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Just how important Saintesses were, just how much of a burden they were to each country, and just how that was interpreted by everyone. Those were things that we should probably find out. I’ve been holding back until now, but these people should know too. Maki thought with annoyance. And then:

“Enough already!”

She shouted. Everyone fell quiet. Chiharu moved closer to Maki.

“You are free to choose just how much we are worth, or if we are worth anything at all. It is none of our business.

She looked at Maia kindly before her eyes moved to Chouze, Norfe, and Duke Adol.

“If you say that we are living lavishly, then throw us out into the streets. If you do not want to spend any money on us, then don’t.”

“Ho, the Saintesses don’t need it.”

Duke Adol said mockingly.

“In exchange, give us back what you have taken from us.”

“Taken from you? What are you talking about!”

Duke Adol said with suspicion.

“We came from a prosperous country. I had dozens of clothes for each season. I had food to eat every day and could buy things from all over the world. I rode trains every day.”

“It has been recorded, that all Saintesses were poor.”

“How long ago was that? Times have changed since the last Saintess.”

Maki continued.

“And so, having different clothes every day, food to eat and being able to leave are not considered luxuries to us. There was an uncountable variety of sweets where we came from.”

“In that case, you should ask for more.”

She was getting side-tracked. Her annoyance was causing her to throw out random complaints.

“Then, I want my family.”

Maki said quietly.

“Your family?”

“The ones who gave birth to us, raised and loved us. Give them back.”

Everyone gulped.

“Return us to the families that lost their precious daughters.”

“…”

“Our families would be so worried now, staying up all night just looking for us. Return us to them.”

“But God…”

“Yes, it’s so convenient to blame God for the bad things. But you are happy to receive any blessings. I wonder which of us are the real gluttons.”

“!”

Then Arthur came and spoke.

“Duke Adol, your complaints about the inlands do not concern the Saintesses. It seems like the previous Saintess being so quiet has caused you and the others to forget your debts. This is a grave matter in terms of diplomacy that I will pursue. For now, you will apologize to the Saintesses. And then you will leave.”

The three of them did so without any sincerity and left.

Later on, Sera was called to the Saintesses room in order to make contact with Aeris.

Maki and Chiharu wore thick, heavy robes and visited him when it had become dark. Zynis was also called.

“This was quite the day for you two. I can’t apologize enough, on their behalf.”

“Oh, don’t do that. There are many people, with different ways of thinking. There is no reason for you to apologize, Aeris.”

“I see. Then, what is it? Maki and Chihaaru.”

Aeris asked gently.

“To-today, we talked about our families.”

“We just couldn’t be alone after that…”

“It’s strange, we’re supposed to be adults…”

“I just want to meet my mom and dad again…”

Aeris and Zynis gently held them as they gazed at the floor. And still, Maki and Chiharu refused to cry out loud. They repressed their sobs, even as their tears soaked into the shirts of the two men. While it pained Aeris and Zynis to see this, they held them tenderly in the places of the father and mother who couldn’t.

The next day, Maki and Chiharu met the worried Arthur, Zynis, and Aeris with smiles and appeared before the civilians in the morning to wave. After that, the two said they wanted to rest before the final banquet in the night.

But when night came, the two were nowhere to be found.

Next Chapter

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Notes:

Maki and Chiharu spend roughly $10 for lunch and snacks. $50 for other shopping in one day.

Duke Adol = Inland King’s brother

Princess Chouze = King’s daughter

Prince Norfe = King’s son

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