The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 24

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The Saint Is Such a Good Liar! Episode 024
Gasps of admiration erupted from every direction at the unexpected sight before us.
“Look at how magnanimous she is. One would think this scandal would make her uncomfortable.”
“She’s truly generous. If I were in her position, I would have stormed out the moment I saw Cassini Noblewoman.”
“She’s been defending His Majesty throughout this entire scandal. If she showed displeasure here, all her efforts would be wasted.”
Though they whispered in hushed tones, their voices merged into a collective murmur.
When Countess Conti cleared her throat, the chatter finally ceased.
“Then, I ask for your cooperation, both of you. Particularly, Cassini Noblewoman, since you lack extensive ball experience, attending various balls both large and small will help you prepare.”
“I shall take your words to heart.”
Lumiel nodded with her characteristic cute and elegant smile. Watching her, I realized she possessed a subtle, almost enchanting charm.
Suddenly, I wondered if Alfonso had been swayed by something more than just the “real thing.”

* * *
“Your Holiness!”
As I exited the conference room, I heard Lumiel calling out to me.
When I turned, she approached with a slightly tense expression.
“We didn’t get to talk much earlier. I didn’t want to leave things as they were.”
“You wanted to speak with me?”
“Yes, I wanted to express my gratitude.”
Lumiel continued, her expression slightly flushed.
“This unfortunate misunderstanding must have caused you great distress, yet you graciously cleared up the confusion for everyone. His Majesty’s affection for you must have deepened even further because of this.”
“A misunderstanding….”
Noblewomen were still filing out of the conference room, passing through the corridor where we stood. Suddenly thrust onto this stage, I offered a thin smile.
“Come to think of it, the last time we saw each other was in His Majesty’s chamber that day, wasn’t it?”
A misunderstanding? I pointed out that she had walked into the King’s chamber of her own volition—that was a fact. Lumiel’s smile wavered slightly.
“We saw each other at the monthly mass and at Santino Residence as well.”
“But we haven’t had a private conversation. Truth be told, I wanted to meet with you separately too, but I couldn’t bring myself to visit.”
“Why… You’re welcome to visit anytime. The Cassini Duke’s Residence is still your home, after all.”
I nearly burst into laughter but managed to suppress it by shaking my head.
“No, I was afraid it might cause an unnecessary misunderstanding with Cassini Duke. He cherishes you so dearly.”
“My brother cherishes you as well. You’re his younger sister, just as I am.”
“I’m not unaware that there are fingers that hurt more than others, Noblewoman. How could I not? After seven years, you’re a precious younger sister he’s found again.”
It was hardly the sort of conversation to have in someone else’s corridor, yet we both continued as if we’d forgotten that fact.
The noblewomen passing through the corridor noticeably slowed their pace.
“You came to find me before and asked me not to break the engagement. You said if I did, the Noblewoman would be branded as a mistress….”
Ah, I’d spoken nothing but the truth. I hastily added a lie.
“Not that I wasn’t worried about it myself… But the Duke didn’t seem to think I would do such a thing.”
I pressed my lips together in silence, and Lumiel’s eyes wavered before she hurriedly spoke.
“I believe in your sincerity, Your Holiness. That’s why you stood up for me this time too.”
“Yes. But please be more careful from now on, Noblewoman. I let it slide because I care for you deeply, but….”
I looked directly at Lumiel and spoke.
“If it had been anyone else, they would never have dismissed what they saw as a mere misunderstanding, you know.”
“…Not a misunderstanding?”
Lumiel asked, her eyes glistening with tears.
“Are you changing your story now? I truly believed that you, the Saint, trusted my sincerity….”
“I do trust you. But most people would find it difficult to believe. I suspect everyone else would give the same answer if I asked them.”
Silence fell after those words—the kind that becomes poison in such moments.
Lumiel seemed to want to say more, but her lips merely trembled as no suitable words came to mind.
Of course. Even a demon would struggle to counter that.
“In any case, please return safely. I’ll contact you again regarding the ball preparations.”
“What about dividing the roles?”
Lumiel asked eagerly, seizing upon the change of subject.
“I’ll prepare the hot dishes, and you prepare the desserts, Saint. It would be more efficient.”
“I’m not sure. Since we’re both doing this for the first time, how efficient could working alone really be? Let’s struggle through the preparations together.”
That way, if problems arise, we’ll both share the blame. I smiled faintly, nipping the issue in the bud, and left the residence as planned.
Just then, a carriage bearing a familiar crest stopped in front of the residence. The door opened immediately, and a tall man stepped out.
At the same moment, our eyes met—those piercing blue eyes I had seen just moments before.
“Justitia.”
“Brother!”
Of course, that wasn’t my response.
The cry from behind me passed by me cheerfully and embraced the man before us.
“How did you come all this way?”
“I was curious to see how you were doing.”
There was no need to pay further attention to this affectionate pair. I moved toward the carriage.
“Justitia, wait.”
Sergio’s voice stopped me. I turned expressionlessly, and he continued.
“How was the meeting?”
“Ask the Noblewoman.”
I couldn’t help but respond immediately, bewildered. I wasn’t the only one attending the meeting today.
“It went well, brother. Everyone was kind. The Saint too.”
Lumiel, standing beside me, kindly answered in my stead.
“The Saint agreed to work with me on the food and beverage concept for the debutante ball. Quite an important responsibility, isn’t it?”
“With you?”
Sergio looked at me as if questioning whether that was truly the case.
I nodded, and surprise spread across his eyes.
“You two will grow close.”
“We’ll be seeing each other often.”
Not bad. Conversing with Lumiel means I’ll be lying at least half the time.
“That’s fortunate. I’ve been sorry we rarely had the chance to meet.”
[Lie Gauge increased by 0.1%]
[Current Gauge: 28.0%]
I was staring blankly at the number that had remained stagnant for days.
“Do you have any plans immediately after this?”
At the sudden question, I turned my head, and Sergio said something that made me doubt my ears.
“I thought it might be nice to go to the Duke’s Residence together for once.”
“…I’m sorry?”
What nonsense is this now? Why would I go to your house?
Sergio continued without regard for my reaction.
“Since there are things we need to discuss between us, it would certainly be more comfortable at home than meeting outside.”
But the Cassini Mansion had ceased to be home to me long ago.
‘Did he forget what he said to me when I came looking for home?’
“Your home is the Temple now. Not here. Why do you keep coming?”
It was such a vivid memory for me.
“That would be the case for Lumiel.”
“…What?”
“Since it’s Lumiel’s home. Are you inviting me?”
As I asked as if I were a stranger, Sergio’s expression grew flustered. I continued flatly.
“If you’re inviting me, I’m grateful, but I have plans today…”
A refusal, naturally. I had no intention of meeting in person for the ball preparations. All communication would be conducted by letter.
If that frightening Lumiel later claimed something different without evidence, what then?
That was the moment.
[Additional Reward Available]
An unfamiliar status window appeared.
[Sergio Cassini’s Invitation. Gauge increases by 1% upon acceptance.]
[Additional rewards are not subject to daily limits.]
[Do you accept?]

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————