episode_0075

“Is this good enough?”

“In my opinion, you should pull your bangs up a little more…”

The two beauties stood at close range, scrutinizing his face over and over while offering their critiques. There was no heart-fluttering excitement here—the reason being that they were his blood-related siblings. But even if they weren’t, repeating this for hours on end would have drained anyone’s energy.

“Cut it out already. Why make such a fuss over just going out?”

“That’s called a date when it’s between a man and a woman alone. Of course you need to pay attention to your looks!”

“Mariika and I are— Ugh, whatever. Can we go now? We’re going to be late.”

Using the scheduled time as an excuse, Liel barely managed to escape his sister and younger sibling’s interference.

The village where the three siblings lived was small, but it was close enough to the capital that one could reach it in half a day on foot. Still, it was too far for casual outings, and since Liel’s break was short, they decided to visit a nearby hill instead.

In a tiny village like this—unless there was a magical tower or something—flower-viewing was just about the only recreational activity available. Fortunately, his birthday fell in spring, so the timing was perfect.

“Liel!”

Mariika waved her hand excitedly as she called out to him, seeing him leaning against the tree they always used as their meeting spot. Though Liel was dressed more formally than ever before, Mariika had outdone him.

Her makeup wasn’t excessive—just light enough to accentuate her striking beauty, while earrings and hair accessories added an elegant touch. Her dress, following the latest trends in the capital, avoided flashy embellishments, opting instead for simple grace—yet paired with just the right wearer, it achieved devastating charm.

The dress wasn’t particularly figure-hugging, but when worn by Mariika’s curvaceous frame, no man could look away from her sculpted beauty.

Truly worthy of being a saint. Bathed in the warm glow of spring sunlight, she looked like an angel descended upon the earth.

“You’re here?”

“Did you wait long?”

“No, I just got here too.”

Admittedly, showing up earlier and saying this would’ve been cooler, but thanks to his sisters’ harassment, he had barely made it on time.

“Shall we go?”

“……”

Normally, she would’ve immediately latched onto his arm, but for some reason, Mariika remained unusually shy, cheeks flushed as she stole glances at him.

“What’s up?”

“H-Hey… how do I look today…?”

Ah, was that why? Mariika had always wanted him to review her appearance on special occasions like this. He’d forgotten because it had been so long since they’d met.

To make up for all the times he hadn’t said it, Liel poured on the praise.

“You look absolutely stunning. More than any other girl I’ve ever seen.”

Even he—someone who considered her family—couldn’t help but be captivated, if only for a moment. Since he truly felt that way, it wasn’t hard to compliment her. No flowery words or elaborate adjectives—just his honest opinion, which meant more to her than any exaggerated flattery.

Mariika knew that, so her smile was filled with genuine joy.

“Yeah? Would anyone fall for me looking like this?”

“Of course. You’ll definitely find a great guy.”

“For example… someone like you, Liel?”

Even someone as dense about romance as Liel would pick up on that, right? Eyes sparkling with expectation, she gauged his reaction.

Liel met her gaze and smiled gently before answering.

“Obviously.”

Of course, finding another guy like him across the entire world would be near impossible. He swallowed that part down, completely unaware of the conflicting emotions now budding within her.

POW!

Fireworks exploded violently inside Mariika’s head. In her mind, she could already see herself in a wedding dress, church bells ringing in her ears.

“Mariika? Mariika!”

“Eh? Wh-What?”

Gulp.

Still dazed, she wiped the corner of her mouth before flushing red all over again as she looked at Liel.

‘Does that mean Liel also…?! Is this really happening?! Today…!’

“You’re acting weird today. Let’s hurry up and go.”

“Y-Yeah.”

Unaware of Mariika’s inner worries—like whether she should’ve worn prettier underwear—Liel grabbed her hand and started walking, pulling her along.

The hill near the village had gentle slopes, making it easy to climb even in formal clothes. In fact, as they ascended farther, the cool breeze felt refreshing. Perfect weather, perfect mood.

For the first time in her life, Mariika felt like the protagonist of a novel—like she had conquered the world.

“Oh, Mariika! Come here!”

Seeing him wave his hand excitedly, she approached to find clusters of wild strawberries hanging abundantly. Liel plucked a handful and held them out to her.

“Ah~”

“What?”

At her sudden action—mouth parted prettily—Liel looked at her in confusion. Normally, she wouldn’t have been so bold, but with familial encouragement and the mood just right, she replied with confidence.

“Feed me.”

“You’re not a kid.”

Grumbling, he still picked up a few berries and popped them into her mouth.

Nom. Gulp.

While chewing Liel’s strawberries, Mariika suddenly swiped her tongue over his fingertips.

“Gasp?!”

An unexpected move. Stumbling back in surprise, Liel gaped at her—while Mariika, satisfied with his reaction, arched an eyebrow and smiled.

Did that make him more aware of me?

“What was that?!”

“Did you like that? Getting your fingers licked by your gorgeous childhood friend?”

Watching her give a seductive smile, Liel frowned.

“Liked it? Cut out the weird jokes.”

But he quickly regained his composure and wiped his hand, which left her pouting in dissatisfaction.

‘Not enough.’

Maybe she should follow Libia’s advice and provoke his jealousy?

The two reached the top of the hill and sat on the grassy patch shaded by a large tree. While Liel rested with his eyes closed in the peaceful atmosphere, Mariika kept stealing glances at him.

‘Ugh, I give up.’

Plop.

She flopped onto her back, resting her head on Liel’s lap. Her heart pounded wildly, her pale skin burning up without a chance to cool.

Though her nervousness was evident, it didn’t matter—soon, she felt gentle fingers caressing her neck and shoulders while his pleasant voice echoed nearby.

“Tired?”

“…A little.”

“Guess your stamina’s gotten worse. Even if studying is tough, you should still exercise regularly.”

“You’re one to talk—your health isn’t that great either.”

“Still better than yours?”

“Hmph.”

She didn’t want to hear the lecture, but being this close to him made his comforting scent even nicer.

Let’s do this.

Steeling her resolve, Mariika hid her face against his leg before speaking.

“Actually, Liel… I’ve met someone I like.”

“What? Who is it?”

Just like the two of them had predicted. Liel immediately pressed for details—job, personality, looks, family background. By the end, he was questioning things even he didn’t have.

“If I say his job, it might give him away, so I won’t. He’s handsome… and kinda cute? His personality… it’s really good. Feels like we fit well together.”

“You won’t know that for sure unless you take a closer look. How can you trust someone you haven’t known for long?”

In truth, Mariika had met him three years ago when she was chosen as the saint and taken to the church. That wasn’t a short time, but Liel still couldn’t shake his unease.

To him, Mariika was always someone to protect—the naive, fragile little girl.

“No need to worry. I’ve screened him thoroughly.”

“You’re down bad… Well, if you like him so much, who am I to stop you?”

But does the church even have kids her age? Please tell me she didn’t get tangled up with some shady adult. The thought made him uneasy—especially since Mariika had been famous since childhood for being exceptionally cute and beautiful.

I need to check this out. But if his job makes him identifiable, then it must be a role with very few holders… like a hero candidate? That fits age-wise too.

If he’s hero-material, then he should be good enough for Mariika. A saint and a hero—that’s a fitting pair. Though, now that he thinks about it… isn’t the sole remaining hero candidate a girl?

“Sigh.”

“Not stopping me? If you tell me to quit, I’d consider it.”

“Nah. Who am I to block your future when I don’t even know the guy?”

The ease with which he gave up made it seem like his feelings weren’t deep. Strangely relieved, Liel sighed—but Mariika puffed her cheeks in frustration.

“What, so now you don’t care what happens to me?”

“Course I do—if that bastard hurts you, I’ll track him down and make him regret it.”

“Thanks for the sentiment. But before that, I’ll personally smite him in the saint’s name, so it’s fine.”

“That’s terrifying. You’ve got the Goddess’s curse on your side.”

Unaware she was talking about him, Liel chuckled—that guy’s in serious trouble.