Even the current Saint had thanked me, as had the priests, the former Duke who became King, and countless members of royalty and clergy from other nations. I’d even received hundreds of letters of gratitude.
Remembering the piles of letters that had once filled my room, I smiled wryly. That’s when Philip gently brushed a strand of my hair aside.
“As Petro, and being much older than you, I thought I’d keep these feelings to myself forever. But I can’t anymore.”
“...Huh?”
“I love you, Rachel.”
“W-what?”
“You already knew, didn’t you?”
Well… I had suspected as much.
I wasn’t oblivious, after all, and I had my memories from my past life to guide me.
But even so, I had no idea how to respond to such a confession. My eyes darted nervously, and Philip laughed softly.
“Yet you left the Church and even the country. Can you imagine how I felt when I heard you were leaving?”
“I-I can’t imagine! You were Petro!”
Exactly. How could I have known?
Petro, like the Saint, was forbidden from marriage. I’d shoved any budding feelings aside, dismissing them as impractical thoughts about an attractive man.
But let’s be honest—Philip is handsome.
Kind, dependable, and someone who had saved me from danger countless times—who wouldn’t fall for him?!
Anyone would fall in love with him!!!
I screamed internally.
“As Petro, I prayed desperately to God to free me from my vows so I wouldn’t lose you.”
“What kind of prayer is that for a Pope?!”
“I want you to understand how serious I am. My prayers were answered, and now I’m just a man. I can marry, have children, and even see my grandchildren, just like you dreamed.”
I felt my face flush red, heat radiating from my cheeks.
Philip cupped my face gently with one hand and smiled.
“Will you be my partner? I gave up everything for you.”
His smile was breathtakingly handsome, leaving me utterly flustered. But it was the kind of flustered that made me smile—a difficult yet joyful expression I somehow managed to pull off.
“Well, I suppose I have no choice. I have plenty of money, so I’ll take care of you, Philip.”
“What a coincidence. I also have plenty of money. But I also have love for you.”
“…I have that too.”
With those words, we kissed.
It felt as if all the hardships I had endured over the years had finally been rewarded—a sense of fulfillment washed over me.
A Few Years Later
We held a modest wedding at a small town church, just the two of us. But as we were exchanging vows, all the Popes named Petro from various nations showed up, filling the church. Surrounded by these handsome men, we were showered with their blessings, making it a truly grand start to our new life together.
Soon after, we were blessed with children. Philip and I, who had once been relentlessly busy, now lived a peaceful, joyful, and tranquil life together until the end of our days.
In the Chronicles of This World
It was written that a girl chosen by God and gifted with extraordinary memories saved the nation from a Saint who had succumbed to the allure of demons. This girl, called the Savior Messiah, was named Rachel.
By redistributing the responsibilities once borne by a single Saint, she significantly reduced their burdens. Furthermore, she overturned the long-held tradition that valued purity above all, paving the way for Saints to marry in the future.
Rachel became not only a Savior Messiah for the kingdom but also for all Saints.
Her name, Rachel, became the most popular name for girls born in that world.
[The End]
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