After yelling all that, I composed myself, reverting to my dignified demeanor as a lady, and smiled sweetly at Edward.
“By the way, a real Saint could exorcise demons simply by praying in front of a possessed person.
Now, my life is about risking everything to clean up your mess. What a wonderful life you’ve given me—thank you so much.”
“...Ah...”
Edward seemed to want to say something, but no words came out. He slumped to the ground, defeated.
I didn’t spare him a second glance as I turned to leave. As I exited, I heard the Queen’s faint whisper, “I’m sorry…” but pretended not to hear.
I hadn’t realized Philip was present, but after letting out all my pent-up frustration, I felt remarkably refreshed. That afternoon’s exorcisms went smoothly.
The Day of the Execution
Naturally, I didn’t attend.
While being pelted with stones by the citizens, the three members of the royal family repeatedly voiced their apologies to me.
As for the former Saint Lena, it was decided that the child she bore was innocent, so she was allowed to give birth before being executed. The child was entrusted to the Church.
■
Several Years Later
At last, a new Saint was chosen by God, blessed with the name “Agnes.” Finally, my duties came to an end.
Knowing I would forever be regarded as a Saint in this country, I said goodbye to my family and left.
I was only 25 years old, which was young in my past life, but in this world, I was past the prime age for marriage. I had given up on marrying altogether.
With plenty of money saved, I decided to travel the world and live as I pleased.
Thank you, God. From now on, I’ll live a joyful life!
While waiting for my first journey on a sleeper train to the next country, someone unexpectedly spoke to me.
“Young lady, are you traveling alone?”
It was Philip.
“W-why are you here, Your Holiness?”
“After the new Saint was chosen, a young man was granted the name ‘Petro.’ I handed over my duties and left.”
I was stunned. So, even the position of Petro had been passed on.
“May I accompany you on your journey? On your free-spirited travels?”
“Of course, but how did you know where I’d be?”
“Just a feeling. But I was certain you’d be here.”
“That must be divine intervention. As expected of the former Petro.”
I chuckled, and Philip smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling with amusement.
“A few years ago, you shouted at Edward, saying you wanted a normal life.”
Hearing this, I was immediately consumed by a wave of embarrassment so intense I wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.
“You heard that?”
“I only stopped by to check on things… but I owe you a great apology. You’ve carried such a heavy burden these past years. Thank you for everything.”
“It’s fine. I’ve heard those words hundreds of times by now. Enough for a lifetime.”
And it wasn’t an exaggeration. I had genuinely heard it more times than I could count.
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