He had indeed looked after her these past ten years despite his royal status. Even after he became the crown prince, Linus remained the same kind person who didn’t treat her any differently. Knowing how she felt then, he had stepped in with his supplementary explanation to the village headman. Her head drooped despondently without her volition when she realized how much more trouble she’d caused him.
Instantly, Linus moved to sit by her side and stroked her hair.
“Right now, I’m the Saint of Cost Performance.”
“You are.”
“I only wanted to reduce the burden on the clergy because I was so fed up with His Majesty’s unreasonable request. Thus, I decided to become the saint myself.”
“You did.”
His hand remained gentle even as he commented to let her know he was listening to her. His understanding and lack of judgment gave her the push she needed to keep talking.
“I chose this path because of the things I wanted to protect, so I don’t regret it. But. But even though I’m not a real saint…hearing others thank an imposter like me…makes me feel ashamed.”
She knew she shouldn’t be telling Linus any of this in the first place. If she was going to complain, she never should have declared herself a saint. What’s more, making the crown prince listen to her whining was strange, too.
Yet under the gentle gaze watching over her, the gloomy feelings in her heart escaped through her lips. The fact that she had only taken his kindness this last decade without giving anything in return was another source of guilt for Fiona.
“Charles and I were the ones who advised the king to accept you as the saint, Fiona. You have nothing to worry about.”
Then his hand rubbing the top of her head stopped when Linus peered into her face.
“On top of that, you’re working just like I’d imagine a real Saint of Cost Performance would. Budget management isn’t even part of your real job, but here you are, learning the ropes by consulting with experts and reference materials. I know the definition of a saint depends on each country, but if one definition is a being of pure heart who does everything she can for the sake of others…then you’re unmistakably a saint, Fiona.”
“Even if I eliminated the budget for replacement wigs?”
For some reason, she felt restless under his fierce indigo stare, so her eyes slid away from his. Even so, she sensed Linus’ smile.
“Even then. At least for me, you are unquestionably a saint.”
Unable to resist his powerful words, she faced him again. And just as she expected…he wore a smile even more gentle than she imagined.
Linus was always like this, nestling close as he listened to her woes. However, she couldn’t allow herself to be spoiled forever by an individual who carried the weight of an entire country on his shoulders.
At the moment, the only way she could return the favor to him and her father was to fulfill her role as a saint. A thought suddenly struck her then.
“The world would still be at peace even without a saint, yes?”
“That’s right. I don’t think we need to go out of our way to worship one.”
No saint had appeared in this country since the failed summoning ten years ago. Yet no terrible disasters or wars had occurred and everyone lived quiet lives. Of course, it would be wonderful if a saint’s power gave them bountiful harvests and catches. But even without a saint, their people hadn’t suffered.
“You know, Fiona…if it’s too much, you’re more than welcome to quit this farce.”
Though his tone was light, his eyes were serious. If she said, “I want to stop,” she knew Linus would accept without question. And that was exactly why she shook her head.
“No. I started this, so I’ll finish it.”
No matter the advantages of her choice or having the crown prince as an ally, the reality was that she was deceiving the king. So, for the sake of the people she dragged into her scheme, she wanted to fulfill her obligations properly.
Linus’ intent expression softened. The change felt like snow melting in spring, and watching it happen next to him was a truly beautiful sight.
“Good. That’s the Fiona I love. But I repeat, don’t overdo it.”
“Your Highness, you’re too kind and keep trying to pamper me. This can’t continue.”
“Why? I’m only telling you the truth.”
And with that, he started stroking her hair once more.
“We hardly saw each other these past few years, right?” he said.
“Indeed. I was told you were busy preparing to become the crown prince.”
Linus was the second prince of the Gene royal family. Originally, his older brother, with whom he was quite far apart in age, had been the heir to the throne. But not too long ago, Linus officially became the crown prince.
Even Fiona had heard the unsavory rumors about his brother, but in truth, she didn’t know exactly why Linus had been chosen as the next in line instead. He might tell her if she asked. Except he was a royal. And not just any royal, but the future king.
Besides, she genuinely admired him for his resolve to take on a position with such responsibility. It would be too crass for an ordinary person like her to ask him something to satisfy her curiosity.
“Well, I won’t deny I faced my fair share of challenges. But it was all worth it for my dearest wish, one I’ve had for many, long years.”
How unexpected. Fiona had assumed that the king or perhaps Linus himself had made this decision because his problematic brother couldn’t be trusted with the fate of the country. So, it surprised her to learn that he had actually wanted to become the crown prince. For reasons of his own, no less.
“At long last, I’m finally the heir to the throne. You also turned twenty and made your debut in public as a saint. I think it’s high time I graduate from the role of older brother, hm?”
His words made sense to her. After all, he was in an exalted position as the crown prince. He must also be incredibly busy with his duties. Plus, Fiona herself was an adult now, too. She couldn’t continue being a child, needing to be taken care of like she had been until now.
“I will do everything I can. To repay the kindness I’ve received.”
When she looked into his indigo eyes and made her determination clear, for some mysterious reason, he laughed, though it really sounded a bit like a groan.
“I knew it. You and I are definitely not on the same page, Fiona… But it’s fine. Slow and steady wins the race, hm?”
Then he glided a hand down her hair, picked up a lock, and softly pressed his lips to it.