"What?
I'll pay for it.
I don't want to take it for free."
The old woman returned to her bow and began to walk slowly towards the chair, and sat down in a bent position.
“How much will you pay?
You have no money, you live snooping on others.
Stop talking stupidly and get out, or I will confiscate the bell.”
'How did you know?
'Do I look poor?'
Her words seemed random, but I felt guilty, so I grabbed the bell tightly and quickly left the store.
Her harsh look made me feel like she was really going to snatch the bell from me.
As soon as I left, the bell lost its lustre, as if it were a lie.
I looked at him sadly.
“Bill bill!”
I raised my head when I heard Leon calling me, and waved my hand excitedly.
He approached me, jumping cheerfully.
"What is this?"
“I bought it because it's cute.”
“What?
You paid money for… Pill Pill, it looks like rubbish, haha.”
His tone sounded angry, but I shook the bell, echoing his laughter.
'Do I imagine he's shaking with anger?'
Since it was shining, it was definitely nothing ordinary.
If this is really something sacred?
No one apologized for me moving into this world, but did I gain the ability to find holy things as compensation?
Is this the way to my final salvation?
"Yes!"
I gave a short cry of happiness and smiled ecstatically.
“Bell-Bell, do you like this so much?
Do you like trash?
When we get back, I’ll pick up the castle’s trash...”
“Shall we go back to the hotel now?”
I smoothly ignored his words, spoke in a bright tone, and advanced confidently.
We returned to the hotel and packed our bags straight back to Astir.
Unfortunately, the bell I purchased has shown no change since it was lit in the store.
I shook it dozens of times and tried different things, but it was just an old bell.
“I was sure it felt strange then.”
I was sure that I might have mistakenly seen it, so I put the bell in the desk drawer and gradually forgot about it.
Days after our return from the capital, an Imperial force led by Count Candlesman arrived in Astaire.
They settled in the duke's castle, regrouped, and joined Aster's soldiers to head to the northern border where the monsters appeared.
Since their arrival, Leon's mood had frequently fluctuated.
The presence of the Emperor's force in the castle definitely made him feel like he was being watched.
Even Count Candlesman, the commander, had to eat or drink tea with him from time to time, though not daily.
I understood Leon's mood, so I would spend stressful days trying to improve his mood.
Leon strictly avoided going out, and I, in turn, spent more days in my room.
Amy and the other maids asked me every now and then when Leon and I would share a bed again, but I didn't want to repeat that awkward, awkward night.
“Is our child growing up well?”
Leon would sometimes ask, extending his hand towards my stomach without touching it.
But he and I know very well that there is nothing in my stomach but food.
Today, something unexpected happened.
“Ma’am!
A letter sealed with the seal of the Lianus Temple in the capital!”
Amy came bearing the letter, speaking with unusual enthusiasm.
She seemed very excited that the message was from the temple of the ruler she trusted the most.
‘Why who’s there?’ The Temple of Lianus in the capital is the temple of Saint Cassia, the heroine.
'There can be no connection between Cassia and Aster yet…'
“Is it really directed at me?
Maybe at Leon or...”
I looked at the envelope.
It was clearly written: “To Her Highness Princess Esther” and the sender was Cassia.
My throat was dry and my hands were shaking.
I felt my heartbeat rising to my throat.
“Ma’am, why are your hands shaking?
Are you cold?”
I didn't have the ability to respond to Mary.
After staring at the envelope for a while, I opened it with a trembling hand.
[Her Highness Princess Esther,
I feel very sorry that I was not able to visit and welcome you in person, and instead sent this sudden message.
I beg you, despite my insolence, to permit me to visit Castle Esther this evening to meet you, and I beg you to accept my request graciously.
I hope you will always be under the protection of Governor Llanos.
– From Cassia –]
'Why does Cassia want to meet me?'
Even if I ignore it, if she comes here, she will meet Leon.
I wasn't ready yet.
I felt sadness squeeze my nose.
Holding back tears, I carefully folded the letter and put it in the envelope, then placed it on the desk and stared at it.
“There is a messenger waiting for your response.”
Amy spoke when I didn't say anything or move.
Her voice, in contrast to her previous enthusiasm, was now calm.
'Should I refuse?'
I didn't really want to meet her.
But a frivolous person like me can't disrupt the flow.
In the original novel, did Cassia meet Belle?
If so, did she only meet Bill without Leon?
If so, I will feel some relief.
But is my memory accurate?
Questions and scenarios were intricately intertwined in my mind.
"my lady."
"Yes?"
Amy called me again.
If it spreads that the Lianus Temple has asked to visit Esther and I refuse, Leon might blame me severely.
I smiled bitterly and nodded.
“Saint wants to visit Esther Castle to meet me?”
"Yes!"
Mary and the rest of the maids shouted excitedly.
Amy didn't scream, but her face, which had been calm, looked very excited.
'How does it feel to be loved by everyone like that?'
If Cassia comes, will Leon have a similar reaction?
Then they will fall in love at first sight...
At that thought, I felt like I had been hit in the back of the head.
I felt tightness in my chest and pain in my nose.
“Bring a paper to reply.”
I sat down in front of the desk under their expectant gazes, wrote a short, clear response and handed it in.
“Prepare to receive the guest.”
I ordered the maids to inform the butler of the saint's arrival, and, through Amy, I informed Leon of her visit.
Esther's castle turned into complete chaos with the news of the saint's sudden visit.
The servants who had been on leave, having somehow heard the news, returned to prepare for her visit.
I hoped Leon would be busy so he wouldn't meet her, but unfortunately, his schedule was empty.
I had to wait with Leon in the drawing room while we drank tea.
Leon was talking nonsense, which made me even more upset.
'Why does he look more handsome today?'
“Master, the Saint has arrived.”
We went out together when we heard the news of her arrival.
The castle courtyard was crowded with servants, Count Candlesman, and the Emperor's troops, with no room for foot.
Then Saint Cassia finally appeared in the Castle of Esther.
She was short, with shiny silver hair, sparkling golden eyes, and a calm smile on a beautiful face that looked like it had never frowned.
It was impossible for anyone not to fall in love with her at first sight.
I looked at Leon unconsciously.
He was, as I expected, staring at her mesmerized.
I bit my lips hard.
Leon felt my gaze, and his eyes moved from Cassia to me.