A chilling silence. When the priests couldn’t say anything, Eric aggressively pressed as if he had been waiting.

“No matter how much I think about it, it’s just beyond my understanding.”

“Stop, Eric.”

“Yes, my lady.”

As Eric, who had been jumping around like a madman, suddenly became quiet, the priests began to look at me with eyes mixed with awe and reverence.

“But Eric’s words make sense too. Even if it was a mistake once, it can’t be considered a mistake anymore. Especially when it comes to the saint of a country.”

Gulp, Archbishop Simon swallowed his saliva.

“I, too, as the Duchess of Blancart, cannot simply understand and overlook.”

“Yes, I understand as well. If the Duchess desires compensation…”

The topic of compensation came out of Simon the Archbishop’s mouth, who looked like an official in charge. I widened my eyes in surprise.

‘It won’t end so easily with compensation.’

“I’m not talking about expecting compensation.”

It’s not the time to misunderstand that the situation is turning in my favor.

“There’s no fault on the part of the priests. Moreover, I was able to wake up thanks to the priests who treated me.”

At the unexpected words, Simon the Archbishop’s face brightened.

“Then, will you let this matter pass…”

“Yes. I can’t trouble those who treated me so kindly.”

Strictly speaking, the saint didn’t commit a major mistake. In a situation without evidence or witnesses, it’s difficult to make an issue.

‘Even if this incident becomes public, it will only be a disadvantage for me.’

If we specifically list the saint’s sins, she just acted as if she were on friendly terms with Johan in front of me.

It would be perfect if I could be misunderstood as vomiting blood due to the suspicious situation, but there’s no evidence. Later, the priests would try to defend Stella, the saint.

‘Maybe I’ll become the strange and sensitive woman.’

Perhaps I could become the crazy woman who caused a fuss by mistakenly calling her husband’s name and vomiting blood. The saint would wait for my forgiveness, asking to protect her image.

So, in the most advantageous situation for me right now, I have to get what I can.

“Let’s peacefully pass this incident by at the temple. It’s better to let it go, huk…”

I forced my eyes open, tearing up from one eye. Simon the Archbishop looked shocked.

“D-Duchess?!”

“If you’re feeling really tired right now, we can do more healing—”

I deliberately lowered my head as if I was sad. The priests looked at me with tense faces.

“I’m sorry. It seems my heart is still aching.”

“…”

“But my will remains unchanged. Let’s overlook it as an accidental illness of mine.”

I looked at each priest’s face and smiled beautifully. Simon the Archbishop muttered in a voice that couldn’t believe it.

“Is it really okay for you to do that? If the story spreads, the image of the Duchess could be tarnished…”
“I’m fine. I’m used to people spreading rumors about me. Besides, all the priests here are dedicating themselves for the Empire under the call of God.”

Suddenly praised, the priests raised the corners of their mouths awkwardly.

“I don’t want to burden those who are already going through difficulties for such people.”

“Oh, Atea, the goddess…”

Some priests who found it hard to hold back their overwhelming emotions even silently called on the name of God.

Simon the Archbishop asked with surprised eyes.

“But as a priest serving Atea, it goes against decency not to apologize or compensate for the injuries suffered by the Duchess.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. So, if you have any small requests, please let us know.”

“Exactly.”

I was waiting for that!

“Someday, please grant me one request. That’s all I need.”

One request.

It may seem like nothing, or it may be a significant condition. However, Simon, who was carried away by the atmosphere, asked with worried eyes.

“Would that be enough for you? As an Archbishop, there isn’t much I can do in my name.”

“Yes, Duchess. Even though it’s for our sake, it’s more important to consider the safety of the Duchess a bit more.”

Still, it seemed that the priests were worried about me.

‘Maybe this is why I was more swayed by Stella?’

But contrary to their thoughts, this was the most needed thing for me right now.

‘As there might be more issues with Stella in the future, I need allies within the temple.’

I smiled innocently with no ulterior motive.

“How can I pursue my interests with the priests? This is enough for me.”

Some priests were moved and shed tears.

“How did the saint get into such a misunderstanding with someone like this…”

“The Duchess of Blancart mentioned in rumors turns out to be the possessor of such excellent character.”

After a moment of silence, Simon the Archbishop nodded his head as he observed me.

“Understood. I promise in the name of the goddess Atea.”

Other priests also nodded their heads, seemingly thinking that it wouldn’t be too burdensome to ask for a big favor from me in my current state.

‘No way!’

Usefully use me to figure out the identity of the saint.