Chapter 153
Translator: Yonnee
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"Ah... My apologies for the late introduction. I am Aiden, the second son of the Leopardt family."
"I see. May the blessings of the God Asteras be with you."
"Thank you..."
"And who might the lady behind you be, Young Duke?"
As Ciel had been silently watching until now, he could do nothing but swallow a sigh. He closed his eyes tightly.
He was feeling anxious as he saw that the high priest seemed to be on the cusp of realization.
At that moment, Irene stepped ahead of Aiden and Ciel, approaching the high priest.
"I apologize for the late greeting, Your Holiness. May you be filled with the blessings of the God Asteras."
She joined her hands as if in prayer and bowed her head.
"May the blessings of the deity always be with you as well, Young Lady..."
The high priest couldn't take his eyes off her. He stared overtly, his gaze locking with her green eyes, reminiscent of lush greenery in the midst of summer.
It was vague, but certainty was there.
"I am Irene of the Closch Barony. You are as benevolent as I've heard, Your Holiness. Thank you for your concern in our difficult situation."
"Is there anything I might help with?"
"It appears to be just an upset stomach. I brought him out here in a hurry, thinking some fresh air might help."
"I see..."
The high priest felt doubtful as he listened to their conversation. The three seemed eager to send him away.
And despite trying to appear casual, the duke's behavior also seemed suspicious.
It was slightly strange to see him looking around cautiously, a departure from his usual confident demeanor.
The high priest momentarily watched Ciel before turning a kind smile to Irene.
"It's fortunate that it was nothing serious. Then I shall take my leave."
"Yes, thank you for your consideration, Your Holiness."
"Hoho, I haven't done much. Rather, it was the young lady who actively helped the Young Duke."
"I didn't do much either..."
"House Closch is known as the shield of the Stern Empire, guarding its outskirts. I always keep them in my prayers."
The high priest remembered all the families that the grace of God has yet to reach. All he could do for them was pray for their well-being.
"It seems your prayers have reached us, Your Holiness. Fortunately, our territory has been free of major incidents."
"I see..."
The more the high priest conversed, the more he felt a familiar aura.
Where had he felt this energy before...
"Lady..."
"Yes?"
Aiden approached and pointed to the back of Irene's dress.
"What should we do? Because of me, your dress..."
The cream-colored dress had absorbed the rosewater, stained with pink. Pointing at the stained area, Aiden's eyes welled up.
"I'm sorry, Lady. I should have been more careful..."
Upon inspecting the part of the dress he indicated, Irene shrugged as if it was nothing.
"I actually like it more this way?"
"...Huh?"
"It looks as if rose petals have fallen one by one onto it. You couldn't make it look this way even if you tried. It's beautiful."
Irene wasn't just saying it. She truly meant it. The back part of the dress looked intentionally designed that way.
"You are kind, Young Lady."
Flustered by the high priest's words, Irene couldn't hide her embarrassment.
"Then, may I excuse myself first?"
Feeling overwhelmed by the high priest's presence, Irene wanted to leave first. She didn't know the exact relationship between the high priest and the saintess, but given that she too was a Guide, it seemed prudent to be cautious.
"May I offer my assistance?"
Unaware of Irene's thoughts, the high priest made a move to accompany her as she tried to leave. Ciel, who had been quiet until then, interjected.
He had remained silent, fearing that protecting her might give the high priest hints, but now he couldn't stand it any longer. Such an overt gaze.
"Shouldn't Your Holiness meet His Majesty the Emperor first? He would be pleased to know you attended the palace banquet."
"Ah, indeed. I did come to attend the banquet, but an urgent matter arose, and I was about to leave. It's no trouble to escort the Young Lady to a lounge on my way."
"I cannot do that as she is the partner I've invited. As you know, one cannot simply transfer the duties of a partner to someone else."
"Of course. Then, I shall be off."
With the high priest finally departing, Ciel signaled Aiden to go to the lounge and then escorted Irene out of the garden.
During that brief moment, Ciel thought deeply. It wasn't certain, so he hadn't told her, but it seemed he couldn't delay any longer.
Wouldn't it be better for the very person who might be the real saintess to know this fact?
