“It was terrifying… I felt like I was standing in front of a wild beast.” Shadranes trembled uncontrollably, all traces of her composed and serene demeanor completely vanished. Instead, she clung desperately to Hayes, who was clearly used to this by now.0

“Yes, I know.” Hayes soothed her gently.0

“You don’t understand! I was so scared that tears almost came out!” Shadranes continued pitifully.0

“You really had it tough,” Hayes said sympathetically, gently patting her friend’s back. Yet, she couldn’t help but smile with amusement as she observed Shadranes’s genuine state.0

“I wonder what people would say if they saw the real you like this,” Hayes teased softly.0

The esteemed Saintess of Kalosia, Shadranes famed for her disciplined demeanor and profound spiritual maturity, was revered as a saint with deep enlightenment—such were the glowing praises constantly showered upon her. Yet Hayes, who had known her closely since childhood, understood the truth.0

It was all just an exhausting, elaborate façade. In reality, Shadranes was no different from any ordinary countryside girl, thrust into a role too big for her own liking.0

“D-do you think I'm acting like this because I want to?” Shadranes pouted miserably. “It’s all because Kalosia chose me, so now I’m forced to act the way everyone expects me to. It’s exhausting!”0

She complained, sulking dramatically. 0

Hayes laughed softly. “But isn’t being chosen...0