Episode 12
“Oh… I see now. I was truly mistaken,” Michelle said, looking at me with surprised eyes.
I replied gently, “It’s understandable. You were in a difficult situation. Really, it’s alright. Lady Lilith is generous and won’t mind.”
As I mentioned Lady Lilith’s name again, Michelle looked up at the sky and closed her eyes.
“Lilith… Lady Lilith, thank you so much.”
Nice. That’s one more believer for Lilith.
“Sister Michelle, then… may I talk about the request now?”
Since James was healed, all that remained was the sculpture request.
Michelle wiped her tears and nodded. “Of course. You saved my husband’s life. I’ll do anything you ask. You’ve already paid more than enough.”
She smiled brightly, and I cheered quietly in my heart.
‘Yes!’
After James was healed, Michelle quickly regained her composure. James, who hadn’t been able to sleep peacefully for years due to pain, was now resting calmly.
Michelle served us tea, and we sat around a wooden table, sipping quietly.
‘This tea tastes nice.’
As we enjoyed the tea, Michelle spoke again with a bitter smile. “Before we get into the details, I must tell you something. I’ll do my best for your request, but… it’s been over ten years since I’ve done real work. The result may not be perfect.”
Hearing her concern, I shook my head.
“I’ve seen your sculptures around the house. Even after ten years, your skill is still clear.”
“You’re too kind,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
I continued, “What we want to request is a statue of the deity for our temple.”
“You mean… a statue of Lady Lilith?”
“Yes,” I replied.
Michelle’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’ve never been asked to make a statue of a deity before…”
It seemed she was unsure because of the long break from work. I put down my teacup and said:
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure before meeting you. But after seeing your sculptures, I really wanted you to do it.”
“Saintess…”
“Please, Sister Michelle. Only you can do this.”
“If that’s what you wish, I’ll do my best,” she agreed.
Finally, Michelle accepted the request. I smiled widely, and Michelle gave a soft smile back.
“You know, when you smile like that, you really do look your age… but when you talk, you’re more mature than most adults. How are you so wise and calm?”
“It’s thanks to Lady Lilith. My life changed after I met her.”
“Oh… I see. If it’s okay with you, I’d love to hear more about her…”
Michelle’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
But I couldn’t tell her everything. Not yet.
“I’m sorry. It’s difficult to talk about that right now.”
If I were to speak about Lady Lilith in detail, I’d have to mention that she used to be considered a demon. That could cause problems and hurt the temple’s image.
Some might think I’m lying or deceiving people by hiding her past. But in this world, the line between ‘god’ and ‘demon’ was very blurry. People who served gods often scammed others or mistreated children. Meanwhile, Lady Lilith—called a demon—had saved me and many children.
Even so, I had to keep her identity hidden for now. But one day, I would tell the full story.
“That’s a shame,” Michelle said quietly.
I smiled and changed the topic. “Let me describe how Lady Lilith looks.”
“Oh, yes, please!”
Michelle grabbed paper and a quill, ready to draw.
“If I had to describe Lady Lilith in one sentence… she’s beautiful, elegant, and sexy. She has long black hair that flows like waves, golden eyes like jewels, pure white skin, and slightly slanted eyes. She’s perfect.”
“Wow! Please, keep going!”
“She stands tall with grace, always confident. And her body is just… amazing.”
I kept praising Lady Lilith while Michelle sketched without stopping.
“Is this what she looks like?”
“Hmm… no, the eyes are a little off.”
I helped her adjust the drawing several times. After a while, she finally finished a picture I was satisfied with.
“How about this one?”
“Yes! That’s very close! Of course, Lady Lilith is many times more beautiful in real life, but this is good enough.”
“I’ve done my best… she must be truly beautiful.”
Michelle smiled brightly and said she would love to meet Lady Lilith in person someday.
The portrait looked similar to her, but of course, a human drawing could never capture her full beauty.
‘Well, she is a god… or rather, a demon…’
It would be impossible to express her completely.
“But only you, Sister Michelle, could come this close. Thank you.”
“No, I wish I had more skill. Anyway, I’ll prepare and visit the temple soon. Is the location the same?”
“Yes. The former Valiant Temple is now the Temple of Lilith. Oh, and don’t worry about the cost. We’ll cover all materials.”
Michelle looked shocked. “Really? That must be expensive…”
“Don’t worry about it.”
The temple had plenty of funds.
“Alright then. I’ll see you soon.”
After finishing the request, we left Michelle’s house. She felt bad for not treating us better, but I didn’t mind.
‘We’ve found the sculptor who will make Lady Lilith’s statue.’
That was enough.
Ah, before leaving, I also asked Michelle to keep today’s events secret.
‘Of course, once James starts moving around again… word will spread.’
But I wanted to delay that as long as possible.
The power Lady Lilith gave me was like a miracle. I didn’t want the world’s attention just yet.
‘Sure, spreading Lilith’s name is a good goal… but still…’
People might try to use me for this power, and I had to be careful.
‘Not that I’ll let them succeed.’
I’d already started planning ways to protect myself.
‘First, I need to understand exactly what I can do with this power.’
For now, with my stronger divine body and Lilith’s magical war hammer, I could protect myself. And I could use her power to heal, sense lies, and check on the children we sent out from the temple — see where they were and whether they were safe.
‘I’m kind of amazing, huh.’
And I wanted to protect the people around me too.
‘Maybe I can use my power to protect Seria and Pelles, even when I’m not with them.’
As I thought about this, we walked up a hill toward the temple.
That’s when Pelles spoke to me.
“Saintess, you’re truly amazing.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“The miracles I saw today, and how you calmly handled everything… I’m in awe.”
He looked at me like I was a celebrity.
“You seem like a completely different person now.”
“It’s all thanks to Lady Lilith.”
I gave a short answer. Then Teron, walking on my other side, spoke up.
“No, Saintess, you’re amazing. You’re still a little child, but you’re stronger than most adults.”
Huh… Did I just get called a baby by another child?
Well, I guess it made sense. I still looked like a five-year-old.
‘When will I finally grow up?’
I wondered if Lilith could help me grow faster… Though she said she liked my soft hair.
‘She did say she liked patting my fluffy head…’
So I decided to be patient, at least for now.
For Lady Lilith.
