ILOIML 26

Chapter 26 

“I really didn’t know. How could I know? I just made a guess.”

Cassia touched her chin and kept repeating what I had said.

The more she thought about it, the more my lie would fall apart.

Try living like Leon, like you have no brain.

“Saintess, you really don’t trust people, do you?”

“It’s not people I don’t trust—it’s the Grand Duchess. Anyway, the Grand Duchess should apologize for entering my bedroom without permission.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

I apologized quickly, and Cassia didn’t seem to know what to say.

“Just like I protected the trust you gave me, I hope you will also trust me.”

“Yes, don’t worry. That issue seems resolved now. So, shall we talk about using the bathroom? Saintess, can I use the bathroom for a bit?”

“No. I was just about to use it myself.”

Cassia answered seriously.

Now, even when she looked at me coldly, it felt kind of familiar.

She didn’t even finish eating—what kind of bath is she thinking of taking?

“Then I’ll leave now.”

I quickly gave up and left her room.

Before I left, I glanced at the desk drawer full of her food.

Cassia’s face turned bright red again, as if she felt my gaze.

When I returned in my shabby state, Amy and Mary looked at me in shock.

“Luckily, the Saintess is probably taking a bath too, right now.”

Finally, my bedroom was ready. I relaxed in the hot water and thought about Cassia’s flustered face.

I let out a small laugh.

‘She’s kind of cute in a way… Did Leon fall for that side of her too?’

Everything about Cassia eventually made me think of Leon.

I imagined Leon smiling as he looked at her with bread crumbs on her lips, and it annoyed me for some reason.

“Ugh, whatever. Why do I even care? What’s wrong with me?”

I wanted to clear my mind, so I dunked my head underwater.

But my thoughts didn’t go away, and they bothered me all night.

* * *

“My lady, the priest who was rude to you yesterday is here to apologize.”

Yesterday, the knights had gone wild, saying they’d cut off his head and bring it to Leon.

I had barely calmed them down.

The priest had his reasons, and I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.

Still, I didn’t know why he came to see me now.

“I told him many times to leave, but he won’t move. He says he won’t go until he sees you.”

I sighed and walked out of my room.

The knights were pointing their swords at him.

Aaron, the priest, was kneeling. When he saw me, he crawled closer and bowed deeply.

“Your Grace, I’ve committed a terrible sin.”

“I heard your story from the High Priest. But that doesn’t mean what you did is forgivable.

I came to Esta for good reasons. I don’t want things to get noisy.

If you are truly sorry, I believe I’ll feel your sincerity too.”

I signaled the knights to put away their swords.

They didn’t like it, but they followed my command.

“Go help with the charity event. Make sure it goes smoothly.”

Aaron slightly lifted his head.

His pale face was swollen.

Seeing him like that reminded me of his situation.

I shook my head and hoped he could find peace.

He tried to stand but stumbled.

Still, he kept bowing to thank me.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“That’s enough. Please go now.”

I said firmly, and he finally stopped bowing and gave a small nod.

He limped away.

“My lady, you’re so generous—letting even the Saintess go like that.”

‘The Saintess isn’t generous. I’m more generous than her.’

I shook my head at Mary’s words.

That woman took over my bedroom because of a small weakness I showed.

Yes, weakness.

“Aaron?”

Aaron turned back with his swollen eyes wide open.

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“After the charity event, I want to see more of the temple. Will you guide me?

You said you wanted to apologize, right?

I’ll give you another chance.”

I smiled warmly.

He nodded with a touched expression.

“Yes, thank you. I won’t mess up this time.”

He bowed and walked away with lighter steps.

And just like him, I started feeling excited too.

‘Maybe I can enter the restricted area?’

* * *

At the charity event, I felt completely out of place.

Everyone only paid attention to Cassia.

The only one interested in me was the High Priest.

But I didn’t want that kind of attention.

I sat awkwardly and watched Cassia act all kind and graceful.

Whenever she smiled, I copied her smile.

Sometimes our eyes met, but she quickly looked away.

The High Priest explained the purpose of the charity event to me for the fifth time.

“Yes, I’ll talk to the Duke and make sure he donates.”

I gave the same answer for the fifth time, but he looked thrilled.

Then he started explaining everything again—for the sixth time.

“I’m sorry, but I’m feeling a little dizzy. I’d like to get some fresh air.

Also, I have something to talk about with Aaron. Can you call him for me?”

The High Priest looked at me closely for a second, trying to guess my intentions.

But when I smiled gently like Cassia, he quickly agreed and called for Aaron.

He whispered something into Aaron’s ear.

Probably warning him not to mess up again.

Aaron nodded, trembling.

When I and Aaron stepped outside the hall, Amy, Mary, and the knights frowned and walked over.

“I’m just getting some air.”

Everyone stared at Aaron like, Why’d you bring him along?

Well, they had threatened to kill him yesterday, so I understood their cold glares.

“Aaron is going to guide me through the temple like we planned yesterday.

You all wait here.”

“My lady!! That’s not safe!”

I understood why they were worried, but I had bigger plans with Aaron.

‘If you guys follow, it’ll just get in the way.’

“Aaron has already apologized.

If you disobey me now, it’s like disobeying the Duke.”

I knew they wouldn’t listen to me, so I brought up Leon.

That worked well.

They didn’t like it, but they didn’t argue anymore.

“I’ll just take one look around and come back.”

I walked with Aaron toward the left wing of the temple.

It was the area we missed yesterday because of the mess.

Since yesterday’s incident, Aaron had become much more polite.

He answered all my questions kindly.

“This area is off-limits.”

I smiled and nodded.

“I know, I know.”

“Then let’s go this way—”

“But wait! Why is this area off-limits? Is there something we’re not supposed to see?”

“Not exactly. This is where the trainee priests gather for morning prayers, and there’s also a hallway that leads to their dorms.”

“Oh my gosh! How cute! Trainee priests!”

“They’re not as young as you think. And not very cute either.”

Aaron didn’t seem pleased with what I said.

“I really want to see it!
When I was little, I dreamed of being a trainee priest!
You know I’m very faithful, right?”

“…Yes. But this is still a restricted area.”

“Aaron, didn’t the High Priest say anything to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Didn’t he tell you not to upset me?
Because right now, I’m starting to feel upset.
I forgave you yesterday with a big heart.
And you’re rejecting such a small request?”

“N-No, that’s not it…”

Aaron bit his lip and closed his eyes tightly.

I couldn’t give him too much time to think.

Thinking was dangerous.

“Aaron, maybe I should just go back to the event hall now.”