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※ This work contains depictions of coercive relationships, explicit language, and other graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.

Part 9. The Clue

“Is this your first time visiting a temple, Edith?”

Serenity, thrilled to see Edith after so long, couldn’t keep still and kept asking questions.

Inside the Langor Count’s carriage were Serenity, Edith who was fielding her questions while trying to promote Kaidros, a knight who had come in place of the absent commander for escort—or rather, surveillance—and Kaidros, wearing a tired expression and just going along with Edith’s tune.

“Yes, probably…”

If she thought about the original Edith’s past, that is.

‘There was no such scene in her past either.’

Since Edith used to stay indoors because going outside always led to trouble, this was likely her first time at a temple. One of the reasons Serenity wanted to visit the temple today was to understand why such misfortune kept befalling Edith.

Wondering if there were curses as there were blessings, she had speculated that perhaps this situation was due to someone’s curse.

As the carriage arrived before the temple, kicking up dust, apprentice priests who recognized the Langor family crest came running to open the door.

“Saintess, may the goddess’s blessing be with you.”

The regular priests followed, greeting her first before extending blessings to the others.

Noticing Kaidros’s expression growing increasingly displeased, Edith cautiously asked him,

“Lord Kai, are you uncomfortable somewhere?”

Glancing at her briefly, he sighed as if he couldn’t bear it anymore and whispered by her ear.

“…I intensely dislike priests. Moreover, the various energies here are making me feel quite unwell right now. I’m sorry, but I’ll just stay around here.”

“Oh my, Prince Kaidros. You don’t look well.”

“It’s fine, Saintess. I have some business nearby, so you ladies go ahead without me.”

When Serenity, seeing Kaidros whispering to Edith, asked with concern, he instantly reverted to a gentlemanly demeanor, answered, and then hurried off somewhere as if escaping.

‘In fantasy worlds, it’s a common setting for temples serving goddesses and using divine power to be at odds with magic-using dragons.’

Watching him, Edith thought this world likely followed that trope as well.

Following the priest’s guidance, the three of them entered the temple. Serenity, wanting to show Edith her favorite place, led her by the hand to the fountain located at the temple’s center.

The fountain was white and circular, likely made of marble, with a benevolent-looking goddess statue at its center, arms outstretched.

The knight stood like a stone pillar about ten paces away. Serenity patted the spot next to her on the fountain edge, seeming to save a place for Edith.

“Thank you, Miss Langor.”

Giggling shyly, Serenity gazed at the scenery around the fountain before cautiously speaking.

“After I entered the Count’s family, I stayed at the temple for a while to receive teachings as a Saintess. Whenever I was struggling or missed my mother, I would always come here, look at the goddess’s statue, and find comfort.”

“Your mother…”

It was already gossip among nobles that she was the Count’s illegitimate child. However, even as an illegitimate child, she should have had her debutante ball.

Edith had wondered why she hadn’t appeared in high society before being revealed as the new Saintess. Listening to Serenity now, she thought she roughly understood.

‘Was her social debut delayed because she was receiving teachings at the temple?’

At Edith’s question, Serenity looked slightly awkward and said,

“You must have heard the rumors that I’m illegitimate, Edith? My mother was a maid of the Count’s house. When she found out she was pregnant, she left quietly, hoping I wouldn’t suffer in the future.”

While illegitimate children among nobles were common, their treatment was usually poor.

Edith thought Serenity’s mother likely knew the reality and was worried.

“Even when the Count later came looking for me, she wished I wouldn’t go…”

As she said this, Serenity’s expression darkened.

‘Even the Saintess can wear such an expression.’

Unaware of the detailed circumstances, Edith felt as if she was facing an unwelcome truth. The more she learned, the deeper her pity for Serenity grew, along with an anxiety that she might not be able to extricate herself later.

“After entering the Count’s family, when I visited the temple, I learned I was the Saintess from the revelation that came after a century. I think the Count only sought me out so late because of that…”

“…Hasn’t it been difficult, being the Saintess?”

“Hmm, perhaps because I grew up as a commoner, I can understand their earnestness. Not turning away from it and being able to help actually makes me happy. Because everyone loves me for being the Saintess…”

‘Everyone loves her for being the Saintess.’

Those words likely held multiple meanings.

Just seeing how Serenity became visibly uncomfortable whenever the Crown Prince was mentioned, it was clear enough that this included an unwanted love.