Chapter 39 – Delusions in the Dining Hall
Chapter 39 – Delusions in the Dining Hall
Heading to the dining hall, I ran into my tutor Note after what felt like ages.
“Good work, Note.”
“Marie. You’re late, but happy tenth birthday.”
Eh? Could she have been waiting just to wish me a happy birthday?
It was so unexpected that I was stunned.
“That look on your face says you’re stunned by the surprise.”
“No, not at all. Haha. Thank you.”
Note was my tutor, but she usually handled church operations and management, so she was a great confidante for me, stuck in the archives.
“So, it’s not just about the birthday wish, right?”
“Oh, Marie. Do I seem that heartless to you?”
That’s exactly why I said it…
I couldn’t voice that thought, of course.
“Hahaha.”
“Spot on. How about starting lessons in etiquette and dance? Getting used to heels and learning proper poise won’t hurt you at all.”
…
Does she know about my Light Aptitude?
Am I going to be turned into a tool for a political marriage?
Me, in some remote territory, living a loveless married life…
Or maybe I’d end up as some shady noble’s concubine or side chamber…
And just like that, I spiraled into delusions of political marriages I’d only read about in light novels, sinking into despair.
“But I have courtyard cleanup every day and archive duties. When would I even fit in lessons?”
I tried phrasing it to imply I had no time, no way.
“The archives get complaints when you’re not there, so mornings, twice a week? That shouldn’t be too much.”
Darn.
I absolutely need to avoid contact with anyone of status…
For my safety, should I turn down the lessons?
No, better to take it home and think it over.
“…I’ll consider it.”
That’s it! I’ll ask Heart or Fernet to fake an engagement with me.
Yeah, that’s the only way. I’m a genius!
“What’s that? Dance lessons? I’m taking them too. Wanna join me?”
As I parted from Note and took my seat, Sarsis—one of the senior female Black Priests—practically pounced, slamming her tray down next to me and plopping into the chair like she’d been lying in wait.
Ah, it’s over.
My priestess life is done for.
Of all people, Sarsis—the biggest gossip and loosest lips among the female priests—would uncover my future concubine fantasies (delusions).
“I-I used to dance with Dad as a kid for fun, so Note just suggested it.”
“That Dad? The hot one? Call me Mom!”
Anything but that.
I’d oppose it with everything I had.
“Hahaha. Sarsis, don’t you have a boyfriend already?”
“Hot guys are a separate stomach!”
Sarsis’s eyes gleamed like she was demanding all the juicy details.
Scary…
Time for some safe, neutral topic…
“Dad’s swamped with adventurer work these days, always off on long trips, so he’s not thinking about that stuff.”
“He’s single! Totally single right now! Not dating anyone!”
Ah, mistake. This was veering into dangerous territory…
“No, that’s not—”
“He is?!”
She’s coming on too strong.
“No… he’s not…”
Carnivores are fierce…
Thank goodness her interest shifted to Heart. Sorry, Heart.
To protect myself, I kinda leaked a bit of Heart’s personal info…
The next morning, rumors flew among the female priests that Heart was seeking a girlfriend—with all sorts of embellishments—and for some reason, I got summoned by Note and chewed out.
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thanks for the chapter