Secret Love Affair between a Former Saint and a Dark Hero - Chapter 23
Ovid carefully concealed his displeasure behind an impassive expression. However, he thought he ought to give a sharp warning to the mansion’s servants when the two saint candidates were absent. He didn’t approve of such discrimination.
Meanwhile, Iora was so distracted that she didn’t realize she had raised and lowered her teacup ten times, unaware that the prince who observed her had commanded to have it replaced with a fresh, hot brew. She was just so uncomfortable and uneasy in this position.
“I plan to create the most extravagant dress this time, all lace and ribbons. What if we add fresh flowers? They say it’s trendy to adorn hats with all sorts of decorations nowadays. But then I can’t put them in my hair, so I might as well put my hair up.”
How can her voice be so charming? Her tone was like soft cotton candy. Iora nodded slowly—just having these thoughts made her break into a cold sweat. She felt embarrassed and overwhelmed by the way Arcanda’s eyes sparkled at her.
“Oh, I see. I’m not very… knowledgeable about that.”
“It’s embarrassing, but my maids have told me that my neckline is quite lovely. Hehe.”
“Yeah, it’ll suit you well…”
“Oh my, you’re supposed to respond to such jokes without saying strange things! Iora, why are you so kind?”
“I-I’m not… kind.”
She forced a smile, yet only Arcanda’s cheerful voice echoed in her mind. Her 18th birthday, the saint confirmation ceremony, and the debutante ball—it all felt unfamiliar and distant. She felt a pang of dread.
‘At last, that day…’
The dry, withered skin around her eyes prickled unexpectedly. If it hadn’t been long since she entered this fictional world, she might have burst into tears. However, her body now seemed incapable of even shedding tears, being so desiccated and dry. Iora was terrified—terrified that she would not be declared a saint at the sainthood ceremony. She would be left behind by the radiant Arcanda, and Iora would be labeled a fake saint and a villain.
What would happen next? The story that followed after? Wouldn’t the villain, fittingly, not even appear in a single line in their happy endings? If that were the case, what would become of her life? The events of the day of the sainthood ceremony are not that detailed in the novel. Neither were Iora’s actions.
‘I’m scared. Not knowing… The teacher said all the previous saints participated in the ceremony and came out unscathed. That’s why they were considered saints. But if the imposter were to go to the ceremony…’
Her fingers trembled uncontrollably. Arcanda was quite friendly, patting shoulders and engaging in conversation. Even that fact irked her, but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything and instead bit down hard on her lips. The things they were talking about were frightening, and this situation was strange.
Arcanda was laughing, and Ovid was listening without saying a word. It was strange that he was so insistent on their engagement’s dissolution, yet he allowed for Iora to join them. Stranger still that he had brought his new lover and was talking to Iora as if they had always been friends.
As Iora mulled over her feelings of displeasure and fear, she was jolted out of her reverie.
“Have you found a partner?” asked Arcanda.
“W-what?”
“A partner. You’re supposed to enter the ball with your partner for the first dance.”
Ah, a partner. Iora blinked silently. Rumors about the repulsive Iora were widespread even among the street urchins, so she couldn’t imagine any noble would offer to be her partner.
Was Arcanda genuinely unaware? Iora stared at her, wondering if it was all a ruse to mock her, but the smiling face showed no malice.
“I, I…”
“Yes? What’s wrong, Iora?”
A dismal feeling flooded over her. Perhaps, due to the family’s orders, she might have to enter with her brother. If it were her father’s command, she would nod without hesitation, but what about her brother? She wondered what he’d say to her while they were together, what he’d say to her in disgust.
‘This wretched thing. All this disgrace and humiliation because of you! Just because you couldn’t bring a single man, I’m subjected to this kind of humiliation?’
Her shoulders trembled, and she gritted her teeth at the horror of the thought.
Iora remained silent for a while, which seemed oddly unsettling. Finally, Arcanda whispered playfully, “Don’t be so nervous. The grand ball will surely be a delightful experience, won’t it? It’s an event where all the nobles of the Empire are invited. Oh, thanks to it, dress shops are overflowing with bookings and reservations.”
“Oh, I see… I didn’t… notice.”
“You haven’t made a reservation yet? Then, um… if your schedule permits, why don’t we go order something together?”
Iora was genuinely surprised and turned to Arcanda. She couldn’t believe it, and it seemed to be the same for the maids around her. One even let out a gasp.
“M-me? Really?”
