I Once Thought I Had No Place, Being Married Off to An Enemy Nation as A Token of Apology but That Was Only for One Night - Chapter 24

After the party concluded and I was relaxing in the guest room, Frieda returned shortly after me.

“I have ordered Kai and the others to remain in this land for a while to continue providing support. However, we must return to the Capital immediately,” she insisted, closing the distance between us.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” I asked.

“What do you mean? It is obvious! We must confirm the rumors regarding the Saintess of White Snow!”

I figured as much.

“The news was that the Saintess of White Snow appeared in Seraphina’s territory, right? That means I am effectively a fake. After trying so desperately to hide my identity, it is quite embarrassing,” I said, hiding my face behind my hands in mock shame.

“That is impossible! No matter how you look at it, the other one is the fake!”

“I am joking,” I replied.

The knowledge etched into my soul confirms that I am the real one. Therefore, Frieda’s perception that a fake has appeared is not wrong. However, it does not bother me if a fake appears. For someone like me who wants to hide the fact that I am the Saintess of White Snow, a fake is the perfect cover. As long as my true identity is not revealed, Emperor Albert will not suddenly change his attitude toward me. Well, if there is a possibility that the Emperor might dote on a fake, I found myself feeling strangely annoyed for some reason.

“Frieda, let us return immediately and expose the true identity of the fake,” I declared.

“Yes, as you wish!”

We were seen off by Ludwig, Kai, and the others as we returned to the Royal Capital to uncover the truth behind the fake.

“I have returned,” I announced, standing before the Emperor in the audience chamber.

“Ah, you have returned safely. I have received the reports. It seems the stampede has subsided. While issues remain, they are heading toward a resolution. This is entirely thanks to you,” he said.

“Your words are more than I deserve.”

I gave a slight bow and, while remaining leaned forward, directed a probing gaze at the Emperor. “By the way, I heard a rumor that the Saintess of White Snow has appeared. Is this true?”

“Oh, so you have already heard of it?”

“Then it is a fact?”

“The Hexagram Sanctuary was reportedly purified without issue,” he replied.

He was not answering my question directly. I wondered if he was trying to evade the topic. When I glared at him slightly, he gave a small laugh.

“I am about to confirm the details of those rumors myself. Seraphina is due to arrive shortly.”

His eyes asked if I wished to be present. My answer, of course, was already decided.

I sat upon a throne alongside the Emperor. Since I had thought of myself as a mere ceremonial Empress, I was somewhat surprised to be allowed to sit in this seat. Meanwhile, Frieda stood beside the red carpet leading to the thrones. That was likely the fixed position for her as one of the Six Archlords. When I secretly waved at her, Frieda cleared her throat. It was a reaction I could not have imagined back when we first met.

I felt a little happy. While I was thinking this, Seraphina appeared in the audience chamber accompanied by a young girl. She silently offered the salute of a subject before the steps.

“Seraphina, Noel and Frieda are here to learn the truth behind the rumors. Is there any problem?” Emperor Albert asked, tilting his head.

“There is no problem, Your Majesty. Please, let Empress Noel and Frieda listen as well.”

“Then let us proceed. I hear the Saintess of White Snow was found in the Waldenstein territory. Is this the girl?”

Emperor Albert turned his eyes toward the girl standing diagonally behind Seraphina. She was a silver haired girl in her mid teens. Under the Emperor’s sharp gaze, she trembled visibly.

“No, well, I,” she stammered.

She was clearly nervous. I had expected someone who would boldly claim to be the Saintess, so this reaction was unexpected. However, the conversation was not moving forward. Sensing this, Seraphina let out a small sigh.

“Emperor Albert, she is nervous, so may I explain on her behalf?”

Emperor Albert looked between Seraphina and the Saintess before giving his permission.

“Then, with all due respect, I shall explain. First, the idea that the Saintess of White Snow was found is a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

“When she performs a purification, white cherry blossom petals dance in the air,” Seraphina explained.

I see. A scene where white flowers dance could indeed look like falling snow. However, it seemed unnatural for her to be mistaken for the legendary Saintess based on that alone.

“Does that mean her power is that strong?” I asked.

Seraphina shook her head. “Her holy power is by no means weak, but it is not enough to be mistaken for the Saintess of White Snow.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes. The reason the rumors of the Saintess of White Snow arose is because the White Bell Cherry blossoms have bloomed.”

I had never heard of such a flower. Immediately, Frieda informed me that it is a flower said to announce the arrival of the Saintess of White Snow. In other words, because those flowers bloomed, people assumed the Saintess must be in this country. Then the misunderstanding spread that the girl who made white petals dance must be the one.

“In short, while the idea that this girl is the Saintess of White Snow is a mistake, it is certain that the Saintess has appeared in this country?” the Emperor asked.

“Yes. We should begin a search for the Saintess of White Snow,” Seraphina replied.

I bit my lip at their conclusion. This was bad. Far from using a fake as a cover, a search for me was about to begin. I had to change the flow somehow.

“Regarding those White Bell Cherries, if they bloomed in the Waldenstein territory, perhaps the Saintess of White Snow is in your lands, Seraphina,” I suggested to Emperor Albert.

“No, according to past examples, when the Saintess of White Snow arrives, omens appear in every territory. We will quickly confirm if similar phenomena are occurring in the other lands,” he said.

I looked up at the ceiling, thinking that of course that would be the case.

In conclusion, traces announcing the rebirth of the Saintess of White Snow were found in one territory after another. In some regions, the White Bell Cherry flowers opened, while in others, a phenomenon called Frost Crest Blooms occurred, where flower like ice patterns appeared on the ground and stone walls.

Since various omens were appearing everywhere, the conclusion was reached that the rebirth of the Saintess was imminent, or perhaps she had already returned. Then the question became, “If she has been reborn, where is the Saintess of White Snow?”

I was in a desperate situation. However, my true identity had not been discovered yet. Some of the common people believe I am the Saintess of White Snow, but that is only because I made them mistake black snow for white snow. Those searching for the actual Saintess of White Snow are aware of that distinction. That preconception seems to be excluding me from their list of candidates.

Nevertheless, it would not be strange for the truth to come out eventually. The timing of my arrival in this land, my age, and the strength of my holy power are three factors alone that should be enough to make people suspect me. Even if the impression of “Black Snow” is strong, it would not be surprising if someone noticed.

I cannot let my guard down for a while. I pray that, at the very least, Emperor Albert does not find out. One morning while I was living with these prayers, Emperor Albert invited me for a walk.