I Became a Fake Priest the Saintess Is Obsessed With

35 – If that’s the case, it’s burdensome

“Ivan, I’m curious, what’s with that belt?”

While enjoying tea time, Tina pointed at my waist.

My waist was adorned with a white and red belt over the monk’s robe, the two belts overlapping noticeably.

Tina was staring at the red belt.

“A friend gave it to me as a gift.”

“Do you know where they bought it? It’s so pretty; I want to buy one too.”

“I heard they made it themselves. Would you like me to ask if they can make one for you?”

“Really? That’s great! If possible, ask them to make it in gold!”

Tina sparkled her eyes and looked at my waistband.

This waistband was one of the gifts Maybell gave me last time.

When I visited my hometown and opened the gifts at home, there was a waistband and a letter.

I won’t mention the contents of the letter, as it might come back to bite me later with Maybell.

Maybell said the waistband she made was the first item created through the blood magic, the vision of the family.

She said that wearing it around the waist would make one stronger, increasing physical strength by a whole unit.

Some might wonder what use an increase of one unit of strength would be, but for a weakling like me, it was an incredibly precious item.

My original strength was 2, and with an increase of 1, it became 1.5 times stronger.

In PP terms, it’s a whopping 5000 PP item.

“Um, can you make one for me too, please…?”

The saint who overheard Tina and my conversation also wanted a waistband like Tina’s.

“Yes? Um… I’ll try to make it for you.”

“If possible, please make it in the same color as the one for the priestess…”

Is this little waistband really that pretty…?

Functionally, it’s excellent, but in terms of design, it’s just okay, I thought…

Or maybe my fashion sense is a bit dull?

“Other people have arrived.”

As I looked at the waistband with a doubtful gaze, the nun put down her teacup and stood up.

Soon, the grand doors of the palace opened, and several people started to enter.

“Wow… it’s so splendid, almost as grand as the royal palace.”

Among them, there was a group of mermaids clad in azure robes, comparing the imperial palace to the dragon palace.

“The magical devices used here never fail to arouse interest.”

There were wizards inspecting the automatically opening doors suddenly and with curiosity.

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“Goodness! Dwarves, talking about the seven major religions and participating in such a gathering! Unbelievable!”

“That seems like something we’d say. Right, Dwarf?”

There were dwarves spewing forth blunt curses and elves retaliating.

“Please, don’t fight! In such a dignified gathering where all seven major religions have convened, we should laugh and chat!”

There were individuals dressed like jesters, with faces hidden behind masks, similar to clowns.

“……”

“Um… Lady Lesia? Why are you staring so intently…?”

There was a group of individuals wearing familiar white priestly attire.

And amidst the chaotic hall, a middle-aged man strolled in gracefully.

Eyes as charismatic as the sun, with an intensity that made it difficult to discern their end.

Hair more beautiful than any gold, akin to the mythical golden fleece.

Dressed impeccably in a suit, exuding dignity and elegance in his restrained footsteps.

The man’s appearance was so extraordinary that the attention of everyone in the imperial palace was focused on him.

The man naturally accepted those gazes as if they were always meant for him, and he sat on the vacant imperial throne.

However, even the throne, designed to fully accommodate three people, seemed cramped with him in it.

From him emanated an overwhelming aura, as if he could sit on a much larger and wider throne.

The word “Emperor” itself seemed tailor-made for him, more fitting than anyone else.

“The Emperor of the Eldream Empire, His Majesty Luke Rastrient, sends his regards.”

As Sister Selena greeted him, everyone behind her bowed and offered their salutations.

A wave of greetings, meant for only one person, poured forth.

I, too, respectfully offered my greetings in accordance with the flow.

At that moment, the heavy silence of the Emperor broke, and his voice, exuding charisma, resonated.

“Welcome. Distinguished figures of the 7th religion. I am truly grateful for your participation in today’s meeting.”

“hahahaha! Of course! If it’s the Emperor’s command, we must follow!”

The jester standing at the back interrupted the Emperor’s words without a care.

From the speaker’s perspective, it was an uncomfortable situation.

However, the Emperor smiled graciously.

“Even your words are appreciated. Anyway…I have prepared a splendid reception for all of you who have come this far, so please rest well before the meeting.”

The Emperor, leaving behind unexpectedly simple words, rose from his throne and slowly made his way to the back.

“How simple! Let’s enjoy the day to the fullest!”

Even before the Emperor had left, a person who seemed to be the representative of the jester group stepped forward.

We could only move when he had completely vanished from sight.

“Great. Shall we receive the reception to commemorate our rare visit to the mainland?”

“First, let’s get rid of these uncouth wretches!”

“No matter how you look at it, that’s you.”

“Oh…this is a primal energy device…!”

People began to enjoy the meeting in their own ways.

However, except for Tina, the followers of the Earth Mother Religion sat quietly.

Although I wanted to explore the palace in my mind, I ultimately decided to sit still with them after glancing around.

The superiors were so dignified, and here I am, the youngest; could I really fit in…

As I pondered inwardly and sipped my tea, a familiar figure approached.

“Ivan Priest.”

It was Lesia, with her blue hair and elegant, pure white priestess robe complementing each other.

“Ah, Lady Lesia. It’s been a while. Since the incident with Viscount Aikid, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Exactly three months and this week.”

How does she know it so precisely?

“Well, you remember even that. Anyway, why have you come?”

“I came to express my gratitude. You, Priest, treated my injuries after the Viscount incident, and I wanted to thank you formally.”

Come to think of it, when the prince and Lesia collapsed due to the explosion, I had treated them.

Although they were both like monsters, they would have healed naturally, but it didn’t feel right to leave someone who saved me in a human way lying unconscious. So, I definitely used healing magic.

They both had minor injuries and only lost consciousness, so there was no burden in treating them.

“I formally express my gratitude for saving my life in the last incident.”

Lesia bowed her head.

As she, with the title of a saint, suddenly bowed to me, the attention of those around us began to focus.

I clapped my hands, trying to lift her up.

“Saving lives is nothing extraordinary! I just healed your minor injuries. Please, get up!”

“Ivan Priest handled the Viscount’s opposition alone. I, who had sworn to protect you as your escort, fainted. This is my mistake.”

Lesia spoke, still bowing.

I didn’t want to attract any more attention, so I tried hard to persuade Lecia, but she seemed determined not to budge.

This is awkward.

Too awkward.

Slowly, everyone around us is staring at us.

My companions had been watching us from the start, the mermaid and the clown were whispering to each other, the elves and the wizards were muttering about a possible conflict…

The only ones not paying us any attention were Tina, who was busy drinking at the table, and the dwarf enjoying the drinks with her.

Oh… in this situation, what is that crazy woman doing…

As I pondered a solution, I suddenly felt a chill as I looked at Tina’s face.

“Lady!!! What are you doing!!!”

Then, a voice of salvation reached us.

A figure, accompanied by a tall man in armor, seemed to have finally noticed us from afar.

A girl with impressive green hair and eyes like blue leaves came running over.

“Get up!!! What is the symbol of the Church of Celestials doing!!!”

She clung to Lecia, trying to lift her up by any means.

But Lecia didn’t budge, no matter how much she tried.

“Let go of her, Dorothy. I sincerely apologize to the priest.”

“She’s in a difficult position too!!! Please, get up!!!”

“……Are you in a difficult position?”

Lecia raised her head slightly, still bowed at the waist, and asked.

“Yes… very much so.”

There was nothing more to say, and the situation was very awkward.

“I have rather inconvenienced you. However, I will definitely repay this favor someday,” Rhesia said with a sincere expression, sensing my discomfort, she bowed her waist.

“Uh… I’m sorry… Our saint is not lacking, but she’s a bit peculiar…”

The girl named Dorothy kept bowing her head and then led Rhesia out.

“Um, excuse me… Reverend…”

As I stood there, watching Rhesia and Dorothy move away, Sister Amelia, who had been beside me, grabbed my wrist.

“Why are you doing this, Sister?”

“It’s nothing special, but, um, by any chance… could you tell me what kind of relationship you have with that woman?”

Huh? I’ve received this question before, haven’t I?

Was it the prince? Curious about Rhesia and me?

What do we look like that people are so curious about the nature of our relationship?

“It’s not a particularly remarkable relationship.”

“But you seem close… Could you give me more details…?”

I sighed, considering for a moment before deciding to answer.

“If you’re curious, I suppose I should tell you. The relationship between Rhesia and me…”