The Strongest Daughter-In-Law Of The Black Lion Family [EN]: Chapter 98

Having completed the contract, Jonathan transformed into a bracelet alongside Tabi. The bracelet, which previously held only a pearl, now featured a sapphire as well, hanging like a bead.

‘Looking at it like this, it’s like collecting charms.’

I was indulging in silly thoughts about whether they would grant a wish if I collected all thirteen when I was led by the elaborately dressed priests, along with Rachel, to the venue where the party was being held.

I was informed that the party had already begun when I emerged from the Mishr River.

Naaman, who had been waiting in front of the party hall, spotted me and ushered me inside.

“Please, enjoy yourself today.”

“I’m grateful for your efforts on my behalf. By the way, what about the contract?”

At my subtly probing question, Naaman replied with a benevolent smile.

“We’ve already reviewed it. We plan to send it to your lodgings by tomorrow.”

Even if he said that, there was ample time to review the contract already. He was likely stalling for time to keep me here.

Recognizing it as an obvious ploy, I smiled innocently.

“That’s welcome news!”

“First, allow me to introduce you to the priests of Hebel. This one is…”

Naaman began introducing me to his disciples, one by one. Isaac was among his direct disciples.

“Isaac became the youngest disciple last year. He’s the most youthful and energetic among them. I heard he caused some trouble before, but I hope you’ll be understanding for my sake.”

Indeed, Isaac was relatively young compared to the other disciples. Becoming Naaman’s direct disciple at a young age suggested he was skilled. Or rather, skilled in maneuvering.

‘Come to think of it, he was different from the start, jumping in when he saw the opportunity that day.’

A chill went down my spine as I realized I almost fell for Isaac’s trick.

Isaac was wearing a neat priestly robe as usual. Ironically, his expression still showed discomfort when he looked at me.

Seeing him act that way even after I was recognized as a Saintess, it seemed he served Naaman (and the power he wielded) rather than the divine itself.

Regardless, I looked around and asked with a doubtful expression.

“Where’s Ella?”

No matter how much I scanned the party hall, I couldn’t find Ella. I had assumed she would have gone to the party hall first since she went straight to report after we came out of the Mishr River.

Then Naaman gave an absurd answer with a nonchalant attitude.

“Ah, that child isn’t a formal member of Hebel, so she can’t attend the party.”

What kind of rule was that?

Ella had been by my side all this time. She guided me in the Mishr River, and she explained the Saintess test to me.

After making her do all the troublesome work, now they say she can’t attend the party because she’s not a formal member.

This was no different from discarding a hunting dog after it’s served its purpose.

Meanwhile, Naaman didn’t seem to understand what the problem was. I hardened my face and rebuked Naaman.

“Wasn’t this supposed to be a party for everyone to enjoy? Excluding only Ella is too much.”

“She has already agreed to it. From the start, we took her in to assign her roles that formal priests cannot do.”

“That sounds like you’re saying you can make her do anything as long as you feed and clothe her.”

“It’s difficult if you misinterpret it that way. Hebel is a place where rules strictly exist. Since you said you would only fulfill the minimum duties as a Saintess, further involvement is difficult.”

Naaman, unusually stern, blamed me. He didn’t forget to subtly express his dissatisfaction with me not fulfilling my responsibilities as a Saintess.

But the more he did that, the colder my expression became. I widened my eyes and asked directly, feigning innocence.

“Ah, so Hebel-style education involves taking livelihoods hostage and only demanding responsibility.”

“Hostage? I think you’re going too far.”

“Well, using the word ‘hostage’ is too mild. This is practically child abuse. Even slaves wouldn’t be treated like this. Right, Mother?”

“Indeed. They’re using a chick like her in such a crucial way.”

Ella was reduced to a chick in an instant, but with Rachel adding her words, it seemed difficult to simply gloss over the situation. Seeing him hesitate, I drove the wedge in.

“You said this party was for me, right? Then bring Ella here. Otherwise, I won’t attend the party either!”

As I turned my back as if I would leave, Naaman finally gestured to Isaac. Just when I thought he would bring Ella, Isaac unexpectedly refused.

“I’m sorry, but you cannot meet Ella right now as she is undergoing discipline.”

“Discipline? What did Ella do wrong?”

“She broke her promise with her father.”

Isaac’s eyes gleamed with a ruthless light. Naaman began to appease me at the word ‘discipline’.

“Well, it’s difficult to intervene in family matters.”

“They’re not even a real father and daughter anyway.”

As I retorted bluntly, Isaac blinked and responded innocently.

“I regard Ella as my own daughter.”

I was dumbfounded by his brazen response. Ever since I saw the bruises on Ella’s body, I had suspected Isaac of abuse.

The shape and location of the bruises were subtle. It was clear that he had avoided hitting places that would be easily noticed to avoid suspicion of abuse.

It was even easier to hide because it was a place where priestly robes, which covered the whole body, were commonplace.

‘If he hadn’t rolled up her sleeves for her to eat dessert comfortably, I wouldn’t have known either.’

A person who abuses a child deserves to die without any excuses. There’s nothing worse than using force to suppress the weak.

‘I didn’t like that lanky face from the start.’

Daring to bully Ella, looking like a dried-up pretzel.

But I knew well that the more you confront such an overbearing man head-on, the greater the backlash would be.

I had such male adults among my relatives.

His expression was sour, as if he thought I had already given him a lecture.

I put my hands together and said in a bright tone.

“That’s right, Ella said she really likes her father. I was jealous of Ella, who has a father, since I don’t.”

“Ahem, that child must have inadvertently poked at the Saintess’s sore spot. She’s just being immature, so please don’t mind it too much.”

“No way! It just means Ella likes Isaac as her real father that much.”

Isaac showed a somewhat pleased attitude, though uncomfortable with the sudden praise. I took advantage of the momentum and asked him as if pleading.

“I don’t know what Ella did wrong, but could you please forgive her? Ella is my first friend, and I really want to dance with Ella.”

“If you say so, I have no choice. Mercy is a virtue for a father.”

As Isaac ordered his subordinate to bring Ella, Rachel, who had been quietly watching me, whispered in my ear.

“Our daughter-in-law is quite the tamer. Handling those guys is no easy feat.”

“That’s because I’m a seasoned weasel.”

“I thought you had completely become merciful, but it seems that’s not the case. If it were Riki, he would have pinned that guy to the ground the moment he questioned his words.”

Rachel sighed quietly, as if she regretted not seeing such a sight. It was when I was secretly glaring at Rachel at her absurd reaction that Naaman opened his mouth.

“It seems you like that child quite a bit.”

“She’s my first female friend.”

“If you like her, you can take her as your escort knight.”

“Really?”

My eyes sparkled at the welcome news. I was already worried about leaving Ella here.

Naaman smiled triumphantly as he saw me visibly brighten up.

“Actually, I was concerned about sending only the Saintess back to Jabez, so I was forming an escort knight squad to go with you.”