Chapter 31: Don’t Like Me Too Much

Except for the clueless young ladies, no noble dared to pick a fight with me. Those who had been through the ups and downs of this society knew well the position of a ‘saintess.’ Instead, they tried to leave a good impression or make requests of me.

For example:

“Your Eminence, I never believed the rumors.”

“The Goddess has truly sent us someone precious.”

“Thanks to the Saintess, we no longer need to worry about a war with the Beast Kingdom.”

Or even:

“Your Eminence, I suffer from chronic headaches. Could anything be done?”

“My back hurts. It’s been wrecked from the war.”

“My child… has hemorrhoids.”

And so on.

Ugh, I couldn’t shoo them away like I could with the young ladies. But if I went along with their requests, I’d probably end up kissing their butts.

‘I need to learn the method of releasing holy power from Melvin. Isn’t there a way to do it without physical contact?’

“Saintess!”

At that moment, a clear, melodious voice called out to me. It was Rosetta.

“The Pope wishes to see you. Everyone, I’m sorry, but if you have business with the Saintess, please visit the temple later.”

“Ahhh.”

While those surrounding me were momentarily dazed by her beauty, Rosetta skillfully grabbed my arm and led me to a quieter corner. Her touch felt unfamiliar and awkward, so I couldn’t say a word as she pulled me along.

“Phew.”

“Thank you.”

“For what? I’ve been through plenty myself, so I understand. I’m Rosetta.”

“I know.”

“How does the Saintess know my name?”

Her beautiful eyes widened like a surprised rabbit. It felt strange for someone who should have been the real Saintess to call me one.

“Well, Melvin told me.”

“Oh, the Pope? I see.”

The heroine narrowed her cat-like eyes and smiled prettily. She possessed a mysterious beauty that hovered somewhere between innocence and decadence.

‘The heroine buff is no joke.’

“I’m Yuria Graham.”

“I thought so since you were next to Duke Auguste.”

Suddenly, Rosetta smiled brightly as she looked into my eyes.

‘Mother, there are stars in her eyes.’

She had a charm that captivated men and women alike. Even now, the men nearby were sneaking glances at her, causing a commotion.

“I heard you asked the Duke to save me? They said you received a divine revelation because you’re the Saintess… Thank you so much. You saved my life.”

Rosetta eagerly expressed her gratitude, as if she had been waiting for this moment.

‘Ah, I only did it to save myself.’

I felt a pang of guilt.

“Well, that’s how it happened. I’m glad you’re safe.”

I smiled awkwardly.

“Saintess, did you know?”

“Know what?”

“Saintess~! I like you so much.”

She suddenly hugged me tightly.

What in the world? I was startled by her action. Moreover, Rosetta was stronger than she looked.

“You’re surprised, right? I’m a bit spoiled. Hehe.”

Despite her words, Rosetta clung to me even more.

“It’s fine.”

Why was she sticking to me? It would be troublesome if even the heroine clung to me like this.

“I thought about you the whole time I was in the temple. I promised myself I’d repay your kindness.”

Ah, this feels ominous.

“Really, it’s fine.”

“No, I’ll repay you even if it costs my life.”

“There’s no need for that.”

Why would she risk her life?

“Why? Do you dislike me?”

Her eyes began to glisten with tears, her gaze wavering. In an instant, her eyes filled with pearl-like tears. The stares from those around us were stinging.

“No, absolutely not. How could I dislike you?”

It’s just annoying.

“Phew, that’s a relief. Then, Saintess, can we be friends?”

This was actually perfect. I had been wondering how to bring her closer to the Duke. This time, I would make sure they fell for each other.

“Sure. I’d like that too.”

“Wow! I’m so happy!”

At that moment, I noticed Duke Xavier entering from the terrace.

“If you really want to repay me, how about coming with me?”

“Huh? Really? I’ll do whatever you ask.”

‘Great, naturally. I’ll take Rosetta to the Duke, have them compliment each other, feel a spark, and then suggest they dance together.’

Even if I talked about being his first woman or whatever, the original story was bound to play out, right? In the original, Duke Xavier fell in love with Rosetta at first sight during a banquet.

This was truly the last chance.

I approached Duke Xavier with the cheerful Rosetta. The Pope, who had gone out to the terrace with him, was conveniently absent.

“Your Grace.”

“Ah, Yuria…”

Xavier’s face, which had lit up upon seeing me, immediately turned neutral when he noticed Rosetta by my side.

Stop looking at me and pay attention to the pretty girl next to me!

“Miss Rosetta, Your Grace, do you remember each other?”

“Greetings.”

“Yes, hello, Your Grace.”

For some reason, Rosetta’s response was lukewarm. After greeting him, she even took a step back, holding onto my arm. But I wasn’t about to give up here.

“Rosetta, isn’t our Duke so~ handsome?”

“Oh, yes. I suppose so.”

“Our Du-u-ke?”

Xavier raised an eyebrow, but I ignored it and flashed a bright smile.

“He’s the Duke of our Brillante Empire, so he’s our Duke.”

“Are you drunk?”

“No.”

“Saintess? Your face is red.”

That’s because I’m embarrassed.

“The more I talk to Miss Rosetta, the brighter and lovelier she seems. Don’t you think so, Your Grace?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

What kind of answer is that? That’s rude, especially in front of her! You fool!

Rosetta, too, was staring at the ceiling with a slightly sulky expression.

Why were these two acting like indifferent cows staring at chickens? This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

“Saintess, play with me, okay?”

“No, you should dance with me. Miss Rosetta, could you step aside for a moment?”

“The Saintess would rather play with me.”

“That’s not true. Yuria would prefer to dance with me.”

“Your Grace?”

“Miss Rosetta.”

The atmosphere between the two was strange. It was like watching children fight over a favorite toy.

Why were they fighting over me?

Then, Rosetta suddenly turned her head and asked me.

“What do you think, Saintess?”

For a moment, Xavier’s gaze seemed to sharpen. Was he angry?

Was it because of their unexpected reactions or the wine I’d had? My head was spinning.

“Haha, I feel a bit dizzy. Maybe it’s because I had three glasses of wine. I think I need to rest.”

“Are you very dizzy?”

“Saintess! Are you okay?”

Both of them looked at me with concern, their eyes scanning my face.

Please stop paying attention to me. Don’t you have an off switch? I cried internally.

“I think I’ll head to the lounge.”

“I’ll escort you.”

“I’ll take her, Your Grace.”

“No, I will.”

“The Saintess said she likes me.”

“Are you provoking me?”

Both of you, shut up.

“I can walk on my own.”

But why do things always go awry at times like this? I stumbled after taking just a few steps.

‘I didn’t know Yuria couldn’t handle her alcohol.’

“Saintess!”

“Yuria!”

The two of them fussed over me, each supporting me from one side. As I looked up into Xavier’s worried face, my intoxication seemed to worsen.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“Huh?”

Without warning, Xavier scooped me up into his arms. My view suddenly rose, and I felt the piercing stares of hundreds of eyes directed at me.

“That’s cheating.”

Rosetta muttered, pouting her lips. I thought I heard her say, “I want to carry her too.”

I’d bet all my remaining jewels that my face would be on tomorrow’s morning paper.

＊

Xavier carried me princess-style into the ladies’ lounge and gently placed me on a sofa. After a moment of hesitation, he called out to Rosetta with a reluctant expression.

“I’ll go get a cold drink. Watch over Yuria.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of the Saintess!”

“……”

Xavier’s expression was far from pleased. He sat beside me on the sofa and spoke.

“I’ll head down to handle things and bring a drink. Will you be alright?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine.”

He softly tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and left the room after saying, “Rest, and we’ll leave together afterward.”

“Goodbye!”

In contrast, Rosetta cheerfully shut the door with a loud bang. It was obvious she was thinking, “Good riddance.”

Her behavior made my headache worse.

It wasn’t just Rosetta. Xavier also seemed to treat her like an annoying fly. His gaze toward her was as cold as ice.

In the end, I arrived at a conclusion I didn’t want to admit.

The two of them didn’t like each other.

‘They’re not interested—they’re disinterested.’

My last, final hope had vanished.

“While the Duke fetches a cold drink, why don’t you lie down and rest?”

Rosetta beamed as she gently pushed me to recline on the sofa.

“Thank you, Rosetta.”

“Hehe, it’s nothing.”

She picked up a luxurious blanket from the corner of the room and, after rubbing it against her cheek, her eyes sparkled.

“Saintess, use this blanket. It’s so soft.”

She couldn’t take her eyes off the pile of blankets in the corner.

“What’s wrong, Rosetta?”

“Oh, it’s just… the blankets are so nice. Even the blankets in the Imperial Palace are top-notch.”

“This is the VIP room.”

“Oh, I see. …Can I take one?”

“Pardon?”

“Haha, just kidding.”

It didn’t sound like a joke.

“Rosetta, it belongs to someone else.”

“Sorry.”

Rosetta drooped her eyebrows apologetically.

They said she hadn’t received proper education growing up, and it seemed her sense of morality was a bit lacking. To cheer her up, I changed the subject.

“Rosetta, your dress is beautiful today.”

“Isn’t it? It’s my first time wearing something like this.”

Her face lit up instantly.

“Really? Did the Pope give it to you?”

“No, His Highness the Crown Prince sent it.”

“What?”

At my reaction, Rosetta became even more enthusiastic as she began to share her story.

“Isn’t it surprising? I was so shocked I nearly fell over! He sent me the dress, this necklace, and these earrings. On top of that, even an invitation to the victory banquet! The Pope seemed a bit troubled, but what could he do?”

The Crown Prince called for Rosetta?

The Crown Prince shouldn’t have met Rosetta before.