Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 55
The journey was fairly smooth.
Leaving the city centered around the temple, they had no choice but to camp out while traveling along the long road, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.
The carefully crafted carriage was spacious enough to sleep in.
It wasn’t quite enough room for Lani, but she didn’t utter any complaints; to her, Irene was as good as the only deity.
After a few days passed, they finally arrived at the first village in the east.
The village was fairly large, well-maintained, and the people passing by were dressed cleanly; it seemed like a nice place to live.
“Welcome, Saintess!”
“We welcome you!”
Women, prettily dressed, scattered flower petals, and men clapped loudly in welcome.
Receiving such hospitality after a long time, Irene hesitated for a moment.
“Just wave your hand through the window.”
Then, upon hearing Lani’s suggestion, she awkwardly waved her hand, which made the cheering louder.
Fortunately, the villagers seemed to hold no great prejudice against Irene’s appearance. Each greeted her with a smiling face.
Her heart, hardened like solid ice, was not easily shaken, but she didn’t feel bad either.
Later, as usual, Allen came to report the day’s events.
“We will stay here today.”
Then, they headed to the inn located at the village center, which, being on the road connecting the central and eastern lands, was quite sizable.
The pilgrimage group rented out the entire inn. Still, due to a lack of space, some pitched tents nearby.
The village chief offered other houses to stay in, but nobody wanted to stray far from Irene. It was a kind of standoff.
Only after accommodations were settled did Irene step down from the carriage.
It seemed to be the first time the village chief had seen her. Despite likely knowing from rumors, his eyes widened in apparent surprise.
“Why do you keep staring like that?”
It was only after Lani sharply spoke that the chief’s gaze moved away.
“I apologize. It’s just that this is my first time seeing the Grand Saintess, and I was a bit startled. Oh, this is the second greatest honor of my life.”
Lani, curious about his remark, asked,
“When was the first?”
“When I saw the previous Saintess.”
It didn’t seem likely given his age and the timing of the previous saintess’s pilgrimage, but since saints sometimes traveled to various places beyond their pilgrimages, it was possible.
“I see. Still, you should respect Irene more, as she has accomplished greater deeds than any other saintess.”
Lani said this, lifting her head proudly. The village chief then smiled kindly and bowed slightly.
‘Somehow, this makes me feel uneasy.’
Behind the pleasant face of the village chief, it felt as if his thoughts were transparent. She remembered those who had scorned Irene with a smile.
“Let’s go inside.”
“Yes, Lady Irene.”
Following Irene’s lead, Lani quickly took the front, guiding her to her room. It was the largest and cleanest room on the top floor.
No sooner had Irene sat down in a chair inside the room than a knock sounded from outside.
“It’s Burt.”
“Come in.”
As Burt entered, Lani, as if familiar with the routine, stepped outside the room.
“Is there anything uncomfortable for you?”
“No, I am fine.”
In truth, it was uncomfortable.
She felt the same scrutinizing eyes that she had during the early stages of her saintess initiation, but she didn’t reveal that fact outwardly. She merely pretended to be calm.
“Is that so?”
Burt didn’t inquire further.
“I am staying in the next room, so please call me if you need anything.”
“I doubt I will need to call you.”
“One never knows with the ways of the world. Also, I will send a physician to see you in a little while.”
“Yes.”
Irene sighed softly in response. Although she was feeling quite well now, others could not stop worrying about her health.
That’s why a physician checked on her every day. It was quite bothersome, but refusing would only lead to more troublesome issues.
“You look tired.”
“It seems so. Talking to you seems to be tiring.”
Her response was deliberately snide, but the reaction she received was bland.
“Then, have a good night.”
With that, Burt left the room.
Even after he had left, Lani did not return. Judging by the time, she was probably taking care of dinner preparations.
Not long after, the dinner Lani brought was quite splendid.
Freshly squeezed milk, savory cheese and butter, raspberry jam, well-baked white bread, ham, and broccoli soup were all part of the meal.
It was so delicious that Irene ate more than usual.
“It’s good to see you eat more here than in the carriage. Burt will be pleased!”
Lani had been misunderstanding something for a while now, but Irene, finding it bothersome, had let it be. Consequently, Burt’s name often slipped from her lips.
“Then, rest easy.”
Lani gathered the dishes on the tray and left the room.
