Chapter 37. Sirlennia Town (2)
Belladonna wandered the streets, looking around nervously.
Cindy said she was going this way…
Usually, Cindy was so relaxed Belladonna could keep up easily. But today, after getting lost for hours, Cindy was anxious and walking quickly, determined to find the shop selling envelopes as fast as possible.
If I keep wandering like this, I’ll really get lost…
She thought about asking someone for help, but not being able to speak made that difficult.
Maybe I should just stay put…
It was always better for someone who got lost to wait in the same place rather than search everywhere. Eventually, Cindy would realize Belladonna was missing and come back for her.
Belladonna hurried back to the corner where she and Cindy had been separated and leaned against the wall. If I stay here, she’ll find me.
Now that she was standing still, the busy sights and sounds of Sirlennia’s town slowly came into focus.
People bustled past, carrying big bags and chattering to each other, their faces bright and peaceful.
“Put the dried fruit over here!”
“We need to buy thick stuffing for the blankets.”
“Don’t forget the extra thread!”
Winter really is coming, Belladonna thought, watching the cheerful faces. Everyone seems busy, but happy. I was always busy in winter too…
She felt relieved to see that this year’s harvest must have been good.
Suddenly, someone bumped her shoulder.
She turned in surprise to see a woman struggling with a huge box.
“Oops! Sorry, miss. I can’t really see where I’m going,” the woman said, peeking out and grinning.
Belladonna smiled and nodded, letting her know it was fine.
She was used to people staring at her after she smiled—either with awe or surprise—but this woman just moved on without another glance.
Huh…? She just left?
Belladonna stared after her, stunned. It had been a long time since someone treated her so ordinarily.
Ever since waking as the Saintess in Astanya, people always looked at her with reverence or curiosity. In Griblata, as the lord’s wife, people were careful and respectful.
But here in Sirlennia, no one knows who I am…
The realization hit her: here, she was just an ordinary person. She wasn’t a saint or a noblewoman—just Belladonna.
As soon as she understood that, a strange sense of freedom filled her heart.
It felt like a caged bird looking out at an open door.
No one recognized her. No one cared who she was.
For the first time since becoming the Saintess, she tasted real freedom—and her heart thudded with excitement.
Belladonna took a deep breath and stepped into the crowd.
People glanced at her, but their attention moved on.
“Miss, you’re blocking the way.”
“Ah, sorr—…”
She’d let her guard down so much that a word slipped out. Belladonna quickly covered her mouth, startled.
But the person who spoke to her just walked away without another look.
She lowered her hand and watched the people passing by.
No one here is interested in me…
She clenched her fist, feeling a surge of courage.
Maybe just for a little while… just a little… I want to enjoy this freedom.
Belladonna looked back at the alley where Cindy had disappeared. There was no sign of her yet.
Her heart, so battered and restless lately, pushed her to do something she’d never done before.
Even if it’s only for a moment, I want to forget everything…
With a small sigh, Belladonna began to walk, letting her feet carry her wherever they pleased.
She wanted just a brief moment to think alone, without anyone watching.
Away from town, on a low hill, Belladonna finally stopped and sat down.
She hadn’t meant to come here, but her feet had followed the distant sound of a familiar song.
So once you leave the busy part of town, you find this open space right away… she thought, curling up and watching the farmers below.
Even in the cold, their faces were flushed from work, and they moved busily about the field.
The singing never stopped.
Belladonna rested her cheek on her knee and let the winter sunlight warm her.
“It’s so peaceful…”
For the first time in so long, she felt calm and safe, with no one around.
She closed her eyes, listening to the workers’ song, feeling like she was back in her old life—taking a short break after a long day of work.
In this moment, nothing could make her anxious. Not the Pope, not Scarlett, not even Escallion.
After a long while, Belladonna opened her eyes.
Once I get divorced, I’ll never see Escallion again. I should leave all these messy feelings behind, here or in Griblata…
Even if I’ve fallen for him…
Just thinking about it made her heart ache again.
Why did I have to fall for my soon-to-be ex-husband…?
She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head.
Forget it, forget it! He’ll be happy with his lover once I’m gone. There’s no point in this…
The workers’ song drifted up from below, pushing away her gloomy thoughts.
Belladonna watched them for a moment, then slowly opened her lips and began to hum along.
At first, it was just a soft tune, but as she tried to remember the next lines, her mind cleared.
Singing always brought her comfort.
So even at the Vatican, she used to quietly hum to herself whenever no one was around.
Belladonna finished the song with a small laugh.
That was when I first met Escallion…
She remembered that time, afraid she’d been overheard, but he’d been too sleepy to notice.
She blinked and looked around.
When the song ended, only the wind remained. The farmers packed up and left.
Belladonna stood up and dusted off her dress.
She felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted.
Just as she turned to leave—
She froze.
Standing a few steps away was someone she knew all too well, hands shoved in his pockets, leaning against a tree.
“My wife’s voice is truly beautiful.”
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