Crescent opened her eyes sharply, glaring.

"Thank you for your concern. I'm fine, really. But could you please not hug me so suddenly? It startled me," she said, her words barbed as she narrowed her eyes. Her displeasure was evident to anyone watching.

Adrian's face flushed bright red.

"I'm s-sorry. I was just so relieved and happy that you came back safe…."

"Alright," Crescent replied, softening her stern expression as Adrian's sincere apology reached her.

“Your Eminence, the Cardinal!”

Just then, other cardinals and bishops rushed through the crowd, having just heard the news. It had been only ten minutes since Reuben and the knights had returned from the Demon Realm, yet the entire Holy Palace had gathered in the courtyard to greet them.

“You’ve returned! As expected of Your Eminence!”

“We knew you would make it back! The Demon Realm poses no threat to someone like you, ha ha ha!”

“It’s good to see you all again,” Reuben said, shaking hands and exchanging embraces with each of them.

Though he had seen most of them just the day before, the near-death experience over the past night made the reunion all the more emotional. For someone as composed as Reuben, this moment felt unexpectedly poignant. He knew all too well the worry that must have filled the Holy Palace during his absence. It wasn't just his life at stake—it was the very morale and prestige of the institution.

People eagerly asked questions.

“What happened in the Demon Realm, Your Eminence? Everyone is eager to hear of your adventures!”

“Adventures, you say? There’s not much to tell. It’s something that could happen to anyone. But this should serve as a reminder for us all to remain vigilant,” Reuben replied with a composed demeanor.

“Indeed, Your Eminence. Your survival fills us with hope. We are so glad to have you back!”

“This is all thanks to your grace and unparalleled skill, Your Eminence!”

Praise for the Cardinal poured in from all directions. Though other knights bore visible injuries and tattered clothing, Reuben remained impeccable, save for a slight smudge on his uniform. It was an image befitting the nation’s greatest Holy Knight.

Reuben raised a hand for silence. “I have something important to share with everyone here.”

The crowd immediately hushed, all eyes fixed on him, their expressions a mix of admiration and anticipation.

Reuben began, “In the Demon Realm, we faced Count Ismir, a high-ranking demon. The Count commanded an army of over a hundred monstrous creatures.”

Gasps and murmurs of disbelief rippled through the crowd.

“A hundred monsters? Incredible!”

“How terrifying!”

The crowd’s imagination conjured horrifying images of the Demon Realm, now understood to be even more perilous than they had assumed.

Reuben continued, “The knights who accompanied me fought bravely, without hesitation, even against such odds. However, there is one thing I must ensure everyone here recognizes.”

The people leaned in, their curiosity palpable.

Reuben’s gaze shifted downward, settling on a young girl with shimmering blonde hair and striking pink eyes—Crescent.

His focus on her left the crowd perplexed. Why her?

Some had heard rumors that Crescent had accompanied Reuben to the Demon Realm, but they couldn’t fathom how or why such a young girl had been involved.

Reuben’s voice resonated through the silence. “Above all, we must acknowledge this young girl’s contributions. Wouldn’t you agree?” He glanced at the knights who had accompanied him. Without hesitation, they nodded in agreement.

“Absolutely! Without Crescent, we wouldn’t have returned so quickly.”

“That’s right. If it weren’t for her and Your Eminence, we’d all be dead!”

“…!”

What?

Shock spread through the crowd like wildfire. The revelation that Crescent had played a crucial role in the expedition was startling enough, but for the knights to confirm it so eagerly? It left everyone wondering what had truly transpired in the Demon Realm.

Eyes turned toward Crescent, who suddenly found herself the center of attention. Flustered, she fidgeted, unsure of where to look.

‘Why is he suddenly talking about me?’ she thought, bewildered.

She had assumed Reuben was a rigid and unapproachable man. No matter what she had done in the Demon Realm, she hadn’t expected him to openly commend her in front of so many people. Such humility—downplaying his own achievements to highlight those of a child—was not something just anyone could do.

The crowd’s expressions mirrored their confusion, tinged with amazement. It was hard for them to picture how someone so young could have made such an impact.

Reuben’s voice rang out again. “Crescent played a decisive role in ensuring our safe return. Though she’s only recently become a Holy Knight and is still so young, she showed remarkable composure and wisdom. And as it turns out, this girl possesses an extraordinary ability beyond her divine power.”

“…!”

Gasps rippled through the crowd like a wave. Another ability? What could it be?

“I admit I underestimated her because of her Primrose rank. That was my arrogance and mistake. Crescent has an exceptional talent for communicating, controlling, and persuading animals. Thanks to her, we managed to turn the monsters to our side and defeat Count Ismir without sustaining serious injuries.”

“!”

“No way!”

“Incredible!”

The murmurs of astonishment grew louder. The idea of a human communicating with monsters to defeat a demon was almost too unbelievable to comprehend.

Crescent, feeling the weight of the stares on her, hesitantly added, “…Well, I did always feel like I could understand the chickens and ducks we kept at home. I suppose it must be due to my divine power.”

Of course, that was a lie. Before her system upgrade to an animal management expert, she couldn’t have understood an animal’s thoughts to save her life.

Reuben, his tone authoritative yet kind, addressed her. “Some individuals are blessed with such gifts. It’s fortunate that you discovered yours early.”

Turning back to the crowd, he continued, “This girl has already shown her courage once before, venturing into the Demon Realm to save my daughter-in-law. Though Meteor helped ensure their safe return, Crescent’s bravery was undeniable. And now, she has saved me and my knights. Truly, she is the hope of the North.”

“…!”

Hope of the North?

Crescent’s eyes widened as she looked up at Reuben. The title left her speechless, as it did the rest of the audience. Reuben met her gaze, a faint, reassuring smile on his face.

‘He’s praising me this much?’

Crescent couldn’t believe what she was hearing. At this moment, no one was more surprised or overwhelmed than she was.

“Crescent, you were exceptional and brave. Continue to use your talents to save this world,” Reuben declared.

“…Uh, yes. I will,” Crescent replied, still dazed.

The crowd, equally stunned, remained silent, absorbing the weight of Reuben’s words.

***

‘Ugh, my head is spinning….’

I started moving my feet, still dazed. People were following Cardinal Reuben like a cloud, trailing him as he made his way into the building.

His words kept echoing in my mind.

Crescent is truly the hope of the North.

Me? The hope of the North?

Wasn’t that too much praise?

I was flustered.

At the same time, though, my heart was pounding.

The recognition, being acknowledged in front of so many people as a Holy Knight, stirred something inside me.

But still, did I really deserve to be called the hope of the North?

I felt disoriented, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Turning on my heel, I headed toward the dormitory. I was overwhelmed, sure, but the feeling wasn’t entirely bad.

‘It kind of feels like I’ve taken another step forward as a Holy Knight….’

Hmm.

I nearly blushed at the thought but covered it up with a cough. Picking up my pace, I tried to shake off the embarrassment.

It was hard to believe a whole night had passed while I was in the Demon Realm.

I hadn’t even realized how much time had gone by, but now all the exhaustion seemed to hit me at once.

‘Ugh, the hope of the North needs to get some rest in her room ASAP.’

And that’s when it happened.

“Crescent.”

A familiar presence appeared before me, shining like silver. After the dreary, perilous journey to the Demon Realm, this figure seemed even more radiant.