The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 23

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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 023
It was rare to see him wear such a serious expression. Today, I seemed to be witnessing many uncommon sides of Cassandro.
“Weren’t we all taught that lying is wrong?”
Speaking as if to a child, Cassandro paused in thought before shaking his head.
“I merely repaid the King’s deception.”
“The King lied?”
“Deceiving you is no different for him, is it?”
“How did he deceive me?”
As I met Cassandro’s gaze with genuine curiosity, he flinched and his lips trembled.
There was something he wished to say, yet he found it difficult to voice.
But I could read the answer in his eyes.
He speaks of love while harboring no love for you.
Those velvet-soft crimson eyes gazed at me with desperate fervor, as if making confession.
There was something oddly ticklish about my throat as his gaze descended with such tender, protective care.
“He must have done something.”
What escaped my lips was nothing short of absurd.
I laughed softly, feigning ignorance.
“Isn’t that rather condemning? Do you actually know something?”
“I’m not certain, but surely such a thing must have happened at least once.”
“Well, that’s fair enough. But…”
I continued to hold his gaze as I asked.
“Weren’t you supposed to be free today?”
Silence fell in an instant. Though I didn’t turn to look, I could somehow sense his expression.
When I finally turned my head, his face had flushed crimson as our eyes met—before he quickly looked away.
“So you’re someone who knows how to lie as well.”
“…It wasn’t a lie.”
I murmured in amusement, and Cassandro responded with an aggrieved tone.
“As I mentioned, I was giving the Vice Commander experience in command…”
“Of course. Isn’t that the same logic as the King entrusting me with the debutante ball?”
When I repeated what I’d said earlier, Cassandro pressed his lips firmly together and fell silent.
Ah, I should stop teasing him. After all, he rushed to my side the moment he grew concerned during training.
“…I shall take my leave now.”
“Wait, why? We can’t deprive the Vice Commander of his command experience.”
As I laughed and grasped his wrist, I felt the muscle beneath my hand stiffen rigidly. Ah, I’d made a mistake.
‘I’ve heard that knights are sensitive about being touched carelessly.’
I’d vaguely heard it was due to defensive instinct. I quickly withdrew my hand and spoke.
“Since we’ve already gone off course, why not waste a bit more time? Besides, I’m curious about how you train.”
“There’s nothing particularly worth seeing.”
“Why not? You’re the Commander of the Holy Knight Order—that’s no seat anyone can occupy.”
The Commander of the Holy Knight Order is selected from the Papal Guard and dispatched to each nation, so it’s safe to say he’s the strongest knight in the realm.
“Your training methods are rather unseemly.”
“Now you’ve made me even more curious.”
“….”
Cassandro offered no further response, and I made a mental note to sneak a peek at his training sessions whenever I had a spare moment.

* * *
A few days later, I ventured out for the first time in a while to attend a debutante ball preparation meeting.
“I picked this up during a recent trip to the City, and I thought it would suit you perfectly, Saint.”
Nora was far more excited than I was.
She carefully braided a blue ribbon through my long silver hair, then held up a white shawl to see how it complemented my white dress.
“We’ll be late, Nora.”
“Oh, just a moment. This is pretty too… or wait, is that one prettier?”
Nora, whose hands had been moving frantically, narrowed her eyes and spoke.
“This is so difficult. It’s all because you’re far too beautiful, Saint.”
I let out a soft laugh at the flattery and pointed to the sky-blue shawl she held in her left hand. Nora gasped in admiration.
“Actually, I thought this one was better too. Since it’s spring now, a fresh color suits the season, doesn’t it?”
“You seem far better suited to being a noblewoman’s lady’s maid than a saint’s attendant.”
“But among noblewomen, there are hardly any as virtuous as you, Saint.”
“Hmm, what about the Cassini Noblewoman?”
“…Are you joking?”
Nora immediately frowned, and I laughed silently.
We stepped outside, received Cassandro’s escort, and boarded the carriage. Our destination was the residence of Countess Conti.
“Welcome, Saint. It is an honor to receive you.”
Countess Conti, the former head lady’s maid to the late Queen who had passed away last year, greeted me with utmost courtesy.
It was the treatment afforded to a Saint rather than a future Queen. I responded to her greeting with equal respect.
“Thank you for having me, though I fear I may not be of much help.”
“Please, don’t say such things. Rather, I worry whether you might find this uncomfortable.”
I regarded her with a puzzled expression, though I had a suspicion of what she meant.
“The Cassini Noblewoman is here.”
Oh, my secret weapon! I barely managed to suppress the smile that threatened to spread across my face.
“I see.”
I nodded with dignified composure, but Countess Conti seemed taken aback by my reaction.
“Are you certain you’re comfortable with this?”
“Isn’t this at the King’s behest?”
“That is true, but I understand the Cassini Duke made a special request as well.”
Countess Conti continued carefully.
“As you know, due to the unusual circumstances, she hasn’t received proper education. I’ve done my best to arrange the seating carefully, but….”
“Please don’t worry yourself, Countess. Both she and I are here to learn from you.”
My casual response visibly relieved Countess Conti, and she led me to the conference room.
“There’s no need to feel burdened. Since the time of the late Queen, there have been noblewomen who’ve participated in the ball preparations with me. Your thoughtful opinions will be more than sufficient.”
“I’ll do my best.”
As I stepped into the conference room, an awkward atmosphere swept past in an instant.
I felt everyone’s gazes darting urgently between me and Lumiel.
“It’s been quite some time, Cassini Noblewoman.”
I approached Lumiel first to greet her, and she smiled composedly before embracing me.
“Yes, it really has been ages. I’ve missed you, Saint.”
Anyone watching would think nothing had happened between us. I let out a quiet laugh and took the seat assigned farthest from Lumiel.
The meeting began immediately. The framework was already established, so there was hardly any room for me to interject. The same applied to Lumiel.
After all, no matter how much a Saint and Noblewoman we might be, we’re still novices. It made no sense to entrust such a significant responsibility at a debutante ball—
“Actually, we haven’t yet decided on the refreshment concept for the ball. I thought younger people might handle this better than those of us who are older.”
—and yet it was happening.
I couldn’t hide my surprise as I looked at Countess Conti. Was she serious? She was entrusting such a significant responsibility to me?
Countess Conti met my eyes and continued.
“Saint, if you’re willing, would you consider taking on this task? Of course, if it feels too burdensome, you’re free to decline.”
“Though I’m lacking, if you’ll entrust it to me, I’ll do my very best.”
I answered politely, concealing my true thoughts.
As long as Lumiel was in this room, it was better not to show any hesitation. Who knew what rumors might spread if I refused.
I turned to look at Lumiel. As expected, her eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at me.
What, are you envious of me? There’s no need to be.
“However, I think it would be better to prepare together with Cassini Noblewoman.”
After all, you’ll be doing this with me anyway.
At my additional remark, everyone wore expressions of surprise. Lumiel was no exception.
‘If I took this on alone, I might fall victim to some troublesome slander.’
If we both wear the same noose, she won’t dare cause trouble. Even if slander comes, we’ll stumble through it together.
Lumiel murmured with a bewildered expression.
“I’m not sure if I’m qualified to take on such a responsibility…”
“We’ll be doing it together, Noblewoman. Don’t burden yourself too much. Let’s work hard together as beginners.”
Lumiel didn’t seem particularly keen, but I pretended not to notice and extended my hand.
Lumiel hesitated before grasping my hand a beat too late. Watching her reluctant expression, I broke into a bright smile.
“You’ll do wonderfully, Noblewoman.”
Welcome to our shared fate, Lumiel.

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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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