SNABF 54

SNABF

Chapter 54 …

Theodore obediently rose to his feet.

“I’ll take a short walk.”

At his words, everyone visibly relaxed. They were curious about the Saintess’s abilities, but it was uncomfortable to ask questions freely with the Emperor present.

“Your Majesty, if you go alone like that—”

Even though he had signaled me with his eyes to let him go, I stubbornly opened my mouth. It would look strange if no one dared to stop the Emperor as he stood up.

“My aide is with me, so it’s fine. Please, continue your conversation comfortably. I imagine my presence makes you all uneasy.”

After saying something like a considerate superior, Theodore walked away.

[Lady Agasa. Can you hear me?]

[Dorothyyyy!]

The moment the distance between us exceeded twenty-one meters, the familiar voice rang in my ears.

To think I had to shake a bell in the middle of this picturesque scenery.

A wave of self-reproach washed over me, but as always, I overcame it splendidly and took the bell out of my bag. The barley grains and the five-direction flags could wait—I decided to keep things simple.

“Saintess, may I ask you something?”

As I finished taking out my tools, Alex sat down in front of me with perfect timing.

“Yes, please go ahead.”

[-That man, ah, um—]

Suddenly Agasa’s voice cut out again.

Without thinking, I turned my head toward Theodore.

He was walking back this way with a frown.

Left with no choice, I widened my eyes boldly at the Emperor.

‘Don’t come!’

I shouted inwardly.

The moment our eyes met, Theodore stopped and then took a few steps back.

‘What is he doing all of a sudden?’

[Why is Theodore acting like that?]

[Who knows.]

I set aside my confusion and focused on Alex again.

“What is troubling you?”

[Dorothy. This person is actually—]

Alex moved closer and sat near me.

[-is in—. That’s— not…….]

Agasa’s voice cut off again.

‘That man, honestly.’

I turned, and sure enough, Theodore had approached again as if it were only natural.

I couldn’t very well go over and say something in front of everyone.

So I moved my hand subtly where others couldn’t see and waved it at Theodore, mouthing the words:

‘Please step back.’

It was rather flippant and rude for a gesture directed at the Emperor, but I had no choice.

Theodore let out a short, incredulous laugh and turned away again.

I truly had no idea what he was doing.

“Saintess?”

“Ah. I’m sorry.”

“It seems you and His Majesty are very close.”

Alex smiled faintly.

“Oh, we’ve grown much closer recently. I’m grateful—His Majesty has been very considerate.”

“Haha. It certainly looks that way. You two suit each other well.”

Alex’s smile was as clear as Lake Webbing. I recalled Theodore once mentioning that Alex had a complicated history with women, and I asked Agasa quietly:

[He seems kind… Is his romantic life really that complicated, like Theodore said?]

[He is kind. Too kind and well-mannered. He just gets caught up in scandals unintentionally.]

Agasa muttered, “A man burdened with sins.”

Ah, the type you find everywhere. A bad man with no particular intention—just kind to everyone.

I gave a small smile and looked at Alex.

“Thank you for the compliment. You said you had a concern—”

[He has a crush.]

Agasa whispered the content of his worry, and my mouth shut on its own.

Normally, it would be more impactful if I guessed first—“Your concern is this, isn’t it?” But of all things, it had to be about romance.

It felt awkward to bring it up outright. I knew how fast rumors spread in high society; it didn’t feel right to air someone’s secret concern just for dramatic effect.

“Well… it’s actually about a friend of mine. Would it be possible to speak privately?”

“Of course. Then shall we consult those who are comfortable speaking here first?”

I gently pushed Alex aside for the moment and turned to the others.

The most important thing today was to leave a strong impression of my divine insight on as many people as possible.

Kaden’s regular worship services were meant to secretly build allies for me, so no rumors spread.

But this—this was a rare opportunity for people to openly say, “The Saintess helped me.” Even low-ranking nobles had mouths, and everyone present here was well suited to spreading news in society.

“Does anyone have a concern they’d like to ask me about?”

At my invitation, a young lady eagerly raised her hand.

“Me, Saintess!”

“Yes, please come forward.”

Her story went on at length. Since it was something she could discuss in front of others, it wasn’t particularly serious.

She didn’t know the gender of the nephew soon to be born and wanted to prepare a gift, worried about her academy exam scores, couldn’t sleep well lately… things like that.

As I consulted several people, I occasionally mentioned bits about their personalities, tendencies, and past events—intending to surprise them by accurately stating personal details without warning.

“Truly amazing!” they exclaimed more than once.

Agasa’s foresight had not yet fully recovered, so predicting the future was difficult. For things like exam scores, I avoided giving precise answers and instead offered practical advice for concerns that could be resolved.

In the end, I concluded:

“As you carry out the solutions I suggested, offer prayers in order—from Lady Agasa to the Eight Guardian Deities. Not only will your worries be resolved, but even greater fortune will follow. The gods are always thinking of you.”

Of course, I didn’t forget to promote the faith.

In about a week, everyone here would realize my words were true, and the rumors would begin to spread naturally.

‘I’ve already been featured in the newspapers several times, and still people doubt.’

My appearance on the front page was now a thing of the past.

Though I was respected as the Saintess, no matter how devout one was to the Maelta faith, people could not fully believe until they met me in person.

Meeting influential figures one by one and proving myself like this was somewhat exhausting.

“Well then.”

I glanced toward where Theodore had been. He was nowhere in sight. Just how far had he gone for a walk?

“Sir Alex. Shall we take a turn around the lake to talk?”

With a bright smile, I led him away.

Alex nodded and followed.

Once we were some distance from the others, I spoke immediately.

“It’s about romance, isn’t it?”

Alex’s face flushed at once.

“Ah, that’s….”

A handsome young man blushing—it was a delightful sight, like a single rose in bloom.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep it confidential. Earlier, when you suggested we take a boat together, it was because of this, wasn’t it?”

Flustered, Alex soon let out a sigh and smiled.

“Yes. That’s right. It wasn’t about a friend—it’s about me. You already knew, didn’t you? You saw through everyone earlier as well….”

“I did. Still, please tell me. Sometimes just saying it aloud helps.”

“Thank you, Saintess. The truth is, I….”

His steps gradually slowed. His embarrassment was palpable.

I matched my pace to his and waited.

“…I have feelings for Lady Hanson.”

“I see.”

Though I already knew, I nodded earnestly.

Lady Hanson—Victoria, who had so enthusiastically picked fights with me. And this man was in love with her.

‘No wonder at the Marchioness’s banquet he suddenly raised his voice while standing beside her.’

The image of Alex emphasizing his presence beside Victoria flickered in my mind.

“But as you know, Lady Hanson has very strong pride. She wouldn’t even glance at the son of a powerful family like me.”

Oh, I knew. Anyone who could scream at a marchioness’s banquet out of wounded pride certainly had plenty of it.

I smiled.

“That’s part of her charm.”

“You understand, Saintess.”

Alex chuckled softly, as if recalling Victoria.

“And… I don’t know if you remember, but when I get flustered, I unconsciously boast about my family’s influence. An embarrassing flaw I didn’t even realize I had.”

I remembered him repeatedly emphasizing his count’s household while inviting me. I nodded slowly.

“So… I believe I’ve already made a bad impression. It feels trivial to trouble you with this, Saintess, but I wanted your advice on how to win Lady Hanson’s heart. I apologize for such a concern.”

“Oh, no, not at all.”

[But Lady Hanson isn’t interested in men. The only thing she’s interested in is graduating top of the academy and becoming the youngest professor through her own merit.]

Agasa spoke regretfully.

“Sir Alex. Did you know Lady Hanson wishes to become a professor at the academy?”

“Ah—no. I had no idea she harbored such ambitions…. Though, thinking about it, she is someone full of competitiveness and drive.”

Alex beamed and unconsciously glanced toward Victoria.

A handsome man in love was truly beautiful. I found myself admiring him.

“She’s not someone who speaks easily of her goals… I’m glad I asked you, Saintess. If I can find a way to support her, perhaps she might take an interest in me….”

He turned back to me.

With shining eyes, he stepped closer and suddenly grasped my shoulders. His gaze was desperate.

“Saintess…!”

“Ah—yes…!”

“Would you help me a little going forward? I know it’s absurd to ask a messenger of the gods for such a favor, but I’m desperate.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ll do anything. So—”

“That won’t be necessary.”

That voice—

A low voice sounded, accompanied by a now-familiar scent.

Before I could fully register the warmth at my back, Alex looked past me in shock.

“Your Majesty…!”