IWBCAS 18

Episode 18

Even though her punishment was over, Reina still stayed home most of the time.

It wasn’t just because the scandal hadn’t gone away yet. The real reason was because she couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss with Carlhail.

“Why did Carlhail hate my scar so much? Did he actually care about me?”

She had hated how he treated her like a weak patient. But when he suddenly changed and was kind, she became emotional and confused.

Even she didn’t fully understand her own feelings.

And in the end… she had kissed him on impulse.

She had told Carlhail it was just to keep a promise, but… was that really the only reason?

That kiss still felt so clear in her mind—
the soft touch of his lips, the warmth as he accepted her, the bright sunlight shining down… even the dust floating in the air.

As Reina shook her head, trying to forget the memory, Amy walked up with a big smile.

“Isn’t the fresh air nice after being inside for so long?”

“Ah… yeah.”

Reina answered a bit late, but Amy didn’t think much of it. Lately, her lady often seemed this way.

Staring into space, frowning for no reason, or suddenly shaking her head like something was bothering her.

“See? I told you going out would feel good.”

“You’re right. Thanks for making me come. Is the temple still far?”

“Don’t worry. We’re almost there.”

As they crossed the bridge, Reina noticed a few groups of people talking in hushed voices.

At first, she thought they might be talking about her. But then she heard some surprising words.

“Oracle… Saintess…?”

What were they talking about?

“Amy, what are they saying over there?”

Reina turned around and asked. Amy quickly caught up to her.

“You didn’t hear, my lady?!”

Amy blinked like she couldn’t believe Reina didn’t know.

“You know I’ve just been reading at home.”

“Oh, right. Then maybe you haven’t heard.”

“So? What happened?”

Reina asked again. Amy smiled brightly.

“They say a new Saintess was chosen by the oracle! A Saintess who will save the world!”

“A new Saintess…?”

‘Wait… Wasn’t I the only Saintess in this novel?’

That’s what Reina remembered. She had read the whole thing.

‘Don’t tell me… that oracle is about me?!’

Shocked, Reina opened her eyes wide and listened more closely to the people around her.

“They say she’ll save the world.”

“Oh my goodness, after 500 years! What a blessing. But why hasn’t the temple made an announcement?”

“They must be hiding it. The temple always keeps secrets.”

Now that Reina focused, she could hear them clearly.

Everyone was talking about the oracle and the new Saintess.

‘Ugh… unbelievable…’

Reina held her head.

‘First a kiss scandal, and now I’m a Saintess?!’

Both major rumors were about her.

What were the chances?

Everyone else was full of excitement and hope. But Reina just looked serious and confused.

“My lady, are you feeling sick?”

Amy looked worried.

‘How can I tell her it’s because they said I’m the Saintess?!’

Reina gave a weak smile and shook her head.

“No, I’m fine.”

Seeing her smile, Amy nodded with relief and whispered,

“Do you really believe it, my lady?”

“….”

“They say a Saintess has appeared, but not everyone is convinced. The temple hasn’t confirmed anything.”

“….”

“But thanks to that, people stopped talking about you and Duke Carlhail.”

Amy chuckled happily.

Well… that was true.

One scandal always gets covered up by a new one.

Now, because of the rumor about the Saintess, people had stopped talking about Reina and Carlhail’s kiss.

‘But still… why this rumor?!’

It was like she had run from a fox only to meet a tiger.

Reina sighed deeply and let out a long breath.

“Haaaah…”

Amy looked at her curiously.

“My lady…?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s just go and finish what we came for.”

Reina covered her hair tightly with a black hood and started walking faster.

They were headed to a temple just outside the city.

After crossing a wide field, they saw a small building at the top of a hill.

When they entered the temple, the peaceful countryside view changed. It was full of people.

“Why are there so many people here?! It looks like a market!”

Amy looked around and gasped.

“This is the place, my lady! Look, there’s a statue of Saintess Adelaide up there!”

Reina looked where Amy was pointing.

Next to the main altar was a smaller one, and on a stone pedestal stood a bronze statue.

“That’s the famous Saintess statue that grants wishes?”

“Yes! Our neighbor couldn’t have a baby for years, but after praying here, she had a beautiful child! This is definitely the place!”

Reina chuckled.

‘What is this, some kind of magic stone statue?’

While she was thinking, Amy grabbed her hand.

“Hurry! People are lining up!”

Reina frowned as she saw the long, winding line.

“What? All those people are in line?”

She was already tired after hearing about the oracle. Seeing the line made her feel even more drained.

As Reina slowed down, Amy gently pushed her forward.

“Let’s go! You need to wish for a perfect husband!”

“I think you’re the one who wants that wish, not me.”

“W-What?! No way!!”

Reina smiled slyly.

“I might be slow to notice things, but this one’s obvious.”

“….”

Amy blushed and lowered her head.

“You’ve fallen for someone, haven’t you?”

“N-No! I haven’t!”

“Then why is your face red?”

Amy quickly covered her cheeks.

‘So it is love.’

Reina sighed and started walking.

“Hey, wait for me, my lady!”

Amy ran after her.

It took forever, but they finally reached the front of the line.

The bronze statue of the Saintess looked down with a gentle smile.

Most people would feel holy just looking at her.

But not Reina.

It was finally her turn, but she hesitated. Something didn’t feel right.

“Do I really have to do this?”

Some annoyed voices came from behind.

“Come on! We’re waiting!”

“Can’t you see there’s a line?!”

Reina flinched. Amy gently pushed her forward.

“Go on, my lady.”

Reluctantly, Reina stepped onto the altar.

She looked up and saw the statue’s toes were worn down.

‘Wow… how many people prayed here for the toes to wear off?’

Reina stared at the bronze statue.

‘I don’t really believe in this stuff…’

But in a world with magic and holy power, maybe…

‘If I try hard, maybe my wish will come true.’

She decided to try.

Reina placed her hand gently on the statue’s foot and closed her eyes.

‘Please… let me live a long, healthy life this time.’

Then, after a moment, she added,

‘Also, please watch over my father, my mother… and Amy too.’

The people who made her feel like she had a real family.

But just then—

“Wooooah!!”

“Oh my goodness!! What is that?!”

Reina opened her eyes in surprise. Something had happened.

She looked around and saw everyone staring at her.

Some people were even pointing at her.

“W-Why are you looking at me like that…?”

No one answered.

Even a priest in the distance had fallen to the floor, his mouth hanging open.

“Amy?”

Amy moved her lips a few times before finally speaking.

“Your… your body, my lady…”

“Huh? What about my body?”

Reina looked down.

She was glowing.

A soft, golden light was shining from her entire body.

Startled, she quickly pulled her hand away from the statue, and the golden light disappeared instantly like a dream.