Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 191
The party for the people from the north was held in a small hall of the temple. Some nobles showed signs of confusion at the scale of the party, which was different from when they had visited before.
“This wasn’t how it was before.”
“Is the temple being negligent towards us?”
“We have sacrificed much for the central region.”
The number of people expressing dissatisfaction gradually increased.
“I understand the temple is going through tough times, but this is too much.”
By the time the conversation had escalated to that point, High Priest Grein entered. Though her expression remained calm, she looked extremely exhausted, and gloomier than before.
“Welcome, all of you from the north. I offer my sincere thanks for the help you have provided.”
Grein’s words were filled with sincerity, and the nobles, who had been on the verge of protesting, fell silent. Not long after, the topic of conversation shifted. It was about the heretics. Specifically, much was said about Ramiel, who had once been a candidate for sainthood.
“She seemed fine. You truly can’t know a person until you’ve experienced them.”
Luna agreed with that statement. You never really know someone until you’ve met them, which made her want to meet the saintess. But how?
Even if she wanted to persuade the saintess, it wouldn’t be possible without meeting her first. Still, Luna stared intently at the door where High Priest Grein had entered, hoping against hope. Soon, a familiar figure entered, escorting a woman.
It was their king, Burt. And if he treated someone with such care, there could only be one person it could be.
“The Saintess.”
Many eyes turned to the Saintess. She was quite different from Ramiel, who had looked like a saint descended from the heavens. The Saintess bore all the symbols of ill omens and didn’t appear special in any way.
‘Is she really the Saintess?’
Luna shuddered at the chilling thought that crossed her mind. It was the kind of thinking a heretic might have. But wasn’t she already a confirmed Saintess?
“Welcome to those who have come from afar. It’s a modestly prepared party, but I hope it helps ease your fatigue, even a little.”
The Saintess said with a gentle smile. Throughout her speech, her hand was firmly held by Burt. She appeared so delicate that it seemed she would say those words and leave, but she didn’t.
Instead, she stepped further inside and personally greeted a few people. Luna, afraid of missing the opportunity, hurriedly approached the Saintess with quick steps.
“Saintess!”
“Yes?”
“Please forgive my rudeness, but I wanted to greet you. I am Luna from the north.”
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Could we perhaps talk for a moment?”
Luna, you fool. It seemed she had been too hasty. Surely, it was too much to ask suddenly like this, and there was no way her request would be granted. But if not now, she didn’t know when she might ever meet the Saintess again. After all, a Saintess was not someone one could easily meet.
Burt, who had been silent, now observed Luna intently. Her heart pounded, and she stood up straight.
“I don’t have any ill intentions.”
The words spilled out before she realized it.
“Of course not. That’s not what I’m worried about.”
The Saintess said, gently tapping Burt’s hand with her free hand. Only then did Burt’s gaze move away.
Luna knew she should be grateful, but jealousy twisted inside her.
“Then, when can we talk?”
“Are you suggesting we schedule a separate date?”
“Yes.”
“Given your current health, is that really necessary? You could just speak for a short while now,” Burt said.
“Here?”
“The balcony is quiet.”
With that, he naturally guided them both toward the balcony.
“Isn’t this place a bit too open?”
“We can draw the curtains. They’re thick enough to block out the sound. Besides, I’ll be here, keeping watch.”
Burt said, his gaze sweeping over Luna again, as if warning her not to try anything foolish.
‘How unfair.’
Luna thought. What could she possibly gain from harming the Saintess? All she wished for was that the Saintess would be more open-hearted.
“Alright, let’s talk for a moment then,” the Saintess agreed.
The two of them moved to the balcony.
“I’m sorry. Burt can be quite rigid sometimes,” the Saintess said, and Luna felt a weight on her chest.
“Saintess.”
“Yes?”
“Do you love Lord Burt?”
The Saintess’s eyes widened in surprise. She glanced beyond the curtains, then answered in a quiet voice.
“Yes.”
Her shy expression was filled with happiness.
“Then, do you have any intention of letting him go?”
Luna asked boldly. She saw the curtains shake violently but clasped her hands tightly and stood her ground.
“Lady Luna, I’ve never tried to hold on to Burt.”
“But—!”
“Burt stays by my side of his own free will.”
“I know that. But isn’t that dangerous?”
The Saintess looked at Luna calmly, waiting for her to continue. Luna could no longer hold back what she wanted to say.
“I already know everything. The King of the North made the decision to appoint a new successor because he’s prepared to risk his life. It’s because you, Saintess, are in an extremely dangerous situation. Staying by your side only increases the chance that he might lose his life!”
