ODGD 22

Chapter 22

“……”

All eyes turned to me. Surprise and disbelief filled every face.

A brief silence followed, as if everyone was waiting for my answer.

I carefully opened my mouth.

“Actually, I wasn’t completely sure myself… but it might be that I have holy power.”

“What?”

“That’s impossible!”

“!”

…Tch. I knew it.

No one seemed willing to believe me. And really, why would they, just from my words alone?

Meteor had said I seemed immune to miasma, but they had likely dismissed it as coincidence or a mistake.

Marquis Miles, however, spoke with a serious tone.

“Holy power does not appear just anywhere, and it is particularly rare in women.”

“If you’re lying, you’ll be punished for it, child. Don’t tell me you’re saying this just to get attention—”

Count Heirot scolded, but his words were cut short.

Learwin’s icy voice interrupted.

“It’s not that women never have it. Even a hundred and fifty years ago, there was one, wasn’t there? Who’s to say this child isn’t the first to be born with it again in all that time?”

Learwin clasped her hands together, sending me a look full of affection.

“And Centi, you tried to save me? How could you be so moving…!”

Her eyes sparkled with heart-shaped admiration as she gazed at me.

Was it really that moving of a gesture?

I shrugged lightly.

“I only thought I should help Young Lord Meteor since I didn’t faint even after inhaling miasma. So he searched for the door, and I went to look for you. That’s when I spotted you in the library on the second floor. But before long, I was dragged back here—so in truth, it was Young Lord Meteor who saved you.”

“Still, the fact remains that you tried to save me. I’m so touched, Centi. Thank you. When we return to our estate, I must give you a truly special gift.”

“Ahem, Learwin.”

Unable to endure any more, Miles cleared his throat. Learwin simply flashed me a playful smile.

I returned it with an awkward little grin of my own, when Miles spoke again, clearly skeptical.

“Crescent, you were not born into one of the great houses. It is hard to imagine that you would be gifted with holy power. It is a rare thing—too rare to be believed so easily. But if, by the smallest chance, you truly do possess it…”

…If I truly do?

He paused, and everyone leaned in closer to catch his words.

“…Then you will become an exceptionally important child in this world to come. Of course, we will need to test you in the Grand Temple to be certain.”

“……”

An uneasy silence followed his statement.

An orphan who had only by luck become the sponsored ward of House Pluto—now called a special child?

No one seemed ready to accept the weight of that idea. After all, I was just a worthless, penniless orphan.

But if I really had holy power?

Something even the most cherished daughters of the great noble houses were not born with—something that could even make me a Saint, depending on its strength.

…Though I’m not anywhere near that level yet.

At that moment, Countess Heirot spoke up.

“But what if the girl is lying? Shouldn’t someone be held accountable? Because of her, so many important people are wasting their time right now.”

Her face, still streaked with tears, twisted with disapproval. She meant that if I had no holy power, I would have to pay the price.

…Really? Is that necessary?

I clicked my tongue inwardly. What would she do if it turned out I actually did have holy power?

Ever since I embarrassed her during that cello performance, she seemed determined not to let me be.

Her words were transparently unfair, and Learwin was just about to leap to my defense when another voice cut in.

“I will take responsibility.”

“?”

Everyone turned toward the calm voice.

It was Meteor.

“Meteor?”

Countess Heirot furrowed her brow, clearly baffled. Why was he involving himself now?

I was just as stunned, my jaw dropping open.

Seriously, why are you stepping in here?

But Meteor, unfazed by the reactions around him, answered evenly.

“I was the first to suggest that Crescent might possess holy power. If Countess Heirot insists someone must be held accountable, then let it be me.”

“W-wait, Meteor, you don’t have to—”

The Countess stammered, flustered. She had intended to corner me, not Meteor, and now she looked utterly unsettled.

After all, he was the one who had actually saved them all from the demons.

Learwin, watching, broke into a sweet smile.

“Very well, Metty. We’ll see how this plays out. I too am curious—if responsibility truly falls to you, what exactly does Countess Heirot intend to demand of you?”

Her smile was bright, but her eyes glittered with thorns.

It was a challenge: Dare you, Countess, demand anything from Meteor?

The sinister edge hidden in her lovely face made me shiver—but I couldn’t deny it was reassuring.

In the end, it didn’t matter. Because the truth was simple.

I did have holy power.