Back then, she didn’t attend either part of the event and stayed only in the temple.

‘But he came to the temple, worried about me.’

This year, it was likely they would meet at the orphanage, not the temple.

When leaving the temple, she had no intention of returning, so she didn’t bring any formal attire.

However, the temple sent her formal clothes to wear for the charity event.

Angela helped her dress, despite her displeasure with the situation.

“Clothes are just a facade. Look at this plain attire; how can it be of any help? The clothes should be grateful to have you in them.”

“You know well that those in the temple should embrace modesty as a virtue. How can a priest wear lavish clothes?”

“But you are not just any priest, you are a saint!”

Angela grumbled quietly.

“I bet Saint Annetta will be dressed extravagantly.”

“She has her way, and I have mine. That’s enough, Angela.”

Hestia laughed helplessly and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

Her complexion was paler than the day she returned, and her lips had lost color.

‘Not bad, but not exactly in good condition either.’

Since she needed to conceal her terminal condition, she decided it was better to apply heavier makeup.

“Angela, can you make my lips a bit redder?”

“Oh, what’s the occasion?”

Surprised but pleased, Angela giggled as she carefully applied lipstick.

“Did you find out about what I asked?”

“About Sir Stefan Chelletto?”

Angela nodded and began sharing the information she gathered.

“He’s a noble from the provinces, not from the central aristocracy. His family is known for being devout believers.”

“Really?”

A few generations back, they even produced a high priest.

“But that was it. Occasionally, children born with divine powers in their family had mediocre abilities. No one has risen above a low-ranking priest since the high priest.”

Hestia nodded, showing interest.

“The family’s fortunes dwindled over time. Now, they’re just a fallen noble family in name.”

Hestia was curious.

“How do you know so much about this, and so quickly?”

Angela chuckled dismissively.

“I told you, he’s famous. Nowadays, in social circles, if you don’t know him, you’re considered a spy.”

“Is that so?”

As Angela laughed, she began to unravel the information she had gathered.

“He appears at parties, always catching wind of where they’re held. He never misses one.”

He loves parties.

“And with his good looks and charm, what more is there to say?”

Hestia nodded, recalling Stefan Chelletto from her past life.

Honey-blonde hair mixed with sugar, green eyes, slightly droopy eyelids, and wavy hair.

His always seemed to gently smile whenever their eyes met.

‘A man like a gentle spring breeze.’

That was Hestia’s memory of Stefan Chelletto.
He was kind and gentle, but also frivolous – in his speech, his hands, his gestures.

A man completely opposite to Aslan Kalati.

Hestia caught herself unconsciously comparing the two and tensed up.

‘Why am I comparing him to that man?’

She furrowed her brows and clenched her lips.

It felt like all her standards were set by Aslan, perhaps because he was the only man she ever really knew.

As she pondered this, Angela continued speaking.

“But he doesn’t seem to fit in well. It’s hard to explain… You know, those people who kind of float on the fringes?”

“……Hmm.”

Hestia responded noncommittally.

Angela went on.

“Sir Stefan Chelletto is said to be one of those people.”

Not being a family rooted in the capital, it seemed difficult for him to blend into the mainstream.

“Ladies find Sir Chelletto pleasant and gentlemanly, but men seem to think differently.”

Indeed, to blend in with the men, one usually needs to have grown up together or shared experiences in a knightly order, fostering a strong bond.

Or, there must be some business merit or an aspect worthy of respect.

“It’s usual for the eldest son to inherit in noble families. Since Sir Stefan is a younger son, he seems to struggle to fit in with the groups of gentlemen.”

According to Angela, in the Chelletto family, the younger or third sons often have divine power and typically enter the temple to serve as priests in local branches.

“But Sir Stefan doesn’t seem to have enough divine power to be a priest. He’s knighted, but his skills are just average…”

“That so…”

Hestia trailed off, nodding reflexively.

Then, a sudden curiosity struck her.

“How did such a person manage to come up to the capital?”

If the family was that powerless, they couldn’t be financially strong. Wealthy families usually have businesses or mines, naturally establishing their place in society.

In Elsword’s noble families, younger sons typically take up knighthood or priesthood, signifying the family couldn’t support them otherwise.

‘Of course, many choose these paths for honor.’

But from Angela’s description, it seemed the Chelletto family couldn’t afford such luxuries.

So, it would be hard for them to come to the capital, let alone stay for a long time.

Hestia didn’t recall Stefan practicing swordsmanship in her past life, and he seemed focused only on social activities.

Even as her proxy fiancé, he roamed social parties, according to rumors. Back then, she wasn’t paying much attention, but she remembered Angela exclaiming, “Sir Chelletto is selling you out! You should give him a piece of your mind!” a few times.

If that was anything to go by, Stefan likely used Hestia’s condition as a conversation starter in society to establish himself.

“Does he have relatives in the capital?”

“I heard he doesn’t.”

Hestia’s question was more of a mumble to herself.

But Angela, taking it as directed at her, readily responded. Her tone turned speculative.

“There are rumors that someone is backing him from behind.”

Hestia didn’t respond, just catching her breath.

‘That figures.’
Otherwise, it would be impossible for Stefan, who is not currently Hestia’s fiancé, to appear at the parties of high nobility.

Hestia asked again, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Do you know who might be backing him?”

“No, I don’t know that much…”

Angela trailed off apologetically.

Not intending to push her, Hestia’s eyebrows dipped in a sorry expression upon seeing Angela’s reaction.

“You’ve already helped a lot by finding out this information, Angela. You don’t need to look so sorry. Thank you.”

Despite Hestia’s words, Angela seemed still troubled and cautiously continued.

“But Princess, it’s not that I couldn’t find out because of my lack of ability!”

Hestia smiled slightly.

“I don’t think that.”

“Oh, that’s a relief. I was so worried you might think I’m incompetent!”

“Of course not. Would I think of you that way?”

Angela giggled, feeling more relaxed.

“Of course not. Oh, but you know, everyone’s been secretly wondering who’s behind Sir Stefan. But it seems no one has been able to find out.”

“I see.”

Hestia sighed and nodded.

The conversation continued, mostly about Stefan’s personal trivia. Nevertheless, Hestia attentively listened to everything Angela shared.

She didn’t miss a single detail, as if chewing and digesting every bit of information thoroughly.