The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 10

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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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The Saint Is Such a Good Liar! Episode 010
The moment I stepped into the Royal Palace Banquet Hall, I found myself overwhelmed by the cascade of greetings from the nobility.
“Congratulations on your betrothal anniversary, Saint. Is it really your sixth year already?”
“Indeed it is. Time does fly, doesn’t it?”
Originally, King Alfonso’s betrothed was Lumiel, who had vanished seven years ago.
But when Lumiel disappeared and I was appointed as the new Saint, I naturally inherited her position as his betrothed as well.
Saint, Cassini Noblewoman, the King’s betrothed—every title had originally belonged to Lumiel.
I understood why people so readily believed that Justitia would be jealous of Lumiel.
“Now that you’re coming of age this year, I suppose the wedding will be held soon.”
“Yes, that’s right. Once I have my coming-of-age ceremony in May, the wedding should follow immediately.”
“It wouldn’t do to leave the position of Queen vacant for too long.”
“Wedding preparations take months, so shouldn’t we be hurrying along?”
The nobles were getting ahead of themselves, but I simply smiled quietly.
Normally, preparations would have begun at the start of the year, but because Alfonso kept postponing, we hadn’t even begun.
So much for hiding his wavering heart toward his original betrothed.
“Saint!”
Just then, Lumiel appeared before me with a radiant smile.
She greeted me brightly, dressed in a fresh spring-green gown that shimmered like new leaves budding in spring.
“You look absolutely beautiful today. You’re like the very goddess of spring.”
“Thank you for the kind words. And you look like a spring fairy yourself, Noblewoman.”
“Ha, you’re too kind. But what were you all discussing so animatedly?”
The nobles who had been chattering away suddenly fell silent, as if glue had sealed their lips shut.
And no wonder—Lumiel had been the King’s former betrothed.
From her perspective, having just returned, it must have felt as though her betrothed had abandoned her and become engaged to another woman, making the topic decidedly awkward.
“Wedding matters.”
In the end, I took the burden upon myself to spare the others their discomfort.
“It’s a celebration of my sixth betrothal anniversary with His Majesty, after all.”
“Ah….”
Lumiel’s expression turned bitter upon hearing my words. As if she had been robbed of a lover.
The faces of those around us grew even more uncomfortable.
“I see….”
Honestly, I wanted to just hand the man over and be done with it.
Unfortunately, to raise my deception gauge, I needed to appear as though I wanted to marry the King.
“Six years… that is quite a long time.”
But openly showing such indifference in front of Lumiel would damage Justitia’s image.
‘Ah, I have an idea.’
A brilliant thought suddenly occurred to me. I gazed quietly at Lumiel’s wistful expression and asked her a question.
“Would it be alright if I spoke of such things?”
“Pardon?”
“About my betrothal to His Majesty. After all, his true betrothed was you, Noblewoman, not me.”
Everyone stared at me with expressions of shock. Lumiel was no exception.
She seemed momentarily at a loss for words, unable to imagine I would broach such a topic.
I continued speaking without hesitation.
“There’s no need to be so surprised. Surely everyone here knows that when I succeeded the Noblewoman as Saint, I also inherited the position of the King’s betrothed.”
“S-Saint.”
“When the Noblewoman returned, that was what troubled me most. She might have felt betrayed, and if she still harbored feelings for His Majesty….”
I let my eyebrows droop sadly as I spoke.
“I felt I truly needed to question whether I deserve to hold this position.”
“Ah, Saint.”
Lumiel gasped and grasped my hand tightly.
“Please don’t say such things. It sounds as though you stole my place….”
I had never stated it so bluntly, yet she was misinterpreting my words entirely on her own.
I was momentarily speechless at her audacity, but Lumiel continued.
“Of course I was shocked. How could I not be? My beloved betrothed suddenly stood on the verge of marriage to another woman.”
Though I harbored doubts about whether she truly “loved” him when she disappeared at thirteen.
Well, even Juliet experienced passionate love at that age, so I supposed I should let it pass.
“But how could I possibly sever a six-year betrothal between the two of you? You must love His Majesty the King deeply as well…, don’t you?”
“Yes… that’s right.”
I suppressed my revulsion and forced out the lie with great effort.
“I love him very much. But since the Noblewoman came first, if she wishes for me to part from His Majesty….”
“No, that’s not it.”
Lumiel sighed and suddenly pulled me into an embrace.
“I have no desire to cause you such suffering, Saint. Of course, I still love His Majesty the King, but….”
“Please clarify for me, Noblewoman. If you wish to reclaim your position as his betrothed, then no matter how much I love His Majesty, I must tearfully yield him to you.”
“No, Saint. Please don’t say such things. My love must not bring unhappiness to anyone.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes. I don’t wish to hurt others.”
She was the very picture of a tragic heroine. I twisted my lips slightly as I murmured.
“I must remember well those noble words you just spoke.”
“What….”
“That you don’t wish to hurt others.”
I looked directly at Lumiel and continued.
“Those are words of absolute truth. When you bring tears to another’s eyes, blood tears fall from your own.”
[Lie Gauge increased by 0.5%]
[Current Gauge: 2.6%]
At this rate, Lumiel was practically my lie gauge cheat key.
“Saint.”
At that moment, a Central Palace Attendant approached cautiously. He then whispered in a voice only I could hear.
“I have something to report. If I may be so bold….”
“Speak freely.”
“…His Majesty will not be attending the party today, I’m afraid.”
The sudden news left me momentarily stunned. The attendant continued nervously, sensing my reaction.
“My apologies. He’s suddenly taken ill….”
“I see. I understand.”
“His Majesty asked me to convey his sincere regrets.”
I offered a thin smile in acknowledgment.
Everyone around me clearly wondered what had happened, their curiosity written plainly across their faces.
I furrowed my brow with what appeared to be genuine sorrow and shared the news honestly.
“His Majesty won’t be attending today’s party, it seems.”
“What? But why….”
“He’s apparently fallen ill quite suddenly. Given how relentlessly he works, it’s certainly possible.”
“Oh my, what a shame.”
“Indeed, I’ve heard the Central Palace has been lit up until dawn these days, haven’t they?”
Everyone offered me words of comfort, fidgeting with concern, but I merely smiled.
A man who had attended six consecutive betrothal anniversary parties suddenly falling ill and missing this one.
The first betrothal anniversary party held since Lumiel appeared.
‘How transparent. He’s making it so obvious that his feelings have cooled toward me.’
From the start, Alfonso’s purpose was to welcome a queen of saintly origin. It was hardly surprising that he’d test the waters now that the ‘real’ one had returned.
I harbored no further sense of betrayal or disappointment toward a king who had already placed Justitia on the scaffold.
But I should certainly make use of this situation.
“Shouldn’t you visit His Majesty?”
“No, I’d only disturb his rest. I’ll visit him again tomorrow.”
I brushed past the situation without fanfare and spent my time attending to the surrounding nobles.
Then, at some point, I noticed someone was no longer visible.
“Actually, I think I should visit His Majesty after all.”
I changed my mind with a smile.
“I’m too worried to focus on the gathering. I’ll just see His Majesty and return.”
“Of course, dear.”
Everyone graciously saw me off. I smiled gratefully and headed toward the Central Palace.
The Central Palace Attendant I’d seen earlier spotted me and looked flustered.
“S-Saint. What brings you here….”
“I heard His Majesty is unwell.”
I smiled sweetly as I spoke.
“I was worried about him, so I came to check on his condition and offer care.”
“Ah, well that is….”
The Central Palace Attendant hesitated briefly before making an excuse.
“His Majesty is currently resting.”
“Has he taken medicine?”
“Yes? Yes.”
“What kind of medicine?”
“That’s… a remedy to weaken the symptoms of illness.”
“Medicine is fine, but.”
I smiled softly and stepped closer to the Central Palace Attendant.
“Its effects can’t possibly exceed sacred power, can they?”
“W-well, of course not, but…”
I met the attendant’s gaze with a smile before slipping inside. Behind me, I heard him calling out “Saint!” and rushing after me, but I ignored him.
Thanks to Justitia’s memories, I knew exactly where the King’s Bedchamber was.
“…I was worried, so I came to check on you.”
“It’s not that serious…”
So he was here after all.
Hearing the conversation from within the bedchamber, I lifted the corners of my mouth and opened the door without knocking.
“Oh!”
At the scene unfolding exactly as I’d anticipated, I had to fight hard to suppress my rising smile.

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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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