“I regret that Your Holiness misunderstood me as a witch.”

“Misunderstood?”

“Didn’t you just say that I haven’t proven my innocence? If so, do you have evidence against me?”

“…”

“Without evidence, it’s a misunderstanding. Though it felt as if my heart was being cut to pieces, I realized that this hardship too was arranged by God. How could a mere human know the intentions of the Almighty? I believe that if I wait patiently, an answer will emerge. I hope Your Holiness will also quietly contemplate God’s will.”

‘Keep your mouth shut and stay quiet.’

Swallowing her final words, Lucilia wore a fresh smile. Then she responded to the woman who was trying to display a dignified appearance.

“I see you must be the newly born saint. Honestly, I was a bit surprised to see my position filled so quickly.”

“Let me introduce myself formally. His Holiness calls me Saint Birgita.”

“Saint Birgita. Yes, I see. But… something seems strange.”

As Lucilia let her words trail off while looking at Kel, the woman also rolled her eyes.

“It seems the Duke is also seeing the saint for the first time today.”

“Indeed, it’s our first meeting. I’m not sure if I should call this a surprise gift or a stab in the back.”

As Kel quickly retorted, Lucilia now asked Aaron.

“Lord Artnal, have you heard anything from His Majesty the King about the appointment of a new saint?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“So even the royal family doesn’t know.”

“It’s right to consider someone who hasn’t gone through formal procedures as an outsider. It’s unlike Your Holiness to bring someone of unclear identity into the palace so carelessly. You must know well that it wouldn’t be strange to apply charges of treason.”

The old man’s white beard on his thick chin trembled.

“Treason? Lord Artnal, mind your words!”

“I apologize if I’ve offended you. I was discourteous to Your Holiness because I couldn’t overlook potentially harmful elements. Whether witch or traitor, if there are suspicious circumstances, they must be addressed.”

“The papal office will soon make an official announcement, so come and verify it yourself!”

Colon, shouting in a husky voice, pressured Lucilia with the intention of planting distrust in people’s minds.

“I’ve heard rumors that you’ve lost your sacred power. Is that true?”

“Since this too cannot be proven, you wouldn’t believe whatever I say. Then, has the new saint received sacred power?”

Not all saints manifested transcendental power. Even Saint Benica, who was an object of praise, had no sacred power.

Birgita twisted her lips, stained with flower dye, upward.

“To interrogate me like this. Mind your boundaries. Anyone watching would spread rumors that you truly harbor malicious energy. The times are already unsettled with the dark clouds of war looming.”

Intoxicated with the desire for victory, Birgita smiled brightly.

In any case, Lucilia’s existence bothered her because she had been revered as a saint. So she had discussed with the Pope ways to render Lucilia’s influence useless.

Just then, the threat of war loomed on the frontier, and they seized the perfect opportunity to blame the ominousness on Lucilia.

According to information, the couple had not yet consummated their marriage. Since her husband didn’t trust her, it was only a matter of time before she fell.

And that wasn’t all.

Hadn’t they already tested her using a beggar boy?

‘Lucilia, you truly have no sacred power.’

That’s why she was unprepared and got stabbed.

Birgita looked into Lucilia’s eyes with confidence. Just by making unflinching eye contact, she could show everyone that she had nothing to fear.

‘You can pretend your sacred power has disappeared. But with rumors spreading that you have no power, what can you do?’

If she were to use her ability, she would be executed for the crime of bewitching people with evil arts.

The moment the inquisitor declared her guilty, her beautiful head would fall to the blade of the guillotine.

Would the kingdom’s people gather like clouds when that woman ascends the scaffold?

She intended to add more firewood for that day.

Birgita spread her long sleeves and then gathered them modestly as she turned toward the nobles.

“Those who suffer mentally, those who groan with unexplained pain, come find me. I will drive away evil spirits.”

“After passing the papal office’s review and being elevated as a saint, she plans to begin her activities immediately.”

As the authoritative Pope stepped forward to enhance credibility, trust in the new saint began to deepen on the nobles’ faces.

They seemed to believe it was a sacred power that practically saved people, not a useless ability like reading minds.

Lucilia stepped back, trying to escape from the people gathering around Birgita.

Aaron’s chest touched her back, though she wasn’t sure when he had moved behind her. He bent his upper body slightly and spoke softly.

“Let’s go home now.”

“But the banquet is still in full swing.”

“Staying longer will only provide entertainment for those who open their mouths like lions.”

“Can we really leave?”

“Yes.”

At his firm answer, Lucilia nodded.

Leaving in the middle of the banquet might look like they were hiding their tails, but it was better than being a spectacle.

Besides, the corset she wore to emphasize her slender waist and full bosom was too tight and suffocating.

Lucilia followed Aaron, avoiding the Marquis and Haight who were glaring at her with displeasure.

* * *

Upon leaving the den of wolves, a refreshing breath burst out immediately.

Lucilia, exhaling softly, glanced at Aaron’s profile, who had been tormented by pretentious nobles.

Come to think of it, she was among those who had troubled Aaron. He must have been very tired accompanying her as she carried her curiosity around.

She thought she should not linger around Aaron once they arrived at the villa so he could rest comfortably.

It was when they turned to board the carriage.

Lucilia’s steps stopped abruptly as soon as she saw someone at the bottom of the marble stairs.

She felt Aaron’s cold gaze, but she simply couldn’t pretend nothing was happening.

“Raphad…?”

She almost broke into a run, leaving Aaron behind.

Though she managed to hold back, she couldn’t control the slight trembling in her hand within his large grip.

He who had firmly grasped her hand spoke in a heavy tone.

“Your holy knight has appeared, it seems.”

“Not… anymore.”

Though she tried hard to remove emotion from her voice, concerned about Aaron’s reaction, it seemed to displease him.

Aaron snorted.

“Either show your joy or don’t.”

Though it was a mutter to himself, it was clearly a criticism.

But there were too many questions to simply pass by Raphad, whom she had encountered so dramatically.

She wanted to go to Raphad immediately and hear everything that had happened.

Meanwhile, Raphad also recognized Lucilia and his eyes trembled.

Lucilia pleaded with Aaron, who was gripping her hand even more firmly.

“I’d like to talk with Raphad—I mean, Sir Blio for a moment. I’ll meet you where you are.”

Aaron stared at Raphad without moving a muscle.

Her blood ran cold at this invisible power struggle. Yet she couldn’t rush Aaron.

If she showed impatience, he might obstruct her from even exchanging a glance, let alone having a conversation.

After waiting breathlessly for a while, Aaron took the first step forward.

Led by his hand, Lucilia also descended the stairs.

As the distance closed, Raphad’s eyes openly scanned Lucilia. He seemed unfamiliar with her appearance, flaunting the height of splendor after shedding her pure white saint’s garments.

Standing before such a Raphad became belatedly embarrassing, making all her fine hairs stand on end.

Lucilia, at a loss for words, finally opened her lips to Raphad, who was staring blankly.

“That day… I was worried when I didn’t see you.”

“A holy knight belonging to the temple couldn’t go to protect an excommunicated saint, could he?”

“I know. I just wondered if you had suffered hardship because of me…”

“I merely didn’t go to the arrest scene out of consideration for our past relationship. Please consider our connection ended with my non-participation in your killing.”

So that’s why he disappeared.

He must have hidden himself despite the risk, yet she couldn’t understand why she felt disappointed in Raphad.

His attitude was excessively rigid.

But it was natural since she was married now.

He was keeping his distance because she was no longer a saint and shouldn’t be associated with.

She knew.

She knew all of this…

But it wasn’t easy to sever at once the bond forged through many years of shared joys and sorrows.