Chapter 49 …
The High Priest was smiling with unusual benevolence.
No matter how I looked at it, that woman—she was definitely plotting something.
[Why is she insisting that Theodore be taken on a boat outing?]
[‘We need to spread the rumor that Theodore has taken a liking to the Saintess. And when all eyes are focused on the two of them, that’s when we cause an incident.’]
Agatha explained the scheme that had surfaced in the High Priest’s mind.
[She’s planning to manipulate the situation so it looks like Theodore is threatening Dorothy—or even assaulting her.]
[So she wants to stain Theodore with a scandal.]
[Yes. A scandal or two doesn’t really matter to the Emperor, but touching the ‘Saintess’ would deal a serious blow.]
If the two of us pretended to be lovers, Theodore wouldn’t be the only villain—I’d be tangled up in a scandal too, but…
As long as trouble could be created for Theodore, that was all that mattered. Getting dragged in myself didn’t concern her at all.
What kind of High Priest was she? Every thought she had was downright criminal.
My insides churned.
[‘At that point, I’ll step in to defend the Saintess’s existence, denounce the Emperor, and spread a false oracle. The Emperor’s power will weaken significantly. If he truly has feelings for the Saintess, this will deal him a mental shock. Two birds with one stone.’]
She planned something vile enough to shatter a person’s mind—and then intended to play the hero herself.
“Saintess? Why no answer? Don’t tell me you’re lacking confidence. You said you seduced the Emperor, didn’t you?”
The High Priest prodded me again.
I felt the pressure—she absolutely intended to force Theodore into that boat outing.
“No! It just sounds like it’ll be so much fun! I’ll ask him! Hehe. I’m so excited. A boat ride!”
I smiled brightly and acted my heart out.
But inside, anxiety surged. Yes, the High Priest’s scheming was shocking and unsettling, but…
There was an even bigger problem.
‘Will Theodore… actually agree to go on a boat ride with me?’
A boat ride with that man?
It didn’t suit him at all. Leisurely drifting along, praising nature—paired with work-obsessed Theodore? Unthinkable.
Still, for now, I had no choice but to agree.
I’d go along with her wishes on the surface, anticipate her plans in advance, and sabotage them—that would be enough.
The High Priest merely stared at me without expression.
“High Priest, you should come too!”
Even in my agitation, I poured all my energy into acting more childish and pure.
For a brief moment, a look of disdain flickered across the High Priest’s face.
[‘Tsk. Completely empty-headed.’]
It didn’t feel great, but whatever.
The fact that she saw me exactly as I intended was welcome.
“…I’ll pass. What would I do, mingling among young people?”
[‘So many low-ranking noble houses—why would I bother?’]
“That’s a shame. Oh well.”
The host of the boat outing was Alex, the third son of Count Gordon. Count Gordon’s family was certainly powerful, but apparently, even seeing the face of one third son wasn’t enough to satisfy her.
‘So greedy…’
I criticized her silently.
“Very well. Then you’ll be going to the Imperial Palace, correct? When will that be?”
“Huh?”
Her sudden question caught me completely off guard.
I wasn’t ready yet—mentally—to ask Theodore whether he’d go on a boat ride.
If I brought it up, he’d probably snap, asking why he had to waste time on something so pointless…
“If you’re going to ask the Emperor, you’ll need to go to the Imperial Palace, won’t you?”
She had a point.
But would Theodore really welcome me if I showed up at the palace?
“Saintess?”
I couldn’t let my shaken pupils give me away. I forced a beaming smile.
“Of course! I should go and ask him! Hoho. I’m really looking forward to it!”
“If you’re going to the Imperial Palace, it’s proper etiquette to send word first. Since the Saintess wouldn’t be familiar with such procedures, I’ll take care of it for you.”
She spoke as if granting me a favor. By now, I was used to that tone and let it slide.
Once the vague conversation ended, I hurried back to my room.
[It’ll… be okay, right?]
To deceive the High Priest, I had to suggest the boat ride to Theodore, no matter what.
Last time, he’d realized that I truly wielded divine power, so he probably didn’t hate me quite as much anymore, but…
‘He’s still scary.’
When he looks at someone with those piercing eyes, it feels like you’d drop to your knees and apologize without even knowing why.
[Dorothy. To begin with, it was Theodore who said we should look like lovers to others, remember? Don’t be so afraid. I know you tense up whenever it comes to Theodore.]
[I can’t help it when I don’t know what he’s thinking. He’s the scariest person of all.]
[It’ll really be fine, Dorothy.]
Agatha comforted me fervently.
Right. Going to the Imperial Palace was actually a good way to show others that we were “that kind of relationship.”
And the boat ride—well, it was the High Priest’s idea. What could Theodore possibly say to me about it?
I pressed my fingertips together, calming myself.
And then, just past noon, the reply to the message the High Priest had sent on my behalf arrived.
“Since it’s urgent, you may come to the Imperial Palace immediately. The Saintess is always welcome.”
Along with those words came an imperial carriage.
Needless to say, the High Priest was extremely satisfied.
After Becky’s usual bout of chaos, I once again ended up dressed as a “noble young lady suitably attired to visit the Imperial Palace.”
Thankfully, this time it was a modest, neat dress. Since it wasn’t an outing, I had to look demure, apparently.
I was grateful that Becky had situational standards.
“Whew…”
The overwhelming presence of the Imperial Palace was on a whole different level from even a noble’s grand estate. It felt oppressive.
From the vast gardens with no end in sight to the beautiful palace buildings scattered throughout.
We’d been inside the palace grounds for quite some time now, yet the carriage was still moving.
I knew the Emperor’s residence was located deep inside for security reasons, but still…
‘Isn’t this a bit too big…?’
And unlike Theodore’s modest carriage, the one sent for me was dazzling, practically screaming, “I am an imperial carriage.”
The imperial crest embedded in the door was even gilded with gold—enough said.
‘The ride is amazing too.’
As expected of the Emperor.
I’d always known Theodore was handsome and imposing, but I hadn’t truly grasped the extent of his power and wealth. That realization made him feel even more intimidating.
After countless thoughts raced through my head, the carriage finally came to a stop.
“Saintess, we have arrived.”
The coachman’s announcement drifted in through the front window.
I glanced outside and saw knights standing in formation, clad in full uniform.
It was an overwhelming welcome.
“May I open the door?”
“Ah, yes!”
Such courteous consideration. I quickly straightened up.
“Please take my hand.”
Coachmen had helped me down before, but the knights’ demeanor was different.
They treated me like a precious lady.
‘…I kind of like this.’
There was a reason chivalry stirred the hearts of readers in countless romance novels. Before I knew it, a smile spread across my face.
I took the knight’s large hand, clad in a soft glove, and stepped down from the carriage.
Then I looked up.
‘So this is… the Emperor’s Palace…!’
It was enormous.
Just like the Grand Temple, it felt colossal.
The knight escorting me led me down the center of the lined-up crowd.
And standing at the entrance—
“Y-Your Majesty?”
I came face to face with Theodore.
Judging by his gaze, it seemed he’d watched everything—from me stepping out of the carriage to being escorted by the knight.
Did the Emperor usually come out to greet visitors himself?! Or did he? Wasn’t this something reserved for state guests?
“Why… are you… here…?”
I couldn’t manage my expression amidst the confusion. He quietly watched me, then curved his lips into a smile.
It was the gentlest expression I’d ever seen on his face.
“How could I remain seated when a precious guest arrives? I’m very pleased you came, Saintess.”
He was even polite.
I nodded as if bewitched.
‘When it comes to acting, he really commits…’
The Imperial Palace might be full of his people, but still—we’d agreed to look like that kind of relationship in front of others.
There was no harm in being thorough. And knowing Theodore, he wouldn’t assume that everyone in the palace was unquestionably loyal.
‘He’s the type who believes there are spies everywhere.’
“The weather is nice, so I had tea prepared in the garden. Shall we?”
“Y-Yes! Of course. Thank you.”
I nodded hurriedly.
“Then let’s go.”
Theodore turned sharply, then suddenly looked back and extended his hand.
“Pardon?”
“May I have your hand?”
‘He wants me to take it?’
Was he really going to act this convincingly?
I couldn’t back down. As a con artist—no, a master of performance—my pride wouldn’t allow it.
I placed my hand atop Theodore’s.
With graceful composure, he guided me to his side—then immediately let go.
“It’s better if we walk side by side.”
Theodore murmured quietly.
So it was just an escort.
“Ah, yes.”
The rough, firm sensation of his palm lingered in my hand, along with the sheer size of it compared to mine.
Even knowing it was all an act, I found myself wishing that Theodore would always treat me at least this gently. Maybe then he’d be a little less frightening.
After walking a short distance from the Emperor’s residence, we came upon a small side gate.
“This is a garden I frequent.”
Passing through the gate, we entered a garden completely different in atmosphere from the vast one outside.
Tall trees were densely planted along the outer perimeter, forming a square border that blocked the view from outside. It felt… natural.
Wild grass and flowers grew thickly, giving it the feel of a forest garden rather than something meticulously maintained.
At the center stood a gazebo with a tea table, already set with refreshments.
“Sit.”
The warmth vanished instantly from his face.
As expected. A cold-blooded actor.
We sat facing each other.
“Haha. This place feels kind of… romantic.”
Lacking the courage to bring up the boat ride to that stiff man, I tried to lighten the mood.
At my words, Theodore let out a small chuckle.
“Then it’s the perfect place to meet the Saintess.”
Oh. This might actually go smoothly. I felt a surge of excitement.
“Ah, right. Since we’re supposed to look like that kind of couple. You did great earlier, Your Majesty—treating me like an honored guest! I thought you’d hate this kind of acting.”
I laughed along as I spoke. Theodore simply gazed at me in silence.
“Your Majesty?”
I called out, slightly flustered by his look.
Next—
