chapter 4
“Thank you so much! You’ll be blessed!”
I bowed repeatedly to the High Priest who granted me entry to the Grand Temple.
He tilted his head slightly, as if my reaction was unfamiliar.
“You seem… different from before, my lady.”
“Ah… yes…”
I flinched but forced a calm smile.
I must’ve let my real personality slip out in my excitement.
Oh, how did I get permission?
“I’m truly sorry, Your Eminence!”
I begged. Shamelessly.
…This is humiliating.
“Well… as you might have guessed, I’ve had a change of heart. One morning I woke up and suddenly thought I shouldn’t live like that anymore. Haha…”
“That is quite a positive change.”
I wasn’t sure if he’d believe me—but the High Priest smiled kindly.
Placing a hand over his chest, he bowed solemnly.
“Then I pray that divine blessings follow your new path.”
“Your Eminence…”
Not only did he forgive Airel’s past, he even prayed for me.
Aside from Janice, he was the first person to treat me kindly since I came here.
“Thank you. I hope you’re blessed as well!”
I waved at him with sparkling eyes.
He stared at me for a moment, then chuckled softly and turned away.
“I look forward to seeing you again.”
I watched him leave, my heart full—
Then turned toward my destination.
The lake.
Because that’s where I planned to kidnap the male lead.
‘The novel mentioned that Lisid fell into the lake before boarding Seria’s carriage…’
I checked the time.
‘30 minutes left.’
I was able to make this plan because I learned the timing of Seria’s carriage.
From my brother Edwin—who happily spilled everything when I praised the saintess.
Ah, true love.
Even forgetting his hatred for me.
‘Alright, let’s go.’
After making sure no one was around, I started running.
The lake was far, so I had to hurry.
But I forgot one thing—
‘Why am I so slow?!’
Airel Blandiche—
Had absolutely zero stamina.
As someone who used to run for the bus every morning, I was shocked.
I was already out of breath after barely running.
By the time I reached the lake—
30 minutes had almost passed.
Panting, I scanned the area.
Lake. Trees. Bushes.
Then—
Rustle.
I turned.
‘…There!’
Black hair.
A small round head peeking out of the bushes.
But then—
Seria’s carriage appeared.
“No…!”
Panicking, I threw myself forward.
‘Sorry, Your Grace!’
I grabbed him and shoved him into my pocket.
…Rolling across the ground in the process.
“Your Grace, are you okay?!”
I checked my pocket.
I had held it tightly—he should be fine.
“Airel Blandiche.”
A cold voice came from inside.
Shing—
The sound of a blade.
“Do you wish to die for insulting royalty?”
My legs trembled.
I had really done it.
I kidnapped the male lead.
“Well… no turning back now.”
“I-I’m sorry!”
For stuffing you into my pocket instead of letting you meet the heroine.
“But I’m trying to help you.”
And save my life too.
I slowly lowered my head.
Then—
‘…Wait. He’s cuter than I expected?’
I froze.
His red eyes shone brightly inside my pocket.
I knew he was supposed to be cute in this form—
And handsome—
But—
‘Not THIS cute!’
His black hair, red eyes, and delicate features made him look like a perfect doll.
I was honestly stunned.
“…You’re helping me?”
He laughed coldly.
His tiny sword pointed at me.
But—
‘…Why is this not scary at all?’
Some people get overwhelmed by cuteness.
I’m one of them.
‘He didn’t just shrink… he became soft and round like a doll.’
I resisted the urge to squish his cheeks and nodded.
‘Focus.’
If I fail here, I die.
“Yes. It would be dangerous if you were seen like this.”
I turned away from Seria’s carriage.
And spoke carefully.
“You didn’t know, right? That carriage is escorted by Edwin—and our family knights.”
“…Edwin? The Blandiche heir?”
“Yes.”
I nodded seriously.
The Blandiche family served the imperial family.
And the emperor saw Lisid as a threat.
Which meant—
They were enemies.
Especially Lisid and Edwin.
‘In the original story, Lisid even tried to jump out of the carriage when he saw Edwin.’
I lowered my voice.
“Fortunately, I’m the only one who saw you. Don’t worry. I’ll find whoever did this to you.”
“….”
Silence.
His eyes narrowed.
“Your plan?”
“…Huh?”
“How exactly do you intend to help me?”
His voice was cold again.
I glanced at the carriage passing by.
The story had changed.
“…F-first, we’ll go to my estate. I’ll hide you somewhere safe.”
That part was true.
He was soaking wet from the lake.
Even my pocket was drenched.
‘…I should’ve brought a handkerchief.’
What if he catches a cold?
Just then—
“Blandiche estate? You want me to enter enemy territory?”
His tone sharpened.
“How can I trust you?”
“That’s…”
“You mention Edwin, yet suggest this? What if you hand me over?”
“…What?”
I froze.
He smirked.
“If you hadn’t grabbed me, I would’ve boarded that carriage and had my curse lifted.”
“….”
“But thanks to you—my plan is ruined.”
I flinched at his mocking tone.
