Living As the Villainess Queen

Pides knelt humbly before Sang-je, beseeching his forgiveness.

“Your Holiness, I’m deeply sorry. I couldn’t complete the task you gave me,” he admitted with regret.

“Please, stand,” Sang-je replied.

Pides was the last among the knights assigned to track Anika Jin to return. Sang-je had already acknowledged the mission’s failure and had no intention of reprimanding Pides further. Those who had reported the failure earlier had already felt the brunt of his anger to some extent, so Pides, arriving later, was spared the storm.

However, even if Pides had returned earlier, Sang-je would not have chastised him. It was common knowledge that Sang-je had a special affection for Pides.

While Sang-je claimed not to show favoritism as God’s representative, no one took that statement literally. Sang-je did not hide his preferential treatment of the Anikas, and among them, there were those he cherished even more. He also had particular bonds with certain priests and knights.

“Is there a specific reason for your delay?” Sang-je inquired.

“I apologize for my disheveled appearance,” Pides replied.

“No blame lies with you. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, please speak candidly.”