MLBR 26

chapter 26

After making sure no one was around, Clara muttered in a flustered whisper.

“Milady… you know who you were just speaking to, right?”

She must have been surprised to see the Saint up close. I answered honestly.

“Of course I know. Mille Shining. She’s the Saint of this empire.”

“You knew all of that… and yet you… confronted the Saint like that? You didn’t keep calling her ‘Saint,’ but ‘Lady’ instead?”

Ah. “Lady” is technically a rank lower than “Saint,” so I should have kept saying “Saint.” But confronted… I had only given her advice to save my own life—

“It might have been a mistake. I called her ‘Lady Shining’ exactly five times. I was pressed for time, so I spoke quickly—but it may have looked like I was cornering her.”

Though it was Mille’s fault, she was the Saint. What Saints do is generally considered righteous.

In a life-or-death situation, I had let my guard down for a moment. I had been proud of my improved reflexes, confident I wouldn’t panic—but the reality was the opposite.

“It… it’ll be fine, milady.”

“I’d say there’s a fifty-fifty chance—”

“Milady?”

“Saints have warm hearts and broad tolerance. She won’t kill or harm me.”

I tried to comfort myself, but Clara’s dazed expression didn’t change. Seeing that she wouldn’t ask anything further, I thought:

I absolutely have to tell Herace what happened today.

“Ah! They’ll also make an additional order for the first dress you saw. Since it’s a gift, please use this size.”

“And the date?”

“Please have both ready by the Day of the Saint’s Prophecy.”

I purchased two dresses from the Wonderful Boutique. The cost was high, matching the boutique’s reputation, but it was a necessary investment.

There were also dresses that Herace and Whistler had bought, but for the Day of the Saint’s Prophecy, I decided to rely on the brand prestige of the Wonderful Boutique.

The dresses Herace and Whistler bought had already been gossiped about regarding color and design. Wearing them would be risky, as another noble might wear something similar. From now on, every moment I had to be uniquely beautiful—such a situation was unacceptable.

After leaving the store, I took a carriage to the temple. Once inside, fully armed, I quickened my pace.

“You’re already here.”

Melissa, who wasn’t late, was already seated at the back. I sat in the front seat, hiding my face behind sunglasses.

“You came early. Did you have a prayer or something?”

Fortunately, Melissa seemed cheerful, indicating nothing bad had happened.

“I misread the time! My fault, entirely my fault.”

“That’s a relief.”

“So, I have another schedule, so I’ll need to leave immediately.”

“Then let’s speed up our conversation.”

Since I would soon attend a party with Herace, I needed to maximize my social skills.

Melissa quickly read my seriousness and bombarded me with questions. She showed particular interest in the revenge on my ex-boyfriend.

After roughly explaining the situation, I nodded in acknowledgment.

“Ah, last time you mentioned the pleasure you felt. It was refreshing. From now on, my ultimate goal will be to succeed while showing happiness with others, rather than indulging in ridicule or lies.”

“Good, very good!”

Melissa burst into a bright smile, clearly satisfied. She then exhaled in relief.

“Phew, thanks for telling me. Even though you said that, I didn’t know how troubled you were. I worried it might be nonsense.”

Though she appeared reckless, she seemed more thoughtful than I had observed.

“Time’s gone by already. Sadly, I must go. I truly am sorry.”

I waved without looking back.

“It’s okay. We didn’t set a fixed parting time. You asked for what was rightfully yours.”

“That makes me feel better. Before I go, I’ll wish you some luck.”

Melissa placed her hands on my shoulders and gently patted me.

“Mother, today’s prayer will be for others, not myself.”

Her hands left, and her husky voice filled the air as she prayed. As her presence drew near, I caught sight of her hair at the edge of my vision.

‘Wait, what’s going on?’

My eyes widened.

Her facial features weren’t visible, but I could faintly make out the shape of her head and face.

Nothing else mattered. What stood out was that Melissa had short hair.

‘Short hair? Short hair?’

In our letters, she said she wouldn’t cut her hair. She disliked short hair, saying it reminded her of her father’s first love.

‘Can a person really change so quickly?’

Confused, I decided to set aside the question for now. I’d have plenty of opportunities to resolve it in future meetings with Melissa.

‘Above all, I’m not in a position to investigate her identity right now.’

I was keeping my identity hidden. Acting recklessly could cost me Melissa. I needed to maintain a fair relationship.

Especially since now was the critical time to develop my social skills. I couldn’t afford to lose my only friend.

Even if I investigated later, I would wait until I could be confident and honest. Listening to her prayer, I made a silent vow.

Upon reaching the villa, I set a pickup time with the driver and sent him off. Only after the carriage disappeared did I walk toward the villa.

As I approached, there was a thump! A shadow fell from a tree. I had to question my own eyes—and even double-check the tree’s height.

No normal human could have jumped from that height, let alone climbed it.

“…Herace?”

“Why are you calling me so meaningfully, girlfriend? Can you remember my face properly? It hurts my feelings.”

Herace clutched his chest with a wounded expression. I replied without backing down.

“Herace’s face is unforgettable. I’m not calling your name meaningfully ‘all the time.’ Today is only the second time I’ve done so.”

“The second time, huh. You remember everything, girlfriend.”

Not hard at all. Shrugging, Herace gestured politely toward the villa as he walked.

“When was the first time?”

“I can’t remember clearly, but I consider it the day we first met after a long time. I had short-term memory loss then.”

“Oh, so that’s what you thought?”

“Isn’t it?”

Thanks to Herace opening the villa door, I went in first. His soft footsteps followed silently.

“No. You definitely said my name back then.”

Herace tapped my shoulder as if asking for my attention. When I tried to turn, he gently held my arm.

I lifted my head and tilted my neck back. His red gaze pierced me.

“You said it, Herace. You called me by name.”

Unlike his vivid eyes, his lips drew a subtle line of relief.

“I was surprised too. I didn’t know if you’d remember me.”

Well, in fact, we had only met once before that party. Herace had a good reason to marvel at my memory.

“Herace, to be honest, I prefer your face to Whistler’s.”

“Hmm?”