The Saintess Is Too Good at Lying - Chapter 88

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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 088
My body stiffened at the unexpected physical contact, and Formoso held me firmly against his back as he exhaled heavily.
“I was so worried.”
“….”
“Truly, I thought something terrible had happened to you….”
Formoso’s clothes were slightly damp, as though he’d been caught in the rain.
His distinctive woody and spicy scent mingled with floral notes, creating an oddly complex fragrance.
It wasn’t a scent I particularly favored, so I held my breath for a moment before speaking.
“I’m fine, Archbishop. You were quite worried, weren’t you?”
“Of course I was. You nearly met a terrible fate.”
“That’s only because Cassandro saved me. Without him, I would surely have perished.”
“Yet he is also the one who placed you in danger.”
His tone was strange—as though he were reproaching Cassandro.
I understood now why Cassandro had suddenly brought up his resignation.
“Please don’t blame Cassandro. I was the one who requested this, and he protected me with all his might.”
“But Your Holiness——”
“Is your opinion more important than what I myself felt? Don’t hold the Knight Commander responsible for what happened.”
My firm words caused Formoso’s expression to shift oddly.
“I never expected you to defend him so passionately. It seems you hold Cassandro in great regard.”
“Isn’t that natural? We’re comrades who’ve crossed the line of death together.”
“…I.”
Formoso bit his lip and murmured quietly.
“I should have gone with you.”
“There will be many more opportunities to build camaraderie with you, Archbishop, in the days ahead. After all, we’ve discovered the Demon Temple.”
Yet something about Formoso’s expression felt unsettling. A vague sense of foreboding made me address him directly.
“I understand Cassandro captured several Demon Worshippers as witnesses. Since the monthly Mass is coming up soon, we could make an announcement there——”
“They’re all dead.”
Formoso cut me off abruptly. I was left speechless at his unexpected words.
“…Dead, you say?”
“Yes. They took their own lives almost immediately.”
After all that effort to secure witnesses, we lost them just like that?
I couldn’t hide my displeasure. Formoso opened his mouth with an apologetic expression.
“It was unavoidable. The moment I removed their gags for interrogation, they bit their own tongues….”
“Well, if that’s the case, then there’s nothing to be done about it.”
“Which is why, Your Holiness.”
Formoso continued carefully, as though persuading me.
“Wouldn’t it be best to quietly conclude this abduction incident?”
“Quietly conclude it? We’ve uncovered Demon Worshippers performing human sacrifice. Shouldn’t we be ashamed that we didn’t know about this until now?”
“Aside from this abduction, there has been no significant harm done. It could cause unnecessary turmoil in society.”
For a moment, I was at a loss for words. His argument wasn’t entirely without merit.
But how could I simply ignore what the Demon Worshippers might do next?
Such entities were most dangerous when their intentions remained unknown.
Moreover, the fact that they took their own lives the moment they were captured suggested they weren’t ordinary fanatics….
‘They claimed this would be the last human sacrifice, but given what’s happened, who knows what they’ll attempt next.’
I had to either investigate thoroughly and eradicate them completely, or at minimum make the Temple so feared that they’d think twice before acting.
“…Very well. I understand your reasoning. However, even without a public announcement, we must report this to the Holy Kingdom and have the Cathedral conduct a full investigation.”
“Of course. That’s what we’ll do.”
At that moment, Formoso’s eyes brightened with longing.
“Does this mean you’ll return to the Cathedral?”
“I thought we established that this matter is unrelated to the Saint’s return.”
The circumstances have changed. I never imagined the Demon Temple would still exist.”
Formoso gently took my hand and spoke.
“Your strength is needed, Saint.”
I withdrew my hand with a smile on my face.
“I’ll think about it.”
As my lie gauge climbed higher, I could see Formoso’s expression brightening.
‘Why would I return? The Holy Kingdom will surely handle this appropriately.’
I laughed silently to myself.
If I returned now, I’d be trapped there for life. But when the real Justitia comes back….
‘Ah.’
That’s right—she said I wouldn’t return. Even if I go back to my original world, this body will disappear.
‘Justitia will vanish from this world along with me….’
I’d considered that possibility before, but hearing it confirmed felt strangely bittersweet.
I had wanted Justitia to return to the paradise I’d created for her and find happiness there.
“Saint?”
Formoso’s cautious voice called out to me then. When I turned, his expression had grown worried.
“What’s wrong?”
“…Archbishop.”
I gazed at him quietly before asking.
“If I were to suddenly disappear, how do you think you’d feel?”
Formoso’s expression darkened instantly.
“Don’t say such absurd things….”
“It’s just a hypothetical. If I were to vanish from this world as though I’d never existed, I’m simply curious how you’d feel….”
“Having been brought back from death, you’re thinking strange thoughts, it seems.”
Formoso muttered with a displeased expression.
“Just don’t. If you want to see the Archbishop of Scalia go mad and become a wreck, then by all means.”
“Surely not.”
“I’m serious, Saint.”
Formoso gripped my hand firmly, his eyes intense and sincere.
“Without you, this Temple means nothing to me.”
“You shouldn’t say such things. I’ll be leaving the Temple soon to become queen.”
“…I know.”
Formoso murmured with a dimmed gaze.
“I’m worried about that day too.”
“….”
“But not all marriages are permanent, after all.”
Wait, is he seriously wishing me a divorce right now?
For a moment, I stared at him in disbelief, but his tone wasn’t joking.
“And when you return to the Temple, no one will be able to condemn you.”
“That’s true. It’s nice to know there’s a place that will accept me even if I divorce.”
“The Temple will always be open to you, Saint.”
On the surface, it sounded like a religious conversation, but meeting his gaze, I sensed something different.
“Like a child who’s had his favorite toy taken away….”
Why did Nora’s words from long ago suddenly come to mind at that moment?
The hollow eyes of Formoso I’d seen in my dream, and his serious eyes now.
“I will always be on your side, Saint.”
And the way he gently grasped my hand and carefully caressed it.
Even now, he was spouting the lie that he would always be on Justitia’s side.
“That’s reassuring.”
I found myself thinking that perhaps Nora’s words might be right after all.

* * *
With the kidnapping incident resolved, I spent a few more days recovering at the Cathedral before returning to the Cassini Mansion.
“Miss, it’s been so long!”
Nora, who had already grown accustomed to her new title, greeted me enthusiastically.
“My goodness, you’ve lost so much weight since I last saw you! Was work that difficult?”
“That’s what they say—hardship follows when you leave home.”
Having agreed to keep the Demon Temple matter confidential, I decided to keep everything I’d experienced secret from everyone. I answered casually before asking.
“Nothing happened here while I was gone, right? No one bothered you?”
“Of course not. Everything was fine. Oh, but the Cassini Noblewoman kept asking me when you’d return whenever we crossed paths.”
“What? Anyone watching would think we’re incredibly close.”
Still, having returned from such a long absence, I should at least pay a formal visit.
Since Sergio was away, I decided to greet only Lumiel and then rest.
“Miss Lumiel went for a walk in the Garden just a moment ago.”
At those words, I immediately turned to head back to my room, but the maid stopped me.
“If you don’t mind, would you wait here for a moment? She should return soon.”
I agreed, thinking it would be troublesome to come back later anyway.
‘Come to think of it, this is my first time in Lumiel’s room.’
The room was decorated with soft pink tones—the very picture of a noble lady’s quarters.
As I stood gazing around the room, I suddenly noticed a long string dangling from beneath the wardrobe.
‘What is this? Have the maids not been cleaning the rooms properly?’
Yet the simple cord-like appearance kept drawing my gaze. I found myself entranced, opening the wardrobe as if possessed by some inexplicable compulsion.
It was a mask. The very kind the Demon Worshippers had been wearing in Fiore Forest.

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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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