episode_0196

***

After returning to the waiting room, Maria took off the armor on her shoulders, elbows, and knees.

The leather belt must have been fastened tightly, leaving a clear red mark where the belt had been.

The fallen armor was scattered on the floor in a disorderly manner, and she leaned the greatsword she could not place against the wall.

Maria sat on a long chair in the center of the waiting room and wiped the sweat from her forehead with her hand.

“I lost.”

Very brief words that made her aware of reality came out of her mouth.

There was deep confusion in her voice.

When we won the first game, we had a small glimmer of hope.

He knew that he, who had achieved enlightenment through the guidance of the saint, would confidently win the competition.

She thought she would do the same as the saints did under God’s guidance.

However, she had to kneel to a sword that flew at the start of the second game.

It was so dull that it could hardly be called a fight.

Throughout the second game, she rolled on the floor and could not hide her moans.

Mary was displeased that she, the one who had received the saint’s teachings and was one of the attendants assisting the saint, had been defeated.

“In the end, it means that I am not qualified.”

If he had made it to the finals at least, he would have made an excuse saying that he had proven his qualifications to be next to a saint…

Maria covered her sad expression with her palm.

– Rumbling

The wooden door opened, and Lumen came in.

“Chief judge!”

When she, who was supposed to be in the VIP section, entered the waiting room, Maria hurriedly stood up.

“Please sit down.”

Lumen sat her down in a calm voice.

Maria hesitated for a moment and thought about it, then placed her buttocks on the chair again.

Lumen quietly took a seat next to Maria.

“Thank you for your hard work. Sister Maria.”

“Thank you. But… I was eliminated in the second game.”

“Of course. The opponent was not good. Because he is the one who predicted that the saint would win.”

Oh, the saint didn’t even think I would win in the first place.

Maria was both sad and sad.

“Saint… you were disappointed, weren’t you?”

Although she didn’t want to hear the answer, Maria asked anyway.

Lumen did not answer Maria’s question.

“…as expected.”

Maria accepted this as a silent affirmation and lowered her shoulders.

“Don’t jump to conclusions. Because the saint did not even mention the ‘thread’ of disappointment.”

Looking at his subordinate who was having severe mood swings, Lumen let out a small sigh.

When Maria looked at him with wide eyes, Lumen continued.

“The Holy Spirit directly said that what he expected from Sister Maria was ‘the possibility of things becoming better than they are now.’”

Lumen swallowed his saliva and paused.

“I think Sister Maria showed that potential this time. It would have been nice if it went higher though.”

“Are you saying that you didn’t have much expectations from me?”

“You are thinking negatively. No one has ever said that.”

A twinge, Lumen glanced at her.

“The saint said, ‘I lost, but I fought well.’ If I dare to consider the saint’s heart… I wonder if he was sufficiently satisfied with Sister Maria…”

“…….”

As soon as Lumen finished speaking, Maria felt something angry and blooming deep within her heart.

“Do you remember what you said to Sister Maria earlier? ‘The Holy Son will definitely be of great help to Sister Mary’s stagnant faith.’”

“Yes. I remember.”

Lumen stood up.

“Today I was convinced that what I thought was not wrong. So Sister Maria… please show the saint that you will get better in the future.”

The judge’s pitch-black attire looked extremely modest.

[Please wash your body and come slowly.]

Lumen spoke to Maria and returned to the VIP room.

“……”

Maria sat in the waiting room for a long time even after Lumen returned.

She buried her face in her palms.

“The saint acknowledged me.”

The tension and irritation that had built up from all the hard work disappeared without a trace, like snow melting in the spring sun.

And the empty space was filled with a feeling of elation that was difficult to explain.

“Huh….”

A laugh escaped Maria’s mouth as she buried her face in her hands.

“Hehe… I received… recognition.”

“I was recognized…. Hehe… The saint has now acknowledged me.”

“Thank goodness.”

A somewhat frivolous sound, a mixture of crying and laughter, spread calmly throughout the waiting room.

***

The person chosen by In-ho ultimately won the competition.

The Pope and the leader of the Holy Knights looked at Inho with a surprised face, and he remained silent by shrugging his shoulders.

“Saint, at least give an award.”

“No, no. This is an award that the Pope has always given, so I hope he will do it again this time.”

In-ho declined the Pope’s proposal.

“Saint.”

Maria, who had already returned to her daily life, came up behind In-ho like a shadow.

“Sister Maria, thank you for your hard work.”

Knowing how much effort she put into her training, Inho looked up at her and smiled.

“…Thank you.”

Maria turned her face slightly at Inho’s flawless smile.

“Sister Maria, you fought hard, but it was unfortunate.”

When the leader of the Holy Knights who was sitting next to Inho spoke, Maria smiled as if it was okay.

“I think we can show you better results next time.”

Her answer was directed to the knight commander, but her eyes were focused on the back of the saint.

“So you can look forward to it.”

As if making a promise to a saint, Mary spoke.

‘I’m reaching there…’

Feeling the back of Maria’s head being pressed by something huge, Inho began to seriously consider whether to say this or not.