The Fake Saintess Awaits Her Exit

The kettle’s lid clattered due to the boiling water, providing Latvan with an escape from his contemplation. As he reached for the kettle, he glanced at his own hand. How tightly had he clenched it? Deep imprints of the sharpened nails were visible on the palm of his hand. The stinging sensation suggested that it was not just a mere scratch but rather an injury.

[Sigh]

Prince Leon’s voice, full of determination, echoed in his ears.

“You bastard. Not content with mocking that promiscuous lower body of yours in the palace, now you dare to mock it even in the temple.”

Intense anger surged towards the prince. His emotions were now directed at someone else.

“Why on earth?”

He knew that he no longer entertained men after his collapse and recovery. That was why he thought the saint would refrain from meeting men for a while.

At that moment, Latvan wiped his face with his hand. He realized that the feeling he had towards the saint was one of betrayal. However, he couldn’t pinpoint what exactly it was a betrayal of. Was it a betrayal of his belief that she would regain her composure and live her life properly? Was it really because of that?

Once again, Latvan wiped his face. Lately, he kept having strange thoughts.

“I wish some calamity would befall me.”

If that were to happen, perhaps he could rid himself of such complicated thoughts.

***

The tea cup placed on the saucer emitted a delicate clinking sound. It was the same tea cup that had been there since he first received this mansion. Usually, there would be two cups, one for himself and one for the host. However, he held only one cup in his hand.

Since no one else had ever come here before, there was never any inconvenience.

“Should I set out another cup?”

As he pondered, he lowered his head. There was no need. The saint would never come to this house again. He walked into the living room and realized that the saint was nowhere to be seen.

Where could she have gone?

“Surely not.”

Had she returned to her dwelling alone while he was in the kitchen? But soon, he heard a sound of breathing from beneath the sofa. Peering over the backrest, he saw the saint lying asleep on the sofa. He quietly observed her.

“It was the first suit I received and kept.”

It was the outfit he had received as a child when he entered the temple. Now it has become too small to wear. He couldn’t simply discard it, and he felt hesitant to give it to a newcomer who was about to join the temple. He wasn’t particularly attached to objects, but it was one of the few possessions he owned personally.

“I never imagined I would end up using it like this.”

To think he would be using it like this to find suitable clothing for the saint at this hour. Even the smallest knight’s attire would be like a blanket to the saint. Moreover, if he went to find such a thing, the other knights would undoubtedly be curious about what was going on. That’s why he ultimately brought out that outfit.

Fortunately, his childhood clothes were a suitable size for the saint. He had taken good care of them, so there was no musty smell. Latvan gazed at the saint, who was wearing his clothes in her own home.

The moment he realized it, a burning sensation surged beneath his throat. Latvan opened his mouth as if trying to expel that energy.

“Lady Saint.”

His words, filled with the heat within him, burst out.

He called out with his voice, but the saint didn’t respond.

“I felt this before.”

He recalled the saint, who had fallen asleep on the donation bench. Back then, he called her multiple times and even lifted her up, but she didn’t wake up. It must be the same now.

[Clink]

Latvan gently placed the tea cup on the table. Then, he approached the front of the sofa.

Should he take her back to her dwelling?

He cradled the saint in his arms, still she did not stir. He felt a sense of unease at the sight of her limp arms. She looked truly dead at times like this. Latvan gazed at the saint within his possession. He heard a faint breath. Slowly, he saw the gentle rise and fall of her chest. And he felt warmth.

Latvan’s footsteps approached his room. He thought to himself how fortunate it was that he had tidied the bed this morning.

***

I opened my eyes.

Perhaps because I had seen it before, the darkness that now appeared felt familiar. Slowly, I turned my head.

“Evelina…”

The person I expected was standing there, looking at me. Unlike the last voice I had heard, she was smiling brightly. It was a beautiful but twisted smile.

It was not difficult to guess why she was waiting for me with that smile.

“I didn’t think you would go all the way.”

Of course. Her voice, filled with contempt, reached my ears. Now her voice felt awkward. Until just a while ago, it was my voice. The voice of the Evelina who had taken over me. Even though she was the original owner, it felt as if she had stolen my voice.

“Seems like it was worth doing after all. You don’t seem as miserable as I thought.”

“Indeed, it wasn’t as terrible as I had anticipated.”

“….!”

At my response, Evelina’s body twitched for a moment. At the same time, her laughter quickly faded away. It was only natural. Unlike before, I no longer referred to her with reverence.

“Oh, you’re quite angry. Still, it’s not that bad. You should be grateful for the experience I’ve given you, shouldn’t you?”

Such audacity doesn’t make me angry anymore. I stared at her for a long time and then asked.

“Why did you appear? You said you would uphold your end of the bargain.”

“Yeah, I thought you wouldn’t be able to do it, but you did.”

“What do you want to say? Get to the point.”