The Saint Disappeared with Her Memories — Her Broken Engagement Decided the Kingdom’s Destiny - Chapter 23

“You’re saying that too!?”

My voice echoed through the room, and Elise’s face instantly turned pale. She immediately began waving her hands frantically, trying to cover up.

“N-no, that’s not it, Eric! This is just what the temple people told me to say. I was just repeating it for them! Believe me, Eric!”

Even hearing Elise’s flustered excuses did nothing to calm my irritation. Our precious time alone had been ruined. I had been looking forward to finally spending time with her after finishing my official duties, only to have it spoiled by more temple talk. My mood deflated completely.

“……”

Seeing my silence, Elise grew even more desperate.

“Listen, Eric. The temple people are terrible! They push their work onto others while living in luxury without doing anything themselves!? I can’t stand it anymore! You feel the same way, don’t you?”

She was complaining about the temple to gain my sympathy. This must be her strategy, trying to soften the blow of her sudden request for “additional funding for the temple.”

But it was having the opposite effect.

What good does it do for someone in a leadership position at the temple, as the Saintess, to criticize her own organization? If there are problems, shouldn’t she be making efforts to improve them herself? Listening to her talk only made my dissatisfaction grow.

“……”

I remained silent. Feeling anxious about my continued silence, Elise piled on more words.

“And the priestesses lately are truly awful. They keep slacking off in their training, their skills are deteriorating, and because of that, their mission success rates seem to be dropping. You think that’s terrible too, right?”

She was desperately trying to lower my opinion of the temple. As if to say they’re the ones at fault. Apparently thinking this would improve my mood. Does she intend to say she feels the same way as me?

For the Saintess to criticize the temple – what irresponsibility. She’s putting her own management failures and lack of leadership aside and blaming others.

What first attracted me to her was that purity and beauty. More than the dignity of the Saintess, I was captivated by her girlish cuteness and innocence. But now, watching her desperately making excuses before me, she seemed like a completely different person.

“…Hey? Eric? Say something.”

It felt like the beautiful image I had of her had suddenly turned into something tarnished. When did she change? I never imagined this kind of future. Unfortunately, I might have to cut her off eventually.

If I married a woman like this, the temple people would probably become even more presumptuous. I want to avoid that.

The temple receives abundant funding from the kingdom while producing no results and continuing to damage their reputation. Yet they persistently demand additional funding. Is there any value in dealing with someone who only imposes burdens on you?

I stood up silently and tried to leave the room. Seeing this, Elise frantically clung to me.

“W-wait, Eric! Hey, I was wrong. I’ll apologize. So please listen to me!”

“Let go of me.”

At my cold voice, Elise’s face stiffened. Then she immediately switched to a new strategy.

“…U-um… you know? We’re engaged, right…? We’re going to be husband and wife soon, aren’t we?”

So, she’s using our engagement as a shield. Indeed, according to kingdom law, we are engaged. The marriage between the Saintess and the future king. It’s both kingdom tradition and obligation. But is that really for the best?

“Yeah, we’re engaged. That’s exactly why I’m asking you not to disappoint me any further.”

When I said that, Elise’s eyes widened and she froze. Then she immediately started crying. Seeing that pained my heart a little.

“I-I’m sorry…!”

“……”

Being apologized to with that tear-streaked face. When it gets to that point, it’s just annoying. Does she think crying will get her forgiveness? As the partner of someone who will bear the country’s burden, I’d prefer she had a bit more backbone.

“…Sigh. Stop crying, it’s pathetic.”

“Sniff…! But, Eriiiic…”

As much as I dislike it, I guess I have to put up with this a little longer. While she’s clearly in the wrong, if I’m too harsh here, I might end up looking bad. Completely abandoning her feels too cruel. I’m too soft.

I sat down beside Elise and reluctantly hugged her. Then she happily wrapped her arms around my back.

“I knew it, Eric is so kind! I love you!”

This straightforwardness. She has a pretty face too – if only that were all. Her position as Saintess is what’s making things complicated. Should I have her removed from the Saintess position and keep her as a mistress? I even find myself considering such things.

I need to resolve this troublesome issue soon. I’ll probably need to find new allies to replace the temple. To lead this country and eventually become king, I need power. The declining temple might be better cut loose early.

Come to think of it, adventurers have been getting good reviews lately. I hear they’re cleaning up after the temple’s failures, with rookie adventurer parties particularly working hard. There’s one with a female leader who actively helps people in trouble and has a positive influence on other adventurers.

Getting cooperation from such capable people might not be a bad choice. To make strong women my allies, to welcome them anew. That seemed like a rather good idea.

While thinking about the future, I continued listening to Elise’s apologies, whining, and worthless excuses for a while. Mechanically stroking her head, my mind was already considering my next move.