Pretending to Be Human Is Exhausting Again Today - Chapter 88

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Pretending to Be Human: Episode 088

“Don’t tell me the reinforcements are Viscount Gorden?”

“That’s correct. He arrived just in time.”

As the music ended and everyone’s dancing ceased, Loreil spoke, observing my bewilderment.

“Now let’s go meet Viscount Gorden.”

“I’d like an explanation first about what’s actually happening.”

“I’ll explain later.”

Loreil urged me forward, insisting we move immediately.

“At last I get to meet you, Holy Maiden!”

“What on earth is he doing?”

“That person… isn’t that Viscount Gorden? The one who became wealthy after discovering that gold mine?”

Fearing that Viscount Gorden would create some tremendous misunderstanding if left unchecked, I decided to move forward.

I headed toward the entrance where Viscount Gorden and the High Priest stood.

“Viscount Gorden, it’s been a while.”

“Ah, what an honor to receive your presence!”

Viscount Gorden greeted me with a face that looked ready to shed tears at any moment.

I helped him up immediately.

“Lower your voice. Holy Maiden? What are you even talking about?”

“You saved my city, so of course you’re a Holy Maiden, aren’t you?”

“That’s just because I happened to know the cure…”

I was about to dispel his misunderstanding when the High Priest, curious about the situation, approached us.

“Ahem, might I inquire what this situation is about? The current Saint surely cannot be Princess Deina, can it?”

Just as I was about to deny it, Viscount Gorden interjected first.

“My apologies, High Priest! I failed to introduce myself properly. I am Viscount Gorden.”

“I am aware, Viscount. You made a most generous donation last month.”

‘A donation?’

Only then did I notice that the High Priest’s gaze had grown somewhat warmer.

The deliberate emphasis on the word “generous” suggested that his lack of anger at the mention of a Saint was due to the substantial donation.

Viscount Gorden bowed respectfully, expressing his honor at being recognized, and began explaining the plague incident in detail.

“As Your Eminence surely knows, a plague swept through my Domain several months ago. It was then that Princess Deina happened to visit.”

“I see…”

What followed was a mythical tale of how I had arrived at the contaminated city without hesitation, healed the people, and purified the very source of the corruption.

When he spoke of how I had immersed myself in the frozen lake during the depths of winter and purified it with the power of the Sun God, tears streamed down his face.

“The revelation of the Gold Mine was surely the guidance of Princess Deina, who follows the will of the Sun God! I have never doubted the grace or foresight of the Sun God!”

All miracles are accomplished under the will of the Sun God.

Hearing that sentence, which the Sun God Followers recited daily, the High Priest smiled with satisfaction.

“Indeed, everything is arranged by the Sun God…”

“Therefore, I regard Princess Deina as a Saint. How could she not be a Saint when she has been touched by the hand of the Sun God who performed miracles?”

“Hmm, but the title of Saint bestowed by the Church is granted through formal procedures…”

Viscount Gorden bowed his head repeatedly, saying that the High Priest’s words were most reasonable.

“Of course! I would never dream of disregarding proper procedure. It is merely a title I use to honor the miracles of the Sun God. If it causes you discomfort, I shall refrain from using it.”

“No, no. Anyone who has experienced the Sun God’s miracles is indeed a saint or saint by nature. However, it would be prudent to refrain from such titles in public settings.”

The High Priest smiled with benevolence.

“A believer like Viscount Gorden, who understands my intentions, would be fine. But the ignorant masses might speak harshly.”

“I shall remember your words. And I am grateful for your mercy, High Priest.”

The High Priest patted the shoulder of Viscount Gorden as he bowed again. Though they had only just met, their rapport felt as natural as that between brothers.

‘What is this?’

Meanwhile, I—the very subject of this affair—could only watch them in silence.

The situation was unfolding so favorably in my direction that I had neither reason nor opportunity to interject.

‘If the High Priest forgave the use of the title “saint,” just how much of a donation did he make?’

After hearing this exchange, no one would treat me as a true saint, but they would certainly regard me as a believer who had experienced some miracle.

In this atmosphere, the High Priest could not level accusations of demonic nature against me.

‘And since Viscount Gorden is supporting me…’

The High Priest was so attentive to Viscount Gorden’s wishes that he readily agreed when the viscount suggested having a drink together.

At least for now, there seemed no chance the High Priest would suspect me of being a Demon.

Just then, the High Priest spoke to me with a benevolent smile.

“Ah, so immediately after Princess Deina’s recovery, you have received the Sun God’s grace as well… It is clear that the Sun God watches over the Imperial Family with particular care.”

I smiled back and replied.

“Of course. Without the Sun God’s blessing, I could never have stood here. Or perhaps the Sun God answered your prayers, High Priest.”

“My prayers?”

“My, didn’t you wish for my swift recovery?”

“Hmm, Your Highness the Princess certainly has a way with words!”

Ha ha, ho ho—we exchanged pleasantries brimming with false sincerity. Of course, neither of us meant a word. The High Priest kept stealing glances at Viscount Gorden’s reactions, while I, for my part, was mentally hurling curses at the Sun God.

‘That fool helping me? I’d sooner believe a cat worries about mice.’

After what felt like an eternity of meaningless pleasantries, the High Priest finally spoke.

“I fear I’ve monopolized Your Highness’s time far too long. I saw you dancing with that handsome gentleman earlier—do return to the ballroom.”

“Thank you for your consideration. But High Priest, what brings you to this place?”

“Merely to admire the flowers.”

‘So he won’t elaborate on his true purpose.’

I smiled and withdrew gracefully.

“Well then, Your Highness, Viscount—until we meet again.”

“May the Sun God watch over you.”

The High Priest led his priests in a different direction, notably avoiding the VIP Seating Area.

I watched their retreating figures for a moment, then turned my gaze toward Viscount Gorden.

“Viscount, what on earth is this about? A saint? And when did you arrive in the Capital?”

He smiled with unhurried composure.

“The title of saint comes from my sincere conviction. No miracle could ever compare to Your Highness’s power. As for my arrival in the Capital, it was solely to meet you.”

“Me?”

I had never invited him to the Capital. At this, Viscount Gorden glanced cautiously around before speaking in a hushed tone.

“This is hardly the place for such a conversation. I shall arrange a private meeting at another time.”

“Then, regarding the reason you appeared in the Ballroom right after the High Priest….”

“That would be something Loreil can explain.”

Viscount Gorden gestured toward the space behind me. Loreil was waiting for me there.

“I’ll take my leave now. I’ll be in touch later.”

Gone was the fervent intensity from our first meeting. Viscount Gorden offered a composed farewell and departed.

As I stared blankly after him, Loreil approached and spoke.

“Viscount Gorden is quite skilled at acting.”

“Truly. I nearly fell for it. I never expected him to harbor such bizarre reverence.”

“…That appears to be genuine, actually.”

Just as I was about to protest that it couldn’t possibly be sincere, the orchestra began the next piece.

Loreil glanced around briefly, then extended his hand to me.

“Shall we dance? Everyone’s attention is upon us.”

All eyes in the vicinity had turned toward us. Standing idle would only draw more scrutiny, so I took his hand and moved toward the center of the floor.

‘How many waltzes am I dancing tonight?’

I’d danced more today than in the past decade combined.

I moved deliberately toward the orchestra to drown out our conversation, then spoke to him cautiously.

“Now you can explain, can’t you?”

“What exactly would you like to know?”

“Everything.”

“…That would be difficult to disclose entirely.”

Just as I thought.

From the moment I saw that rigid expression, I knew she wouldn’t answer willingly.

I exhaled a sigh and shifted my approach.

“Was it Loreil who summoned Viscount Gorden?”

“No. He was already on his way to the Capital. Upon receiving my message, he rushed hastily to the Spring Flower Ball Park.”

It seemed Loreil himself didn’t know the true purpose of Viscount Gorden’s visit to the Capital.

“Why did you have him brought to the Ballroom?”

“To stop the High Priest. I thought that with Viscount Gorden—who had made such a substantial donation—present, the High Priest wouldn’t dare brandish the golden seal so recklessly.”

“It sounds as though you did this for me.”

He answered in a serious tone.

“I contacted him for His Majesty’s sake.”

I leaned my chin against his shoulder, as though moving on to the next matter.

“Let’s be honest with each other, shall we?”

“….”

My warning seemed to frighten him considerably, for his body trembled slightly.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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