Chapter 10
If someone’s favor toward me is already overflowing, is there really any need to correct it?
“Thank you for seeing me in such a good light.”
“I merely saw you as you are.”
‘When you were an opponent, you were so annoying, but now you act like a puppy that only follows me. Not bad at all.’
Since things had turned out this way, I might as well take more advantage of it.
“But I am a little worried. Can people really accept that someone without sacred power is being considered a saint candidate? I was thinking of asking other cardinals for their opinions—what do you think about that?”
I was about to ask if he could help create an opportunity for that when another unexpected answer came.
“Eh? You say you have no sacred power? That can’t be.”
“Sir, you seem to be mistaken. I was judged to have no sacred power at the sacred power verification ceremony.”
The Sacred Power Verification Ceremony is a unique event in the capital, conducted for every child once they turn ten, regardless of status. At that time, I was judged to have no sacred power.
Leandros looked puzzled.
“That’s what I understood as well, but when I met you at the banquet, I sensed a clear, radiant energy unlike before. I still sense it now. It’s a trait usually seen in those with strong sacred power.”
He added cautiously:
“Perhaps your sacred power has awakened. Why not come with me later and undergo a re-verification?”
His unwavering response left no room for doubt, and I considered one possibility.
‘Could it be the relic?’
Since I had been carrying the relic, perhaps its influence suddenly awakened sacred power within me.
“I swear I’ve never had sacred power before. But perhaps it’s related to the situation I’m currently experiencing.”
“Is that so?”
Leandros tilted his head but offered no further objections to my firm statement.
“In any case, if you have sacred power, you lack nothing in terms of qualifications. With the people’s support, you’ll be perfect.”
“People will soon notice your true nature and support you.”
“Still, I’d like to get advice from those with more experience. Could you help me with that?”
“Of course. I will arrange it.”
He smiled, giving me exactly the answer I wanted.
“I haven’t fully established my place in the temple yet, but I’m glad to be closer to protecting you. Thank you for working on my behalf.”
“It’s nothing. Feel free to ask anytime.”
“Then may I ask one more thing?”
Without hesitation, he nodded at my next question.
“Please call me by my name.”
“Eh?”
“The title ‘Your Ladyship’ can be used by others, too. It feels too formal.”
“B-But…”
He seemed flustered, muttering awkwardly despite having just agreed to everything I asked.
“We are comrades bound by fate. We’re in the same boat, and our relationship could grow further, so I dislike using a title everyone else uses.”
“Y-You mean something more than that?”
His pale face flushed a faint pink. I knew he had little experience with women, yet this reaction was excessive.
“I mean I sincerely want us to be friends for each other. To share happy and sad moments, or any moment that’s hard to share with others.”
“…Is that what you call friendship?”
“Isn’t it?”
He paused, thinking, then shook his head.
“I never had friends, so I didn’t know. But hearing you, I understand. That is what friends are for.”
“Right?”
“Yes. But I don’t think we are just friends. As you said, Grace, we are bound by fate.”
Despite his earlier embarrassment, calling me by name felt surprisingly natural, as if he had done it many times.
“So I want to be a special friend, different from everyone else. Only then can we act for each other a little more, don’t you think?”
‘Was Leandros always like this?’
Since things were progressing more smoothly than expected, it felt strange.
“I also feel more motivated to protect Grace.”
‘His behavior is exactly like a man expressing interest to a woman…’
I quickly dismissed the thought.
No matter how beautiful or charming I am, Leandros values inner beauty over appearances. The idea that he could feel that way about me was absurd.
‘It must be guilt.’
I wondered if friends usually exchanged such words, but since I had no friends to begin with, guilt was the most likely reason.
In any case, the atmosphere was good, and his favor was high, so I gladly nodded.
“I like that too. A special friend.”
“Then you must call me by my name from now on.”
“We’ll see plenty of each other, so I’ll have many chances to use your name.”
He seemed visibly disappointed at the postponed opportunity.
“But shouldn’t we go see the orphanage children?”
At my reminder, he finally seemed to recall.
“Oh, right.”
Having gotten what I wanted, I thought it was time to let him go.
“If it’s alright, would you like to come along?”
“…Me?”
“It’s not a special event, just spending time with the children. If you become a saint and stay at the temple, you’ll see them often, so I thought it might be good to meet them in advance. If you have other plans, I’ll arrange another time.”
Calling me a friend clearly had its effect. He had proactively suggested the plan.
‘If I plan to be active in the temple, it’s best to show my face often anyway.’
I gladly nodded.
“I’d like that. Shall we go together?”
The temple orphanage wasn’t far, and we arrived quickly, meeting the children.
But as soon as I arrived, I wondered, ‘Why did I agree to this so easily?’
“Wow, you’re so pretty, sister!”
“Your hair is like the night sky!”
“Pretty sister, look! This flower looks like you.”
“Let’s play together!”
“Hide-and-seek! Tag!”
I smiled, keeping my lips up to maintain my expression while the children crowded around me.
It was exciting to the children that a new face appeared, and all they wanted was to be near me.
‘It’s overwhelming.’
I’d never had children come this close before, so the mix of wonder and the urge to cover my ears from the noise was overwhelming.
Even Milla, who had arrived earlier, was being ignored.
“Children, don’t bother Ladyship. Come here. We were going to read together.”
Thinking this couldn’t continue, Milla stepped forward.
“No! No!”
“Today we play with the new sister!”
“I’ll play with my sister later!”
“Let’s play hide-and-seek!”
Her plan failed.
I felt sorry for Milla being ignored, but the children’s high-pitched laughter was both delightful and headache-inducing.
When I looked at Leandros, he was watching us with a gentle smile.
“I heard that children can see the true nature of people. Seems it’s true.”
His warm gaze made it impossible for me to say I wanted to leave.
‘I just planned to show my face a little and go.’
I hadn’t expected him to stay so close.
‘Of course. He knows my personality better than anyone, so regardless of his guilt toward me, he must have been worried about the children.’
As the children continued to cling to me, Leandros intervened.
“Grace can’t run easily in her shoes. Why don’t we play hide-and-seek together?”
“Okay!”
The children cheered, raising their hands.
‘Play? Do I really have to do this childish game?’
Still, seeing their sparkling eyes and Leandros enjoying it with them, I endured it.
“Sir Knight will be ‘it’!”
Leandros, who suggested it first, became ‘it.’
“Alright, I’ll count to sixty.”
He stood by a tree, eyes closed, and began counting slowly while the children giggled and ran to hide.
“Sister, you hide too!”
As I stood there, a child ran over to hurry me.
