The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 26

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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 026
“Ah… it’s because of me.”
Lumiel lowered her dejected face and murmured softly.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help. I’m still not accustomed to high society events, it seems.”
“It’s quite all right, Miss Cassini.”
Was I really going to play the role of someone oppressed by a saint who boasted about her high society experience?
Now that I’d started, I might as well commit to it. I smiled as if it were nothing and comforted Lumiel.
“It’s only natural that you’re still inexperienced at offering opinions and writing reports, since this is your first time. Everyone begins that way.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course. In fact, this was my first time as well, but that’s not really what matters.”
At my added remark, Lumiel’s expression grew bitter. I continued speaking with a shy smile, as though my words carried no hidden barb.
“If I had let go of my responsibilities, everything would have fallen apart, so I did my very best. Fortunately, Countess Conti viewed it favorably.”
As I subtly implied that I had accomplished everything myself, everyone nodded as if they understood the situation.
“I see. Though both of you are inexperienced, the Saint has had slightly more exposure to high society.”
“Though insufficient, I did my utmost.”
After answering humbly, I exclaimed as if I’d nearly forgotten something.
“Oh, but Miss Cassini didn’t do absolutely nothing. She read the report and offered her thoughts that it was acceptable.”
In essence, I was saying Lumiel had done nothing of substance. Lumiel pressed her lips firmly together.
I continued with a smile.
“Without Miss Cassini’s review, I might have been too anxious to submit the report at all.”
“Ah… I’m glad I could be of help.”
But Lumiel proved to be a formidable opponent.
“However, if others heard this, they’d think I only reviewed the report. There were letters exchanged between us during all this time.”
Ah, those letters? The ones filled with tedious flowery language and pointless rambling every time?
“Of course. Thanks to the pink stationery you sent each time, I was able to crystallize my own inspiration.”
As I drew a line indicating that was the extent of the help I’d received from the letters, Lumiel opened her mouth to say something more.
“But you two, you’ve been exchanging letters? I thought you discussed matters in person.”
Countess Conti interjected with an interested expression. In that moment, Lumiel’s eyes sparkled.
“The Saint has been neglecting her prayers recently, so she seemed reluctant to meet. I didn’t want to disturb her.”
Reluctant to meet? Lumiel made it sound as though I had drawn the line first. Well… it wasn’t entirely untrue.
“I thought exchanging refined opinions through letters would be more important, and it seems to have been a good decision.”
I smiled faintly and voiced aloud what I had only thought moments before.
“Each time I see her letters inquiring after my well-being, I feel closer to Miss Cassini, and it brings me joy.”
“Ah… I see.”
Lumiel quickly returned to her usual serene, smiling expression and replied.
“I feel the same way, Saint. It truly felt like we had become friends.”
“I’m delighted you felt that way.”
Though we were only exchanging hollow pleasantries, to those watching, it appeared quite touching.
“The two of you seem to get along well, don’t you?”
“I thought it would be difficult to recover your relationship after the recent scandal, but this is unexpected.”
“It seems the preparations for this ball have grown quite dear to your heart.”
It was nonsensical, of course, but the narrative served us both well enough that Lumiel and I could only laugh.
‘Is this truly the end of it?’
Just as I was beginning to feel a touch of disappointment that nothing more dramatic had unfolded than I’d braced myself for.
“You both have worked so diligently. If you’re amenable, I would be delighted if you would take on the related preparations based on this concept.”
Countess Conti extended an unexpected proposal. But why on earth did she keep entrusting tasks to a novice?
“Truly?”
Lumiel appeared absolutely delighted.
“I… I’m not certain I’m worthy of such a significant role…”
Listen, strictly speaking, it’s not just you alone—she’s entrusting this to both of us.
“There’s no need to burden yourself. The synergy between the Noblewoman and the Saint seems quite remarkable, so I find myself looking forward to this as well.”
“Forgive me, Countess Conti.”
I interjected before my participation became a foregone conclusion.
“I fear this matter has grown beyond what I should appropriately undertake.”
Truthfully, while preparing for this event, I had been disappointed at not raising the stakes as much as I’d anticipated.
Dragging along Lumiel, who had no intention of working, to produce a finished product was no trivial labor.
Overseeing all food and beverages would require far more effort than merely establishing a concept, and I had no desire to exert myself to such an extent.
Yet Countess Conti, having not anticipated that the earnest and devoted Justitia would refuse, suddenly wore an expression of bewilderment.
“You’ve already done wonderfully, Saint.”
“While I appreciate your kind words, I am aware of how inadequate my work must appear to the eyes of such seasoned ladies.”
This was sincerity, not mere modesty. No novice, however diligent, could have performed well enough to satisfy the scrutiny of her seniors.
I realized that Countess Conti had been graciously attempting to elevate Lumiel’s and my standing in High Society.
“I fear that accepting further responsibility might only tarnish the reputation of the debutante ball and those who have already contributed so generously.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
As I continued to draw the line, Countess Conti appeared troubled. The other ladies observing the exchange supported my position.
“It would indeed be overwhelming to assume so much responsibility from the very beginning.”
“I agree. Moreover, food and beverage preparations are extraordinarily labor-intensive.”
“Hmm… in that case.”
After a brief moment of consideration, Countess Conti spoke.
“Would you find it manageable to determine the musical selections and the order of dances for the ball?”
Everyone’s expression shifted to one of surprise at her words.
This was because selecting the pieces to be performed and arranging the sequence of dances at a ball was the prerogative of the Queen herself, making it symbolically immense.
She was asking me to do that? I too found myself murmuring in astonishment.
“That is an even greater responsibility…”
“Because you will be the future Queen.”
Indeed, this was an attempt to restore Justitia’s standing, which had been damaged by the recent scandal.
‘It is not a difficult task, though.’
I glanced subtly toward Lumiel. Her expression of feigned vacancy had taken on a distinctly darker quality.
“Are you asking me to do this alone? Surely I ought to consult with those present here…”
“The true stars of that ball are the debutante ladies, so their opinions matter far more than ours.”
“Then perhaps with the Cassini Noblewoman….”
“No, Your Holiness.”
Lumiel interjected at that moment, offering a slight smile as she spoke.
“I think it’s best if I step back from this. Too many hands on the oars only sends the boat up the mountain, after all.”
“But you’ve been such a tremendous help until now.”
“Your Holiness, even if I’m ignorant of High Society’s inner workings, I’m not so blind as to miss the weight of this matter. I don’t think this is a place for me to meddle.”
Lumiel withdrew gracefully. Everyone nodded at her words without much concern, but I sensed something beneath the surface.
‘She’s plotting something.’
“You can agree to this, yes?”
At Countess Conti’s question, I nodded.
I had no legitimate reason to refuse something so simple, and doing so might make it appear as though I were dismissing her kindness.
‘Well, whatever scheme she’s concocting, let her try.’
Honestly, I didn’t care. My purpose wasn’t to survive in Scalia’s High Society anyway. All I needed was to fill my deception gauge.
The meeting concluded, and I stepped outside. Eager to return home and rest, I quickened my pace as I left the Manor, when I spotted a familiar carriage.
And a man standing before it.
The moment I saw him, my eyes narrowed slightly, and he turned his head to meet my gaze.
His wavering eyes steadied quickly, and he spoke to me as though nothing were amiss.
“You came out first.”
“Yes, Duke.”
Sergio’s casual tone and my formal response created quite a stark contrast between us.
Sergio’s eyebrow twitched.

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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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