The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 38

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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 038
“I have never regarded you in such a manner, truly. Is there perhaps some incident that prompted such a thought?”
“An incident, my lady?”
I shook my head and opened my mouth to speak.
“I was merely concerned. I’ve observed many people lately who, when faced with difficulties, seek blame in others rather than themselves.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes. Many of my faithful have come to me lately, troubled by those who have caused them harm in such ways.”
“That’s true. Such people do exist, don’t they? They never consider their own faults, only blaming others.”
When someone interjected at that moment, I shook my head with a smile upon my face.
“However, we cannot view such people entirely unfavorably. They must surely be aware of their own shortcomings. After all, one cannot deceive oneself, even if one deceives others.”
“…”
“How hellish their own hearts must feel. They are truly pitiful souls.”
Though my words were directed at Lumiel, none of them seemed to notice, their eyes gleaming with that familiar expression—”As expected, the Saint is truly different.”
So I had no choice but to provide a hint.
“Therefore, I only hope you will not torment yourself too greatly, my lady. What occurred at the ball was merely a trivial mistake. In time, no one will remember it at all.”
Lumiel gazed at me silently, unable to find words to respond.
Even I could see that the more she replied, the more her inadequate dancing ability would be highlighted.
“Oh, by the way, how much has been collected in donations?”
“A remarkable sum of 1.5 million cal, I’m told.”
“Goodness, how wonderful!”
Fortunately, the conversation shifted to another topic—something related to me, which was surely not welcome news for Lumiel.
It was as the tea party was proceeding smoothly that it happened.
“Saint, might I pour you another cup of tea?”
“Thank you.”
A young maid poured tea for me, but she misdirected the teapot, and the hot water spilled across my dress.
“Oh no! W-what shall I do! Are you all right, Saint?”
The young maid trembled as she inspected my condition.
Fortunately, the tea was not hot enough to cause injury.
“Are you unharmed? And of all things, it had to be dark tea… Ella, why aren’t you apologizing at once?”
“I-I’m terribly sorry!”
“It’s all right. There’s no need for this.”
As the maid began to kneel, I hastily helped her to her feet and spoke.
“It’s nothing serious. You appear quite young—anyone can make a mistake.”
“But still…”
“If you would permit me, I should like to borrow the Powder Room for a moment.”
“Of course! Allow me to escort you.”
Polia led me with a resolute expression to the Powder Room within the Estate.
Nora followed and scrubbed vigorously at the crimson stain upon my white dress, but it would not come clean.
“It seems difficult to remove here.”
“Of course. We need only dry the wet portion. Don’t concern yourself with it.”
“May I come in for a moment?”
At that moment, a knock sounded, and Polia appeared in the doorway. She spoke to me with an apologetic expression.
“I must apologize again, Saint. My maid was terribly rude to you.”
“It’s truly fine. Please don’t concern yourself.”
“No, please. If you’ll allow it, I’d like to gift you a dress as my apology.”
A dress was no small matter—it was far too extravagant. I shook my head.
“Really, it’s not necessary. It wasn’t such a fine dress to begin with.”
“Please accept my sincerity, Saint. I’m certain the Cassini Noblewoman would wish the same.”
Why did Lumiel’s name suddenly come up?
Until that moment, Nora’s fingers, which had been poking insistently at my ribs urging me to accept, fell silent as if by deception.
“The Cassini Noblewoman?”
“She was concerned about you. She said the tea stains wouldn’t come out easily.”
What was she scheming?
“The Cassini Family said they would pay for it, and asked me to give the Saint one of my dresses. How could I possibly refuse?”
What Lumiel had said was subtly touching the host’s pride.
Having heard such words, if Polia didn’t give me a dress, her position would become awkward.
Yet I couldn’t fathom what benefit Lumiel would gain from my accepting a new dress.
“Very well.”
For now… I should accept. It wouldn’t be wise to refuse further here.
“Thank you so much, Saint!”
Though I was the one receiving the gift, Polia beamed with delight.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to know your measurements. It may need alterations.”
“I’ll go fetch them, Saint.”
Nora raised her hand and spoke. Only then did I begin to understand Lumiel’s scheme.
‘She intends to leave me alone in this room.’
Was she planning to frame me for theft? Or perhaps wait until we’re alone to play the victim?
In any case, I had no intention of going along with it.
“If it’s acceptable, I’d prefer to wait in the Garden. If I’m away too long, everyone will worry.”
“Then I’ll come fetch you once it’s ready.”
With that, Nora departed with Polia toward her Dressing Room.
Left alone, I was about to head to the Garden.
“Saint.”
Ah, how remarkably accurate my predictions were. I suppressed a smile and turned around.
Lumiel approached me with a concerned expression.
Even though we were alone, her commitment to the act was admirable.
“I didn’t expect to find you here, Noblewoman.”
“I had to visit the Powder Room myself.”
We stood facing each other on the Staircase. Suddenly, the image of the two people from my first memories surfaced in my mind.
Lumiel, who had thrown herself down the Staircase and framed Justitia. Was she planning to do the same thing again?
“How terribly clichéd.”
As I muttered to myself, Lumiel regarded me with a puzzled expression.
“This coincidence you speak of—it’s a cliché straight out of romance novels, isn’t it?”
“You read such things? I had no idea. I assumed you confined yourself to scripture.”
“I’ve read quite a few worldly books, actually. Though I stopped after becoming a saint.”
So I’ve encountered many villainesses like you, but you’re certainly one of a kind.
Should I strike first? Should I tumble down the Staircase myself before she does?
The thought crossed my mind for a moment, but it was foolish. There was nothing to gain from such extremes.
“Shall we hold hands and descend together?”
Come now, let’s end things amicably today. After all, I’ve filled my gauge considerably thanks to this encounter.
As I extended my hand, Lumiel stared at me intently before carefully taking it. Good girl.
“I don’t see the maid who’s always been following you around.”
Lumiel asked while still holding my hand.
“Yes, she followed Polia for a moment…”
That was the moment. Lumiel’s grip tightened with astonishing force.
From her delicate, petite frame came a strength I could scarcely believe possible.
With that force, Lumiel yanked me forward as if seizing my collar—
“How convenient.”
She released my hand with a smile playing at her lips. As my body plummeted downward, Lumiel’s smiling face receded further and further away.
Insane—what in the world was happening?
“Ahhh!”
My body tumbled down the Staircase, striking the angular steps from every direction as loud crashes echoed and pain tore through me.
“Gasp, hah…”
My entire body throbbed, utterly drained of strength. When I regained my senses, Lumiel was crying out pitifully.
“Kyaaah! A-are you alright, Holy Saint?”
“Holy Saint!”
Then Polia rushed toward me urgently. At the sight of her, a crack appeared in Lumiel’s expression.
“Holy Saint, are you alright?”
“What happened!”
Hearing the commotion, Cassandro appeared as well.
The moment I saw him, the knowledge that I had allies brought me comfort, allowing me to remain composed even in this chaos.
‘Lumiel, I won’t let this slide.’
Nothing but burning rage in my heart.
Yet somehow, another variable had emerged in this situation.
“Noblewoman, why on earth…!”
Polia’s voice rang out in utter bewilderment.
“Why did you push the Holy Saint down the Staircase?”

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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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