I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince - Chapter 248 [The Real Saint (4)]

T/N: This bonus chapter is sponsored by James B. (9/14). If you enjoy reading and are willing to help me catch up to the latest chapters faster by sponsoring bonus chapters, see my Ko-fi.

Ethan exuded an aura so sharp it seemed like he might pull his sword at any moment and cut down Gyeongmwajogyegigwat. The moment that foolish Hero spoke nonsense, Ethan had a feeling this situation would take this exact turn.

Gyeongmwajogyegigwat had been acting too lukewarm from the start.

When he and I were talking in private, he clearly agreed to make Seriste the Saint. Yet now, here he was, saying something entirely different.

‘No way, he’s not… actually interested in me, is he?’

I desperately hoped that wasn’t the case. If Gyeongmwajogyegigwat dared to come after me while I was already treading the line with Ethan, things would get incredibly complicated.

From the perspective of a former unicorn, my personal philosophy was that a woman could only embrace one man in her lifetime. Once a woman had slept with two different men, she might as well be a used-up rag. [Only on DarkStar Translations! / Axiomatic]

I could concede and admit that I had been reincarnated into Lilith, the one destined to become that kind of filthy, defiled woman. But I had at least fought against fate with everything I had and managed to prevent it. I had escaped gangbangs, drug abuse, and even the humiliating fate of being the slave of a lout prince.

In the process, though, I did get involved with Ethan in many ways. But, by my standards, I was still intact enough to consider myself pure.

I hadn’t done anything inappropriate with any man other than Ethan, and we hadn’t even gone all the way.

But now, if I were to be ravaged by Gyeongmwajogyegigwat? Just like how the original Lilith was saved by the Hero?

… I absolutely had to prevent that from happening. If I ended up becoming a true “Lilith the Defiled” in this world, I might end my own life from sheer despair.

“I haven’t finished speaking, Young Master Ethan. So don’t misunderstand me.”

“I’m not sure what there is to misunderstand. You were just about to say you wanted my Lilith to join your party, weren’t you? And don’t act like your party isn’t full of girls who throw themselves at you.”

“…Hey, I’ve never acted that way around him. Don’t drag me into this,” snapped Agnes, sharply denying Ethan’s words. Seraphine and Seriste remained silent, averting their gazes.

I didn’t even want to know, but it seemed Gyeongmwajogyegigwat had quite the collection of heroines already. The Hero wasted no time in rebutting.

“What I’m saying is, we should definitively determine who is more suited to be the Saint. I never said Lilith had to be the Saint, nor did I say she was essential to my party.”

“Explain properly. If your reasoning doesn’t convince me, then we’ll settle this with our swords.”

“The title of the Saint isn’t something bestowed by humans. It’s a power given by the gods. Do you really think it can be easily switched from one person to another? What if the Goddess Aurelia becomes enraged and strips Lilith of her sainthood entirely? If neither of them remains the Saint, how are we supposed to stop the Demon King?”

“…Just like Lilith wasn’t born as the Saint, I’m sure someone else somewhere in this world will be chosen as a new Saint. Who knows, maybe that girl who’s always glued to your side will receive a new divine revelation and become the true Saint.”

“If Seriste becomes the Saint, I wouldn’t be opposed. I’d prefer to keep my longtime partner, the priestess, by my side. But what if a girl with the qualifications to be a Saint appears in some remote, forgotten village? What if the status of the Saint disappears entirely? What will you do then?” [Only on DarkStar Translations! / Axiomatic]

“You must really think Goddess Aurelia is an irresponsible deity. Do you believe she would let the fate of the world be dictated by her whims?”

“I’m an atheist from another world. That kind of argument is meaningless to me. And even if there’s some grand plan behind the gods’ actions, how could humans possibly comprehend it? My point is, if Seriste is to become the Saint, she needs to provide undeniable proof that the gods recognize her as such.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

“Wait, what?”

Ethan, Agnes, and I all shared a similar look of confusion at the absurdity of what Gyeongmwajogyegigwat was saying.

Yet, surprisingly, two people seemed to understand his argument: Seraphine and Seriste, the ones who likely had the strongest faith among us all.

“Young Master Ethan, Gyeongmwajogyegigwat’s argument isn’t entirely incorrect,” Seraphine said.

“What do you mean, Princess Seraphine?”

“If Goddess Aurelia had a reason to choose Lilith as the Saint, it could be for a similar reason that Seriste is no longer the Saint. At the very least, when Lilith was chosen as the Saint, she must have been closer to the ideal than Seriste was. However, seven years have passed since that divine revelation. Who’s to say that after all these years, Lilith is still the most qualified? We can’t know for sure unless we prove it to the gods.”

“……”

“As the Saint is traditionally the Hero’s partner, Lilith should act as Gyeongmwajogyegigwat’s partner, at least once. Then, by comparing how she performs now with Seriste’s past performance, we can determine who is more suitable for the role. At the very least, we can ensure that Seriste’s qualifications as a Saint aren’t lacking, which would prevent us from incurring Goddess Aurelia’s wrath.”

Ethan, who had been vehemently against Gyeongmwajogyegigwat’s words, was listening to Seraphine much more calmly now.

However, he still didn’t look pleased with the idea of letting me act as the Hero’s partner, even temporarily.

“Lilith… as that Hero’s partner….”

“Just once, Young Master Ethan. Besides, Seriste has been acting as his partner without possessing the Saint’s title for all these years. Goddess Aurelia wouldn’t disregard all her efforts just because Lilith joins the Hero for one mission.”

“……” 

“Young Master Ethan?”

Ethan seemed to struggle with the difficult decision in front of him. After some thought, he turned to Seriste for a final question.

“Seriste, before I decide, may I ask you something?”

“Oh, uh, yes, of course…”

“Put aside any thoughts of blasphemy or faith. Have you ever truly wanted to be the Saint, just so you could stand by that Hero’s side?”

“I, I…”

“Please answer honestly, Seriste. I need to know your true feelings to make my decision.”

Seriste trembled slightly, knowing her words could influence the final outcome, but to her credit, she gave a clear and honest answer.

“I have never once….”

“……”

“Not once have I forgotten my desire to become the true Saint…”

“I see.” [Only on DarkStar Translations! / Axiomatic]

“Every single day, I wish I had more power to stand by his side. When he was hurt, I thought if I had been the Saint, I could have saved him. When he was in danger, I thought that if I had the Saint’s powers, I could protect him. That’s what I’ve thought, every single moment.”

“……”

“I know it’s blasphemous as someone who serves the gods, but that’s my honest truth, Young Master Ethan.”

“…I understand now. Thanks to your brave confession, I can finally make my decision.”

Ethan nodded, his mind made up. He raised three fingers toward Gyeongmwajogyegigwat.

“I will allow Lilith to accompany you as your partner. But I have three conditions.”

“…What conditions?”

“First, the partnership lasts only once. Don’t even think of extending it. If you try to change your mind after the mission, I’ll cut out your tongue.”

“…Fine. I was only asking for one mission, anyway.”

“Second, while Lilith is acting as your partner, you are not allowed to touch her. If you lay a hand on her, I’ll cut off your arms.”

“Under any circumstances?”

“…If it’s to save her life, I’ll allow it.”

“Fair enough. I was going to ask that myself. What’s the third?”

“The third condition….”

Ethan scanned the members of Gyeongmwajogyegigwat’s party before he made up his mind about the final condition.

“I will join the Hero’s party on this mission. I can’t trust a party full of nothing but women and you.”

“……”

“If you refuse, I’ll take it as proof you have ulterior motives, and I’ll kill you right here.”

…It was absurd how even a temporary Saint partnership had turned into such a chaotic mess.

One thing was for sure: this mission wouldn’t end without trouble.

T/N

Hello! Axiomatic here.

That should be it for my backlog!

Apologies for the delays, I was more tired than I thought and got the rest I needed. 

Thanks for patiently waiting, see you tomorrow!