Goodbye, Saintess. Novel

---- Chapter 616 "Alright, Mr. Grimwald." Emin still could not believe the lengths | was willing to go for him "We'll come back later this evening to pick up the two of you. Bye for now!" After that, Jackie and | took our leave of the Candors. At my very specific request, Jackie chose to bring me to a massage parlor rather than to see Julia. There, we enjoyed a proper massage while exchanging information. | learned that Ashera now held complete control over Beauclab's criminal underground and had begun pushing the Dragoons' reach beyond the city's borders.

Her power and influence had grown so vast that even the city authorities treated her with caution. Even so, Jackie claimed that Ashera seemed dissatisfied with her conquest. These days, she appeared unusually disheartened. The only moments when she showed any spark of energy came when she resolved problems that threatened Sleeping Giant. "| know it's a lot to ask," Jackie said, hesitating. "But if it's possible... could you please let Dr. Fay examine our Donna? | think she's suffering from some sort of... Well, unknown ---- affliction. Of the mind, maybe?

I'm not sure." | gave an awkward smile. | did not need Metis to diagnose the cause of her so-called affliction. Ashera was simply furious that she had failed to do what she wanted with me the last time we met. | had no doubt that, if | had gone to see her alone, | would have ended up naked and fully prepared for her intentions. "Let's change the subject to something more, uh, official," | said. "I managed to win against the Youngkins last time thanks to Byleth, and Renault kept his promise not to harass Julia again. Still... | have a feeling that things are not as simple as they seem.

| paused before continuing, "I think we should eliminate the Youngkins before her semester break ends. | won't feel safe until they are gone for good, just like the Amos family." Jackie frowned. At first, he had only wanted Sebastian to serve as a deterrent, a shield for his sister at the university. He never expected the man's power and influence to grow at such a staggering pace. What if Sebastian could truly bring down one of the most powerful elite families in Astergrad? If he succeeded, Julia would finally be free. ---- "You're right, Mr. Grimwald," Jackie said at last.

"Let us know if you need any assistance from the Dragoons. We'll provide it, guaranteed." | nodded and closed my eyes as the masseur worked my tense muscles. The Youngkins were not my only concern. | was also the target of an assassination attempt, commissioned by an unknown enemy whose identity remained a mystery. The police had offered me no information and no reports The city of Enbarr. At the heart of Revaria's capital stood an old, classical mansion. A middle-aged man's expression darkened, his gaze sharpening with murderous intent.

"So, it failed," he muttered without turning his head An old man dressed in a black robe hesitated before speaking. " Yes. It failed. However, we have confirmed his identity. Sebastian Grimwald is indeed the lost heir of the Grimwalds. He is the son of that genius, and he is currently under the protection of an extremely powerful fighter." ---- The old man glanced at the corpses scattered across the floor. They were the same hitmen who had fallen when Byleth thwarted their attack at the office.

Instead of ending up in police custody for forensic examination, they had somehow been delivered there. "None of their injuries were fatal," the old man continued. "That can only mean one thing. The fighter was skilled enough to subdue them without killing them. He was trying to extract information." He sneered, humiliation and rage flashing in his eyes.