Extra Story 1–7 (Finale)
Before coming here, Carlyle kept turning over what Seamus had once said.
[If someone has strong mana, then there’s a high chance their bond with their soul is just as strong.]
If that was true, then it wasn’t a coincidence that Carlyle, Leila, and Edgar had all lived past lives.
If something happened once, it could happen again—two or three more times.
When that thought reached its end, a clear resolve formed in his heart.
“I want to give her a love that has no clear end or beginning.”
— …….
“Please allow me to give her everything she never got to have, all of it together.”
To be very, very honest—truly honest—
‘Even if we are born a hundred times, please let me claim the seat beside her all one hundred times.’
But he didn’t know whether the Leila of the “next life” would want that.
Even so, he didn’t care what role he played, as long as she could be the happiest.
Behind the veil, Leila said nothing.
That was only natural.
He couldn’t read her silhouette, and even voices sounded different here.
She wouldn’t know who he was.
“…Saying it out loud makes me sound a bit pathetic.”
Still, this was the only way left to pray directly to God.
Tap, tap.
A knock came from the door.
It meant Carlyle’s turn had gone on too long, and he should come out.
“Then, I’ll take my le—”
Shk.
Before he could even stand, the veil was drawn aside.
Leila was suddenly standing across from him, looking straight at him.
“L-Leila?!”
Carlyle whispered in shock.
One of the absolute rules of prayer rites was that the identity of the one praying must remain unknown.
“This isn’t allowed—”
He reflexively reached out to pull the veil back.
But it was already too late. Leila hopped closer, making it impossible.
“I’m the head here. What’s the problem?”
Leila grinned mischievously.
“You don’t need to ask God for that prayer. I think I can grant it myself….”
The hand reaching for his cheek was warm, and Leila’s face looked happier than he had ever seen it.
Carlyle realized something again.
How miraculous this was.
That the person he loved could be happy because of him.
For that alone, he was willing to offer every single life his soul would ever live to this person.
But before he could get lost in happiness, Carlyle carefully added,
“And if you could grant me just one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“…Could you please stop speaking politely to me?”
“Huh? You mean, talk casually?”
“Yes.”
Carlyle’s face turned red.
In his memories from the time of Justinianus, Leila had spoken very casually.
He missed it deeply, and… strangely enough, it made his heart race.
Leila made a face like she’d just heard something ridiculous, but soon she laughed.
“Alright. I’ll do it.”
She smiled and kissed his cheek.
“As a reward for such a devout prayer, how about marriage? Grand Duke?”
The only answer he could give to the woman he loved was pure, heartfelt joy.
Just as it had always been.
* * *
The wedding announcement caused an absolute uproar.
Long ago, saintesses were supposed to live as celibates.
For a moment, people even said that since I had returned, shouldn’t I follow the same rule?
But—
[Our Saintess wants to start a family!]
[Anyone who won’t even offer a dowry, keep your mouth shut!]
[God has permitted it!]
The priests I already had firmly under my control practically foamed at the mouth while attacking anyone who objected.
Of course they should!
Donations increased after I came back!
If I went crazy and ran away from the temple, who would suffer?
So once the path was opened, the wedding preparations moved at lightning speed.
And so, on a clear spring day—when the imperial palace should have been busy with first-half recruitment—
I got married to Carlyle.
“Have all the final RSVPs gone out? Seating assignments are fine?”
“Yes, Saintess!”
“What about meals for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions? All prepared separately?”
“Yes!”
I double-checked everything with the staff in charge of my wedding until the very end.
My heart felt full at how perfectly prepared everything was.
“Leila….”
But Yuriana, who was supposed to catch my bouquet, was wearing a wistful expression.
“Why are you treating even your own wedding like work?”
“Huh? I’m not.”
I’m totally excited right now!
I wasn’t wearing the white work dress I used at the temple—I was in a genuinely beautiful wedding dress!
With a tiara and a gown decorated with tiny, star-like jewels, I felt proud.
“Yuriana, thank you for helping me choose the dress.”
“Heh. My eye for fashion was the best this time, right? Better than the groom’s.”
Yuriana smiled smugly.
If you asked whose taste was better between Carlyle and Yuriana—
“…The original female lead, obviously.”
Because Yuriana stubbornly wanted me in pink, the second dress was pink.
And just before the ceremony began—
A familiar, booming voice rang out.
“My daughter-in-law!”
“Ah, Father!”
My father-in-law—now the former Grand Duke—had arrived with my younger siblings.
The former Northern Grand Duke looked tanned, clearly enjoying his second life.
The groom waited at the altar, while Father took my arm.
But somehow, he looked more emotional than I did…?
“Ah, seeing this day brings back memories of when we first met….”
“Haha.”
Yes, thinking back, it really was something.
No one could have imagined that the junior who once got completely drunk with his son would become his daughter-in-law.
“I felt destiny with you from that very day. I knew this would happen!”
“Thank you very much. I never imagined it myself.”
“The thanks should always go this way. And as a member of your family, let me say this again.”
“Yes?”
“You’ve worked so hard. Truly, you did wonderfully.”
“….”
“You’re someone anyone would be proud to call their daughter.”
I bit my lip hard.
After everything I’d been through, encouragement I once received came back to me.
[You’re still young, yet you started your career in such a tough department—and did so bravely.]
[That’s truly admirable. Your parents must be very proud of you as well.]
Oh no… this isn’t good.
I was wearing extremely expensive makeup today.
I couldn’t cry—it would be a waste—but my father-in-law was being this touching…!
Before tears could fall, the groom ground his teeth at his own father.
“Please stop saying unnecessary things to my bride.”
“I was thanking her, you tactless fool.”
…Thankfully, the tears went back in.
Besides, there were too many familiar faces here to cry.
My siblings who walked this path with me.
Yuriana clapping enthusiastically.
Edgar smiling softly.
Seamus smiling with a slight frown.
High Priest Lumière and all my staff members…
Imperial officials I still knew thanks to cursed connections…
Yes. This is a blessed marriage.
Just as I thought that, murmurs spread among the guests behind us.
When I looked up at the sky, I understood why.
“Wow.”
A translucent light rippled like an aurora.
In the bright daylight, star-like light sparkled whenever the sun touched it.
There was no mistaking it—this was God’s blessing.
I let out a breath of awe.
“Wow… I really am a Saintess, huh….”
“Ahem, Leila.”
Carlyle cleared his throat awkwardly.
But anyone who had seen my journey had to admit it, right?
I’d suffered so much I couldn’t even feel God’s presence at times.
All that shattered romance fantasy made me forget.
Still, getting married under a blessing felt wonderful.
As we kissed at the altar, I whispered softly.
“Carlyle?”
“Yes?”
“I like you. A lot.”
Even at such a simple confession, the groom’s face turned bright red.
It was a delightful sight.
I decided I’d keep teasing him like this and live happily.
Though I’d probably be the one teased on our first night—
I was looking forward to that too.
Dreaming of all the good things to come, I let him keep kissing me until the crowd started to cheer.
It was the most perfect day since I resigned.
