The Fake Saintess Awaits Her Exit

The first day of the prayer gathering concluded with its final ceremony.

Those who had caused a disturbance by proclaiming Evelina as a prostitute were all apprehended by the temple knights and confined to the knights’ prison. The officials sighed with darkened faces, as their fears had inevitably materialized. Even without making an effort to listen, their voices reached my ears clearly beneath the thicket of bushes.

“I knew this would explode in such a manner!”

“Now those scandalous rumors will spread across the continent within a month.”

“People will be cursing at the temple! What a disgrace!”

The voices of the officials grew increasingly louder. Then someone spoke up.

“Why on earth must we endure such troubles? It’s all because of the saint, isn’t it?”

“Yes, indeed. We thought she would come to her senses after causing all sorts of problems and then collapsing… but we were completely mistaken.”

After ranting for quite a while, they seemed exhausted even from slandering Evelina, whispering with hushed voices.

“Being called the temple’s prostitute… Now, I don’t even know anymore. I suppose I should go and finish preparing for the remaining prayer gathering tomorrow.”

With that, the officials engaged in conversation and soon departed, leaving the sanctuary once again in silence.

Confirming that there were no signs of anyone approaching, I rose from my position and lay down on a bench. Damp strands of hair fell beneath the bench. I reached out and held them close to my nose, where a rich floral scent wafted. Despite the fact that the smell of rotten eggs should no longer linger, there was something about the scent I caught during the final ritual that made my nose tingle.

“I’m tired…”

Unintentionally, I found myself murmuring those words. There had been too much happening within a single day. I couldn’t sleep deeply since the previous night and had been active since dawn. In addition, the prayer gathering’s ceremonies continued throughout the day. However, above all, what had exhausted me was undoubtedly the incident during the final ritual.

“I didn’t expect Latvan to kneel again.”

Upon returning to my room, he immediately dropped to one knee before me, lowering his head.

“I failed in my duty. Please hold me accountable.”

His words made me realize why he suddenly knelt. Latvan was the one responsible for my protection today. Yet, I ended up being hit by the eggs thrown by the people, despite his presence.

“It’s not your responsibility, Sir Latvan. It’s my fault for giving you a different task.”

If I hadn’t asked Latvan to bring an old man to me, he would have easily deflected the eggs. As I thought about this, I stood up and spoke, but he did not move.

“For whatever reason, it is my responsibility that you were harmed, Saint. No one will be able to make me change my mind about that, unless someone questions me.”

His demeanor was resolute. It seemed he would not rise unless someone held him accountable.

“I understand. I will inquire about your responsibility for my injuries, Sir Latvan. However, not now. Please continue your duties without any changes until the prayer gathering concludes tomorrow.”

“But…”

“It’s an order. Step back now.”

As I mentioned the word “order,” he reluctantly stepped back.

“Now, what should I do…”

I murmured while gazing at the night sky, but no particularly good ideas came to mind. I tried to find the mildest punishment possible within Evelina’s memories, but all that came to mind were cruel ones, one after another.

“I don’t know.”

For now, I realized that I needed to think more carefully about Latvan’s punishment. That issue seemed to occupy my mind even more than, or perhaps beyond, any other lingering questions.

“Who is that man?”

The man who pretended to be an old man and asked for my blessings.

“What on earth was his purpose?”

I grasped my hair once again, contemplating the spot where the man had kissed me, but no particular thoughts arose.

“I shall await the day we meet again…”

His voice carried a resolute strength. It was an instinctive understanding on my part. The man undoubtedly harbored intentions of reuniting with me.

While curious about his true identity, I held no concerns. Through the gaze directed at me, the man appeared content, devoid of any hostility.

“If danger lurks, those who stood by his side would be in greater peril.”

Suddenly, a pang of emotion welled up within me as I recollected their words.

“Why is Evelina considered a harlot?”

If she were indeed a harlot, she would have exchanged her body for money. However, wasn’t Evelina the exact opposite? She embraced the men who sought her, returning their wealth and valuables. Of course, her actions were not commendable, but unjustness clung to the air.

“I must also prepare for tomorrow’s prayer meeting…”

Having cleansed myself, I lay beneath the refreshing night breeze, and my eyelids naturally grew heavy. Although I needed to return to my room through the secret passage, my exhausted body refused to comply.

“Just a while longer, then let us depart.”

With that thought, I swiftly succumbed to sleep.

And when I opened my eyes once more, I found myself atop my bed in my own room.