Chapter 9
Milla Nepur, the daughter of an ordinary baron, had, a year ago, awakened an extraordinary sacred power and was being considered as a sole candidate for sainthood.
“Who has been nominated as a saint candidate?”
“Grace Apéredita, Your Ladyship…”
“What? How could she possibly be nominated?”
“I’m sorry, Your Ladyship. I can only say that this was proposed at last week’s bishop meeting, and it was decided with a majority vote.”
Since Milla had not yet officially become a saint, a priest with limited access had been assigned to her, and therefore, the information she could obtain was restricted.
After the priest left, Milla was left alone in the corridor, unable to control her emotions, and she slammed her hand against the window.
“I refuse to accept this!”
Born as one of the weak in society, she knew better than anyone that the world did not always bend to her will.
But this… this she could never accept.
Even Milla, who had little connection to high society, knew of the Apéredita Lady’s lack of sacred power and the doubts cast upon her lineage. Naturally, her reaction was one of disbelief.
“How can someone with absolutely no sacred power be considered a saint?”
Moreover, the Apéredita Lady was widely known as a villainess, so Milla could only think she was trying to exploit the temple for her own schemes.
“A villainess like that shouldn’t become a saint…”
Just as she was thinking to somehow confront the cardinals about the matter, a voice came from behind.
“That’s right. I, someone without any sacred power, have somehow been nominated as a saint candidate.”
Milla stiffened completely at the sound.
Slowly turning, she saw Grace smiling gently, though her expression betrayed a hint of displeasure.
“Should I apologize for being a villainess yet nominated as a saint candidate?”
Caught off guard by my sudden appearance, Milla could barely move her lips.
“Why are you speechless? After all, we’re both saint candidates. Let’s try to get along.”
“Uh… I… I…”
Realizing her mistake, her face turned bright red. I felt embarrassed for scolding her in the first place.
‘She hasn’t changed at all—still not paying attention to her surroundings.’
Even so, I couldn’t let it slide when I saw her loudly gossiping in the corridor.
“It’s fine. Being called a villainess is nothing new. It’s not false, so I have no intention of denying it.”
As I took a step closer, she flinched.
“Uh… uh?”
Then she furrowed her brow, sensing something was amiss. I quickly explained.
“Even if I am uncomfortable, the temple has many watchful eyes. You should be careful. Others might misunderstand if they see this, don’t you think?”
“I- I mean, it’s not that…”
She seemed desperate to defend herself, which made her look pitiful, but I had to clarify.
“For instance, regarding the nature of someone nominated as a saint candidate?”
“….”
Seeing her pale, frightened face reminded me of memories long past.
‘How could Grace do this to me?’
The moment just before my first death—the despair and helplessness—came to mind. My smile froze as if in courtesy.
‘I meant to scold her for gossiping, but instead, it feels worse.’
I had only come to praise the work Leandros had done, never expecting to meet the true saint candidate, Milla, so soon.
“I just wanted to warn you to be careful, in case anyone misunderstands.”
Thanks to the results of the past week, I had prevented the elders from convening and had gained the duke’s support, so I decided to be a little gentler.
“I- I’ll be careful…”
She was still trembling slightly, so I changed the subject.
“Do you know where Sir Leandros is?”
“Sir Leandros? Why…”
“I want to finish an unfinished conversation with him.”
I smiled slightly, and she paused, her face turning pale.
“Could it be…”
Before I could wait calmly to hear her out, a voice called me from behind.
“Lady Apéredita?”
Before turning around, the person stepped in front of me.
“How did you get here?”
“I came to see Sir Leandros.”
“You mean me?”
His tone was brighter than before, full of pleasant warmth.
“Could you spare a moment?”
“Yes, I’ll make time.”
I had planned to leave with Leandros naturally, but—
“Sir! Didn’t you have plans with the temple orphanage children today?”
Milla suddenly intervened, as if she didn’t want to be left alone with me.
‘She’s acting overly anxious and impatient. Does she not want Leandros near me?’
Leandros’ face reflected a hint of awkwardness, but it wasn’t a lie.
“You had prior plans, I see. I’m sorry for coming without notice. I just wanted to express my gratitude for your effort as soon as possible.”
“There’s no need for thanks. I only kept my word.”
I smiled again, thinking how typical of him, while Milla, standing stiffly like a straw doll, cautiously asked:
“Um… were you the one who recommended Lady Apéredita as a saint candidate at the recent bishop meeting?”
I had hoped it wasn’t true, but Leandros was incapable of lying.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Milla’s expression looked as if she might collapse, but Leandros simply looked puzzled.
“Is there a problem?”
With a face ready to cry, she glanced between Leandros and me, then decided to leave first.
Leandros seemed surprised by her sudden departure but didn’t chase after her.
Alone, he looked a little excited.
‘It’s probably just my imagination.’
He might be concerned, but can’t approach her while I’m here.
‘They were quite close in the previous life, after all.’
During the moment when the relic was being taken, she had defended Milla rather than stopping me.
‘It’s the temple, and he’s a holy knight—protecting the saint makes sense—but why do I feel uneasy?’
The memory of my first death came back, souring my mood, so I tried to push it out of my mind.
“By the way, I’m surprised. I never expected you would nominate me as a saint candidate.”
I truly hadn’t.
‘I intended to exploit the fact that there are two saint candidates this time.’
In previous sessions, Milla, with extraordinary sacred power but a mediocre family, and the young daughter of Marquis Bodia, with minimal power, were both nominated as saint candidates.
Why not have Milla as the sole candidate?
‘Power struggle.’
The royal family and nobles, wanting to intervene in the temple, tried to push their own people forward. I intended to use this.
‘Originally, the cardinals who took my bribe would have nominated me instead of the Bodia heiress… but I didn’t expect Leandros to recommend me.’
Normally, Milla would have taken the saint position with Leandros’ strong support.
‘Now that Leandros recommended me, the temple had no choice but to nominate Milla. The bribed cardinals would naturally agree with his opinion.’
I had only hoped he wouldn’t oppose me. Since the outcome was the same, it was fine.
Now, I might as well properly express my gratitude and build a little more favor…
“Though Ladyship can be mischievous and playful, it’s only superficial. In truth, you have a kind heart, don’t you?”
“…Huh?”
An unexpected reply.
“I believed your character was sufficient for a saint, so I submitted my opinion at the meeting. I wasn’t alone—others agreed with me, so it was possible.”
I had never imagined hearing this from Leandros—the very person I had tormented, and even attempted to kill.
‘Perhaps the act of drinking the poison shocked him more than I thought?’
I studied him closely, wondering if he was lying, but as always, his clear blue eyes shone honestly, unwavering in truth.
