The Fake Saintess Awaits Her Exit

A sensation struck me as if someone had delivered a powerful blow to the back of my head. My vision turned white, and nothing came into focus. The only thing visible was the name Carl. My heart thumped heavily, and cold sweat trickled down my body. When I saw my trembling hands, I knew. It wasn’t my own reaction; it was Evelina’s response.

Taking slow breaths, I moved my body. Fortunately, with some time, my vision gradually returned, and the pounding in my chest subsided. Calming myself, I looked at the paper once again.

“Who is this Carl, causing such a fuss?”

I searched Evelina’s memories, but naturally, there were no recollections of that name. However, it felt different from when I had no memories of Karus. It seemed like a memory beyond a massive wall, something I could never approach.

Once the trembling ceased, I looked through the list from the top again.

“Shall I call for the official who brought this document?”

As soon as I made the request, a mild-mannered senior official entered the study. He was one of the high-ranking officials I had met several times while preparing for the prayer meeting. With the usual formal greetings, he respectfully lowered his head. Then, with a concerned tone, he asked,

“I heard you called me regarding the candidate list?”

“Yes, it seems the list I received before the prayer meeting differs slightly.”

When I urgently received the list of deputy officials, there was clearly no name Carl on it.

“Ah, at that time, as the prayer meeting was approaching, I only forwarded the list of officials present in the headquarters who met the requirements. This time, I included the names of qualified individuals from the regional temples as well.”

Understanding why more names had been added, I also realized why the senior official was looking at me with worried eyes.

“There must be plenty of people Evelina dislikes.”

Evelina had sent all the senior officials who spoke respectfully to her to temples far away. Among them were many officials who received great respect and love, even if their ranks were not high. Perhaps all of those individuals had their names added to the list.

“Is there a particular official you favor?”

“Not exactly…”

As I answered, I gazed at the name Carl once again. Then, the senior official, understanding where my gaze fell, smiled warmly.

“Do you hold a favorable opinion of Official Carl? Well, if it’s him, he is more than capable of filling the position of a deputy. Although his youth might be an issue, I believe Carl will be able to handle it.”

The senior official’s voice carried an absolute trust in Carl.

“Perhaps it would be acceptable for Carl, as a deputy official, to return to the headquarters gradually during this opportunity. After all, he is the official whom the Holy Maiden has followed since childhood. Even if Carl himself chose to go to a temple in a remote land, it would be appropriate to invite him back now, don’t you think? If it’s an issue, I don’t think they would refuse to release Carl from that temple.”

The senior official spoke with laughter, exuding longing and trust for that person. Captivated by his expression, I looked at the list again.

“Who on earth is he?”

Even though he was someone Evelina had followed, could he really receive such high praise? I couldn’t believe it. Thinking about the individuals Evelina had kept by her side, they were mostly mediocre people at best, like Karus. Yet, here was a different senior official showering praise on someone. I was curious about this person.

“For now, I understand. You may go.”

Upon hearing that, the senior official bowed and withdrew from the study. In the quietness that returned, I stared at the name Carl countless times. Then, my gaze moved to my hand.

“…”

I saw the hand gripping the document tightly. As I slowly opened my clenched fist, sweaty palm revealed itself.

“Why is this happening?”

Who on earth is Carl that Evelina would react this way? It must be related to those three circular marks inside my thigh. I felt a pulsating sensation. Not on those marks, but in my chest. At that moment, instinctively, I knew that Carl, the official, had a connection with those marks