Time-Limited Saintess, You’ve Been Caught by the Tyrant Once Again - Chapter 31

Chapter 16.1

‘…Erich.’

Ellin was left speechless, overwhelmed by shock. He didn’t believe her. Of course, she was acutely aware of how suspicious she must appear to others.

Still…

“It’s really difficult for me to say these words, but it’s an unavoidable decision for the sake of the temple’s integrity. This is also my first time dealing with such a situation…”

Liliana’s troubled expression contradicted the satisfaction evident on her face.

Nevertheless, Ellin’s gaze remained fixed on Erich. It felt as if the very foundation of trust she had placed in him seemed to crumble before her eyes. Was it because the book he had given her held a special significance to him?

Or had his faith in her always been shallow from the beginning?

Ah.

Despite her unwavering loyalty, he did not deem her worthy of that ‘worthy trust.’ Ellin, who wasn’t Elena, who was always referred to as kind and virtuous, could’ve been easily discarded by Erich at any given moment. If only he had treated Elena and a commoner girl, Ellin, differently from the beginning as Maynard did, she wouldn’t have felt this way.

To be protected as she was, yet not believed in… it wounded her heart deeply.

A sense of betrayal etched across Ellin’s face as it hardened with a cold resolve.

‘Perhaps, this might not be so bad after all.’

She fought to suppress her emotions. Even throughout the tragedies of Arkan’s death, Maynard’s death, and even the looming threat of her own demise, she managed to maintain her composure.

‘Don’t show your emotions. This is actually for the best.’

Ellin exerted herself to find solace within.

Perhaps it was preferable to avoid the anguish of encountering familiar faces within the temple.

“Ellin, you’re no longer an Angelia.”

Ellin listened to Lilliana’s voice absentmindedly. She believed that Erich would take care of the fake saint on his own.

“Why don’t you kneel down to the Saint?”

“Ugh!”

Uttering those words, one of the Angelians forcefully seized Ellin by her hair.

Caught off guard by the sudden act of violence, Ellin was propelled forward and forced onto her knees. As she raised her gaze towards Erich, the stark contrast between them became strikingly evident, highlighting the inherent difference that existed between them. This distinction had always been there—the commoner who must perpetually kneel and the esteemed high priest who stood tall.

“How dare you raise your head to the High Priest. Do you think you, who is no longer an Angelia, could do that?”

Her cheeks turned with a snap.

Did she get hit? She couldn’t even feel it.

Then, more hands flew at her, and she lost her balance. Everyone had an expression of indifference as she felt a sense of disdain.

“You shameless thief!”

As she fell, she could see Lilliana finally trying to stop them, and Erich, who was looking down at her with a cold expression.

It wasn’t just Erich.

The priests standing alongside Erich were all familiar faces she knew. They were individuals who had faithfully served Elena and offered their unwavering support. Similarly, the paladins accompanying Liliana were loyal protectors who had always been by her side. They spoke of their noble convictions and pledged eternal guardianship.

‘…Where am I? Is this the temple that loved me?’

She didn’t do anything. She truly didn’t do anything… so why wouldn’t anyone believe her?

Ellin knew the answer. It was because she wasn’t the Saint… because she didn’t live as ‘Elena.’ At that moment, it made her wonder how shallow the depth of the cherished bond she had shared with them in her previous life was.

She fought back the urge to cry, swallowing her tears.

As the voices of the Angelians criticizing her reached her ears, she silently endured. Though it was only a few slaps on her cheek, it felt as though her entire body was being struck. Their indifference and lack of trust gnawed away at her heart.

Eventually, Erich turned around and walked away.

He didn’t look at her until the end.

As she gazed at his retreating figure, her mind became consumed with thoughts. It was only now that she understood the consequences of her foolish choice. Ellin realized that the tender affection they had once shared was no longer necessary. With her decision, she had ceased to be the saint, and as someone who wasn’t the saint, she became a despicable existence in their eyes.

Why had she even come here if she wasn’t the saint? Even though she came because she was concerned about the fake saint, she knew she wasn’t needed by them.

Summoning her strength, she pushed herself up.

She resolutely swallowed her tears, determined not to reveal her sorrow to them.

“I understand. Since I’m being questioned like this, there’s no need for me to stay here and suffer disgrace.”

“Did you have any honor to protect?”

Everyone laughed at Esther’s words.

Now, their insults didn’t even hurt her.

The moment when she turned around and was about to leave, a priest hurriedly ran to Liliana’s side.

“Saint, it’s urgent.”

“What’s the matter?”

“His Majesty, you expressed a desire to have dinner with the Saint.”

“A dinner? All of a sudden?”

“Yes, with all the Angelias.”

“Why all of a sudden…”

“His Majesty says that he never had a chance to talk to the Saint separately, and he would like you to stay at the palace for a day, enjoy the sights, and have a conversation with you.:

Visiting the palace for sightseeing?

A bright smile illuminated Liliana’s face. Despite her noble status, she had never had the opportunity to visit the exquisite Nicaea imperial palace due to her limited influence and authority. So without hesitation, she responded with enthusiasm.

“Okay, I’ll go.”

Besides, the Emperor hated the temple… wouldn’t it be better if she had a better relationship with him?

“Thank you, Saint. By the way, His Majesty has asked to also bring Angelia, the commoner who sang the other day.”

Liliana’s face contorted at those words.

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