The Saint is Not My Sister, The Real Saint is Me - Episode 10

“It’s unfortunate, but for Yuna’s  younger sister, dirt-covered vegetables are not a worthy price for a miracle.”

A citizen who tried to hand over vegetables was rudely rejected with, “I don’t need such dirty things.”

But doesn’t Emil eat vegetables normally? Why would she say something so rude?

“It’s like the resentment people have been suppressing is now surfacing since they no longer need to endure her because another saint has appeared.”

“I didn’t know Emil had such a bad reputation.”

She was well-liked in the Kotokoris territory, though.

“Kotokoris’ people have received great blessings from her, and they’ve also known her since childhood. They know how to interact with her, say what she wants to hear, and treat her the way she wants to be treated.”

To avoid upsetting Emil, the entire population played along, ensuring she stayed in a good mood.

“How pitiful.”

That was all I could think.

If Emil spoke ill of me, people would just agree with her and declare me the villain.

Even though Emil was a fake saint, everyone worshipped her and treated the real saint like an outcast. As a result, the real saint no longer held any love for Kotokoris.

Congratulations.

“Oh, by the way, His Majesty has mentioned wanting to thank you personally. When would be a good time?”

“…Do I get to decide that? I’m fine with whenever His Majesty is available.”

I mean, I’m not doing anything right now. I’m just enjoying my freedom. Basically, I’m unemployed.

“His Majesty said he would adjust to your schedule.”

“Why!?”

“Because your freedom has already been taken away during your time as a saint. The least we can do is—”

“Please just do things normally! I’ll match His Majesty’s schedule!”

Having the emperor go out of his way to accommodate me would be too stressful!

“Haha… You really are just Yuna, aren’t you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh? Just thinking that if you had been the saint from the beginning… I wouldn’t have rejected the engagement.”

“Wh-what are you saying!?”

“His Majesty happens to be free today. Let’s go to the imperial palace now.”

Rein-sama smoothly moved on to the next topic as if he hadn’t just said something completely shocking.

What was that?! How could he say something so confusing and then just act like nothing happened?!

“Yuna, since we’re heading out, why don’t we walk through the city square? There’s a harvest festival happening today.”

“A harvest festival? That sounds great! Let’s go!”

The words alone were exciting.

There would definitely be delicious food made with fresh vegetables and fruits!

Even though Rein-sama had just left me flustered, the allure of the festival quickly wiped that away.

“Then let’s be on our way. Finable Empire’s Saint, Lady Yuna.”

That title still didn’t feel right.

Before I knew it, many people had started calling me that. Since they said it out of kindness, I accepted it, but honestly, it felt embarrassing.

Unlike Emil, I hated standing out. I wanted to live quietly, unnoticed.

That was what I thought, but—

“Finable Empire’s Saint’s Harvest Festival! Thank you for coming, Lady Yuna!”

I stood frozen in front of a massive arch at the entrance to the festival, with those words written across it in bold letters.

I… I’m standing out way too much.

“Oh! The Saint is here!”

As soon as they saw me, a crowd of people rushed over.

“Saint, this is a dish we created for the harvest festival! Please try it!”

“Saint, we made a flower crown from the flowers that grew thanks to your blessings! Please take it!”

“Saint, thank you for healing me along with Lord Rein! Please, accept these fresh vegetables as a token of gratitude!”

“Ah, thank you so much.”

Before I knew it, my arms were filled with food, flowers, and vegetables.

“You’re quite popular, Yuna.”

“T-that’s not…”

I couldn’t say it wasn’t true.

The affection they showed me was overwhelming, but also heartwarming.

So many smiles, so many words of gratitude.

Back when I lived in my sister’s shadow, I never had anything like this.

…It makes me happy…

I let myself savor the joy.

“Hey! What’s all this commotion?!”

A loud, angry voice shattered the festival’s cheerful atmosphere.

A man stomped into the square, kicking the arch that bore my title.

Ah… I recognize that voice.

I didn’t want to, but it was all too familiar.

It was the voice of someone I had once called family.

Reluctantly, I turned toward him.

“Father.”

Sigh. I really hoped I’d never have to see him again.

But since we’re here, I suppose I’ll listen to what he has to say.

For old times’ sake.