The more I prayed, the brighter the golden light enveloping my body became. Sighs of admiration rose from the crowd—the light dwelled not only in me but in the bodies of all present. Each person shone like a star, turning the square into a scene from a mystical fairy realm.
Even with my eyes closed, I could clearly envision the sight.
After several minutes of prayer, I slowly opened my eyes. It’s been a little while, but...yes, I think that went well!
I felt slightly dizzy as I descended from the altar.
From the opposite entrance, Lady Europa approached. She wore ceremonial robes similar in design to mine and looked absolutely stunning—but after she removed her veil like I had, I could see her cheeks were wet and her shoulders were trembling.
I couldn’t help but speak to her. “Lady Europa, are you crying?”
“Yes,” she replied. “Prince Oz said I couldn’t come out wearing muddy robes and told me to make do with your old robes. Ah, my heart can’t take it...”
Another wise call by Prince Oz.
“Not only that, my most beloved is retiring tonight,” she said, still weeping.
My eyes widened.
“I’d selfishly hoped such a day would never come. Surely others had as well. But...”
I pulled Lady Europa into a tight embrace.
“Saint Evelyn...?!”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t meet your expectations,” I told her. “And I’m sorry to push such a difficult role on you.”
She froze for a moment, then let out a soft laugh. Playfully, she said, “Oh, Saint Evelyn, I told you before. Following in my idol’s footsteps is the ultimate honor.”
Perhaps she was trying to reassure me. I could feel how much she cared about me.
Though she’s really, really weird...
We’d only just met recently, but that much was completely obvious.
Actually, I was getting worried. Lady Europa was the kind of girl who delighted in having my bog mud on her clothes. Was it really okay for me to hug her like this? Was my chastity at risk?
“Sorry to bring it up, but...you’re not going to go crazy again, right?” I asked nervously.
Lady Europa pouted. “How rude! My love for you is very rational.”
It... It is?! That was somehow even scarier.
Despite my fear, she continued, “I shall treasure the fact you took me into your arms in front of everyone. I have my happily ever after.”
“Could you maybe not phrase it as ‘taking you into my arms’?”
“I shall treasure the fact we became one in the eyes of the public...”
Letting my guard down simply wouldn’t do. I silently pulled away, despite the noticeable displeasure in her face as she clicked her tongue.
But she soon grew serious, remembering her duty.
After making sure she was serious serious, I handed the staff—the proof of sainthood—to her. She took it with a smile and held it up toward the people, who cheered effusively.
“I shall do my very beeest. I shall work as hard as I possibly caaan. Hip hip hooraaay.”
That delivery could not have been any flatter!
As I worried about her perfunctory response, I looked at the front seats. Lord Theodore and Kira were both there, lips slightly upturned. When I smiled back, Lord Theodore mouthed something, and I tried to read his lips.
Let’s see... What’s he saying...?
Perhaps trying to be very clear, Lord Theodore was opening his mouth wide, the movements slow and deliberate. It was very easy to understand.
You’ve—done—a—great—job.
At that moment, far more tears than I’d expected began to run down my cheeks. I quickly hid my face with the veil again—tears didn’t suit such a joyous occasion, after all.
Amid the endless, thunderous applause, I felt the burden of twenty-three years finally lift from my shoulders.