The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 105

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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 Saintess Is Such a Liar! Episode 105
“Lately, His Majesty has been concerned that you grow stiff whenever you receive a hand kiss.”
Alfonso, that quick-witted little tattletale. I forced an awkward smile and avoided the Court Etiquette Teacher’s gaze.
“Saintess, from what I can see, it’s quite evident. You’ve always accepted reverential kisses from others without flinching—why the sudden change?”
Because I grew up in a world where hand kisses were unfamiliar, and Alfonso’s kiss in particular didn’t appeal to me.
“Now that I’ve come of age, I’ve become conscious of maintaining proper decorum.”
Unable to speak honestly, I deflected with a lie, and the teacher nodded as if she understood.
“Your modesty is admirable, Saintess. But in the royal court, there is far more physical contact than in the Grand Cathedral. Tensing at every such moment violates court etiquette, as I’m sure you’re aware.”
“Yes… I’ll be more mindful going forward.”
Never mind that I’d never actually enter the court. I swallowed the words I couldn’t speak and offered empty reassurance.
“There is no need for concern. His Majesty has ordered that you practice with me until the wedding.”
“…Pardon?”
“He is a busy man, so I don’t intend to monopolize his time. But surely you cannot enter the Queen’s Palace in this state?”
The Court Etiquette Teacher’s eyes exerted silent pressure. I was trapped and forced to endure the lesson.
“Well then, let’s start with the hand kiss.”
The etiquette teacher knelt on one knee before me, and I extended my right hand to her. I tried my best not to appear tense, but she caught even that.
“Saintess, don’t be tense. You mustn’t let it show that you’re nervous.”
How on earth was I supposed to manage that?
“Lower your hand. Again.”
Standing there for roughly an hour while receiving hand kisses was quite the ordeal.
But it surely wasn’t as taxing as kneeling and delivering them. So I couldn’t let it show that I was suffering.
“Shall we take a break?”
At the voice from behind, the Court Etiquette Teacher bowed her head before I could even turn around.
The teacher withdrew, leaving Alfonso and me alone. It felt strange to see him in the Royal Palace.
“It feels different seeing you here.”
I wasn’t the only one who felt it.
I gazed steadily at Alfonso in his formal dress uniform, and it struck me that his outfit was the same as it had been in that dream. My lips twisted without my realizing it.
“Why that expression? Are you upset because I tattled on you?”
“A little.”
“You should have noticed from the lesson itself. Your attitude toward receiving kisses was terrible.”
“Surely you didn’t come here to help me?”
At the ominous feeling, I asked—and Alfonso wore the expression of someone who hadn’t considered that possibility. Ah, I’d dug my own grave.
“I came to rescue you. Let’s go for a walk.”
“I don’t want Madame Laberia to think I’ve persuaded His Majesty to skip his lessons.”
“That won’t happen. She’ll think my devotion to you is simply profound.”
Alfonso replied without hesitation, then suddenly dropped to one knee before me and kissed my hand. It happened so quickly I had no time to tense.
He raised his head and met my eyes, a smile spreading across his face.
“You did well. The lessons are paying off.”
“I’ve had an hour of training, so naturally. Tomorrow it will start all over again.”
“Then I’ll have to summon you to the Royal Palace every day.”
“People will think you’re using that as an excuse to see my face one more time.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
I let out a hollow laugh at such an obvious lie, and Alfonso interlaced his fingers with mine.
“Allow me, Justitia. If we play hooky, Madame Laberia might actually be pleased.”
Considering the maternal-aged teacher who’d been on her knees for a solid hour, giving her a break seemed only fair.
I nodded, and Alfonso finally got to his feet. As we headed outside, he glanced back and spoke.
“You needn’t follow us, Cassandro.”
It was directed at Cassandro, who responded with an expressionless face.
“I’m afraid that’s impossible, Your Majesty.”
“Are you defying a Royal Order?”
“I am not Your Majesty’s subject.”
“I know. Besides, you’re living in Scalia now anyway.”
Alfonso pulled one corner of his mouth up in a long smile, tilting his head toward Cassandro in a manner almost menacing.
“Surely I wouldn’t endanger my beloved fiancée. This place is safe, so have no worries. My guard is hardly weak.”
“……”
Cassandro chose silence. It was clear he had no intention of backing down. Alfonso’s expression darkened. Unable to help it, I stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, is there a reason you must leave him behind?”
Of course I sided with Cassandro. Protecting me wherever I went was his principle. I didn’t want to break that unnecessarily.
“There’s no pressing reason to take him along either.”
“His duty is to protect me.”
“Don’t take another man’s side in front of me, Justitia.”
I was so taken aback I couldn’t find words, but Alfonso continued with a crooked smile.
“Or how about I give my guards the honor of crossing blades with him? If they knew the Holy Knight Cassandro was here, they’d be beside themselves with excitement.”
“Please stop. Why are you suddenly being so difficult?”
“If the Saint’s safety is guaranteed.”
Cassandro, who had been silent until then, spoke up quietly.
“I’ll remain here, if the Saint permits it.”
“Of course I guarantee it. What do you say, Justitia?”
I exhaled a short breath and answered.
“There’s no need, Your Majesty. I’m fine resting.”
Cassandro nodded in acknowledgment.
Even though he’d gotten what he wanted, Alfonso’s expression still seemed somehow dissatisfied.
I hadn’t planned to comfort him, but I linked my arm through his out of charity—and Alfonso’s eyes widened as he stared at me.
“Let’s go.”
……
“Cheer up. People might think you’re jealous of that capable Holy Knight.”
When I whispered in a voice only he could hear, Alfonso surprisingly relaxed his expression.
“Is it just my imagination, or does Your Majesty seem rather possessive of my knight?”
“He’s not ‘your’ knight, Justitia. It’s only for five years anyway. You shouldn’t be acting like he’s yours to keep.”
“Your Majesty, why do you keep saying that?”
When I reproached him for his sulking, he paused and turned to look at me.
“I don’t like that man. And it annoys me that you don’t seem to understand why.”
“I’m sorry?”
“When exactly are you going back to the Holy Nation? Has five years really dragged on this long?”
This was the first time I’d seen Alfonso like this—emotional, abandoning his usual calculations of profit and loss.
But what reason could he possibly have for disliking Cassandro?
“Of course he’s handsome, and the strongest in this country, and even taller than you. But you’re a king, aren’t you?”
Alfonso’s face flushed red, then pale. Ah, I’d forgotten.
I’d been taught to put the best things first, but I’d done it backwards.
“Is that kind of face your preference? What good is being tall as a beanpole?”
“It’s not just his height—more importantly, why are we even talking about my preferences?”
“You said he was more handsome than me.”
“I didn’t say he was more handsome than you. I just said he was handsome. And it’s not wrong, is it? Ask anyone and they’d agree.”
“So who is more handsome?”
“Let’s not waste time on meaningless conversations.”
Sigh—I shouldn’t have bothered trying to comfort him. I was about to pull my arm away when—
“Don’t.”
Alfonso lifted his arm to prevent me from unlinking it.
“That’s a Royal Order. Don’t pull away. You’re a citizen of Scalia, so you have to obey me.”
What, childish? I stared at him in exasperation, and Alfonso bit his lip hard before pressing close against my side. It was summer and sweltering.
“Aren’t you hot?”
“Not particularly.”
We walked in silence like that. I didn’t understand what he was doing, but it was better than just standing there while he kissed my hand.
“Your Majesty.”
Then a Central Palace Attendant came rushing up urgently and whispered something in Alfonso’s ear. His expression hardened at once.
“Has something urgent come up?”
“Just take a quiet walk by yourself. I’ll be back soon. I’m leaving my guard behind, so don’t worry about your safety.”
“Have a safe trip.”
When I released his arm without resistance, Alfonso looked at me with an anxious expression, bit his lip hard, and turned to leave.
I decided to continue my walk.
As I walked with my mind blank, I gradually noticed the guard becoming restless. I turned my head and asked what was wrong.
“Is there some kind of problem?”

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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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