importance. Unlike the other orders, the Forgiven Shield Paladins do not have branches. Their only base is in the Siofia Region, at the Light Hope Cathedral in the First Light Citadel."
She paused, giving Robinson time to process the explanation. "That's a general summary of how the orders work."
"Whoa, I never realized the Paladin Orders were that complex," Robinson said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Katheryne smiled, adjusting her posture as she began explaining further. "Well, the Ivovnia Continent is divided into six branches:
Southwest Branch: This branch oversees Myriad Country, the entire eastern coast, and up to Margram Harbor.
Whiteford Branch: Responsible for the entire Whiteford region, from Arnis City and the west coast, including White Harbor, to Lagu City and the Fonta Aria border.
Fonta Aria Branch: Covers all of Fonta Aria Country, including Katya Port. Fonta Aria is also home to the Loyal Swords Paladin Headquarters, located in Melody, the capital city.
Siofia Branch: Spans the central region of Ivovnia, from the First Light Citadel to the Merida Kingdom. Although we don't usually refer to this area as a 'branch,' it's integral to the network.
Eastern Branch: Oversees Numen Kingdom, Haegenum City, and Kardor City, which is located in the continent's northeastern region.
Northwest Branch: Covers the Dustin Empire, Lorenstein Kingdom, and the island nations, including the Rimba Republic."
Robinson raised an eyebrow, shaking his head in amazement. "That's just... too much for me to take in."
Katheryne chuckled softly. "Oh, pardon me. I suppose I can't help myself when I start explaining things."
"What Ms. Justiciar says is right," McGreggor said, nodding solemnly. "However, as you've heard, Amrid Village lies outside our jurisdiction, so we can't officially call for reinforcements. Normally, we'd help with this kind of problem regardless, but, as it stands, there are only four of us left to guard this outpost."
Katheryne sighed but maintained her composure. "I see. That's alright. I guess I'll proceed to Myriad Country. But, may I ask a favor? Could you send someone to keep an eye on the village in the meantime?"
McGreggor rubbed his chin, considering her request. "Hm... While it's true that it's outside our jurisdiction, we can't just stand idle if those kinds of attacks are happening to civilians. Don't worry. I'll send one of my paladins to... do some shopping in the area. Perhaps pick up a souvenir for my family," he added with a sly smile.
Katheryne's face lit up with relief. "Thank you so much, Sir McGreggor."
"Don't mention it," McGreggor replied, returning the smile.
With their plan set, Katheryne and Robinson mounted their horses and began their journey toward Myriad Country.