A month and a half had passed since the temporary co-conspiratorial system was put into effect, and the imperial family was busy preparing for a party.
As the disasters in many areas subsided and the praise from the people of the empire increased by the day, the Emperor, in a good mood, prepared a special banquet to praise the Saintesses for their hard work.
Accordingly, one of the main characters, Melina, was surrounded by three maids and was being dressed up.
The maid who was trying on all kinds of dresses on Melina's body exclaimed in admiration.
“Oh my, your skin is so white and nice that any color suits you.”
“You are truly so beautiful, Saintess.”
Melina's shoulders shrugged.
These were all young ladies of the Count's family, specially chosen and sent by the Empress. They were noble girls who had grown up in the bosom of their parents and were of high status.
How could one not feel good when such women flattered and cooed at the half-nobles of Cortisan blood, even those who had been stripped of her father's ducal title and were no longer even that?
But she was now a full-fledged Saintess of the empire. She could not act so brazenly as she had when she was the Duke's illegitimate daughter.
Melina kept her nose up, which was getting higher and higher, and smiled faintly, as if embarrassed.
“It’s beautiful. I haven’t been getting enough sleep lately, so my skin is dull and in terrible condition.”
“Oh my, what are you talking about! Where else can you find such beautiful skin?”
“That’s right, with makeup added to this, you’ll look even more beautiful. I’m sure you’ll shine the brightest at the party today.”
“Yes, you’re like the main character of the party... Oh, right, not the same person, you’re the main character. After all, this is a party prepared for the Saintess.”
The other maids burst into laughter at the actions of one maid who slapped her mouth, saying she had made a mistake.
“Young Ladies too.”
Melina rolled her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand. There was no way to hide her chapped mouth if she didn't do this.
'Ah, good.'
Honestly, she's never been happier in her life than she is now.
From a slave who had to work hard all day, she became a Saintess who could command even the Emperor with a single word.
The people of the empire who used to insult her by calling her an illegitimate child and the daughter of a murderer now bow down and beg for help and praise her as if she were their Queen.
The nobles who had been mocking her for using cunning tricks like the daughter of the Mushikan who had killed the legitimate heir and taken his place were now anxious because they could not send their own daughters as her maids. Without any pride.
But what was more joyful than all that was the sight of Shayne losing her light. The sight of Shayne withering away without anyone's attention.
Don't the maids here think that she's the only one who's the star of this party? Even though it's clearly a party held for the two Saintesses.
There was nothing more exhilarating than the sight of Shayne struggling, hidden by her shadow.
'I'm glad I accepted the offer.'
Melina leaned back comfortably to receive the award and thought about the benefactor who had made it all possible.
On the day when a strange plant appeared and shot Shayne, she was thinking about Shayne, who would be in trouble, and was feeling good when her savior attacked her from behind.
“It seems that the Saintess’s misfortune has made you happy.”
“Huh, huh! That, that’s not it...!”
“There’s no need to try to hide it. I understand you.”
“You... understand me?”
“Yes, you lived a life without anything to be envious of, but because of one word from Shayne, you fell to being a lowly slave. How can you not feel regret? I understand how you feel.”
“...”
“But is that really all there is to it?”
“What is that...”
“You were fooled by Shayne’s three-inch tongue, lost your status and property, and have become a person who cannot leave this temple for the rest of your life. Do you think that little bit of pleasure will satisfy your resentment?”
“But there is no other way to take revenge. As you said, I am nothing more than a slave...”
“Well, if you really want, I can help you.”
“Help me? Me?”
“Yes, if you want, I can let you take Shayne’s place.”
Unholy, the unknown being who dared to appear in the temple with his face covered by a black robe, bewitched her with words as sweet as honey.
Even though she knew that he was suspicious and that getting involved could lead to trouble, his words were so tempting that she couldn't help but accept his offer.
“How can you help me?”
When she asked cautiously, he put something cold in her hand.
It was a necklace with a full moon-shaped pendant on a chain made of an unidentified metal that was neither gold, silver, nor copper.
“This will make your wish come true.”
And then he disappeared.
“What on earth is this necklace...”
After a moment of wondering, she quickly put the necklace around her neck.
It was clearly a suspicious item given to me by a suspicious person, but she couldn't help but hear the words that would make wind possible ringing in her ears.
A glimmer of hope flickered in her mind that she might be able to escape this miserable life of slavery.
And that night, she heard someone's voice.
“Melina, my daughter.”
A voice that rings in her head, not her ears.
She could tell right away that the owner of this voice was not human.
“Who, who are you?”
“My name is Ibis. I am the savior who has come to end this trouble. And I will become the master of you and all things on this land.”
Ibis.
It was the first time she heard that name.
Melina was so terrified that she obeyed the voice unconditionally. She was not a being that could disobey.
And that was absolutely the right choice.
The owner of the voice changed her life in an instant.
By serving the Master of the Voice, she became a Saintess and captured the hearts of people with unknown powers.
'What on earth is it? What is his true identity?'
Melina always wondered what the identity of the master who changed her environment was.
But despite repeated requests to meet, the owner's answer was always the same.
“If you do your duty, I will come to you someday.”
So she still didn't know her master's identity.
'But what is that?'
At first, Melina was a bit curious, but now she doesn't even care.
The important thing is that the owner is a god-like being with tremendous power and that she is a special being who was chosen.
'As long as it helps me, that's fine. Whether it's the devil or god, what does it matter?'
She just picked up and ate the scraps that fell from underneath.
Just as Melina smiled brightly, the maid who had been diligently grooming her face withdrew her hand and spoke.
“It is finished, Saintess.”
Melina opened her eyes and stared at the mirror in front of her.
A white dress studded with delicate pearls, half-tied, naturally flowing pink hair, and clear, sky-blue eyes.
Melina, who had been smiling at that perfect sight, sat up.
Now it was time to go and make fun of Shayne.
As soon as she entered the party hall, everyone's eyes were drawn to Melina.
“Oh, Saintess Melina. You finally appear. You are so beautiful, aren’t you?”
Beginning with the Emperor greeting her warmly, numerous nobles spoke to her in a friendly manner.
“It’s my first time greeting you, Saintess. I am the Marquis Urban.”
“I am Count Miller. It is an honor to meet the daughter of the noble goddess.”
“I am Darren Foulke, the eldest son of the Count of Foulke. As rumored, you are a great beauty, my lady.”
Besides, all kinds of nobles tried to get a word out to her.
Melina couldn't hide her delight at being treated like the main character she had dreamed of.
“It’s nice to meet you all. I don’t know what to do with myself for being so welcoming.”
She greeted them with the graceful manner of a Saintess, but her eyes moved quickly to search for something.
And then she found out.
Unlike her, who was surrounded by people like a gorgeous flower, Shayne was guarding the top seat alone.
How pathetic it looks to sit alone, uninterested in anyone.
Melina felt like holding her stomach and laughing out loud.
But since she couldn't show such a shameful behavior in front of so many people, she could only raise the corners of her lips and laugh at Shayne instead.
As Melina was constantly chatting with people, befitting the star of the party, the rhythm that filled the banquet hall changed.
It was the time for dancing, the highlight of any social party.
Melina stuck her tongue out slightly and moistened her lips. Her lips were trembling with excitement.
'At las...'
As the daughter of a Duke, Melina had learned many things and was most passionate about this dance.
Because dancing was the best field to stand out in social circles.
But no matter how much she honed her skills, she never got noticed.
To attract people's attention, either the person involved or the person being danced to had to be of high status, but Melina was an illegitimate child, and no high-ranking noble would ask such an illegitimate child to dance.
They could not treat Melina, who was favored by the Duke, lightly, but they were not generous enough to let her hang out with them either.
So, she never got noticed at parties.
But this time, it was different.
She was the star, and countless men were waiting for the chance to ask her to dance.
'Well then, who should I give the first honor to? Marquis Urban? Or Count Foulke? No, they're too weak.'
It was her first dance at a party where she was the main character, and she couldn't allow these people.
'The first one is, of course...'
As Melina turned her gaze somewhere, a man stood up as if he had been waiting. It was the Crown Prince.
Mysterious black hair like the night sky, mysterious dark purple eyes, sharp yet affectionate gaze, and a flawless, measured gait.
Unlike other men who were eager to ask her to dance, his relaxed expression felt like an unapproachable charm.
Melina barely managed to restrain herself from reaching out first and waited elegantly for him to approach.
She thinks of the picture where she opens her eyes wide in surprise when he reaches out his hand and then shyly grabs it.
A moment that felt like an eternity passed by, and before she knew it, he was right in front of her, getting down on one knee and holding out her hand.
“Would you do me the honor of dancing first?”
His voice was as attractive as his looks. It was truly heart-fluttering.
But that voice, that hand was not directed at her.
“Me?”
Melina bit her lip as she glared at Shayne, who tilted her head in confusion.
As the disasters in many areas subsided and the praise from the people of the empire increased by the day, the Emperor, in a good mood, prepared a special banquet to praise the Saintesses for their hard work.
Accordingly, one of the main characters, Melina, was surrounded by three maids and was being dressed up.
The maid who was trying on all kinds of dresses on Melina's body exclaimed in admiration.
“Oh my, your skin is so white and nice that any color suits you.”
“You are truly so beautiful, Saintess.”
Melina's shoulders shrugged.
These were all young ladies of the Count's family, specially chosen and sent by the Empress. They were noble girls who had grown up in the bosom of their parents and were of high status.
How could one not feel good when such women flattered and cooed at the half-nobles of Cortisan blood, even those who had been stripped of her father's ducal title and were no longer even that?
But she was now a full-fledged Saintess of the empire. She could not act so brazenly as she had when she was the Duke's illegitimate daughter.
Melina kept her nose up, which was getting higher and higher, and smiled faintly, as if embarrassed.
“It’s beautiful. I haven’t been getting enough sleep lately, so my skin is dull and in terrible condition.”
“Oh my, what are you talking about! Where else can you find such beautiful skin?”
“That’s right, with makeup added to this, you’ll look even more beautiful. I’m sure you’ll shine the brightest at the party today.”
“Yes, you’re like the main character of the party... Oh, right, not the same person, you’re the main character. After all, this is a party prepared for the Saintess.”
The other maids burst into laughter at the actions of one maid who slapped her mouth, saying she had made a mistake.
“Young Ladies too.”
Melina rolled her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand. There was no way to hide her chapped mouth if she didn't do this.
'Ah, good.'
Honestly, she's never been happier in her life than she is now.
From a slave who had to work hard all day, she became a Saintess who could command even the Emperor with a single word.
The people of the empire who used to insult her by calling her an illegitimate child and the daughter of a murderer now bow down and beg for help and praise her as if she were their Queen.
The nobles who had been mocking her for using cunning tricks like the daughter of the Mushikan who had killed the legitimate heir and taken his place were now anxious because they could not send their own daughters as her maids. Without any pride.
But what was more joyful than all that was the sight of Shayne losing her light. The sight of Shayne withering away without anyone's attention.
Don't the maids here think that she's the only one who's the star of this party? Even though it's clearly a party held for the two Saintesses.
There was nothing more exhilarating than the sight of Shayne struggling, hidden by her shadow.
'I'm glad I accepted the offer.'
Melina leaned back comfortably to receive the award and thought about the benefactor who had made it all possible.
On the day when a strange plant appeared and shot Shayne, she was thinking about Shayne, who would be in trouble, and was feeling good when her savior attacked her from behind.
“It seems that the Saintess’s misfortune has made you happy.”
“Huh, huh! That, that’s not it...!”
“There’s no need to try to hide it. I understand you.”
“You... understand me?”
“Yes, you lived a life without anything to be envious of, but because of one word from Shayne, you fell to being a lowly slave. How can you not feel regret? I understand how you feel.”
“...”
“But is that really all there is to it?”
“What is that...”
“You were fooled by Shayne’s three-inch tongue, lost your status and property, and have become a person who cannot leave this temple for the rest of your life. Do you think that little bit of pleasure will satisfy your resentment?”
“But there is no other way to take revenge. As you said, I am nothing more than a slave...”
“Well, if you really want, I can help you.”
“Help me? Me?”
“Yes, if you want, I can let you take Shayne’s place.”
Unholy, the unknown being who dared to appear in the temple with his face covered by a black robe, bewitched her with words as sweet as honey.
Even though she knew that he was suspicious and that getting involved could lead to trouble, his words were so tempting that she couldn't help but accept his offer.
“How can you help me?”
When she asked cautiously, he put something cold in her hand.
It was a necklace with a full moon-shaped pendant on a chain made of an unidentified metal that was neither gold, silver, nor copper.
“This will make your wish come true.”
And then he disappeared.
“What on earth is this necklace...”
After a moment of wondering, she quickly put the necklace around her neck.
It was clearly a suspicious item given to me by a suspicious person, but she couldn't help but hear the words that would make wind possible ringing in her ears.
A glimmer of hope flickered in her mind that she might be able to escape this miserable life of slavery.
And that night, she heard someone's voice.
“Melina, my daughter.”
A voice that rings in her head, not her ears.
She could tell right away that the owner of this voice was not human.
“Who, who are you?”
“My name is Ibis. I am the savior who has come to end this trouble. And I will become the master of you and all things on this land.”
Ibis.
It was the first time she heard that name.
Melina was so terrified that she obeyed the voice unconditionally. She was not a being that could disobey.
And that was absolutely the right choice.
The owner of the voice changed her life in an instant.
By serving the Master of the Voice, she became a Saintess and captured the hearts of people with unknown powers.
'What on earth is it? What is his true identity?'
Melina always wondered what the identity of the master who changed her environment was.
But despite repeated requests to meet, the owner's answer was always the same.
“If you do your duty, I will come to you someday.”
So she still didn't know her master's identity.
'But what is that?'
At first, Melina was a bit curious, but now she doesn't even care.
The important thing is that the owner is a god-like being with tremendous power and that she is a special being who was chosen.
'As long as it helps me, that's fine. Whether it's the devil or god, what does it matter?'
She just picked up and ate the scraps that fell from underneath.
Just as Melina smiled brightly, the maid who had been diligently grooming her face withdrew her hand and spoke.
“It is finished, Saintess.”
Melina opened her eyes and stared at the mirror in front of her.
A white dress studded with delicate pearls, half-tied, naturally flowing pink hair, and clear, sky-blue eyes.
Melina, who had been smiling at that perfect sight, sat up.
Now it was time to go and make fun of Shayne.
***
As soon as she entered the party hall, everyone's eyes were drawn to Melina.
“Oh, Saintess Melina. You finally appear. You are so beautiful, aren’t you?”
Beginning with the Emperor greeting her warmly, numerous nobles spoke to her in a friendly manner.
“It’s my first time greeting you, Saintess. I am the Marquis Urban.”
“I am Count Miller. It is an honor to meet the daughter of the noble goddess.”
“I am Darren Foulke, the eldest son of the Count of Foulke. As rumored, you are a great beauty, my lady.”
Besides, all kinds of nobles tried to get a word out to her.
Melina couldn't hide her delight at being treated like the main character she had dreamed of.
“It’s nice to meet you all. I don’t know what to do with myself for being so welcoming.”
She greeted them with the graceful manner of a Saintess, but her eyes moved quickly to search for something.
And then she found out.
Unlike her, who was surrounded by people like a gorgeous flower, Shayne was guarding the top seat alone.
How pathetic it looks to sit alone, uninterested in anyone.
Melina felt like holding her stomach and laughing out loud.
But since she couldn't show such a shameful behavior in front of so many people, she could only raise the corners of her lips and laugh at Shayne instead.
As Melina was constantly chatting with people, befitting the star of the party, the rhythm that filled the banquet hall changed.
It was the time for dancing, the highlight of any social party.
Melina stuck her tongue out slightly and moistened her lips. Her lips were trembling with excitement.
'At las...'
As the daughter of a Duke, Melina had learned many things and was most passionate about this dance.
Because dancing was the best field to stand out in social circles.
But no matter how much she honed her skills, she never got noticed.
To attract people's attention, either the person involved or the person being danced to had to be of high status, but Melina was an illegitimate child, and no high-ranking noble would ask such an illegitimate child to dance.
They could not treat Melina, who was favored by the Duke, lightly, but they were not generous enough to let her hang out with them either.
So, she never got noticed at parties.
But this time, it was different.
She was the star, and countless men were waiting for the chance to ask her to dance.
'Well then, who should I give the first honor to? Marquis Urban? Or Count Foulke? No, they're too weak.'
It was her first dance at a party where she was the main character, and she couldn't allow these people.
'The first one is, of course...'
As Melina turned her gaze somewhere, a man stood up as if he had been waiting. It was the Crown Prince.
Mysterious black hair like the night sky, mysterious dark purple eyes, sharp yet affectionate gaze, and a flawless, measured gait.
Unlike other men who were eager to ask her to dance, his relaxed expression felt like an unapproachable charm.
Melina barely managed to restrain herself from reaching out first and waited elegantly for him to approach.
She thinks of the picture where she opens her eyes wide in surprise when he reaches out his hand and then shyly grabs it.
A moment that felt like an eternity passed by, and before she knew it, he was right in front of her, getting down on one knee and holding out her hand.
“Would you do me the honor of dancing first?”
His voice was as attractive as his looks. It was truly heart-fluttering.
But that voice, that hand was not directed at her.
“Me?”
Melina bit her lip as she glared at Shayne, who tilted her head in confusion.
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