Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 10
Sage trailed off.
Ramiel was truly a pure and beautiful girl. That’s why doubts about the divine decision crept into his mind as well.
However, voicing those doubts aloud was another matter entirely. They were people living in a world created by the gods.
It was unacceptable to disbelieve or doubt the gods. Watching their argument, Garan spoke up again.
“What’s the use of lamenting over what has already happened? We need to think of a way to manage the situation.”
“How do you suggest we do that?”
“As I mentioned earlier, the current saint has little power.”
Being born with ominous attributes, it was natural she was shunned by all.
“While the clergy may follow the divine command, there are no other forces behind her. And not all clergy share the same views.”
Clerics, being human, had their prejudices and some had tormented and scorned the unfortunate symbol born to the saintly candidate. By now, they too would be feeling anxious and uneasy.
“So, we must first ensure she cannot die, then make the most of the situation.”
It was a proposal to confine her like a doll, to be brought out and utilized only when necessary.
Sage quickly grasped what Garan implied. Shah-Naz, although a bit slower, understood their intent as well.
“Do we need to go to such lengths?”
A sense of guilt shadowed Sage’s face.
“Then, do you intend to let the people of your territories perish?”
Without the saint’s periodic ministrations, the sacred rain does not fall, and plants fail to bloom.
Currently, with her incapacitated, the world was in disarray.
“And we might as well involve her family.”
“Isn’t she on bad terms with her family?”
If their relationship had been good, they wouldn’t have calmly allowed their daughter to be taken to the Tower of Death.
“Still, they share the same blood. We must explore every possibility.”
“Given the circumstances, they won’t stay idle. They’ll likely seek to improve relations.”
“Unless they’re fools.”
“Ah, this is complicated.”
Shah-Naz scratched his red hair vigorously.
“That’s undignified.”
“Does dignity feed you?”
Shah-Naz, seemingly annoyed, abruptly stood up.
“Let’s leave it at that for now. I need to see Ramiel.”
“Didn’t they say no one is allowed in?”
“I have to try anyway. I’m worried. Ramiel has put in so much effort to become the saint over the last year. But then, the gods chose someone else. I can’t even imagine how that must feel.”
“You sure have such a sensitive side.”
“Only for Ramiel.”
With a shrug, Shah-Naz left the room.
“Of all of us, Shah-Naz seems the most at peace.”
Sage sighed deeply.
“It’s because he’s a fool.”
“Or perhaps, in his own way, he’s the wisest among us.”
No matter how much they discussed, everything was hypothetical until the saint awakened.
Unbeknownst to them, the saint had already awakened and spoken with Burt. This was because Burt was controlling the information about her leaving her room.
Though they had persuaded some of the clergy, even they were struggling to relay news.
“Can we really leave everything regarding the saint in Burt’s hands?”
“No.”
While Burt often appeared indifferent, this very demeanor meant no one truly knew what he was thinking.
“I do not trust him.”
“Is that so? Then we must also prepare to take action.”
“That we must.”
Ordinarily, these three would have operated independently. However, Ramiel’s presence had brought them closer together.
Such was the girl, and yet, she did not become the saint. The bitterness of that reality was palpable without needing to see it.
“Anyway, I’m also worried about Ramiel. I should stop by for a visit.”
“I’ll sit this one out.”
Garan, standing up, looked towards the direction of the temple with a cold gaze.
* * *
The goddess declared,
「I declare. The saint of this generation is Irene. It is her.」
‘A lie!’
In that moment, Ramiel thought she had misheard.
Since being nominated as a candidate for the saint a year ago, she had worked tirelessly. For the goddess, to meet the expectations of those around her, she never rested.
Naturally, she believed she would be the next saint, having waited for this day with a heart full of anticipation.
She had vowed to devote herself to the many who looked up to her, should she become the saint.
However, the one chosen by the goddess as the saint was not her.
