Chapter 41
What the heck is that number?
“[??Emotion]”? She couldn’t even tell what kind of feeling that was, and to top it off, the number displayed was a ridiculous 124535678%.
The moment Ellysia rubbed her eyes—
The number above the High Priest’s head vanished.
“……!”
Did she see it wrong? Or was it a glitch?
But she didn’t have time to question it. The High Priest, who had been smiling at Ellysia just moments ago, now walked straight ahead as if nothing had happened. Upon reaching the imperial throne, he lowered his head in a dignified motion.
“I greet His Majesty Aystas, the only sovereign acknowledged by the Goddess.”
Despite the courteous greeting, his tone was flat and devoid of emotion.
It seemed respectful, but not reverent. The High Priest’s demeanor had that peculiar assertiveness one uses when speaking to an equal or subordinate.
The Emperor didn’t seem to like that either and got straight to the point.
“So, what is this about? I’d like to know why we were summoned here so suddenly.”
Ellysia inwardly applauded.
‘Nice one, Your Majesty! Let’s get to the point already!’
She just wanted to skip ahead and hear the prophecy. Chop-chop!
However, despite the Emperor’s directness, the High Priest didn’t immediately begin with the prophecy.
“No matter how noble Your Majesty may be, the sacred rites cannot be ignored. Let us now offer our prayers to our Goddess, Prinis.”
“……”
Ellysia couldn’t help the deflated expression that came over her. Prayers? How long was he planning to drag this out? Please, Your Majesty, press harder! Let’s get to the prophecy!
But her silent plea didn’t reach him. The Emperor allowed the High Priest to proceed.
‘Maybe in this world, theocracy holds power equal to the monarchy.’
That would explain why the protagonist’s role was that of the “Saint”—the highest of holy positions. While Ellysia was lost in thought, the choir’s halted hymn resumed.
The prayer ritual was even longer and more complicated than expected.
Once the hymn ended, the High Priest would say something, then another hymn would begin. Afterward, everyone would fold their hands and bow their heads. Then repeat.
A few minutes passed. Or was it tens of minutes? Ellysia anxiously watched the chat.
As expected, bored comments began popping up.
so boring
uh… no skip button?
did the devs seriously think we needed this scene?
I’m out, someone ping me when this is over
Even Ellysia’s eyes were beginning to close.
∥“I’m sleepy too. Should we play a mini-game among ourselves?”∥
But what mini-game? Ellysia rested her chin in her hand, pretending to pray, when—
Screeeeech!
‘Ugh, what was that?!’
A sharp, chalkboard-scraping noise pierced her ears. Shocked, Ellysia looked up to see the other nobles clutching their ears in alarm.
“Everyone, focus.”
The prayers had stopped at some point. The High Priest’s cold voice echoed through the hall. He must have used some kind of skill to jolt the dozing nobles awake.
But even understanding that, something felt off. Why?
‘Why does he keep staring at me?’
Their eyes met again. Was she imagining it?
Ellysia frowned at the High Priest’s unblinking gaze. In a dry voice, he added,
“Be warned. Any irreverent acts during this sacred gathering may incur the Goddess’s wrath.”
‘…Wait, did he catch me skipping prayers to play a mini-game?’
Trying to shake off the discomfort, Ellysia came up with a reason on her own. Well, okay, she had relaxed her praying hands and muttered something about a game—he might’ve overheard.
…But wait. Didn’t she voice that in the audio chat?
Just then—
“I shall now reveal the prophecy.”
A well-timed announcement snapped Ellysia back to reality. The High Priest now surveyed the room with solemn dignity, as if he hadn’t been staring at her seconds ago.
“We have awaited the Saintess for a long time. For centuries, we believed only in the Goddess’s promise to send her. Some dared to doubt, others lacked patience—but judgment will finally come.”
The High Priest, calm and composed, delivered the final line.
“The Saintess will soon descend.”
The voice, so different from the quiet tone before, was powerful. Calm, strong, and loud enough for all to hear.
‘There it is.’
Ellysia swallowed nervously.
‘The protagonist finally enters.’
The legendary Saintess. The figure everyone would focus on. The true heroine of this game.
Frillian’s arrival had just been foretold.
✦ ✦ ✦
“The Saintess is descending?”
“No matter how divine the prophecy is… can we believe it?”
“She’s practically a mythical figure…”
People whispered quietly, afraid to speak irreverently aloud. Regardless of their reactions, the High Priest continued.
“That is the full extent of the prophecy. May the Goddess’s blessing be with Your Majesty.”
“……”
The Emperor regarded him gravely. He seemed lost in thought for a moment, then offered a smiling response.
“A surprising, but welcome message. It means the Goddess is watching over us… I shall soon visit the temple to offer my gratitude.”
“We will be expecting you.”
The High Priest bowed neatly, then turned and left without hesitation, as if his task were complete.
With the tension between the two having simmered down, the guests were unsure whether to resume the festivities. They remained silent, watching.
Only after some time did the Emperor raise his hand.
Then, finally, ballroom music began to play. The choir withdrew, and lighthearted music filled the room once more. Conversations resumed. People covered their mouths with fans or leaned in under the pretense of dancing, murmuring about the Saintess’s descent.
The revelation had clearly shaken them—many were too stunned to even dance.
‘Now that I’ve heard the prophecy, I guess it’s time to head home?’
Ellysia lifted her gaze. Her entire purpose in coming had been to confirm whether Frillian would truly descend. Hearing it from someone else wouldn’t have been reliable—especially since neither the Duke nor Howell would have given her accurate information, and learning it secondhand would’ve taken too long.
She was glad she’d come.
‘Frillian… I wonder what she’ll be like in person?’
What would happen after she arrived? Being the “protagonist” of this world, Frillian might hold the key to Ellysia returning home. Just the thought made her oddly excited.
That’s when it happened.
Ding!
A glowing message window appeared before her.
You have entered the Main Story! A Main Quest has been assigned!
Main Quest
〈Frillian’s Arrival〉
The Saintess of this world, Frillian, is finally set to appear!
But your character is the “Villainess Ellysia”!
Are you just going to sit back and let the heroine take center stage??
Disrupt the first meeting between Frillian and the male leads!
Disruption Success (0/2)
Quest Reward: 1 Skill View Ticket
Quest Failure: Player Removal
“What?!”
Ellysia scowled as she read the quest.
Disrupt Frillian’s first meeting with the male leads?
What kind of quest was this?
‘Why should I care who she meets…?’
Whether the heroine ends up in a romance or a horror film—what did it matter to her? She was already swamped trying to make money.
Ellysia had zero interest in meddling in someone else’s love life.
“Something seems to be troubling you?”
Just then—
Someone spoke to her. Ellysia quickly closed the quest window and turned toward the voice.
The High Priest was standing right in front of her.
‘………When did he get here?’
She thought he’d already left the palace—how had he snuck up on her?
Ellysia looked around quickly. No one else was nearby. The Crown Prince had excused himself with a serious face after the prophecy, and she’d wandered to a relatively secluded area.
Being alone with someone so unreadable wasn’t ideal.
Ellysia watched the High Priest with cautious eyes. His flawless white skin and unnaturally blue hair gave him a non-human aura. When she remained silent, he spoke first.
“May the Goddess’s blessing be with you.”
“……”
“……Lady Semperion?”
“Um…”
Ellysia tried to gauge his expression. He had his head slightly bowed and was watching her through his lashes, clearly waiting for her to respond.
But Ellysia wasn’t sure what kind of greeting to give a priest. If she got it wrong, it might raise suspicion. At this point, she figured it was safer to act like her character.
She gave a small nod and opened her mouth.
“Uh, haven’t you heard the rumors about me, High Priest? I’m pretty famous for not knowing or doing much. I’m basically a notorious troublemaker.”
Official delinquent. Surely no one would be surprised if a villainess didn’t know how to properly greet a priest.
The High Priest straightened up and let out a quiet chuckle.
“You claim to be incompetent, but I think you’re being modest. I’ve heard you excel in both magic and swordsmanship.”
He wasn’t fishing—he sounded certain. Whether he’d heard it at the ball or acquired the information elsewhere,
The High Priest knew Ellysia was powerful.
“…Still, it’s nothing special. Nothing that concerns someone like you, High Priest.”
Ellysia shook her head. The more she thought about why he’d come to see her, the more suspicious it seemed.
But regardless of her wariness, the High Priest offered a benevolent smile.
“No need to belittle yourself. The Goddess watches over all her creations. She surely watches over you too, Lady Semperion.”
He tilted his head slightly, then took a step closer and lowered his voice.
“So let me ask—do you know where the Saintess will descend?”
“…What?”
He wanted to know where Frillian would appear?
Why ask something like that?
“How would I know? I’m not a priest.”
Ellysia shrugged.
‘Isn’t he supposed to be the one prophesying that kind of thing? If he doesn’t even know when or where she’ll show up, what’s he doing?’
Why was he asking a side-character villainess this?
‘Is he suspecting I’m a transmigrator or something…?’
As she met the probing intensity of the High Priest’s stare, he suddenly smiled softly.
“I hope that’s the truth. Please don’t try to interfere with the sacred arrival of the Saintess.”
“You think I’d interfere?”
“Yes.”
“…Why would I do something like that? I like the Saintess.”
He was seriously accusing her—directly, no less.
Ellysia no longer felt like playing along.
“High Priest, do you just… not like me?”
“……!”
The unexpected question shook the High Priest. He clearly hadn’t expected her to confront him so bluntly. He faltered briefly, then raised the corners of his mouth in a gentle smile.
“Of course not. The Goddess teaches us to love all people.”
“Then why are you accusing me of meddling when I haven’t even done anything? That’s hurtful!”
“As you yourself said… the ‘infamous troublemaking noble lady’ is capable of anything, isn’t she?”
“…Hah.”
Was he smiling just to be polite? Wasn’t that a very roundabout way of calling her dangerous?
Ellysia raised an eyebrow at his attitude—
“Hey! There you are!”
A sharp voice interrupted them. Spotting the person striding toward her, Ellysia called his name.
“Howell?”
“If you don’t head back now, there’s no way Father will forgive you! Where have you even been all this time—?”
Howell trailed off when he noticed the High Priest beside her.
“…High Priest?”
“It’s a pleasure. May the Goddess’s blessing be upon you.”
The High Priest greeted him smoothly, then added,
“As the Saintess’s descent draws near, I recommend Lady Semperion mind her behavior and avoid causing any more disturbances.”
“…Hah.”
Howell let out a soft sigh—so quiet only Ellysia would’ve heard. It sounded like a mix of disbelief and irritation.
With a firm voice, Howell responded,
“You don’t need to worry about that. Our Ellie is grounded. She’ll be staying quietly at home, so you don’t need to concern yourself, High Priest!”
And with that, he grabbed Ellysia’s arm and began pulling her away.
‘It’s kind of like he’s taking my side, but…’
Still, saying she’d “stay quiet because she’s grounded”? That was a stretch. Based on her past actions, that was the last thing anyone would believe.
Don’t you realize that even as you say it, Howell?
Noticing Ellysia’s incredulous stare, Howell cleared his throat.
“Ahem, c’mon, let’s go already!”
