The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 111

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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 111
I regarded Formoso quietly. The jealousy I’d harbored toward Cassandro had vanished without a trace.
In its place, an inexplicable anticipation filled my eyes. He seemed to believe I would naturally consent.
After all, I’d done the same for Cassandro.
It was absurd. Comparing them would have been insulting—the two of them stood at opposite ends of heaven and earth in my heart.
A man who craved Justitia so desperately that he would hunger for mere contact under the pretense of Sacred Healing.
‘Your revenge was Justitia’s entire past life, wasn’t it.’
I let out a hollow laugh and cradled his cheeks in my hands. He flinched, his body going rigid.
I freed my wrist from his grip, cupped both his cheeks, and met his eyes.
His eyelids trembled faintly. How childish, growing flustered like that.
“Your Excellency.”
I whispered his title, and Formoso’s gaze sharpened with what seemed like tension.
“As you know, going out often requires expending my Sacred Power.”
I stroked his cheek once more, then withdrew my hands. His eyes widened in bewilderment.
“Please don’t feel too disappointed. Go for a walk instead.”
I trampled the expectations of a man who had been so hopeful and spun away. But my wrist was caught again.
“Allow me to escort you to your quarters.”
“What do you mean? Is there any place safer than the Temple?”
I pulled my wrist free and walked forward without hesitation.
‘The man’s ridiculous, truly. He can do it, but Cassandro can’t?’
Then an unexpected figure entered my line of sight. As I squinted and approached, it was unmistakably him.
“I thought you’d gone back.”
Cassandro, leaning against a tree, approached me without any sign of surprise.
“The night grows late. Allow me to escort you to your quarters.”
“The Archbishop seemed to have ordered you to return to your quarters.”
“I shall escort you first, and then comply.”
His tone suggested it wasn’t quite disobedience, and I found myself laughing despite myself.
“Very well. I’ll take you up on that.”
We walked the quiet night path in silence. Earlier I’d spoken freely and easily, but now words wouldn’t come.
I swore it wasn’t because of Formoso’s misunderstanding just moments ago—it was simply that I savored this stillness.
We arrived at my quarters without exchanging another word. Only then did I look at his face again.
As my eyes met his composed features, unmarred by any awkwardness the silence might have brought, I felt something rise in my chest.
“Here we are.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think sleep will come easily when you return?”
“Yes.”
Cassandro offered a faint smile.
“Thanks to you.”
“That’s gratifying. I’m glad I could help.”
“You’ve always been that for everyone.”
Cassandro said this, then fell silent. It seemed there was more he wished to say.
“Still, I hope you’ll look after yourself first and foremost.”
“Of course. I take better care of myself than anyone, so there’s no need to worry.”
At those words, an unreadable smile crossed Cassandro’s lips. He gazed at me intently before speaking.
“Go carefully.”
“Thank you. Take care of yourself too.”
I smiled and passed him to enter my room.
My heart had grown completely at ease; the moment I lay down on the bed, sleep claimed me instantly.

* * *
In the end, I set out for Birelli without Cassandro.
As though yesterday’s rejection hadn’t happened at all, Formoso saw me off with perfect composure.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
I had just bowed briefly to him and turned to go when suddenly long arms pulled me into an embrace.
Startled by the sudden gesture, I stiffened—but caught the scent of smoky wood and floral notes.
“Please be careful on your journey.”
After the brief embrace, Formoso released me.
Though it seemed little more than a farewell kiss to the back of my hand, I sensed a subtle calculation hidden beneath that gesture.
I let out a hollow laugh, bowed my head, and climbed into the carriage. The man who killed me was now concerned for my safety.
Nora commented beside me as though it were excessive.
“Your Grace is worrying too much. Why would Birelli be dangerous?”
“Well, it’s quite a distance, after all.”
A journey of several days by carriage—it was indeed a long way.
‘No matter how I think about it, something feels off.’
Even on foot it would take days to reach. This was no place where a girl as young as Lumiel could have been found on her own.
‘Either she was kidnapped and managed to escape, or perhaps Formoso was right—maybe Count Birelli himself is one of the Demon Worshippers.’
I decided to keep multiple possibilities in mind.
“Wow, isn’t that the Saint?”
“I think you’re right. Look—that carriage has the Cathedral’s insignia on it!”
“And there are Holy Knights following behind!”
Many people in Birelli didn’t know what Justitia looked like.
But with so many Holy Knights in tow and riding in such an ornate carriage, everyone quickly realized I was the Saint.
I was glad I’d listened to Formoso’s advice about that.
“The Saint has graced us with a visit!”
The moment we arrived at Birelli Castle, Count Birelli came out to meet me with a beaming face. Publicly, at least, he cut the figure of a devout man.
“What an honor that the Saint’s grace reaches even to Birelli. But tell me, what brings you to our humble lands?”
“I’ve come to do charitable work. I hear the harvests in Birelli have been poor this year?”
“Regrettably so. That you would concern yourself with such matters—I hardly know how to express my gratitude.”
“Please, you’re too kind. If it’s no trouble, I would simply need a small room.”
Of course, no sensible lord would have actually given me a small room. Count Birelli waved his hands in protest.
“Nonsense. I insist you stay in our finest guest quarters. Give me just a moment to prepare the largest chamber!”
“No, really, there’s no need to go to such trouble—”
“But there is. Who knows when the Saint might grace Birelli with another visit?”
Count Birelli showed no particular surprise or displeasure at my sudden arrival and extended stay.
He’d learned about it from Sergio just beforehand, and since I’d come in secret, there was no way word could have leaked out.
‘Does he truly have nothing to hide?’
Over the following days, I watched carefully, but nothing changed.
Of course, spending most of my daylight hours doing charitable work in the villages meant I had little time actually inside the castle.
“My, you must be exhausted. Your feet are quite swollen.”
Still, I wasn’t without results. In just a few days, I’d grown close to the servants of Birelli Castle.
“Let me massage them for you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I want to do it. When else will I get the chance to massage a Saint’s feet?”
A maid named Lina in particular had taken a liking to me.
“That really does feel wonderful. Thank you, Lina.”
“Not at all! I’m so glad you’re pleased!”
“How long have you been working here at Birelli Castle?”
“Oh, I only just arrived. I’m still very new, ha ha.”
Another new maid. My smile twisted just slightly.
All the servants Count Birelli had assigned to me and my Holy Knights were coincidentally new hires. That was hardly a coincidence.
‘So he thinks Sergio must have already warned me.’
Well, on the surface it made sense for a younger sister. At this point, pretending not to know wouldn’t help. I needed to push.
“I see. Actually, I heard that Lumiel once worked here as a maid. I thought perhaps I might learn something about her childhood, but it’s a shame you arrived after her time.”
I needed to bare at least some of my hand to get a real reaction. Besides, if she’d only just arrived, she couldn’t harbor much loyalty to the castle.
Just as I’d expected, Lina’s expression shifted with a hint of confusion.
“Ah, I’m so sorry. I came to Birelli Castle after she’d already left……”
“No, I’m not blaming you. I’m just disappointed, that’s all.”
“I don’t know much myself, but from what I understand, she’s caught in some terrible misunderstanding at the Cathedral right now…… and the master is trying to clear it up. I heard he even asked to collect the things she left behind here.”
“Someone has slandered her. If the Count would testify to her innocence, it would be a great comfort indeed.”
I was offering a sympathetic nod when suddenly the status window materialized before me.
[That is a lie.]
[Lie Detection Gauge increased by 0.1%]
[Current gauge: 77.0%]
The notification was more dramatic than usual.
[At 77% gauge completion, Holy Relic usage is now available.]

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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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