The Saintess and the Villainess

Chapter 26

The miracle was the biggest public event held in the capital in decades that was open to both the nobility and the commoners. People had poured into the city from all around. Street stalls and buskers lined every street to take advantage of the crowds.

The main doors of the cathedral had been thrown open to let people in, although the main chapel itself had been roped off—seating was reserved for the nobility.

Edrea Baines, the alchemist, stood near the ropes, fidgeting nervously with a card she held in her hands. She wore her best dress, which was a few years out of fashion and a little threadbare compared to the dresses of the noblewomen who were milling around.

Edrea jumped when a cleric tapped her on the shoulder, but the cleric just smiled politely. "Welcome to the Cathedral of Coris. My name is Sister Betty," said the cleric. "Can I help you find your way?"

"Um, yes," said Edrea, handing over the card. "I was... um... I was invited by the Saintess, but I'm not sure where..."

"Oh yes, of course," said Sister Betty. "We have a seat prepared for you. Right this way."

Lady Corvina was loitering nearby with Helen, watching this unfold. She felt a small sense of satisfaction seeing how nervous the alchemist was. Her plan would work.

A different cleric approached them with a curtsy. "Welcome to the Cathedral of Coris. My name is Sister Marietta. Please allow me to show you to your seats, Lady Corvina."

Corvina nodded and followed her through the rows of pews.

The interior of the cathedral was very impressive, with huge pillars, tall vaulted ceilings, and countless small stained-glass windows. But when it was packed with so many shallow noblemen loudly complaining about the lack of space or not being given the best seat or whatever else, Corvina thought it more-or-less felt like any other event space she'd ever been in.

While she was lost in this line of thought, Sister Marietta led her and Helen to the front row, where Corvina unfortunately saw someone familiar.

"We saved a seat for you next to your brother, the Crown Prince," said Sister Marietta, cheerfully. "The miracle will begin in a few minutes. If you'll excuse me." Sister Marietta curtsied again before leaving.

Corvina and Sebastian eyed each other warily.

"Your highness," said Corvina, curtsying.

Sebastian waved her off and Corvina and Helen took their seats.

Out of habit, Corvina took up her neutral stance-hands on lap, pleasant smile, gaze straight ahead.

"Is Marshal with you?" asked Sebastian, looking a little nervous.

"Why would the Grand Duke be with me?" asked Corvina.

"Well, he is your fiance," said Sebastian.

"And?" said Corvina. "You spend more time with him than I do."

Sebastian turned his head to the side and grumbled something incomprehensible. Corvina did her best to ignore him.

After a moment of silence, Sebastian turned back again. "Why are you here anyway? Are you here to lecture me about making the imperial family look weak in front of the church?"

"No," said Corvina.

"You're not worried I'm ruining our reputation?"

"I have our reputation handled."

"Then why are you here?" asked Sebastian.

"...the Saintess invited me," admitted Corvina. "The last time I saw her, she insisted I come and I can't afford to offend someone so important so—"