Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 20
The rumors in the royal court were vicious. Despite the prevalent negative gossip about Iora von Ribandt, she was still a candidate of sainthood and couldn’t be ignored. Even those who didn’t believe in her status as a saint couldn’t disregard the palace’s protocol.
But Iora, who had never missed a class, was suddenly absent for a week. Her concerned teacher, who had initially made appeals to the Emperor regarding her defiance, went so far as to visit the Marquis von Ribandt to inquire about her absence.
Still, she didn’t show up. Everyone wondered and rumors swirled. Had the Crown Prince really decide to abandon her and was making a show to oppose his decision? Or had she, shocked by the prince’s demand for separation, attempted something as drastic as taking her own life?
“What do you think?”
Humming while watering the flowers, the girl, Arcanda, blinked at the young maid’s question, tilting her head. The freckled mischievous maid was, as usual, fervently spreading the rumors circulating within the palace.
The dazzling girl, blessed with the love of the gods, Saint Arcanda, caused the young maid to gaze at her shimmering blonde hair with a rapturous air. To the young maid, it didn’t matter whether that wicked villain disappeared or remained holed up in the mansion. She was happy either way.
“I think I like it!” said the maid.
“Why would you say such a thing?”
“If that wicked woman disappears, of course, only Lady Arcanda will remain.”
“Jane, you shouldn’t speak like that. I’d pay her a visit, but the Marquis von Ribandt wouldn’t open the door for me, would he?”
Jane flared her tiny nostrils in response. Did she really mean to tell her that the Ribandts, greedy as they were, had rejected a visit from the saint? Even the Crown Prince and Emperor would welcome Arcanda with a smile!
“Is that true, Lady Saint?”
“I’m not a saint.”
“Is that so! Ah, I cannot forgive them. Their insolence is truly unbelievable! How could they refuse Lady Arcanda’s request!”
“Well, Viscount von Illanys and Marquis von Ribandt aren’t exactly on speaking terms. It would be rude to ask for a visit out of the blue.”
“But Lady Arcanda is not just anyone!”
Jane knew the weight her words carried. The Marquis von Ribandt, Arcanda said? Jane won’t let it slide. If she spoke up, even those foolish defenders of House Ribandt will fall silent. Determined, she cried out, urging them to believe only her, as she dashed away.
Finally left alone, the serene and saintly girl, Arcanda, quietly gazed at the flower she had been tending to. The flower happened to be the same color as Iora’s hair—silver with a faint glow.
“It looked like a moon piece. Truly beautiful.”
Arcanda, a bright and friendly girl who would be happy to meet anyone.
“But… she’s different.”
She reached out and delicately enclosed the silvery flower with her hand.
“That one won’t love me like the others.”
She then clenched her hand tightly. The crushed flower crumpled, scattering its petals. A frosty smile formed on Arcanda’s crimson lips.
Then, in the room where no one could hear, she whispered softly to herself, ‘I don’t need anything that doesn’t love me.”
* * *
“Have you finished eating?”
Nodding, her movements to clear the plate were swift. The apples she had in the garden before were so delicious, but the food she had just consumed had no flavor.
“I’ll prepare for the outing.”
“Please stay still, Miss.”
Had she ever resisted or moved at all? Iora surrendered herself to the busy hands that tidied her disheveled hair, applied perfume, and hastily adorned her.
‘I’m tired.’
She felt as though she had become a withered leaf.
“I’ll convey the instructions left by the Marquis.”
“…Okay.”
The maid spoke rapidly about the current state of the family, the attitude she should adopt, and how a candidate for sainthood should conduct herself in class for the sake of the family. Iora listened to everything with one ear and let it pass through the other.
Her father had adamantly refused the divorce until the end. If an amicable agreement wasn’t reached, it would have to go to court. However, according to the prince’s assertion, the royal family would undoubtedly prevail. Even if Ribandt triumphed, it was unlikely that a marriage contract that went to trial would go smoothly.
