Until the Substitute Saintess is Loved: The Sister Sent to the Convent as the Villainess Heals Everyone's Hearts with Her Healing Powers - Chapter 3

“Prince Landrick, please calm down.” The black-haired nobleman glaring at me with intense anger while being soothed by his attendant was the same person who had saved me from falling down the stairs at the Ivor Count’s household and even used healing magic on me.”

(He’s a prince? And he’s angry at Sister Lupina?)

Trying not to show my confusion, I sat in the chair as prompted.

If he were the second prince, I would understand – Lord Dangard was Sister’s fiancé after all.

But why would the third prince, Lord Landrick, be visiting Sister Lupina?

“Lupina. Even after all this, you still refuse to change your attitude, do you?”

Attitude?

I had no recollection of any wrongdoing. While he had saved me once, I was certain we hadn’t met in any other context. This should be our first meeting at this convent too.

“…What are you referring to?”

“Don’t play dumb!”

Bang! He slammed the table.

I barely suppressed a scream, quickly covering my mouth with my hand.

I couldn’t understand his anger. What had Sister Lupina done to Lord Landrick, in addition to whatever she’d done to Lord Dangard and the border lord’s daughter?

“You’re slacking on your healing duties, aren’t you? I’ve heard the rumors. Do you still intend to only treat nobles? My brother was protecting you, but I know the truth. You even treated the Duke’s daughter disrespectfully. Someone like you will never change. Understand?”

What was I supposed to understand?

My healing magic was inferior because I was naturally less skilled than Sister Lupina, not because I was holding back.

I was doing my absolute best with treatments, but I was inexperienced and couldn’t handle many patients.

Yet I couldn’t explain this – to him, I was Sister Lupina.

“…I apologize for causing you displeasure. I must still be adjusting to this unfamiliar environment and haven’t been able to demonstrate my full capabilities. I will strive to improve.”

I bowed my head deeply.

I heard a sharp intake of breath above me.

When I looked up, Lord Landrick appeared completely taken aback.

Oh no.

Sister wasn’t the type to bow to anyone, not even to a prince.

My heart pounded wildly. Would he notice?

But ignoring my anxiety, Prince Landrick quickly resumed his displeased expression.

“Hah, I’m sure that’s just another act. You were always skilled at making subtle, backhanded insults toward high-ranking nobles that couldn’t be directly called out, weren’t you? I’ll never forget or forgive the numerous disrespectful acts you committed against Lady Bejular Schmaritt, who was to become your sister-in-law. Don’t think entering a convent means you’ve atoned for your crimes.”

After fixing me with one last glare filled with intense anger, he left the visiting room with his attendant.

(Sister… just how many people have you oppressed?)

Lady Bejular Schmaritt was the first prince, Prince Fairile Rutoire’s fiancée.

Her name appeared in the aristocrat directory, but I’d heard about her most frequently from Sister herself.

‘That woman who looks no different from a commoner standing above me – it’s simply wrong.’

Sister Lupina had great confidence in her own beauty. Apparently, she couldn’t accept that Lady Schmaritt, who she considered less attractive, would become the future crown princess.

‘Oh, how dreadful! Today’s dress color matches that Bejular’s! How embarrassing to wear the same color as such a dull woman. You were the one who chose this dress, weren’t you? You’re fired!’

She’d actually fired a maid who had returned from a party screaming like that.

Until Lady Haruhina, the viscount’s daughter, appeared beside her fiancé Lord Dangard, Sister’s complaints had always been about Lady Schmaritt.

Lady Schmaritt and Prince Fairile had been engaged since childhood. She must have grown up with the third prince, Lord Landrick, as well.

Judging by his reaction, she must be very important to him as his future sister-in-law. Even someone like me, who doesn’t participate in social circles, knows about the close relationship between the Rutoire royal brothers.

Yet Sister Lupina hadn’t just complained about Lady Schmaritt at home – she had openly oppressed her too?

(Ah, no, not openly. Lord Landrick said she was skilled at making subtle, backhanded insults. So even if not overt, she must have tormented Lady Schmaritt in ways the duchess would understand.)

Knowing Sister, she would absolutely do that even to a duchess. She would push right to the edge of what wouldn’t get her punished while still demeaning the other person.

Just how much resentment had she earned?

And now all that resentment would be directed at me, standing in as Sister Lupina.

(Lord Landrick will never look at me with those gentle eyes again, now that I exist as Sister Lupina…)

When I’d nearly fallen down the stairs, the him who had healed me with magic stones had been so kind.

But the eyes I saw today were filled with anger and hatred.

Pressing a hand against my aching chest, I hurried back to resume treating the patients I had left midway.