The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 8

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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 008
“Are you having any difficulties, Lumiel?”
“No, brother. Thank you so much for sending the donation supplies.”
“Since this is your first time volunteering, I couldn’t help but be concerned.”
Sergio stroked Lumiel’s hair with a faint smile, while the young ladies beside him gazed at the scene with longing eyes.
Well, Sergio was certainly the dream husband for girls her age—though in reality, he might be as cold-blooded as they come.
“Oh my, time has gotten away from us.”
I decided to escape the discomfort and leave Sergio’s side as quickly as possible.
“I’ll head out first. Please take your time with your meal.”
After leaving those words, I made my way to the Ward, and the nurses expressed surprise at my early arrival.
“Please finish your meals at your leisure. I’ll keep watch here.”
“Ah, thank you, Saint.”
Everyone filed out, leaving me alone in the Ward. I was checking on the condition of the mostly sleeping children and reviewing the next schedule.
“Did you leave because of me?”
An unfamiliar voice came from behind.
I flinched and turned around to find Sergio leaning casually against the doorframe. I narrowed my eyes and asked back.
“What do you mean?”
“That you couldn’t even eat properly and ran off here to avoid me.”
“No.”
[Lie Gauge increased by 0.2%]
[Current Gauge: 1.6%]
The gauge really does climb steadily around this man.
Actually, this worked out well. After confirming no one was nearby, I stood facing Sergio directly.
“Why would I be uncomfortable with you, Duke? Unless you mean the casual way you treat me—that might be another matter.”
“You’re upset.”
Sergio chuckled at his own words, and I genuinely asked in disbelief.
“Why would I have reason to be upset with you, Duke?”
“I can think of quite a few reasons.”
He tilted his head and murmured.
“Like sending donation supplies under only Lumiel’s name today.”
“Didn’t you hear? I’m not particularly hurt. Your real sister is the Young Lady, after all.”
I replied with cold sarcasm.
“You always said it—there’s no reason for you to think of me as your sister.”
My resolve to wear a kind face and tell lies had vanished somewhere. Sharp words kept spilling out.
“Then what was all that talk about me being kind from the start?”
In that moment, Sergio took a step forward and approached me. As he did, he met my eyes and asked.
“Was that a lie?”
I hesitated briefly before shaking my head. Sergio’s gaze wavered slightly.
“It’s true that you were kind from the beginning. That’s why Lumiel also couldn’t forget you…”
“….”
“Isn’t that right?”
Sergio didn’t answer. Above him, a status window materialized.
[Lie Gauge increased by 0.3%]
[Current Gauge: 1.9%]
“…Well.”
Sergio muttered under his breath.
“A lie? That’s impossible. You’ve always been so rigidly honest it’s frustrating—spouting nothing but the right words, as you always do.”
“….”
I was momentarily left speechless, utterly dumbfounded.
…And yet he knows this.
“Please believe me, brother. You know better than anyone that I can’t lie…”
“Who’s to say this time isn’t an exception?”
He scoffed mockingly.
“Perhaps everything you’ve shown me until now was all a lie.”
Disparaging me.
“In any case, it seems you’ve finally decided to truly acknowledge Lumiel.”
He never believed me from the start. I twisted my lips into a smile.
“I always have.”
“…I see.”
His eyes held unmistakable doubt. For someone who’d just claimed I couldn’t lie, his shift in stance was remarkably swift.
“I hope you’ll continue to treat Lumiel with kindness going forward.”
“Don’t worry, Duke. There’s no reason I wouldn’t.”
I answered while deliberately suppressing my irritation, and Sergio fixed me with an unwavering stare. As I met his gaze with a questioning look, he spoke.
“…So.”
He stepped closer to me and asked.
“You intend to keep calling me ‘Duke’?”
What is he saying now?
At this sudden provocation, I furrowed my brow.
“Is there another way you’d prefer to be addressed?”
I asked with genuine curiosity, and instead of answering, Sergio simply gazed at me for a moment before abruptly turning his back and leaving.
What? He leaves without even answering.
“Why is Cassini Duke acting so strangely all of a sudden?”
I called out to Cassandro, who was watching me from somewhere while concealing his presence.
No answer came.
“…Cassandro?”
I felt embarrassed for a moment. Wondering if he’d gone to eat, I turned around awkwardly—
“Ah!”
A large man appeared before my eyes.
I startled violently and clapped my hand over my mouth. Fortunately, the children were still fast asleep.
“You, you scared me. If you appear so suddenly like that….”
“Did I not summon you?”
That’s true, but I didn’t expect you to appear so suddenly like this.
“I shall make my presence known before appearing next time.”
Cassandro bowed respectfully and apologized. I cleared my throat awkwardly and changed the subject.
“In any case, what do you think is driving Cassini Duke to act this way?”
“….”
Instead of answering, Cassandro’s expression grew uncomfortable.
“Sir Cassandro?”
Puzzled by his silence, I called his name, and he reluctantly opened his mouth.
“I’m not entirely certain.”
That sounds like a lie. I narrowed my eyes and pressed further.
“Are you sure?”
“What does it matter what the Duke wants? What’s important is the Saint’s heart. Call him as you wish.”
The way he avoided my gaze suggested he was lying, yet his words held a certain truth that left me somewhat confused.
What had upset him?
“Have you eaten lunch?”
“…Yes.”
“You really are….”
I shook my head and muttered to myself.
“You’re terrible at lying.”
“I thought the Saint was hardly in a position to criticize others on that matter.”
Hardly in a position?
“That sounds like you’re saying things are different now?”
“…It does seem like you’ve changed somewhat.”
“Is that so? Are you saying I’ve become better at lying?”
Realizing his mistake too late, Cassandro’s face flushed rapidly.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what?”
“…Rather.”
Cassandro paused as if choosing his words carefully before speaking.
“It seems you’ve become less hesitant about saying things that contradict your true feelings.”
“We agreed to call that lying.”
“…I apologize.”
Cassandro quickly bowed in apology. But I didn’t find it rude at all.
I was simply fascinated. He was the only one besides Nora who had noticed how I’d changed.
I hadn’t met the King yet, but honestly, I held little hope for that.
“Where did you notice this change?”
“You’ve never shown warmth toward Cassini Duke even once.”
Cassandro pointed out dryly.
“Typically, you would avoid uttering such words altogether.”
Even a third party would say Sergio was cold, and I let out a quiet laugh.
“I decided to try something different. Do you not like it?”
“I would never presume to judge the Saint’s preferences.”
His answer, loyalty incarnate, drew silent admiration from me.
If Justitia had sought his help in life, then… well, he was equally rigid in his principles, so it probably wouldn’t have made much difference anyway.
“Regardless of the path you walk, my only role is to protect the Saint.”
Yet I found myself drawn to this blind devotion nonetheless. I smiled and replied.
“Keep protecting me, from now on too.”
“….”
He regarded me for a moment, then lowered his head slightly as he answered.
“…Yes.”

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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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