Fake Cinderella

I do not pray to God.

There is no such thing as God.

Only sin is here.

The residual light of dusk casts a shadow on the stone floor.

The place called the Cathedral is somehow very dim. Of course during the day, if it is night, it is closed to true darkness.

The diocese, which is supposed to honor the Mother Goddess as light, encloses darkness...... I was once nothing but a frightened child by that darkness.

But now I'm a resident of that darkness, too.

Put together a heavy holy coat sewn with gold and silver thread, sprinkle the rose incense of the goddess, and lead the people to peace... that's the first time I've noticed it.

Because of the coma, the light of Mother Goddess's guidance shines so brightly.

Things that look so beautiful because they're in the dark.

I see, the diocese is the house of God on earth. Several ideas have been put in place to make an effective impression.

How to guide a man's heart… I learned it in this darkness.

(But you can't get used to just this cold forever...)

I don't care much about the dimness, the high ceiling, or the sound of things, but I couldn't stand the cold that seemed to freeze from this core.

Although the building is made of stone, it is a cathedral, and therefore the height of the ceiling cannot be ignored.

Above all, this is the diocese that accompanied the Wong Tai Womb, with few users. For this reason, the lack of fire at all is probably the most important cause of the cold.

"... Your Highness... no, my lord"

Called in a covert voice.

Waiting for someone to come...... I smile small and give you a face.

"Lilia"

"Oh, dear, thank you."

"No, I'm fine"

The milk sisters I haven't seen in a long time look much happier than before.

"Are you being patient this time?

"It's not like that either. I just don't feel like seeing your father or your mother's face right away because you're here."

As you know, I don't like my mother.

When I say yes, Lilia gives a troubled look.

"Leave it to me to be patient now. Because right now I'm just a messenger to Chief Cardinal Julius."

Don't tell me, Lilia nods small when she gently puts her finger on her lips.

Nevertheless, my entering the royal palace must have passed on to my brother.

Even if I could steal the eyes of my father and mother more than I could have entered here through the gate, I wouldn't be able to steal the eyes of my brother.

Not that I have a problem stepping into the royal palace. Even though I have already left the royal family, it makes no difference to the fact that I am a prince.

I took away the privilege the prince possesses… of secularity… and obtained instead the privilege of holiness. I can't generally say which is better.

The Archbishop is in an incredible position if you think about my age. In the end, even the Holy Church cannot be separated from the dead.

I came to be called a priest if I wanted to, but I still don't believe in God.

"You look fine and most importantly. Please show your face better. Do you eat properly? Haven't they liked or disliked you?

"You're no different, Lilia."

Lilia treated me like a sister from a young age, even though it was only two months earlier than me.

Lilia is much better at baking my care than my real sister Arienol.

"It's been three years."

"Was it before I went to Gihynia?

"Yes."

We were together all the time, from the time we were mindful until I enrolled in seminary.

I never thought of leaving… until the death of Viscount Hartley, my nanny and Lilia's mother.

"Congratulations on your move to Gittis"

"Thanks"

Had I been to become archbishop of this parish of Gittis, which included the King's capital Al Greer, I would still be in the northern regional city.

Getting an archbishop at my age is extremely unusual, but until now there have been no people who would stand up and disagree because the parish is such a city close to the border of the province that I am the son of a king born of the First Queen.

But not as before when the parish becomes Gittis.

The Archbishop of the Diocese of Gittis also known as the "Archbishop of Wangdu". It has so much greater power than a hefty Cardinal.

"... I'm sure it's your intention, brother."

If I just called you brother, that means the eldest brother, the king prince. Because my second brother calls me Al by his name.

I have no doubt that my brother's will would be at work with regard to my parish transfer.

Al described his older brother as' using even the dead ', but that's right. Brother, come on, I guess I cut the paralysis of being forced to do the pulling in the north.

My brother hates laziness. He's the one who won't allow cluelessness or skipping.

And the tougher it is against nearby humans.

"They trust you."

"I don't know. I know you believe me, but I didn't know you were counting on me... I don't think so..."

"I can't help it. Lord Theon is a selfish waster."

He's my youngest.

I have a half-brother and sister, but I don't know them very well. I'm unconscious to say I'm their brother because I went into church before I barely dealt with them, and I'm going to be my youngest forever.

"By the way, what's that?

I've been concerned about Lilia's cage for a while now.

"Oh, this, Your Highness..."

"Your Highness...? Princess Altirier?"

"Yes, when I asked your permission to excuse me, I said I would meet with Master Zion... and then I'll take this."

"What? It."

"……… it's a snack"

"What?"

"It's a snack. Recently, Your Highness has been interested in making sweets."

"Heh... can you eat?

There are not many ladies who like to make sweets. And it's a different story if you can eat something.

Well, what you can generally eat often steals the eye of the person you assume to be making it, and the confectioner or cook is soaking up.

"Try it. If I were Theon, I would immediately ask Her Highness to marry me."

Lilia laughs when she dulls.

Because you know I still prefer sweets.

When I was young, I wasted a lot of time saying I was going to marry a confectioner who made my favorite apple pudding. I thought we could eat apple pudding every day if we got married.

Lilia spreads a deep green striped cloth over the seat of the faithful, smearing the contents of the cage.

"Go ahead."

Hot air rose from the cup I was given.

"Warm"

A little surprised. Even if I stayed here just before I got here, I could keep this warm.

"This is it. There's a large water bottle in this cloth that the army uses."

"Heh..."

Her Royal Highness made a cover to keep it cold.

Army water bottles are made of metal with no decorations. It's hot as it is and I can't hold it. Sometimes in winter, it is wrapped in cloth and used for hot tubs.

Look at the shiatsu and its cover. Thick and cotton inside, bag shape perfect for water bottle. Next time, let me make it in church too.

"... yummy. What's this?

Turns out it's a drink arranged with tea.

Slightly sweet, very strong flavour of tea and milk. It is accompanied by cinnamon and some fragrant flavor.

"Her Royal Highness was told 'Chai'. It was arranged in Dardinian style with drinks found in the old literature… Your Highness is familiar with the dishes of the old literature, etc."

"Heh..."

It was a drink that warmed my body from the core. A hint of sweetness that won't erase the flavour of tea is exquisite, probably cinnamon or honey. And it doesn't smell like milk at all.

"This is a cookie and pancake sandwich"

"Pancake sandwich?

"I cook the pancakes smaller and pinch the cream."

Receive pancake sandwiches, twisted in thin wax paper.

Something yellow cream fits between the beautifully round baked pancakes.

I spoke as I was recommended.

Born in the royal family and high up in the archbishop, he still had to pay attention to the poison, but there could be no mistake in what Lilia recommended.

"Yummy."

The word spills honestly.

The cream, which tastes like eggs and milk, is just a little liqueur. That's the accent that makes this sweet special.

"Cream tastes different."

"Yeah.... I see this is kinda awesome. Sure, you're gonna want to propose."

If this flavor can be eaten every day, I can consider getting married too.

The high ecclesiastical priests of the Church of the Nation have many bachelors who have made their monastic vows, but marriage is not forbidden otherwise. In the Lutian Church, marriage is holy. It is the blessing of the Mother Goddess.

However, there is a decision that children of high priests above bishops will not be allowed to ascend as long as their parents are in the priesthood. In other words, a child of a high priest cannot be a priest. It's a mechanism that doesn't tolerate hereditary attacks.

"What a waste on my brother"

I really think so. My older brother is not a taste-onch, but he is not as concerned about food. I'm sure you won't see how great this is.

... Somehow, all three meals are for military portable food. In fact, if it's not a dinner party, it's someone who finishes his meal with portable food and water.

"That's why I told you, it tastes like Theon wants to propose."

"Really."

When I taste it well, the dough also seems to have some ideas and has a fragrant flavour.

"They look alike, but they say there are three flavors. Make sure that later."

"Looking forward to it."

A drink that is poured into a cup. Lilia speaks for herself.

"Would you like to have this cookie now, too?

"Just one."

When I got a big baked cookie, my cheeks kind of loosened up.

Eating something sweet relieves my heart. Maybe that's why I like confectionery.

"What?

"No. I thought I hadn't seen your face like that in a long time."

"You won't have a choice.... I like it, sweet stuff"

It was said that taste would change when I grew up, but my preference for sweet things remained the same.

Lots of sugar in the discards to the church may have also applauded it.

I have been to several churches so far, but in no church have I ever been unfettered by confectionery because nuns and nuns used their own confectionery to make and sell jam.

It was something I was just happy to be sweet when I was young, but now I may have gotten a little loud because I knew a lot of flavors.

The cookies in your hand do not look like rustic cookies that will be baked as a snack replacement in your farmhouse.

(Ah...)

But the moment I said it, I knew it was completely different.

"... really wasted"

I accidentally take a sigh of relief.

There are many types of cereals and nuts with dried grapes in them. That seems to make me feel good.

It's very heavy for cookies. The cookie portion was crispy and the cereal was baked thoroughly, and the aroma of the nuts and the sweetness of the dried grapes were exquisite.

"Eat Lilia too."

"No, I already... because I had a lot when I was making it.... cookies for a week or so. Pancakes will be delicious until about tomorrow, so please bring the rest."

"Thank you"

"… please do not tell me that it is handmade by Her Royal Highness when you give it to someone. They're in the kitchen to make this."

"Oh... my brother would be pissed off if he found out."

"Yes.... and if they find out what you look like when you're in the kitchen..."

Lilia's gaze swam.

"What? Are you dressed like that? More or less, there was a cook in the kitchen."

The kitchen at the Crown Princess's Palace should have been closed with noise when I was still in the royal palace.

The number of cooks in the Wong Tai Ute will be small because my older brother is the kind of person who can finish most meals with portable food, but it will still be difficult to keep the princess in the kitchen.

"I think the chef is Her Royal Highness's new maid. She was dressed the same way as a working girl in the kitchen."

"That's... that's not good..."

"I know. Isn't it decided just this time? If anything happens, I'm sorry."

My stomach hurts, Lilia sighs.

If my brother finds out, he must be angry. That guy's overprotective in a weird place.

He was bogged down by Al the other day, but that seems to have been tough when the princess was returning to Elsevelt territory. I know you don't care because the information about the crash, the unconsciousness and the attempted poisoning was complicated, but he said no one could say anything about the curse of that anger.

My brother has no special interest in the princess, but he thinks he's a pitiful child, and he decides to protect himself. If that opponent gets hurt, I'm sure he's just sorry.

He almost yelled at the princess who came home intact as a crook, but he got nothing from wearing an iron-walled cat. A 12-year-old girl would definitely be traumatized if she yelled at her brother. You can bet.

"You're doing great."

I laugh bitterly. It is a secret that there is a mixture of drizzle in it.

Even though I know Lilia is on my absolute side, this is how I learn to have a childish appetite for exclusivity.

"Of course… and I just want to say that if Her Royal Highness hadn't lost her memory, it wouldn't have been like it is now. Her Royal Highness has become much brighter because of the loss of your memory."

"Should it be good or bad..."

We know about the general situation because we are filling in the part where we are no longer able to see each other.

In the first place, I had thinly guessed why Princess Altirier had become like a doll. There was no certainty......

That's why I sent Lilia to the Crown Princess's Palace.

I couldn't say anything to anybody but fled the royal palace and there was little I could do.

Lilia was the only one who would fulfill my wishes without saying anything.

"Princess, please, Lilia.... If anything happens to her, Dardinia will be a civil unrest"

"I understand."

Lilia nods deeply.

That wasn't an exaggeration.

It is almost certain that Princess Altirier is the provisional heir of Elsevelt.

The throne is a boy preferential inheritance, but other titles often look to men and women with some exceptions. If the princess gives birth to two children, one can always succeed the Duke of Elsevelt.

Return the other way, if the princess does not have a child, the Duke floats in the universe.

"How dangerous the situation is now… how many people will understand it"

Elzevert in the east, Ferdis in the west, Grachese in the north, Alhan in the south, … these houses, called the Four Grand Dukes or the Four Dukes, each of which is the Quartet of Dardinia… are also the Allies of the Union, which brings together the regional lords on each side.

The issue of the Duke's inheritance is not that of one house, one clan, called Elzevelt.

When considered in the framework of the state, Elzevelt is the leader of the eastern alliance, and when considered against the royal family, it is the corner of the House of the Four Dukes… it is of double importance.

The royal family wants Elzevelt to be closely linked to the royal family through Princess Altirier's children, but here's why we can't annex Elzevelt as royal territory.

"The most dangerous is when the contemporary Duke of Elsevelt dies and the Queen has not yet given birth, so it's better yet."

"Not very happy to point out, thanks"

Truth be told, I think it's best that Princess Altirier and her brother divorce and the princess be Elsevelt's heirs.... because of that man, though my father would never forgive it.

"Weird story is, if anything happens to Her Royal Highness now, who will be your heir?

"If purely in accordance with national law, he will be the real brother and sister of the Duke of Elsevelt. but. As we know, the Duke's real brother and sister, who remained in the country, were dead and had no children. If you are a bastard, you have Archbishop Lassas, but that one has academic skin, and you have no inheritance rights because you are a bastard in the first place.

In doing so, the actual brother and sister of another generation of retroactive dukes are eligible. They're already dead, so you're the kid.... so when that happens, your father, the contemporary Duke of Grachez and the predecessor Duke of Ferdis will be eligible. Of course, each of these three will not succeed the Duke because they have a house to inherit. But everyone is equally entitled to that ejector. I'm going to be a civil unrest because of that. "

The problem is that it is equal. Compete with each other to be equal. Besides, there are too many subjects going back that far.

Even if you can't stand what you can't inherit, it's people's minds that you can't allow others to get it.

"... I guess we won't settle"

"I guess.... If this is any other nobleman, crush the house and return the title. Sometimes the territory and assets are divided into three parts, but the Four Dukes can't do that. … so if Princess Altirier ever dies now, the Duke will have to divorce and have children no matter what his will."

And if the Duke dies without a child, it's a civil unrest course straight line again.

Lilia knew what I suggested, so she didn't say anything.

"That's why I think that guy sucks. Everyone calls him competent, but that man hasn't fulfilled his minimum duties in the first place"

It is the minimum duty of a man born into a nobleman to create an inheritance. For this reason, if you think calmly, inhumane things are getting worse in every house, and there are stories like that everywhere.

The story about my aunt is famous because while my aunt was able to give birth to an heir, she was left alone.

"I am, Lilia. I don't care that the Duke of Elsevelt let his aunt... Princess Effinia die in mourning. Unlike my brother, I don't know much about my aunt.

'Cause you should think about it for a second. From my aunt's point of view, it looks like the worst, and from Luciera's side, it means the best man who has sworn absolute love through any difficulties. "

The opposition of the clan, not the opposition of society, but the difference in identity, he officially made it to my wife. It's like rubbing a fashionable romance novel on the ground.

"That's the world of popular novels for women.... but I don't care about that. It's just a personal matter. But the man sowed the country into civil strife just for one woman. There is this state of affairs now because that man did not fulfil his duty as a minimum public servant by giving priority to his private affairs. At best, he'll have to live a long time. At least until the princess has two children."

I fell in love. If you mean anything, you should do it after you've done your duty.

"But the most bellyful thing to me is that the most dangerous thing to the princess is where I completely ignored those rationales..."

That's right.

... Probably a danger no one but me knows about.

The princess is certainly targeted.

For example, there may be assassins from other countries… per empire, or they may be targeted by other houses of the Four Dukes over the inheritance of Elsevelt.

But I can assure you that the most dangerous are not them.

The truth is, as long as I can talk to my brother, the majority of the problem must be solved.

But I can't even tell my brother that.

Because it's horrible.

I'm horrified to put it out in my mouth and make it true.

"Sama Scion"

Lilia called me like she was determined to do something.

"What is it, Lilia?"

I smile. From about the priesthood, a smile that has always come to mind.

When I realized it looked a lot like my mother, I felt nauseous.

"The poison that killed El Lucia was the same as my mother's..."

Tell Lilia to whine.

That fact that was never written in the letter.

"Yes..."

(Again...)

"Can you talk to me, please?

"..................... sorry"

The darkness that lies in the royal palace... a faint feeling deep in it.

I know it but I don't understand it and I don't know who understands it.

Maybe no one understands.

It's just that sin is there, and it's also my sin that I can't charge.

"... Fine"

Lilia was frightened when she accidentally gave her face because she felt abandoned.

"I won't force you to ask out. Because I guess there's just a reason Master Zion can't talk to me.... Never mind."

I was relieved by Lilia's laughter and immediately became anxious. It doesn't seem like Lilia to give up so lightly.

"Lilia, what's dangerous..."

"I won't do it.... It's just that I help Her Highness. As a result, we may get to the truth."

"What are you going to do? You know that, don't you? I don't know where or who's watching me."

"We will not be in danger."

"It's not you who decides if it's dangerous. And..."

"And... what is it?

I speak, prompted by a strong gaze.

I can't get to Lilia.

"Don't come any closer to Princess Altilier"

Lilia doesn't answer. Show a laugh instead of answering.

This grin means no consent. That much, I don't have to put it into words.

"Lilia, it's really dangerous!

"It's a contradiction, Mr. Zion. The first person you said to protect Her Royal Highness was Master Zion. But don't come any closer... I am Her Highness's lady."

"I know it's inconsistent. I know... but..."

Turn your eyes to me like Lilia will forgive her wasted child.

"Dear Sion, I am Sion's milk sister."

"I know."

"But this is Her Royal Highness, Lady Altirier."

"Lilia......"

"It doesn't change my feelings about taking care of Master Zion. You'll think of it all the time… It's the milk sisters."

"If so..."

Lilia laughs beautifully. And I shook my head to the side and blocked my words.

"The Lord I serve now is Her Royal Highness Lady Altilier... Dear Theon"

I laughed as usual. I don't know if it laughed well.

"... I wonder if I've been abandoned by you, Lilia"

"No, Master Zion"

"Then why..."

"I have always been on Sion's side. We want to do everything we can for you. … but Her Royal Highness is the priority"

"Why?"

"Because Your Highness is more dangerous than Lord Zion."

I was just a little distracted by the answer.

Are you in danger?

"Yes.... I can't figure out what's dangerous or not because I lost my memory. And strange behavior."

"Strange Behavior......"

I laughed at Lilia, who was in deep trouble.

"It's not a laugh. You promised to stay away from danger, and I don't think you're twelve. You have the composure, the thought and the distinction, but it's very dangerous."

"... the princess has changed a lot."

What a strange thing for a princess to come to be called a puppet princess like that.

As far as I know Lilia is going to give her heart to the princess who has become a doll in shadow, maybe she should feel good about being rewarded.

"Yes.... but maybe it's really changed or nothing"

"What do you mean?

"Because of the loss of memory, I simply lost the shackles that bind Her Highness… I can also assume that the present state is the vegan state of Her Highness"

"I see, you mean just back"

"Now, that doesn't really matter anymore. … Her Royal Highness is Her Royal Highness"

And Lilia laughed and added:

"... so that Lord Zion, whether he be a prince or archbishop, is Lord Zion"

"Lilia......"

I am relieved that I did not lose Lilia.

My simplicity is foolish and dear.

As long as you can tell Lilia that, I'll be able not to abandon me.

─ ─ ─ ─ Sometimes, even if you learn enough disgust to be nauseous.

"Me, it's time to go back. Master Zion will go to His Royal Highness, won't he?

"Oh."

Lilia pressed me for a sweet wrap when she finished cleaning up quickly. I make it into the nostalgia of the sacred coat. The loose clothes sewn with gold and silver threads in white with holy sentences and the mother goddess' tattoos are full of places to hide things.

"I'll come first."

"Yeah."

No one wonders if me and Lilia were meeting in this little diocese in the Wong Tai womb.

But I wasn't going to go say hello to your father and mother today, so when I find out I met Lilia, Lilia won't be in a good position.

"............... yes, Master Scion, you can't. It's not easy to get caught up in this kind of guidance."

Lilia, who stopped at the entrance to the diocese, looks back.

"Huh?"

"At this time of year, it's like asking me to remember that His Royal Highness Prince Wang has an apostle from His Highness Chief Cardinal Julius, the new Archbishop of Vittis."

"Ah..."

I have not yet reached Lilia, even though I intend to walk around in the gloomy darkness of the kingdom of God and become a single inhabitant.

"I'm glad you're forgiving me, but please be careful"

"Oh."

"I'll let it down somewhat between the ladies after tomorrow. Mr. Zion said he had a new greeting for His Royal Highness the King."

"What should I do?

"How about the cost of renovating the seat of worship in Vittis Cathedral? Last year, when I came to Her Royal Highness's place, the bench was worn out... excuse me, I was surprised by the antiquity."

"... yes. Well, let's do that."

Lilia says this, but my brother won't have to say anything.

That one doesn't believe in God, but that's also why he's not a stingy family who spares his reckoning. They give it out properly if there's a reason for it. There will be no complaints about the renovation of the seat of worship.

"Lilia"

Stop Lilia with her hands on the door.

"Yes."

Lilia turns in the residual light of dusk as she plugs through the door.

I dazzle and narrow my eyes.

"... do you believe in God?

"No."

Quiet voice.

"... do you believe Theon?

"No."

A serious answer in the priesthood.

We laughed small at each other.

I don't believe in God.

There is no such thing as God.

It's just... - Only my prayers are here.