How to Get a Stolen Husband Back - Chapter 35
“Those who seek to harm the bloodline of the Light Dragon shall pay with their lives.”
As the mark on her forehead blazed brightly, the revelation flowed from Estelle’s lips.
Her body remained motionless, her face seemed not her own, and her voice was distinctly sacred compared to earlier.
The priests bowed their heads towards Estelle, who gazed into the void. They were already accepting her words as an oracle, having long yearned for the birth of a saintess.
Due to the absence of a saintess, the temple’s power and prestige had diminished significantly. If this revelation could restore the temple, no matter what it was…!
‘Look at how easily they are deceived, haha. Those who believe in God seem to fall for tricks just as easily.’
Amidst the fervor of excitement, Estelle leisurely mocked the priests.
Everything was going according to her plan.
The first device for masquerading as a saintess was the creation of a special mirror. Estelle, who had reigned as a top actress in her previous life, knew precisely how to reflect herself dramatically under any angle.
Therefore, she could handle various lighting and even mirrors like a pro.
Having previously scouted the temple, she had custom-made adjustable mirrors, handed them to her accomplice Jack, and taught him how to use them. The visual effect of being enveloped in moonlight was thanks to Jack and his subordinates holding mirrors on the temple’s roof at that moment.
“Oh, to witness the saintess’s mark in person…!”
When one priest murmured in ecstasy, Estelle almost burst into laughter.
The second device she prepared was a special pigment painted on her forehead, mimicking the mark’s shape.
It was a rare herb that the Emperor had desperately sought to save the poisoned heroine in a novel, described as glowing fluorescently under certain lighting conditions. Thanks to this, the Emperor obtained the herb, and Estelle used the same method to disguise the mark.
‘Thank goodness this genius brain remains intact even after transmigrating, haha.’
If any of the priests had actually seen a real saintess’s mark, they would have quickly realized Estelle’s was fake.
However, having only encountered the mark through books, they lacked the discernment to judge its authenticity.
Choosing to believe in the spectacle before them, Estelle addressed the priests.
“This is the first revelation bestowed by God for the Great Ferzen Empire. His Majesty, the Emperor, a descendant of the Light Dragon, is in great danger.”
“Danger? What kind of danger?”
“The third prince of the fallen Cordio has infiltrated the imperial palace to seek revenge. He disguised himself as a porter in the Quieln delegation and swapped roles with an envoy.”
“What? How could such a thing happen!”
Murmurs spread through the temple. Estelle continued.
“He has green hair and gray eyes. Find him and investigate. It will prove today’s revelation is true.”
This was also information she had read in the book, and in reality, it wasn’t even a crisis.
Recalling that part, it went as follows:
On the day the delegation’s schedule concluded, the third prince of the fallen kingdom attempted a surprise attack on the Emperor during a luncheon.
He had secretly brought a small dagger coated with deadly poison into the luncheon, where weapons were prohibited.
The Emperor easily subdued the prince, but the dagger grazed the Emperor’s skin, allowing the poison to enter. However, being of the Light Dragon’s bloodline, the Emperor possessed purification abilities and recovered in a day…
The problem was that day.
The day the future Empress tended to the Emperor’s wound sparked her feelings for him.
For her, seeing the usually strong Emperor in a defenseless state was deeply touching. Of course, Estelle, knowing the future, had no intention of providing such a good opportunity to the future Empress.
Thus, she preemptively blocked Aristie’s chance to get close to Khalid by linking it with the saintess’s revelation. It was a win-win situation.
“At dawn, convey Lady Estelle’s revelation to the imperial palace!”
As the High Priest gave the order, Estelle feigned exhaustion and fell to the ground. Simultaneously, the moonlight that had been pouring onto her abruptly ceased.
The priests’ vision dimmed relatively, but their prayers and praises remained as bright as ever.
All that was left was to wait for the results and prepare for the investiture ceremony.
“It is indeed the third prince of Cordio!”
“Arrest him!”
The wait was not long. Within a day, the prince of the fallen kingdom was captured and soon met his end at the execution ground.
Rumors spread that Estelle had received a revelation and saved the Emperor from danger, leading to her recognition as a saintess. For the temple, where the saintess’s line had been severed, it was nothing short of a blessing.
Thanks to this, Estelle’s position, as well as the prestige of the Vascus Marquisate, rose rapidly.
Like the Blue Moon, known as the traitor’s moon, Estelle, who had deceived the Emperor, was reborn as a saintess, illuminating the social scene.
* * *
“I can’t believe she’s really become a saintess!”
Returning from a social gathering where she heard the news of Estelle becoming a saintess, Aristie lay down on her bed. Although she had expected it, now that it was reality, she couldn’t express her complex feelings.
“She became a noble, then a saintess, and after that…”
It wasn’t a struggle to recall it. It was so shocking that it was etched in her mind like a nail.
After that was Estelle’s declaration that she would become Empress after beheading her.
“What can I possibly do?”
The fact that she had no way to stop Estelle left Aristie feeling defeated.
Whoever the Emperor chose to bring in as a woman was a right guaranteed by national law, and the Empress had no place to intervene.
If she acted with malice and obstructed, her qualifications as Empress could be revoked by the ministers. To them, ensuring the imperial bloodline flourished, even with numerous consorts, was far more important than who became Empress.
“No, that’s not the fundamental issue…”
Even if she could forcibly stop Estelle, that wasn’t the way Aristie wanted to handle it. What she truly desired was for Khalid to realize Estelle’s true nature and withdraw his trust on his own.
Without that, she couldn’t bring herself to treat him warmly. She couldn’t confidently govern as a virtuous Empress.
All that remained was herself, being consumed by an unknown, gloomy emotion, whether it was jealousy, fear, or a sense of deprivation.
“…I want to run away.”
Engulfed in an overwhelmingly fragile emotion, Aristie turned to her side and curled up.
As if trying to protect herself in that way.
Khalid had plunged into the battlefield and defended the empire. But he wouldn’t be able to protect her.
Whether she ran or fought, Aristie knew she ultimately had to act on her own.
* * *
The day after Estelle was appointed as a saintess, the High Priest personally accompanied her to visit the imperial palace.
It was to introduce the newly born saintess of the empire to the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, this is Saintess Estelle, who played a significant role in capturing the assassin who infiltrated the imperial palace.”
“Thank you, Saintess, for saving my life.”
In truth, Khalid had been secretly investigating the delegation’s members after receiving a tip from Grand Duke Torjan.
Wasn’t he someone who grew restless in complete peace?
Therefore, he had secretly hoped the remnants of Cordio had infiltrated the delegation and would attempt an ambush. He wanted to enjoy some rare amusement.
But to be caught beforehand!
In reality, he was disappointed that Estelle had caused him to miss such a rare opportunity for fun. However, he concealed his true feelings and commended her efforts.
Of course, Estelle had no way of knowing Khalid’s true intentions.
“It wasn’t that remarkable of a task. I merely fulfilled my duty.”
Estelle lowered her gaze, feigning humility, confident that this would earn her more trust from the Emperor.
Today, she wore a dress with sky-blue lace over a white base, resembling a single blooming flower. Even without knowing, she looked so pure that one would think she was a saintess.
“But to think she’s the villainess of this otherworld…”
As Aristie’s words came to mind, a slight crease appeared on Khalid’s brow.
It quickly disappeared, though.
“Estelle Georgia Vascus. Congratulations on becoming God’s representative. From now on, you will be addressed as the saintess at official events.”
“I am honored, Your Majesty.”
With the formalities concluded, Khalid turned to the High Priest.
“This is a joyous occasion not only for the temple but also for the empire. However, your burden must have increased.”
“Not at all. I am merely filled with joy.”
“I look forward to the temple’s continued endeavors.”
“Of course. May God always watch over the empire.”
“Hearing that is reassuring. By the way, may I have a moment with the saintess? There are a few things I’m curious about.”
Realizing it was a request for privacy, the High Priest promptly answered.
“Of course, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave first.”
“You’ve done well. We shall meet again soon.”
