Chapter 22
Half-asleep, I felt someone stroking my hair.
Whoever it was brushed my hair back with an extremely gentle touch, lightly tickling my forehead.
Even in my sleep, it must have tickled, because I think I smiled without realizing it.
Perhaps the other person smiled too, because I heard a soft, pleasant chuckle.
The hand that stroked my hair also cooled my flushed face.
That touch was so warm and comforting that I found myself wishing it would never leave.
It seemed I had dozed off after my sister left.
When I opened my eyes again, the sun had already set.
‘Did someone come by?’
It still felt like there was a lingering tickle on my forehead, as if I’d had a dream I didn’t want to wake from.
Feeling strangely unsettled, I turned my head—and saw Orgon asleep, slumped over in a chair beside the bed.
‘Was it Orgon?’
“Hey, Orgon. Why are you sleeping there like that?”
When I shook him awake, he groaned and opened his eyes. He straightened up, rubbing his back as if his posture had been uncomfortable.
“I heard you woke up, so I came… but you were asleep, and I guess I was tired too. Anyway, how’s your body?”
“I’m fine.”
Aside from the stiffness from lying down too long—and the hunger.
“You must be hungry. I’ll have them bring food.”
“No, let’s go to the dining hall. I feel stiff from lying down so long.”
I got up from the bed and stretched.
“Alright then. Oh, His Majesty stopped by earlier while you were asleep.”
“Really?”
I absentmindedly rubbed my forehead.
“And if we’re going to the dining hall, change your clothes.”
“Why?”
I was wearing a chemise dress—something simple that worked as both sleepwear and casual wear since it wasn’t see-through.
“Your legs are showing. Change. I’ll wait outside.”
What’s the big deal about showing my legs?
It was annoying, but if I didn’t change, he’d probably insist on bringing food here. So I changed into a longer dress.
“I’m ready.”
When I stepped into the hallway, Orgon carefully inspected my outfit—checking the neckline, the length.
After a long look, he nodded in satisfaction.
“Stop meddling like that.”
“Do you think it’s just us in the Crown Prince’s palace? I’m your family, so it’s fine—but that doesn’t mean you can act carelessly in front of me either. Anyway, there’s also Young Master Bruphe and Commander Eched here. Be careful.”
“Ugh, nagging again.”
‘Yes, yes.’
—Wait!
I accidentally said that out loud.
Avoiding Orgon’s sharp glare, I quickly headed to the dining hall.
“Manager! I heard you woke up. Are you alright?”
“Oh, Bruphe! I’m fine. But it feels like I haven’t seen you in ages even though we live in the same house. How’s your leg?”
“I’m glad you’re well. I’ve recovered too—I think I can return to work tomorrow.”
“Work…”
Thinking about the two days of holiday I lost made tears well up again.
“You weren’t bored staying at the estate, were you?”
“Well…”
A faint blush spread across his face.
Ah. So it was a happy recovery.
I gestured for him to lean closer and whispered into his ear,
“How do you repay a favor?”
“I’ll do my best to obtain it with sincerity.”
“Good. I like that answer.”
Satisfied, I smiled and took my seat.
After dinner, I should get a good night’s sleep again.
Bruphe greeted Orgon, who had just entered. Orgon returned the greeting and sat at the head of the table.
“You’re here?”
“The nagger has arrived.”
His face looked sulky.
“Heh, sulky brat.”
“What?”
“Oh dear, did you hear that? I thought I said it in my head.”
I stuck out my tongue playfully.
As I spread the napkin over my lap, I noticed someone was missing.
Looking around, Orgon said,
“The commander went to the temple with Anella.”
“Oh? Sent along as her escort knight?”
“Yeah.”
“Is the Saintess alright? I heard she fell from the terrace.”
“Ah. I caught her when she fell, so she wasn’t hurt.”
“Weren’t you with her at the time?”
“I was.”
I didn’t bother asking how he managed to catch her.
‘No point tiring my mouth…’
Eched and Anella returned when our meal was almost over.
Though she looked tired, Anella brightened when she saw us.
“I brought it!”
She held out a box and opened it.
“A divine power measuring device!”
Inside was a crystal orb used to measure divine power.
Its color changed depending on the amount of divine power.
“Let’s quickly measure Lady Shaterian’s divine power with this!”
Did she really have to look so excited about it?
Feeling slightly awkward, I wiped my mouth and stood.
“What’s the benefit of measuring divine power?”
“Huh?”
“What do you even use it for?”
“Well, um…”
Anella’s eyes wavered.
I hadn’t meant to fluster her, so I added,
“Usually it’s measured for those who become clergy, right? That’s why I asked.”
“Ah, I see.”
Anella nodded brightly.
“These days, there are more options. For example, if you pass the national exam, you can open a divine power clinic.”
“A clinic? Like healing people with divine power?”
“Yes. In the past, you had to go to a temple, but now even non-clergy with divine power can practice. There’s more emphasis on diverse careers now. I’ve heard it pays quite well. I’m even thinking of quitting being a Saintess and doing that instead.”
If a Saintess opened a clinic, it would be flooded with people.
‘A mountain of money…!’
What if—just what if—I had as much divine power as Anella?
Wouldn’t that mean instant financial freedom and a peaceful countryside life?
“I’ll try it.”
Anella quickly presented the crystal orb.
Taking a deep breath, I placed my hand on it.
But the orb remained a murky navy color.
Was there some trick?
I looked up at Anella.
“So… how do you put divine power into it?”
Anella flinched.
“Well… they say it’s more of a feeling. Like—divine power surges!”
“….”
What does that even mean?
Even she didn’t seem sure.
“Then how do you usually use divine power, Saintess?”
“I just… instinct?”
Right. Of course. A natural genius.
I looked at Orgon.
“I just use it.”
No help there.
Eched… was born a divine beast, so he probably used it naturally. I didn’t even bother asking.
In the end, I had to figure it out myself.
Divine power surges? From where?
I had no idea.
Even if I had it, I couldn’t use it.
After struggling for a while, I was sweating.
“I’m done! I’m not doing this!”
“Wait! I think the color changed a little!”
“What?”
I looked again—but it was still the same murky navy.
“Does this thing even work?”
“Yes!”
“Then show me.”
The moment Anella took the orb, it shone bright white before turning completely transparent.
As expected of a Saintess.
When she let go, it returned to murky navy.
“Like that!”
‘That was oddly irritating…’
I took the orb again, but no matter how hard I tried, nothing changed.
I eventually pulled my hand away in frustration.
Anella hesitated, then suddenly brightened.
“Oh! There’s another method—an alternative way to check divine power!”
“What is it?”
“Excuse me for a moment, Lady Shaterian.”
Anella cupped my face with both hands and met my gaze.
Her eyes were golden-brown, her long hair flowing like water.
People once said she looked like the Goddess of Mercy herself.
I found myself staring at her long lashes—
‘Wait… this is a bit too close?’
Just as I grew flustered by her closeness—
“Stop.”
A gloved hand suddenly came between us.
Eched pulled me away from Anella.
Only then did I finally exhale.
‘Wow… my heart almost stopped!’
I knew she was pretty, but up close she was even more beautiful.
Turning to the side, I noticed Bruphe covering his eyes, his ears red.
“What’s wrong?”
“I-it’s too embarrassing…”
He peeked through his fingers, then covered his face again.
‘Poor guy. He’s changed his personality for love.’
“Shaterian.”
Eched’s voice was lower than usual, his expression displeased.
“What?”
“You should be more careful.”
“You’re the one who should be careful. Try calling my name one more time.”
“Shaterian?”
That’s not what I meant!
“Don’t call my name. Call me ‘Lady’ like before.”
“We even kissed—”
“Ahh!”
I lunged at him before he could finish.
“Say that one more time and see what happens.”
I whispered so only he could hear.
After a moment of confusion, he nodded.
“Then can I call you by your name?”
That wasn’t what I meant either…
It seemed he thought he had to choose one or the other.
Between the two, I hated the kiss topic more.
“…Fine. Do whatever you want.”
I was too exhausted to argue anymore.
“Anyway, Lady Shaterian, from what I sensed, you do have divine power—but only a very small amount.”
Very small.
‘If it’s going to exist, couldn’t it at least be a lot?’
“So… would you like to visit the temple for a more precise test?”
“Hmm… no, it’s fine.”
No point wasting effort over something so small.
“Normally, it should measure just by touching it. That’s strange…”
I quietly ignored Anella’s comment about me being unusual.
