The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 79

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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 079
“I’ll need to be away from the Cassini Mansion for a few days.”
When I explained that the Archbishop had asked me to help with something special, Sergio’s expression turned noticeably reluctant.
“You’re not thinking of returning as a saint, are you?”
Not at all. I shook my head firmly in denial.
“Someone just needs my help with something. I’m only cooperating this once.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“At most, about ten days?”
I only had exactly one week to become a child.
“Why? Are you going to miss me now that I’m leaving?”
I asked playfully, looking at his expressionless face. I’d expected him to flatly deny it, but instead—
“I suppose.”
A remarkably ambiguous answer came back. What was that supposed to mean? Was he saying he’d miss me or not? I was confused.
“Besides, it’s not like I’m leaving forever. I’ll be back.”
Then Sergio looked at me and lifted the corners of his mouth ever so slightly.
His expression seemed to be seeking my agreement, so I nodded.
‘All right, I’ve handled Sergio…’
The remaining problem was how to explain to Cassandro that I’d be transforming into a child and using myself as bait.
‘This isn’t even a world where magic exists.’
After mulling it over, I eventually got a headache and decided to give up. I’d leave it to tomorrow’s me.
“You really won’t take me with you?”
Nora seemed quite shocked by the news that only Cassandro and I would be leaving together.
I sighed and tried to comfort her.
“Of course I’d like to take you with me.”
Since Nora had no connections at the Cassini Mansion, she might feel awkward while I was gone.
But if I took her along, that would just mean one more person I’d have to explain things to…
“However, this mission could be dangerous…”
“I’ll be fine! How could you possibly manage without a maid?”
“Did you forget? I’m from the Slums. Living without a maid is actually more familiar to me.”
Nora’s jaw dropped. I quickly added something to prevent any misunderstanding.
“Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re not needed. Just bear with me this once. And if anyone gives you trouble, come tell me right away. Understood?”
“I’m not the type to just take things lying down anyway… But I understand. You must have your reasons.”
“Thank you. I’ll bring back a gift. Those macarons from the cafe we went to last time were delicious.”
“The eclairs from the shop next door are delicious too.”
I smiled and nodded.
“Got it. I’ll bring both. A box of each.”
Only then did Nora seem to cheer up.
And so I set out toward the Fiore District with Cassandro alone, keeping my plans hidden.
“Do you agree with the Archbishop’s plan to use children as bait?”
I casually asked Cassandro on the way, and after a brief hesitation, he shook his head.
“Why not? There’s no other way.”
“That’s precisely why I follow along, even without my approval.”
Good—fortunately, it seems we’re thinking along similar lines.
Though whether I’ll actually consent to being used as bait is another matter entirely.
“Welcome, Saint. We’re honored to have you visit Morto Orphanage.”
We arrived at Morto Orphanage after a grueling day’s journey that began before dawn.
The official purpose of our visit was to provide relief to the poor in the Fiore District—that’s what the Orphanage Director believed, anyway.
“Please, speak freely. I’m hardly a saint anymore.”
“What are you saying? Once a saint, always a saint.”
As the Orphanage Director welcomed us warmly, I laid the groundwork for my plan.
“I’ll be quite busy with external activities, so I won’t actually be spending much time here. I’ll likely be away frequently, so please just think of me as absent.”
Hearing this for the first time, Cassandro raised an eyebrow with a puzzled expression.
“Well then, let me show you to your room.”
The room we were assigned wasn’t spacious, but it was well-maintained—clean and orderly.
“Are you truly certain you won’t need a maid?”
“Of course. Didn’t I mention I came from the Slums originally?”
“You’ve never shared stories of your childhood with me.”
Now that I thought about it, my memories of Justitia’s childhood—specifically, before arriving at the Cassini Mansion—were hazy. Perhaps they simply hadn’t been shared because they weren’t particularly important?
“I wasn’t some helpless noblewoman who couldn’t survive without servants. Don’t worry, and you should rest too. You must be exhausted from such a long journey.”
Cassandro nodded and began to withdraw, but after taking a single step, he paused as if remembering something forgotten, turning back to look at me.
“What was that about being away overnight?”
“Pardon?”
“You mentioned to the Orphanage Director that you’d be away, so not to worry.”
“Ah…”
I smiled meaningfully.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
After dismissing the bewildered Cassandro, I washed thoroughly and sat on the bed.
Staring into empty space, my status window materialized.
[Would you like to transform into a child?]
I tapped the confirmation button, and the status window unfurled with a rumble.
[You will now live as a child for one week]
[Gauge decreased by 5%]
[Current Gauge: 64.6%]
[You may return to your adult form whenever you wish. However, the consumed gauge will not be restored]
Damn. I was so close to the 70% mark.
I sighed and waited, but nothing happened. After a moment of boredom, I asked the status window.
“How much longer do I have to wait?”
[It’s almost complete]
What, is there a loading time or something?
I waited patiently, and suddenly, an overwhelming drowsiness seized me. Before I knew it, my head fell back onto the bed, and I slipped into sleep instantly.
* * *
My eyes opened naturally the next morning.
The habits from my days at the Cathedral lingered still, so it was likely around six in the morning.
“Nora.”
I spoke aloud and immediately flinched. My voice was far too young.
I scrambled out of bed and rushed to the mirror, then burst into laughter.
“What? This is adorable!”
A younger version of Justitia stared back at me from the glass. My radiant silver hair remained, my brilliant blue eyes unchanged, my features still sharp and defined—yet I looked impossibly small and childlike.
“I must be around ten years old?”
I muttered to myself while washing my face like a cat, only then realizing I still hadn’t found a solution for explaining this to Cassandro.
‘I’ll think it over during a walk. I should explore the orphanage anyway.’
When I stepped outside, everything was quiet—everyone still asleep. I wandered through every corner of the orphanage before venturing beyond its walls. The air was wonderfully fresh.
‘The children will grow up healthy here.’
Just as I was about to head back inside, I sensed a powerful aura emanating from somewhere nearby.
Without thinking, I followed it and found Cassandro quietly wielding his sword, his upper body bare.
Training even here was impressive—or rather, it wasn’t.
‘Why does he keep training without his shirt on?’
I hastily turned my head away and tried to leave, but suddenly the sound of his sword ceased.
Before I could help myself, I turned back around—and our eyes met directly.
“…Hello.”
Cassandro hurriedly pulled on his shirt and greeted me a beat too late.
Cassandro speaking down to me? Now that was a rare sight.
“You’re up early. Everyone else doesn’t wake until past eight, I’m told.”
“I, I just woke up early.”
“You’re welcome to go back to sleep.”
He paused for a moment in thought before asking.
“If you’re bored, I could play with you.”
My expression twisted involuntarily. Play with me? This man with a child?
“I’m, I’m not some strange man.”
Cassandro hurried to clarify, apparently sensing a misunderstanding. Though to me, his explanation only made things seem more suspicious.
“What would you play with me?”
“Is there something you’d like to do?”
“Hide and seek?”
I blurted out the first thing that came to mind, and Cassandro nodded readily.
“I’m it, then?”
He was stating the obvious. When I stared blankly at him, Cassandro laughed and closed his eyes.
“I’ll count to ten. One, two, three…”
I reflexively bolted away. Damn it. But I don’t even know the layout of this place well.
As I rushed inside the orphanage, panic seized me. I hesitated briefly before remembering one place Cassandro could never find me—my room.
I slipped into the empty wardrobe and hid inside, all while wrestling with how to explain this situation…
“Huh?”
Suddenly, my breath caught in my throat and my heart began racing wildly. Wait, what? Did Justitia have claustrophobia?
“This won’t do. I need to get out of here…”
In that instant, my heart shriveled as the world spun before my eyes. Before my hand could even touch the wardrobe door, darkness claimed me and I lost consciousness.

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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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