TVSP 11

Chapter 11

Almost by accident, I moved and plopped down behind a bush, trying to hide. Suddenly, a laugh slipped out of me.

“Who in the world would believe that I’m crouching here like this?”

I, who once sat proudly atop the social world with my back straight and chin lifted—branded as a villainess by everyone—was now hiding in a bush, dragged into it by orphans from a children’s home.

Would being around Leandros always lead to such unpredictable situations? The absurdity of it made me stifle another laugh. But then, the bushes rustled with the sound of approaching footsteps.

“Oh my, it seems there’s already a guest here.”

When I lifted my head, I found Mila standing there, gazing down at me with calm eyes. Whatever emotions had shaken her earlier had already settled, leaving behind a cool, assessing look that swept quickly over me.

“May I hide here with you?”

Here? Really?

Since it was all just a game, she could have been careless about it. But the Mila I knew wasn’t that kind of person.

“Lady Grace, this is for you. These days, it’s popular among friends to share ‘friendship diaries’ together.”
“I do know about that trend. But isn’t it usually something for children barely into their teens?”
“W-Well, maybe, but I’ve never done anything like that before! I really want to try it with you!”

Before her divine power awakened, Mila had been frail, too sickly to make friends. Perhaps she now sought to reclaim those lost years, clinging to things that were childish yet endearing.

Suspicious… I wondered what intention might lie behind this behavior. Still, I nodded, and she carefully gathered her dress to sit down beside me.

“Did I startle you by seeking you out?”

I simply watched her, curious about her manner. Perhaps feeling my gaze, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and turned her head toward me.

“A little. I hadn’t expected you to approach me first. You seemed quite shaken earlier.”

“Ah… hm.”

When I pointed out her gossiping, her smile faltered for an instant. But she cleared her throat and swiftly restored her expression.

“This is the first time I’ve gone through such an ordeal. It startled me, that’s all.”

The speed with which she gathered her composure felt unlike her.

“Really?”

“Yes. Even though we’re rivals as candidates for Saintess, I don’t wish to be enemies with you. I’d rather we become close.”

It felt like watching someone wear an ill-fitting dress. Before my first regression, Mila and I had shared some interactions, but afterward, we had no direct contact. From what I’d heard, she was always consistent, always the same. Which was why this forced, awkward Mila felt so unnatural.

Still, I kept my smile light and polite.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. So I hope you’ll forgive my earlier discourtesy.”

Her attempt to erase her slip-up amused me, but I wasn’t interested in a feud, so I softened my tone.

“Of course.”

The simple curve of my lips made her expression stiffen again. Since she seemed to struggle with her composure, I blinked slowly, as though granting her time.

“I’d like to spend more precious moments with you in the future.”

Her words leaned against the fragile calm she had just regained. I smiled back without showing anything.

“Hearing that makes me happy.”

We laughed together, as though we were sharing a gentle moment. But beneath those painted smiles, neither of us carried sincerity.

“Ah! Found you!”

A child’s voice rang out nearby. I looked up to see a little one with round eyes staring right at me. Their eyes widened, and their mouth formed silent words.

What are they saying?

I narrowed my eyes, trying to read their lips.

“There you are.”

The sudden voice behind me made me flinch. It was Leandros.

Wasn’t he over there a moment ago?

I blinked, confused, as the child ran over, pouting.

“See? I told you to hide better!”

“Oh…”

Belated understanding dawned, and my silly reaction drew a soft laugh from beside me.

When I turned, Leandros quickly looked away. Mila, however, had vanished without me noticing, perhaps slipping away the moment she understood the child’s words.

“I’ll go look for the others.”

It seemed both Mila and Leandros were deeply invested in this little game. Left with a child who’d already been caught, I leaned back against a large tree and watched the play continue.

“Got you!”
“Ah, run away!”
“Kyaa, the seeker is here!”
“Nobody’s hiding here! I swear! Ah, don’t come closer!”

The wind stirred my hair, tickling my cheek. Sunlight danced through the green leaves, and the air was filled with the laughter of children.

“Peaceful… How strange.”

It was a feeling I had never once experienced across all my regressions.

To think I’d be having thoughts like this in a holy temple.

The game of hide-and-seek had shifted seamlessly into tag. The child beside me eventually ran off to join their friends, leaving me alone. Slowly, I closed my eyes.

I’ve been sleeping so poorly because of nightmares… No wonder I’m exhausted.

Though the sunlight was bright and sharp, the warmth that poured over me was comforting.

At some point, a shadow fell across me. Relaxing at last, I felt myself slipping into a doze.

“Shhh.”

“Shhh.”

Whispers reached my ears, startling me awake. I opened my eyes to find several little faces peering curiously at me.

“Oh no, we woke her!”
“Sorry, sister!”
“She looked just like the Sleeping Beauty! I wanna nap like a princess too!”

Still blinking in confusion, I felt another gaze and lifted my head.

Leandros stood before me, one hand awkwardly raised. His large palm had been shading my face from the sun. I stared, and he laughed sheepishly before dropping his hand behind his back.

“I meant to shield you from the sunlight, but I must have woken you instead. Sorry.”

“Wait… I actually fell asleep?”

The disbelief slipped out. With my insomnia, the idea of dozing off in such a place was unthinkable.

“You haven’t been feeling well, and I was selfish to drag you here. You should go back and rest.”

His face was full of apology and concern. Still half-dazed, I looked up at him—and then, slowly, he extended the hand he had hidden behind his back.

“I’ll help you up.”

I can’t make sense of this man.

How could someone so gentle treat a woman who once tried to kill him with such care?

But… it doesn’t feel bad.

I placed my hand in his.

His fingers, long and elegant for a man, closed around mine as though I were a priceless treasure. I could feel the hardened calluses from his sword training, but somehow, the touch was still tender.

“Thank you, Leandros.”

For the first time, I spoke his name with ease. His eyes widened before his lips curved into a radiant smile. Seeing that look, I didn’t regret my impulsiveness.

Perhaps the relic’s bond was fostering some deeper connection between us.

But then—

“Leaving already?”

The intruder shattered the moment. Mila approached with the children in tow, her gaze lingering briefly on our clasped hands before flicking away.

“I had hoped to grow closer with you, my lady. It’s a shame you’re leaving so soon.”

Her lips smiled, but her eyes brimmed with hostility.

“Oh! In two days, the temple is scheduled to send aid to the slums. Would you like to join us?”

Ah. So that was her angle.

“Of course, it may be shocking, since it’s so different from where you live. But if you truly aspire to become Saintess, surely this is nothing you can’t handle… right?”

What’s her scheme now?

I released Leandros’s hand and studied her.

But no matter what elaborate plan she might have, it didn’t matter.

“Very well. I’ll go with you.”

Her eyes widened slightly.

“After all, the slums are full of people just like anywhere else. There’s no reason I shouldn’t go.”

If she wanted a fight, I had no intention of backing down.