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I was once a hollow saint – chapter 8

Why’s that displayed in this kind of place? I’ve never heard of a culture where prior saints’ wands must be exhibited in the emperor’s study… especially right next to his desk.

(Besides, I was beaten up quite a bit before I died, so the wand isn’t in great shape…)

I don’t know why it was on display, but the wand used to be a dear friend of mine. Thank goodness it didn’t snap. Being able to see it again makes me very happy.

「That wand is…?」

「It was used by the previous Great Saint whom I respect. I don’t know anyone who is as brave, gorgeous, and great as she is.」

Felix’s surprising remarks are conveyed with such sincerely that tears welled up in my eyes.

(I can’t believe he saw me that way… What a shame! There’s no way I can face him as Else with my current body that has barely any of my previous power.)

The strong desire to remain a great teacher for my cute disciple made me take a vow on myself, which was to take this secret with me to the grave.

「I want the citizens, including the servants, to recognize that the emperor and his wife are on amicable terms, and that you are the saint who will save our kingdom. Could you give me your promise?」

「Yes, of course.」

After that, we make various arrangements, such as eating breakfast together every day whenever the situation permits and sharing only the entry to the bedroom before using teleportation magic to move to each other’s room.

We also decided on exactly when we would see each other. Seems like he plans to have minimal contact with me.

(But I want to at least be friends with Felix…)

I’ve just met him again after all these years. I like Felix a lot, I know all of his positive qualities, and I still consider him to be my important younger brother even with the age gap between us.

That’s why I want to build a good relationship with him as “Tiana” in my current life.

「The wedding is set to take place in a month. Preparations have already begun. All What’s left to do is to tailor your outfits as quickly as possible.」

「I understand.」

(Though it’s only a formality, the idea of marrying Felix is making me restless. It feels weird.)

It can’t be helped since our status is completely different now, but speaking politely to Felix also felt wrong.

After receiving various explanations and exchanging contracts, I was shown about the castle

…….

I returned to my designated room after eating my first meal in the empire.

「…Being this full is just making me happy.」

By the way, this room was used by the previous empress, and I have visited it many times as the Great Saint. As a result, no matter what I do, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m intruding into someone else’s space.

Still, the exhaustion got to me and I sank into the large bed without hesitation.

(It’s fluffy, clean, and smells nice… It feels like bliss.)

The environment in Fallon Temple where I originally lived was so terrible that I couldn’t help myself from being easily moved by such a normal thing.

(I also screwed up a while ago as a result of this…)

Right. I messed up during dinner with Felix by sobbing in the middle of the meal.

Thinking back on it made me so embarrassed that I wanted to bury my face in my hands.

「…Why.., I’m sorry…」

Big grains of tears suddenly poured out of my eyes. Even Felix was taken aback at my sudden outburst.

Deep down, being able to eat warm, delicious, and nostalgic hometown food.. plus the fact that I wasn’t eating alone, but with Felix, and Felix above all else, may have left me more emotional than I thought.

(Tiana’s emotions up until now are still very strong.)

「Are you alright?」

「Yes. I was moved because it was so delicious.」

……

I wiped my tears in a hurry and offered him a smile. After that, I asked Felix many questions in an attempt to lighten the mood

「If you don’t mind, may I call you Felix?」

「Of course. We’re a married couple.」

「Then please call me Tiana.」

「I understand. I will call you that.」

「Felix, how do you usually spend your days off?」

「I often go hunting and long-distance riding.」

「What kinds of books do you read?」

「Most of them are related to magic.」

I took advantage of the need to show our harmonious relationship in front of the servants, and Felix answered my questions with a kind smile.

All the servants around us were staring at us with happy expressions on their faces… except for Felix’s aide.

(He used to be terrified of small rabbits and cried out of fear just by riding a horse, but now his hobby is hunting and long-distance riding…? Fufu!)

I’m sure Felix also saw me as a rather chatty woman. But I wanted to know what he was up to these days.

(It’s great that he seems to be living as he likes. Felix didn’t have much freedom back then…)

「I’m really happy Tiana-sama came here!」

「You make me feel very relieved. Thank you very much.」

And all the people I met in the castle looked very happy and comforted every time they saw me, the saint.

This country really has a strong faith in saints, and the absence of saints for many years must have thrown a heavy shadow over the people’s hearts.

(I hope I can live up to their expectations, even if just a little.)

「Good night, Felix.」

「Yes. See you tomorrow.」

By the way, Felix didn’t spare me a glance once we entered the shared part of the room.

(I guess that’s only natural. I’m sure he would rather welcome a talented saint who can use healing magic and purification with ease.)

I know that, but it still makes me feel a little lonely and frustrated.

「…Little Felix used to be so cute.」

I closed my eyes, and the memories of those days came back vividly.

◇◇◇

──It happened one night, two years after I was elected Great Saint of the Reavis Empire.

I was twenty years old at the time. I was resting in my room after I was done with work when an unfamiliar woman who seemed to be a maid entered my room with her face blazing red.

「Great Saint-sama, please save me… I don’t care what happens to my life, so please…!」

「I won’t take your life, it’ll be okay. I’ll do what I can, so first calm down.」

She was so upset that I realized it was an emergency.

I calmed her down and asked her about it. She told me that she was the third prince’s maid.

(As for the third prince, he has been staying in a separate palace since his birth, so I have never met him.)

I’d only heard rumors that he was recovering due to his frail body. He would never appear in public, unlike the first and second princes, who were always by the emperor’s side.

「He’s suffering so much, at this rate… he’ll…」

The maid couldn’t say much owing to her anxiety, but it was evident that the prince was severely ill and injured.

「I understand. In any case, guide me to His Highness immediately.」

I snatched the stole hanging from the chair, hid my face to avoid the public eye, and dashed to the separate palace with the maid.