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 7

While the enthusiasm of the people had yet to cool, we exchanged wedding rings before their watchful eyes. With this, the wedding ceremony concluded, and I retired to the inner chambers. However, Emperor Albert remained behind to discuss the upcoming schedule of events.

“The Saint of White Snow? You must be joking,” I whispered.

Leaning against a wall in the palace corridor, a heavy sigh escaped my lips. The true identity of the Great Saint whose resurrection was so long awaited in the Rayvel Empire was actually me, the one loathed as the Saint of Black Snow. It felt like a cruel irony.

The Great Saint the people of the Empire longed for was said to make pure white snow fall through her holy power. In contrast, my title of Black Snow originated from the fact that the snow I used for purification turned black after absorbing miasma. In other words, the purification snow I manifest is originally white. If the being who brings forth white snow is the Great Saint, I cannot think of anyone else it could be.

The people of the Rayvel Empire worship the Great Saint who protects this land through repeated cycles of reincarnation. However, the previous incarnation passed away about twenty years ago, and the people have been waiting fervently for her return ever since.

“This has to be a bad dream,” I thought.

The words of the Hexagram Lords, the high officials who worship the Great Saint, flashed through my mind. They had told me to stay quiet and not meddle in unnecessary matters. They expressed that they wanted nothing to do with the sister of such a foolish man. They even remarked that bearing an ominous title like the Black Saint was the polar opposite of the Great Saint.

Then, there were the words of my husband, Emperor Albert. He mentioned that in his youth, his life was saved by the previous Great Saint. He claimed that when she returns, he shall devote his entire being to her to repay that debt.

They worship the Great Saint, the Saint of White Snow. Yet, if they knew that her true identity was me, the person they despise, would they still worship me? If they were to suddenly act friendly just because I am the Saint of White Snow, I would hate it. I would absolutely hate that.

I had met Emperor Albert once before, back when we both had our identities hidden. At that time, I was weeping because my father ignored me as an illegitimate child and I could not find a reason for my existence. He comforted me and showed me the path I should take. I admired him so much that I resolved to work hard so that I could one day meet him again with pride. I even declared to him that I would protect his older brother as well.

And yet, now I am merely an apology gift. I am looked down upon as the sister of the Crown Prince who insulted them. That fact alone is embarrassing enough to make me want to die, but to be doted upon simply because I am the Saint of White Snow?

“Wait!”

I was nearly lost in a fantasy of being doted upon by Emperor Albert every day. Being loved by the man I admire is one thing, but if the reason is only because I am the Saint of White Snow, I absolutely refuse.

Furthermore, for some reason, the man I reunited with has a curse placed upon him, and his body is shrouded in miasma. I do not know the reason, but that dense miasma is at a level that could affect his lifespan. I need to break the curse immediately. If that is impossible, I must at least purify the miasma. However, I do not want him to realize I am the Saint of White Snow in the process. Therefore, I must find a way to handle this while keeping my identity hidden.

“Oh, honestly! Why must things be this complicated?”

My emotions were in a tangle as I looked up at the ceiling. I could not understand how it had come to this, no matter how much I thought about it.

“Noel.”

A shadow fell over my vision. Looking up, I saw Emperor Albert standing there.

“Does the Great Saint who sealed the Demon King purify miasma with white snow?” I asked. “Do not play innocent. You surely looked into the fact that the Great Saint is called the Saint of White Snow, did you not?”

I was being completely framed. However, even if I denied it, he would not believe me. It would seem far too convenient for me. Besides, it would be even worse if he realized I actually was the Saint of White Snow.

“I suppose it is a method unbecoming of a Saint, but as a politician, I acknowledge the results,” Albert continued. “Furthermore, as the representative of this country, I thank you for purifying the miasma in the capital. However, the popularity you have gained will vanish the moment the real Saint of White Snow appears. What do you intend to do then?”

I could hardly say that I had no idea the Great Saint was called White Snow. Even less could I mention that I happened to be that very person. I hoped it was a misunderstanding, but based on what I had heard, there was no mistake that I was the Saint of White Snow. Thinking back, even my impulse to purify this land might be rooted in being her reincarnation.

Regardless, I still did not want to claim that title. I want Emperor Albert to acknowledge me for who I am. If I call myself the Saint of White Snow, I will be accepted instantly for that reason alone. I would lose the chance to be recognized as myself forever. I must avoid that at all costs.

“Very well,” he said.

I tilted my head, wondering what he meant.

“It is not as if you claimed to be the Saint of White Snow yourself. After the real Saint appears, it will be enough if the people accept you as a Saint powerful enough to be mistaken for her.”

He was right. Why had I not realized that?

“As you say, I shall devote myself to being recognized as the Saint of Black Snow,” I replied.

I do not need to call myself the Saint of White Snow. I will work hard as the Saint of Black Snow and make them acknowledge that I am just as incredible as the legendary figure. Then, I can stand tall before them without any hesitation.

With that resolution in my heart, I prepared to take the first step. Fortunately, the Prime Minister was currently addressing the people, so no one was listening to our conversation. To show that I had no hostile intent, I put my hands behind my back and stepped closer to Emperor Albert. Then, leaning forward, I looked up at him.

“Your Majesty, why are you leaving that curse untreated?”

The effect was dramatic. He firmly grabbed my arm as I leaned toward him and brought his lips close to my ear.

“Where did you hear about that?” “Where, you ask?” “The existence of this curse is known only to the Imperial Family. Even the Hexagram Lords are unaware of it.” “What? But I would think any Saint would notice it.” “It is said that in the past, only the Saint of White Snow ever noticed the Imperial curse. In fact, you are the first person to notice mine. Are you suggesting that the Saints of my Empire are incompetent?” “Of course not! Not at all!”

I could not bear to be grouped with people like my brother. But wait, only the Saint of White Snow noticed? And I just told him that I noticed it. This is extremely bad. I have to deceive him quickly, or he will realize I am the Saint of White Snow.

“Well, you see, yes! Perhaps the other Saints simply never had the opportunity to touch Your Majesty?” “Hmm?” “I only noticed the curse when I lost my footing at the harbor and you supported me.” “I see. That time.”

Emperor Albert stared at me quietly. While I prayed in my heart that he would not find me out, he eventually exhaled.

“I understand the reason. However, if you noticed it in that brief moment, you are more capable than I thought.” “It was likely just good luck. I have had many opportunities to break curses, you see.” “Many opportunities? I see. You must have had a difficult time.”

His eyes were full of concern. I felt as though there was a misunderstanding, but that was much better than him finding out my true identity.

“Emperor Albert, would you allow me to analyze that curse?” “Why?” “Even if you ask me why, surely it is painful? I simply thought I would like to break it for you.” “Can you break it?” “I have no certain proof, but probably.”

I answered vaguely because I could not well explain the intuition I felt. In response, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

“It is said that my curse can only be broken by the Saint of White Snow.”

This was dangerous.

“As I mentioned before, I have had many opportunities to deal with curses. It is possible that the techniques of the Saint of White Snow were passed down to the Kingdom of Ashtar by chance.” “I see. A technical exchange? Although the Saint your brother sent was worthless.”

Every topic I bring up is a landmine! I wanted to grumble about how much trouble my brother continues to cause me.

“Well, it could be that documents left by the Saint of White Snow reached us a long time ago.” “I see. Perhaps something brought back when your country invaded our Empire in the past?”

It was not just my brother who had caused problems. I had to deflect, but I could not find a way. Seeing my panic, Emperor Albert laughed and said it was a joke.

“Pardon?” “In a long history, there must have been an exchange or two. In fact, I have visited the Kingdom of Ashtar in incognito before. It is not strange if the techniques of the Saint of White Snow found their way to a foreign land.”

I absolutely cannot tell him that I met him then. I ignored the comment entirely and changed the subject, suggesting that might be the reason.

“Well, for now, it is worth seeing if the curse can be broken.” “Yes. Let us try later then.”

And so, that night, when Emperor Albert visited my room, I spoke firmly to him.

“Now, please take off your clothes.”

Immediately, his handsome face twisted with suspicion.

“What are you thinking? I believe I told you at the beginning that I would never love you. Was your offer to break the curse merely a pretext?”

His gaze was cold. Now that I think about it, technically, this was our wedding night. In such a situation, for me to tell Emperor Albert to undress was quite bold.

“It is only to test the curse breaking! Please do not misunderstand!”