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I was once a hollow saint – chapter 7

On top of being welcomed as the empress of the empire, I was to be the husband of my little disciple. To say I felt bewildered would be an understatement.

But really, the first thing I felt was ‘relief’ and ‘joy’.

Above all, I’m glad that Felix, my adorable disciple, grew up healthy and became the emperor despite the competition from his older brothers.

Thinking back on the precious time I spent with Felix, I found myself looking up and staring at him.

「How’s your health?」

「…Nothing wrong in particular?」

「Glad to hear…」

Such a question comes out of my mouth without warning, yet Felix still responds courteously. A great sense of relief washes over me as I hear his reply.

Felix suffered from a curse when he was young. But the curse seems to have completely disappeared now, I’m really glad to see that.

He stared at me with an unreadable face, before flashing his gentle smile at me again.

「Please have a seat. We have a lot to discuss.」

「Yes.」

Felix beckoned me to the sofa, with us seated across from each other. Marielle hurriedly started preparing tea next to me.

(He’s really grown up now. He should be around twenty-seven by now… Wait, he’s ten years older than me…!?)

I’m seventeen at present, so Felix is ten years older than me. I sipped the tea that Marielle had brewed for me, while thinking what a crazy turn of events this was.

He’s really grown up to be a splendid man…I couldn’t help looking at him like a proud parent would. Felix, who noticed that I was staring at him again, smiled.

But I soon realize that the smile has no emotion behind me, like it’s pasted on his face.

(Felix never smiled like this when he was young.)

He must’ve faced many challenges before rising to the position of emperor. I’m sure he has it rough ruling this country, which is now called, ‘The Cursed Land’.

It’s only natural for him to change. Perhaps, it was a necessary change as well. And this realization made my heart ache.

「Once again, I thank you for coming to our country.」

「No, I’m afraid I can’t be of any help…」

Then I felt a strong pressure from the blond man standing behind Felix, seemingly eager to agree with what I said.

(Oh. So he also knows about my incompetence, huh?)

In return for their desperate plea for help, they were sent an incompetent saint who can’t even use magic properly. His reaction was natural, but nevertheless it made me feel sorry for him.

「So what am I supposed to do?」

「All you have to do is stay in this country as my wife, the empress, and as the saint, a symbol of peace.」

「…So, I don’t have to do anything?」

「Yes. It’ll be helpful if you can at least show up with me on public occasions as the empress. Other than that, you’re free to do as you please.」

(I can live in this country without any obligations… isn’t that just the best!?)

Perhaps they know that I can’t use magic, which would explain why I don’t need to do my duty as a saint.

「Because the populace really yearns for the ‘’existence of the saint’’.

「…I see.」

The sheer existence of a saint is enough as emotional support to the people.

The Reavis Empire has historically produced a large number of outstanding saints. This is why the lack of a saint in the nation makes the populace feel uneasy.

(But in truth, I’m sure they were so angry that they wanted to kick me out right now.)

They definitely knew that a kingdom that would send Hollow Saints like Tiana was looking down at the empire.

Yet the situation was so dire that they couldn’t afford to be offended and had to welcome a helpless saint as an important being. I felt my chest tighten once more.

Until things in my nation settle down, please consider our relationship to be a contractual marriage. You will no longer be my wife other than in name after this ends, and I guarantee you no hardships for the rest of your life.」

「Huh!?」

「Naturally, I won’t touch you. Please rest assured.」

In other words, we’re going to have a white marriage.

And on top of that, he’ll guarantee me a good life and eventually set me free. It sounded too good to be true.

「I’ll do my best to make your stay in the royal castle as satisfying as can be, so…」

「T-Thank you, very much…?」

The offer was so convenient for me that I started to suspect that something was off.

However, they should expect nothing from the 」incompetent Tiana Everett’

(Anyway, I found no reason to decline this offer. I mean, I was extremely busy in my previous life, and was abused in this life!)

Being able to live with no fear of violence, or harmful comments, or cold tasteless food was enough for the current me

(Be it with that contract marriage or whatever it is, I’ll live my life to the fullest!)

I was starting to fantasize about the possibility of sleeping on a soft, fluffy bed, but then I noticed that Marielle was in deep thought.

「I apologize for my impertinence. Saint Tiana is actually…」

「Marielle, may I have another cup of tea?」

「…I understand.」

She was very much interested in dispelling their notion that I was totally incapable of doing using magic

However, it only took a simple exchange for her to realize that I wanted her to be silent. She was quite quick-witted in that regard.

I’m sure it will soon come to light since the knights also saw it, but it was easier for me to have them see me as incompetent for now.

(I can move freely that way. I want to investigate this country on my own terms.)

With that in mind, I grin and look Felix in the eyes.

「I understand. I’ll do everything as you say.」

「Thank you very much.」

I do cherish my home country, the Empire. Even though I am only an empress and a saint by name, I was planning to do something to break the “empire’s curse” in my own way.

(And then I will be completely free, Felix will be able to find a new empress, and everyone will be happy!)

I want Felix to find a wonderful partner he truly loves, rather than this kind of unwanted marriage.

「Else, have you ever been in love with someone?」

「How do you feel about marriage?」

「When do you want to get married? What age group of males do you like?」

(We often talked about romance and marriage in the past. I’m sure he yearns for a loving marriage more than anybody else.)

While having those thoughts, I noticed that Felix was staring at me this time.

「Is there something wrong?」

「…No, I just thought you have a very unique eye color.」

Except for “Tiana” and “Else”, having these unique rose-pink eyes that change color depending on the light is unheard of.

「I know another person who has the same color.」

「Oh, so that’s how it is!」

Perhaps Felix is thinking of Else? The thought warms my chest.

Just remembering me once every few years is enough.

(Even if I tell him that I have my memories as Else, it would only confuse Felix on how he should treat me.)

Above all, I no longer have Else’s power.

Coming up as his previous master without much power will be a condescending move on my part. It’s best to keep it hidden.

「…Hm?」

The moment I made up my mind, I noticed something glinting in the sunlight at the edge of my field of vision and casually moved my focus to it.

And what I saw was an item that was ostentatiously decorated, but it made me scowl for a completely opposite reason.

(Wait a minute. That tattered wand seems eerily familiar… Isn’t it the same wand I used as Else?)