The Saint is Not My Sister, The Real Saint is Me - Episode 25

“—Excuse me for interrupting your conversation.”

In the middle of our conversation, a maid serving the Ainakura Ducal House bowed her head and addressed us.

“Lady Yuna, a letter and a gift have arrived from Lord Luki, the son of Marquis Shainakru.”

Ugh, again…? Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

“Return them as always.”

“The letter as well?”

“Yes. It’s always the same thing anyway.”

“Understood.”

Hearing my response, the highly competent maid of the Ainakura Ducal House took the letter and the gift away without opening them.

“Well, at least it’s clear that Luki is after you, Yuna.”

“It’s seriously a nuisance, though.”

Ever since the incident in Melt, Lord Luki has been sending me letters and gifts regularly. To be honest, it’s a huge inconvenience.

Perhaps because he still acknowledges that I am already married, his invitations aren’t direct date requests. Instead, he sends absurd invitations under the guise of apologizing for his past rudeness—things like wanting to treat me to a meal, give me gifts, or attend a banquet together.

I have already replied with, “I have no intention of going out with a former fiancé whom I have broken ties with. I don’t even want to see your face. We are not on terms where I would accept gifts, so please stop sending them. You are a nuisance.”

And yet, the letters and gifts still arrive.

At this point, it’s downright terrifying. Seriously, this persistence is ridiculous!

To so easily flip his attitude toward someone he used to treat so coldly—I can only feel disgust.

“…Yuna, you really don’t like Luki, do you?”

“That’s right. I absolutely hate him.”

Why would he even ask that? Have I ever shown even a shred of friendliness toward Lord Luki?

In the past, I made an effort to maintain a good relationship with him, thinking of him as my chosen fiancé. But looking back now, I realize it was a complete waste of time.

“Then that’s good.”

Then that’s good?

What does that mean?

Does that mean he’s interested in who I do like…?

No, I can’t overthink this. Could it be that Lord Rein has even the slightest interest in me? No, that’s impossible. Just a baseless fantasy.

“Yuna, have you heard about the Banquet to Celebrate the Saint of the Finable Empire?”

“Yes, His Majesty told me about it.”

The Banquet to Celebrate the Saint of the Finable Empire—

In other words, a royal banquet held in my honor.

I told them there was no need for such an event, but they insisted that it was a tradition whenever a Saint appeared throughout history.

“His Majesty did say that I don’t have to attend if I don’t want to, but… he has done a lot for me, so I decided to attend as the Saint of the Finable Empire.”

Considering that I dislike standing out, he even offered to host the event without my presence, asking only for my name to be used.

I do dislike being the center of attention… but I can’t bring myself to refuse when the royal family is hosting a banquet just for me.

“I see. Then… would it be alright if I serve as your partner?”

For unmarried nobles, social gatherings are often places to seek out potential partners. However, those who are married or have a predetermined partner attend with their companion to indicate their taken status.

Lord Rein as my partner…? That’s too much…!

Wouldn’t I just be a hindrance to him?

Someone of Lord Rein’s caliber must have many people who would want to accompany him. I doubt I’m even remotely suitable. Besides, someone like him probably already has a partner or two.

“L-Lord Rein, are you sure about having me as your partner? What about a fiancée or—”

“I don’t have one.”

“Aren’t I taking away an opportunity for you to meet someone?”

“It’s fine. I have no need for new encounters.”

W-What does that mean…?

“I think you should have a partner, Yuna. There’s a high chance that Luki will keep pestering you.”

“Ah…”

A royal banquet means that all nobles will be invited—including Lord Luki, the son of Marquis Shainakru.

If he were to harass me in such a public setting, it would be a nightmare.

“…Would it be alright for me to take you up on your offer?”

“Of course.”

Then… maybe I should accept his kindness.

If I attend with Lord Rein, Luki will probably keep his distance. It feels safer.

“Then… um, please take care of me, Lord Rein.”

“The pleasure is mine.”