ILOIML 23

Chapter 23

In the end, Leon didn’t come with me.

Instead, he smiled brightly and saw me off.

He looked so relieved. Was he really that happy to see me go?

‘What does it matter if Leon dances or laughs? I just have to focus on staying alive.’

I tried to push away the emptiness I felt, but for some reason, my heart felt heavy.

“Madam, is something bothering you?”

Amy asked with a worried face as she looked at me.

I thought I was hiding my feelings well, but it must’ve shown on my face.

“It’s nothing. I just feel a bit dizzy from riding the carriage for so long.”

“Then let’s stop and rest for a moment. Some fresh air might help.”

“No, we’re almost there. Let’s keep going.”

I heard Esta was a quiet and peaceful city.

I thought I’d enjoy the calm atmosphere while I was here.

Even if I didn’t find the relic this time, I promised myself I wouldn’t get anxious.

“Madam, we’re in Esta!”

Mary shouted excitedly.

“Yes.”

I turned to look out the window—

“What? Why is it like this? I was told it was supposed to be quiet!”

Outside the carriage, Esta was crowded with people.

There were so many people in the streets that the carriage couldn’t move.

“I also… I was told it would be quiet. I’ll go find out.”

Amy got off the carriage and came back after a short while.

“Madam, I don’t think we can go any further. You’ll have to walk from here.”

“Are you sure we’re in the right place? Is this really Esta?”

I took Amy’s hand as I stepped out of the carriage and asked.

“Yes, this is definitely Esta.

But it turns out everyone came out to see a guest attending the temple’s donation event.”

“Me? I’m this popular? I haven’t even done anything!”

I was surprised, but it didn’t feel bad.

Did Bella do some good deeds without telling me?

I looked at Amy with a pleased smile.

But Amy’s face was full of confusion.

I realized something was wrong and wanted to cover my mouth.

“It’s… not me, is it?”

“No… They say the Saint is visiting Esta today.

But if people knew you were coming, I’m sure there would be a few fans somewhere… maybe one or two?”

Are you making fun of me?

Amy pressed her lips tightly together, her mouth twitching.

I glared at her and huffed as I walked through the crowd.

And now I had to see Cassia again?

I really didn’t want to.

We weren’t supposed to meet right now.

Did she come here to look for the relic too?

“Madam, please slow down.”

But we were already too deep into the crowd.

By the time we finally reached the front of the temple, my once-clean dress was a mess.

The holy knights at the gate blocked us from entering.

“No one is allowed inside right now. The event starts tomorrow afternoon—”

“This is the Grand Duchess of Aster.”

The priests looked me over again and quickly bowed.

“S-sorry. Things are so chaotic, we didn’t recognize you.”

“I look like this because I had to walk through the crowd.”

I kept explaining, but they barely listened, so I quietly stopped talking.

“Please come this way. The High Priest is waiting for you.”

The knights guided us to the priests.

After greeting the priests, we finally entered the temple.

“I heard the Saint has arrived.”

“Yes. She arrived a little earlier and is meeting with the High Priest now.”

“Aren’t I going to meet the High Priest too?

So doesn’t that mean I’ll meet the Saint too?”

“Yes. You’re lucky. This is a rare chance.”

No, I’m not lucky. I’d rather be unlucky right now.

Just thinking about how Cassia would look at me made me nervous.

“Wow! Madam, you really are lucky!”

“You sound a little too happy about this.”

Amy clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling as she nodded.

I sighed deeply and promised myself I’d only attend the donation event and not even try to search for the relic.

It would be better not to make things worse with Cassia here.

“Please come in.”

In the guest room filled with holy energy, I finally met the High Priest and Cassia.

The High Priest welcomed me with excitement, even though it was our first time meeting.

Cassia stood beside him, quietly watching me.

“This is the Grand Duchess of Aster,” the High Priest introduced me.

“I know. We’ve met before,” Cassia replied calmly.

It was such an awkward moment, I didn’t know what to say.

But they say you can’t throw spit at a smiling face, right?

I’ve already acted crazy so many times to survive.

What’s one more time?

I made up my mind and began to laugh sweetly.

“It’s been a while, Saint.”

But only the High Priest laughed with me.

Cassia didn’t even smile.

“What were you talking about? Esta is in a frenzy right now.”

I sat on the couch and chatted casually.

Once I sat, the High Priest and Cassia also took their seats.

“You really are as bright and cheerful as the rumors say, Your Grace.”

“I know what the rumors say. I’m guessing your words weren’t exactly a compliment.”

The High Priest waved his hands quickly, looking flustered.

Didn’t they say strong denial is a strong affirmation?

“Of course not!”

“It’s okay. I was joking.

By the way, why did the Saint come here?

Before I came to Esta, I hadn’t heard she’d be attending this event.”

I tried not to look at Cassia as I spoke to the High Priest.

“Actually, the High Priest of Lianus Temple was supposed to come,

But something came up, so I came in his place.

The other high priests were all busy as well.”

“I feel sorry for High Priest Jason, but we’re lucky the Saint came instead.

That’s why so many people showed up.

We’re the ones who should be thankful!”

Cassia smiled shyly and nodded.

But it was a completely different face from the way she looked at me earlier.

I must’ve really gotten on her bad side.

“I only came because the High Priest kindly invited me for this donation event.”

I pointed to the High Priest with both hands in a respectful pose.

I wanted Cassia to know I wasn’t here for any other reason.

Of course, I did have another reason—

But in front of her, I had to pretend I didn’t.

Our eyes met briefly, and Cassia’s expression turned cold.

‘Once she finds out Aesar is with Leon, she’ll be thankful to me!

Why is she acting like this?’

That icy stare made my chest feel tight.

“High Priest Jason didn’t say he would stay the night,

So we didn’t prepare a room for him.

But we’re getting one ready now. Please wait a little.”

“Okay.”

“We’ve already prepared your room, Grand Duchess.

You must be tired from the trip,

So rest for a bit, and come a little early before afternoon prayer.

We’ll give a special blessing for you and the Duke.”

“No, that’s not ne— I mean… that’s so touching. A blessing for us?”

I looked emotional, making my eyes sparkle.

The High Priest’s cheeks turned red with pride.

I recognized that face—

It was the look of someone obsessed with money.

I had already felt uneasy when I heard he came recommended by the Aster temple.

Now I could guess how much he planned to take from us.

I imagined Leon fuming and unfairly yelling at Kalsen.

‘Even that look of his is kind of cute.’

“…Am I crazy?”

Why was I thinking about that here?

“…We are not crazy,” the High Priest said.

“Oh… That was just my extreme way of saying I’m happy.”

Cassia let out a short laugh through her nose.

Then she met my eyes, turned serious, and looked right at me.

“I have a request, Your Grace.”