The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 15
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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 015
I regarded him with a puzzled expression, then belatedly recalled the words I’d been muttering. I offered an awkward smile and shrugged my shoulders.
“Someone I know. I don’t mean they’re a fool, but even someone that kind wouldn’t be quite such a fool.”
“So you mean they wouldn’t be kind enough to those who killed them.”
“That’s what I’d expect.”
“But aren’t they already dead?”
I faltered at those words.
Right—perhaps even if I returned, the original soul would never come back to this body.
‘Then what happens to this body?’
…That’s not my concern. Once I return, that’s the end of it.
‘No, I will return. I should believe that.
My thoughts were growing complicated. Unnecessary. I quickly changed the subject.
“But what brings you here? Isn’t this rather far from the Knight Order?”
I’d blurted out the question to avoid answering, but Cassandro’s eyes wavered slightly.
What was that? Had I asked something I shouldn’t have?
“Ah, if you’re on a classified mission, you don’t need to tell me.”
Holy Knights didn’t merely protect the Temple.
As guardians of righteousness in the Holy Kingdom, they also eradicated evil and cooperated with the Archbishop to carry out missions ordained by the Pope.
The reason I couldn’t fully trust Cassandro was precisely because of his connection to Formoso and his nature. He was renowned for his integrity.
“Well….”
Cassandro opened his mouth to speak, but when our eyes met, he quickly averted his gaze.
“…Yes, that’s correct.”
I knew it—he couldn’t lie well.
This man still viewed the changed Justitia favorably, but would he truly do so until the end?
I had no intention of behaving as kindly as the original Justitia. If I continued like this, he would eventually become disillusioned and turn away.
I briefly imagined him turning away in anger, then erased the image. That wasn’t my concern either.
“Shouldn’t you be leaving soon?”
“It’s fine. …I was just finishing up.”
“Ah, I see. Then get some rest.”
I replied casually and turned to continue on my way, but Cassandro still followed a step behind me.
When I turned around, Cassandro flinched and met my eyes with a tense expression.
“The Knight Order is that way.”
“…I know.”
I was about to ask why he was following me, but it seemed too blunt, so I rephrased.
“Is this perhaps a situation where I shouldn’t have seen you?”
“…What?”
“Are you following me to manage a witness?”
Cassandro stood speechless with a blank expression.
Ah, I’d struck a nerve again. I let out a soft laugh and opened my mouth.
“Don’t worry. I’m quite tight-lipped, you know. There’s no one I’d tell anyway.”
“That’s not it.”
Cassandro hesitated before speaking.
“It’s merely an escort.”
“Inside the Temple? Who would harm me here? We’re even separated from the Cathedral.”
“…Still. The night is not without danger.”
“It’s still evening.”
At my retort, a faint blush crept across his pallid face.
Ah, I should stop teasing him. He’d actually given it thought.
I laughed brightly and opened my mouth.
“I was joking. I’d appreciate your escort, Cassandro. Though I feel terrible monopolizing such a valuable resource.”
“…You seem different.”
I flinched for a moment but laughed it off casually as I asked.
“Different how?”
“…Your jesting.”
Cassandro hesitated before continuing.
“You didn’t seem the type to joke often before.”
“Perhaps I wasn’t close enough to you back then.”
“….”
“I’m joking again.”
Before his face could turn pale as moonlight once more, I laughed again.
“But if you’d prefer I didn’t, I’ll be more careful. I’ve been rather presumptuous.”
“Do you only jest with those close to you?”
“I suppose so?”
After all, I never joke like that with the Archbishop. I swallowed the words I wanted to add.
“I don’t mind.”
Cassandro spoke softly.
“Do as you please.”
“You’re not answering under duress, are you, Cassandro? You can speak freely.”
“I truly don’t mind. I actually….”
Just then, our eyes met directly. His gaze wavered slightly before he continued slowly.
“It’s….”
“It’s?”
“…nice. Because cheerfulness is a good thing.”
“I’m pleased you find my humor agreeable.”
I smiled and resumed walking. Thanks to him, the displeasure Formoso had caused had lifted considerably.
* * *
The Grand Cathedral publicly threw its support behind the Saint’s broken engagement.
It was an unprecedented breach of the unspoken rule that the Church remained uninvolved in politics—but.
‘It must have been dire.’
That was the prevailing sentiment.
In any case, Formoso’s actions (?) only intensified the explosive interest in this scandal. More precisely, whether I would go through with breaking the engagement.
And for me, it was a golden opportunity to fill my lie gauge.
I rarely engaged in social activities, but I packed my schedule with them now. I met with people almost daily and conveyed my resolve with absolute conviction.
“I still love His Majesty. Unless he abandons me first, I could never bring myself to break the engagement.”
Everyone consoled me then, their expressions split between bewilderment and admiration.
“Your lips are far too red, Nora.”
“It doesn’t look very sorrowful, does it?”
Nora and I worked remarkably well together. She was an exceptionally clever maid.
When I smiled slightly, Nora grinned back and rubbed my lips for me.
“You’ve been going out every day for a week now. I worry you might be exhausted.”
The schedule was grueling, but the results were worth the fatigue.
A week had passed since the monthly mass ended. My gauge had filled to capacity every single day—already at eleven percent.
‘If it keeps climbing like this, I’ll be home soon.’
I hummed a soft tune as I stepped outside.
A now-familiar face appeared at my side as if waiting. Though I still hadn’t grown accustomed to his beauty.
“We seem to be seeing each other quite often these days, Captain.”
Because I’d been occupied with external activities all week, I’d naturally been seeing Cassandro every day for seven consecutive days.
It was only natural—his duty was to escort the Saint during the Temple’s official events and external engagements.
But when Cassandro heard my greeting, he suddenly grew serious and asked.
“Do you not wish to see me?”
“Of course not.”
Thanks to you, I feel like I’m opening my eyes anew every day.
I laughed at this man who couldn’t quite catch a joke and shook my head.
“I was just concerned that I’m taking you out too frequently. You must have personal matters to attend to as well.”
“There is no schedule more important than escorting the Saint.”
“I appreciate you thinking that way.”
I accepted his escort and boarded the carriage.
Today’s destination was the Santino Estate. I had been invited to a tea gathering that the Santino Noblewoman held periodically.
But then—
“S-Saint.”
As I descended from the carriage, the Santino Noblewoman greeted me with a noticeably flustered expression.
‘What’s wrong?’
Even if I was a Saint, it was unusual for the hostess to come out beyond the mansion to greet a guest.
“Is something the matter?”
When I asked in a gentle voice, the Santino Noblewoman flinched and opened her mouth with an expression as if she might cry.
“I’m truly sorry. There was… a problem with sending out the invitations.”
“Oh, did I come to a gathering I wasn’t invited to?”
“No, that’s not it…”
The Santino Noblewoman trailed off before finally delivering her conclusion.
“The truth is, the Cassini Noblewoman arrived first.”
“Ah.”
Now I understood the situation.
Typically, invitations were sent out a month in advance. I had received mine for today’s engagement celebration party well ahead of time.
The problem was that a scandal had erupted in the interim, and now two people who absolutely shouldn’t meet were gathered in the same place.
Normally, a letter of apology would have been sent to one of them, but it seemed they had forgotten.
“I’m truly sorry. I don’t know how to make amends for this rudeness…”
“Should I be the one to leave, Santino Noblewoman?”
“What? Oh, that’s… not exactly what I meant. I was just worried both of you might feel uncomfortable.”
“I’m not uncomfortable. There’s no reason for me to be.”
I smiled brightly at the Santino Noblewoman, and I caught the look of bewilderment that crossed her face—clearly she hadn’t anticipated this response.
But why would I pass up such a perfect opportunity? I pressed my advantage like driving in a wedge.
“Should I still leave, then?”
“Oh, no…”
The Santino Noblewoman jumped in alarm and hurried ahead. I was about to follow her when—
“Are you certain about this?”
Cassandro quietly caught my arm. I turned to look at him.
“What else could possibly be wrong?”
“There’s no need to deliberately wade through mud.”
“I’m wearing boots.”
I laughed, displaying the high heels that would easily handle any puddle, and I saw Cassandro’s lips curve up ever so slightly.
“I’m really fine.”
If anything, I was delighted—a perfect scenario had just occurred to me for dragging Lumiel through the mud.
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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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