Chapter 30

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: The Lady Only Deals in the Real Thing - Chapter 37

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“The stolen... Holy Artifact?”

“Yes. If you'd like, you can appraise it yourself. Oh, but not in the usual way. I actually have something to tell you about the Holy Artifact...”

“No, that's not necessary.”

The priest glanced at me, then at the snow globe.

He looked utterly shocked.

Did he find it hard to believe that this worn-out snow globe was a Holy Artifact?

“This snow globe is indeed a Holy Artifact owned by the temple.”

Then why...?

I was puzzled.

“But why do you have it, Sister? This was definitely... today...”

Today?

Did the temple not even realize it had been stolen?

'Just how skilled is that bastard Cresens?'

I should've locked him up in the pawnshop's storage room first.

I was about to explain the situation to the stunned priest when he suddenly shot to his feet.

“Guards!”

What?

“Don't let this person escape!”

Excuse me?

“And... oh my god, Your Eminence the Cardinal?!”

Then he freaked out like he'd seen someone rise from the dead and bolted away.

I tried to turn around, but guards swarmed in front of me in an instant, blocking my view.

They looked ready to drag me off any second.

Wait a minute. In this situation...

'They think I stole this snow globe? And now they're suspicious that I'm brazenly pretending to return it?'

Man, they sure were quick to jump to conclusions.

I was dumbfounded, but not really angry.

After all, bringing Cresens—who was probably rolling around in the pawnshop right now—would clear up the misunderstanding in no time.

Compared to the cold shoulders I'd gotten in my past life, this didn't even qualify as neglect.

The real issue was...

'With them not listening like this, should I even tell them the crystal bird sculpture is a fake Holy Artifact?'

What if they were displaying it knowing it was fake?

That might actually make more sense than them failing to spot a forgery.

In the worst case, they might try to silence me.

As I pondered, I sensed someone approaching.

'Hm?'

A figure cloaked head to toe in a pure white robe was walking toward us.

From the height and build, it was a man. He gestured, and the guards parted like the sea.

Who was he? What was going on? Could he even see with that hood on?

As I wondered, the mysterious figure sat in the priest's seat.

A faint scent of lilac wafted from him.

“Hello.”

I greeted him first, and the corner of his mouth—barely visible beneath the hood—curved up slightly.

Was he someone important? He didn't return the greeting, which suggested he was pretty high-ranking.

I tilted my head curiously when he held out a piece of paper in front of me.

[Yes. Nice to meet you, Sister. Even nicer to meet like this.]

'Phew, almost misunderstood him.'

He must be under a vow of silence or unable to speak for some reason.

[I'll apologize on their behalf for the rudeness earlier. You came to return the Holy Artifact, right?]

“Yes, this snow globe here. Some thief had it...”

At my words, the man in front of me burst into laughter.

His sense of humor was a bit unique. Was it okay for a priest to find a stolen Holy Artifact amusing...?

Anyway, instead of judging his twisted funny bone, I continued.

“I figured it was best to return it. Since it's a Holy Artifact and all.”

[I see. How did you know it was a Holy Artifact? Did the thief admit it?]

“No, he insisted he didn't know, but he never actually said it was one anyway. I work at a pawnshop, so I know a bit about appraising things.”

The man paused at my words, then slowly wrote.

[Interesting. How were you able to appraise the Holy Artifact so accurately?]

I thought for a moment.

By the color of the light? But wasn't that common knowledge?

'It's just that my instincts are a little sharper.'

What allowed me to spot it was the subtle hue and aura, plus experience comparing it to other items.

But saying I had great intuition and observation skills felt too boastful.

“Appraisals require caution. But sometimes, you have to trust your instincts.”

My answer was set.

“My grandfather taught me that.”

It was an answer that defined who I was.

I'd learned everything from my grandfather.

The man seemed to ponder my response for a moment.

[I see. You wanted to borrow a Holy Artifact, right? Since you've returned the stolen one—well, commendably so—we can lend you one for a limited time.]

“Really? Thank you!”

[But didn't you have something to say about the Holy Artifact?]

It was the very thing I'd been agonizing over.

Still, I came to a clear decision.

“That crystal bird sculpture in the display case. I think you should re-appraise it. It doesn't seem like a real Holy Artifact to me.”

If they tried to shut me up?

I'd deal with it then.

Ignorance was one thing, but now that I'd noticed, I had to speak the truth. That was my principle.

A bit tense, I awaited his reply. The priest's head nodded slowly.

[Very well. Thank you for the advice.]

An open-minded priest. Good.

Relieved, I bowed politely.

He gestured, and the priest who'd run off earlier returned.

As he apologized for the misunderstanding and headed off to prepare the loan papers, I moved to follow.

[I might need your personal help soon. I'll send someone to your workplace shortly.]

No reason to refuse a customer.

And a priest? Even better. Maybe I could score some holy water at a discount through him?

I told him to come anytime, and he added to the note.

[Welcome me. But this time, keep it casual.]

This time, casual?

Hmm. Was that the issue?

'Guess some people fawn over priests with excessive formalities or act all stiff?'

I wasn't a believer anyway, so no big deal.

“Sure, that's easy enough. Well, I'll be off then!”

It felt good to do a good deed.

I followed the priest happily.

After Elisha left.

The guard bowed deeply to Cresens, who had lowered his hood.

“Forgive us, Your Eminence. We offended you with our rash suspicions.”

“It's fine. Why apologize to me?”

“Then to that Sister...”

“Yes, you should apologize to her. But our Sister is remarkably magnanimous by nature. A belated apology might just make her more uncomfortable.”

Cresens smiled faintly and removed his robe.

Revealing his cardinal's vestments. He gestured.

“Now, you all know what to do, right?”

The guards, looking puzzled, received his broad grin.

“The crystal bird sculpture. Remove it. Quickly.”

“Ah, yes sir!”

“And the appraiser who vetted that sculpture.”

The guards flinched at Cresens's expressionless face.

“Bring them to me.”

“Yes sir! Right away!”

Watching the guards hurry off, Cresens muttered.

“This should cover the appraisal fee, right?”

Why was that?

He hadn't gotten the information he wanted, yet he felt pleased.

Cresens whispered as if to himself.

“See you again soon.”

His pale green eyes sparkled.

After filling out piles of paperwork, what I received was a small ring.

The light was faint, but a Holy Artifact was still a Holy Artifact.

Well, they couldn't hand out their precious ones to believers for loans.

This was more than satisfying enough.

'So that's the sanctuary.'

On the way out.

A pleasant fragrance drew me to a sanctuary where people were praying.

No wonder it felt familiar despite being my first time. The serene atmosphere, maybe?

I stood before the empty sanctuary, overflowing with blooming lilacs, and clasped my hands.

“Thank you, World Tree.”

In my grandfather's influence, I didn't believe in gods.

But I'd been granted a second life.

Whatever the reason, if it was the World Tree's mercy...

“I'll live doing lots of good deeds. I mean it.”

It was shameless, but just one more request.

A tiny little wish.

Give me any trials you want. Just...

“...My grandfather...”

My throat tightened.

I murmured so softly it couldn't be heard.

“Please don't let him forget me.”

Plip. Plip.

I opened my eyes at the sound. I'd been crying without realizing it.