Prologue

There was no hope in the blazing flames. God, if you really exist, why did you give me an ordeal I cannot overcome…….!

A terrible scream resounded through the black smoke. Why…Why me…?

***

Dressed in a pure white dress, she stood in front of the mirror. Her face was as pale as a corpse because it was excessively powdered. She can’t remember when she last laughed sincerely.

“Ocean blue eyes and hair that resemble the sun’s rays. You’re the perfect figure for the title of a Saintess.”

Rev. Ribencio, the bishop and influential figure of the central temple, approached her, offering his hand. Upon hearing the applause of the people waiting, he frowned, which made his eyes look naturally haggard.

“Your face seems stiff today. Don’t be nervous. Just act as how you’d usually do.”

Wrinkled fingers were placed over her lips. Then, the corners of her mouth were forcibly raised.

“Come on, smile. Show me a smile full of pity that’d make them feel ecstasy!”

When she forced a smile, he let go of her mouth, satisfied.

“Let’s go now. My people are waiting for you like a flock of ants.”

No other option existed.

With a white veil over her face, she climbed the stairs of the Imperial Tower each with a faltering step, yet she was able to reach the top, as if she was being dragged.

As soon as they could see their faces, the cheers of the people deepened.

As the saint of the Empire, she must show her face to bless the Empire whenever the seasons change. Since today was the first morning of Autumn, she had to follow the said tradition.

“The Holy Lady of the Empire! The living Saintess has come!”

“Oh, Saintess! Please cure my child!”

“Please let me have a good harvest this fall!”

The deafening cheers chilled my throat.

I am a woman of no ability, yet just by showing my face, loud cheers can be heard.

“Smile.”

The cold voice of Rev. Ribencio resounded in her ear. Because of that, she hurriedly forced a smile and waved her hand.

“Wow! Blessed is the Holy Lady!”

“The Holy Mother, the Holy Mother! Please look down here once before you go!”

Some people had burst into tears because they were so moved when she waved her hands at them with a forced smile. Even though she had experienced this over and over again, she still couldn’t get used to such reactions, praises, and requests.

I could neither raise a good harvest as they wished, nor cure the disease of a child whose whole body was boiling to death.

Someday, I might be punished for deceiving them.

However, I was not afraid of the day I’d be reckoned. What was truly terrifying was that until the last moment I was a Saintess, I was brazen enough to even smile at them.

***