Chapter 10
After confirming her healing ability, Ariadne quickly left the Emperor’s bedroom.
She had never intended to heal him in the first place. She only wanted to check whether she really had such a power.
But she could tell.
The Emperor had improved significantly because of her.
It was hard to believe.
As she ran back to her room, her heart pounded loudly.
“Haa…”
She was still out of breath even after reaching her room.
She had gained healing power.
And at the same time, Ashley’s holy power had disappeared?
Ariadne immediately made a plan.
‘I need to leave this place as soon as possible!’
If she stayed, she might end up being kept by the Emperor, just like Ashley.
‘I must make sure no one finds out about my healing power.’
She steadied herself.
She couldn’t run away right now, so she decided to stay quiet and wait for the right chance.
Then she began to think about what she should do with her ability.
‘I’ll open a clinic.’
Why live as a Saint and serve others just for honor?
What value did that kind of recognition even have?
She had already long given up on being loved or acknowledged by her family.
She would run a clinic, treat sick people, and earn money.
A fair exchange—healing people for proper payment.
Yes, that sounded good.
For the first time, she felt like she could clearly see her future.
With that thought, Ariadne fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.
The next day.
Ariadne had to wake up early because of a busy maid calling her.
“Mm…”
She was extremely tired since she had slept late because of what happened the night before.
But the maid’s next words woke her instantly.
“My lady, His Majesty has invited you to lunch.”
“Me?”
Still rubbing her eyes, Ariadne asked in surprise.
The maid nodded stiffly.
“You must not come without proper dress like you did last time in the audience hall.”
It sounded more like scolding than informing.
Ariadne quickly realized the maid had been sent by the Count.
“Ah, Father sent you, didn’t he?”
“…Yes.”
The strict-looking woman with glasses lowered her head slightly but glanced at Ariadne through her lenses.
She didn’t deny it.
“Please get up.”
Ariadne didn’t like the fact that the Emperor would be there.
Of course, he wouldn’t know about her healing power—but it still felt uncomfortable.
“Do I have to go?”
“You must.”
The maid answered firmly.
“Ah… I don’t want to.”
Ariadne frowned in annoyance.
She actually liked the “villain” image people had of her now.
She planned to keep it that way.
That way, no one would connect her to healing power.
Also, because of that reputation, people avoided her and didn’t dare treat her carelessly.
Her life had become much quieter and more comfortable.
Except for moments like this—when the Count interfered.
“….”
“Please get up.”
When Ariadne didn’t move, the maid spoke again, almost like an order.
She must have received strict instructions from the Count.
Ariadne had no intention of playing along.
“Fine. I’ll handle it myself, so you can leave.”
“That is not allowed. The Count ordered me to assist you until you are fully prepared.”
Ariadne let out a small laugh.
“If you don’t want me showing up at lunch in a nightgown, you’d better leave.”
“What…?”
For the first time, the maid looked flustered.
Ariadne smiled slightly.
She knew how childish and ridiculous she sounded.
But she needed to show her father clearly.
Otherwise, he would keep interfering again.
To leave this place, she needed to reduce his control as much as possible.
“Didn’t you hear me? Leave.”
The maid’s firm expression finally wavered.
“…What do you mean?”
She frowned, as if recalling the rumors about Ariadne.
“I mean exactly what I said. Or do you need to be beaten like the servants at the Count’s house to understand?”
“I belong to the imperial palace. That would be disrespect toward His Majesty.”
The maid stood her ground.
“Good. That sounds interesting. What if I show up to lunch in a nightgown? I’ll just say you didn’t give me proper clothes.”
Ariadne knew her words were unreasonable.
But today, she fully intended to act like a foolish, stubborn villain.
Someone unreasonable and difficult.
That was the role she was playing.
Let the Count and his people deal with it.
That was her true intention.
After one more push from Ariadne, the maid sighed and stepped back.
She had heard the rumors about Ariadne’s behavior toward the Saint.
So she decided it was better to step back than deal with her.
“Then I will wait outside.”
“Good.”
The maid adjusted her glasses again and quickly left.
The “foolish villain” act worked better than expected.
And since the maid would report everything to the Count, he would think twice before interfering again.
Ariadne smiled slightly and began preparing for lunch.
The Emperor had invited the entire Bliers family, including Ariadne.
It was a formal gathering.
A way for him to express gratitude to the Saint for treating his illness.
The Count and Ashley were already seated.
The Emperor had not yet arrived.
When Ariadne entered, the Count immediately looked over her outfit.
“At least you’re not dressed like a madwoman today.”
“….”
Ariadne simply nodded slightly in greeting and sat down without replying.
“Look at your manners.”
“Father, I’m not stupid. Why don’t you worry about Ashley instead? She looks like she’s about to faint.”
“….”
Ashley looked pale even at a glance.
Ariadne already knew Ashley had failed to heal the Emperor the night before.
That must be why she looked so tense.
Knowing everything, Ariadne hummed softly, almost amused.
Annoyed, Ashley spoke.
“Sister, could you please be quiet?”
Ariadne paused while placing her napkin on her lap and looked at her.
“Why? Was I loud?”
“Yes.”
Ashley answered irritably.
“Why does the Saint seem so down today? Did your power not work well last night?”
Ariadne said with a smile.
Ashley’s face immediately fell apart.
It was as if she had been struck directly.
Ariadne held back a laugh.
“Enough, Ariadne.”
As expected, the Count scolded her.
“How dare you speak like that to the Saint? And your behavior lately… stop acting so vulgar.”
“Just what are you—”
Their tension was cut off by the Emperor’s arrival.
He entered loudly, laughing.
“Hahaha! You’re all here already?”
Everyone stood up and greeted him.
After sitting down, the Emperor waved his hand.
“There’s no need to be so formal. Sit, sit.”
Ariadne sat down again and carefully observed him.
He looked completely different from yesterday.
Almost like a different person.
Her healing power had clearly worked.
“Oh.”
She couldn’t help but let out a small sound.
His previously dull complexion now looked lively and healthy.
Even his sunken cheeks seemed fuller.
As the Emperor appeared like this, Ashley visibly relaxed.
It must have been strange for her.
Her power wasn’t working, yet the Emperor looked fine.
Only Ariadne, who knew the truth, watched everything with interest.
The Emperor looked at Ashley and spoke.
“As expected, all those rumors about the Saint were nonsense. After yesterday, I feel completely restored. I must have imagined the lack of effect at first.”
“….”
Ashley stared at him blankly.
“I heard you were worried because your condition wasn’t improving. So I invited you today to express my gratitude.”
The Emperor smiled, clearly expecting a response.
Ashley’s wandering gaze briefly met Ariadne’s.
Ariadne gave her a meaningful smile.
Ashley quickly looked away and spoke.
“Thank you. I’m just glad my power could help Your Majesty.”
Ariadne almost laughed out loud.
Ashley was acting as if she had healed the Emperor.
Ariadne smirked slightly, looking between the two.
‘This is interesting.’
She watched Ashley’s act.
She wondered when that fragile mask would finally break.
‘This might actually work out well.’
Since everyone believed Ashley still had her healing power, Ariadne didn’t need to hide hers so carefully.
It worked in her favor.
This was going to be a very satisfying meal.
After all, the healing power belonged to her.
‘I wonder how long she can keep smiling like that.’
Ariadne smiled faintly and picked up her knife.
