Chapter 1

In a small country called Shande, located in the western part of the continent, the queen, who had been the king's consort, ascended the throne after the king's death ten years ago and ruled the country.

Platina is the first princess of Shande. However, she is not the daughter of Queen Rega, who was originally just one of the king's consorts. Platina's mother, the legitimate queen, died of illness, and Rega was elevated to the position of queen.

Due to these circumstances, Platina was greatly neglected by the queen. After the king's death, she was confined to the temple from a young age, citing her holy powers as a reason, and was never allowed to debut in society as a princess. Instead, she was given the role of praying for the country's peace from morning till night. The temple's meals were very simple, consisting of hard bread and water, and she was often forced to fast for no apparent reason.

Despite this, Platina was not particularly pessimistic. She was happy to pray for the country's peace and thought it was not so bad to be spared the complicated duties of a noble. She felt a little lonely at times, but she had a fiancé chosen by her father, the king, before his death, and she genuinely wished for a modest and ordinary life.

The incident began a few hours ago. While praying as usual, Platina suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed. The temple staff, in a panic, called a doctor, who then delivered the grim diagnosis.

"Unfortunately, the Holy Maiden's life is very short."

The doctor's face was even more pale than Platina's, who had just been given the news.

"Specifically, how long do I have left to live?"

"At most... about half a year."

"And at the shortest?"

"A few weeks to a few days."

Platina's expression became as painful as the doctor's, and she stared at the floor with her hazel eyes. Her silver hair fell softly, casting a shadow on her face. Her skin was as white as a statue, without a single blemish, and she was as beautiful as a doll. Her small lips were as pale as a strawberry before it ripens.

The cotton ceremonial robe that wrapped her thin, frail body, which seemed too delicate for a seventeen-year-old, was intricately embroidered with gold thread, but upon closer inspection, it was worn out in many places.

Platina's body, wrapped in the robe, was so thin and frail that it seemed to belong to someone much older than seventeen. The robe was intricately embroidered with gold thread, but upon closer inspection, it was worn out in many places.

Platina, with a pained expression, asked, "If I die, who will pray for this country?"

She sighed heavily and pondered.

Platina took pride in her role as the "Holy Maiden." While it was a job with no other support, it was a fulfilling one. Spreading her holy power throughout the country to protect people from illness and disaster was no small feat. She was exhausted after each day of prayer, but she had done her best.

Being told that she would die soon was not something she could easily accept.

"Is there any way to save me?"

The doctor shook his head silently.

"Unless a miracle happens, it's impossible..."

Platina, with a dejected look, slumped her shoulders. The room was enveloped in a funeral-like atmosphere.

(What should I do? To be told I have so little time left. What should I do from now on?)

Confusion filled Platina's heart, and a cold feeling began to rise within her. She had hardly ever been allowed to leave the temple. Her royal family, who should have been her family, paid no attention to her existence. The thought of dying without ever knowing the outside world made her feel suddenly pitiful, and her eyes stung.

(Maybe, just before I die, I can wish for one thing I want to do and be allowed to do it?)

As Platina desperately thought about what she would regret the most, the door to the room was suddenly opened.

"Big sister! I heard the news!"

"Medea, why are you here?"

Approaching without hesitation was Medea, her half-sister, who was two years younger. Unlike Platina, Medea was the legitimate daughter of Queen Rega, the second princess. With her dazzling golden hair and gem-like blue eyes, she had a doll-like beauty that seemed to radiate a brilliant light, making the gloomy room suddenly feel brighter. Medea, dressed in a bright red dress, which was the complete opposite of Platina's modest attire, had a presence that changed the atmosphere of the room just by being there.

"I came as soon as I heard that Big sister had collapsed."

"Oh, thank you."

As Platina was moved by her concern, Medea snorted and puffed out her chest in a manner unbecoming of a lady. The condescending look in her blue eyes made Platina shrink back.

"I'm not worried, but it's a problem if Big sister can no longer fulfill her duties as the Holy Maiden."

"Oh..."

Platina's heart sank at Medea's words. The relationship between the half-sisters was not good. Medea, the queen's legitimate daughter, had been raised with immense affection. Platina had never seen it, but she heard that there was a garden in the palace dedicated to Medea, where flowers never withered. The nobles, to curry favor with the queen, were said to be especially kind to Medea. Despite being princesses, their treatment was worlds apart. Still, Platina had never harbored resentment towards Medea, believing that they would eventually support the country together.

"I'm surprised. I never thought the Holy Maiden would have so little time left."

The harsh words pierced Platina's heart. The doctor, looking flustered, stood up, and the sound of a chair falling echoed in the stone room.

"Princess Medea, such words—"

"Oh, there's no need to lie to me. I heard everything."

Medea, with a sly smile, looked down at Platina.

"What a problem this is."

Platina tilted her head, wondering what the problem was. Medea, displeased with her gesture, pouted.

"It's too ominous for the Holy Maiden to die. Big sister must retire while she's still healthy."

"!!"

"That's why, Big sister, from today on, I will take over as the Holy Maiden of this country."

Medea's words, delivered with a smile that hid her malice, left Platina speechless.

"Medea...?"

"Hehe. Big sister didn't know, but I also have holy powers. Just because you were born first, you became the Holy Maiden, but the one truly worthy of the role is me."

Medea, speaking as if singing, was no longer looking at Platina. Imagining herself as the Holy Maiden, she twirled on the spot, smiling happily.

"Of course, since I will be the Holy Maiden, I will also take over your fiancé."

"Wh-What!"

Platina's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her fiancé.

"Cyin, come in."

"Yes."

In response to the call, a young man entered the room. With hair as soft as spun gold, lighter than Medea's, and pale green eyes, the tall young man was named Cyin. He was the son of the temple's high priest. Since he had not yet completed his full initiation, he wore the formal attire of a nobleman rather than a ceremonial robe. Cyin was also Platina's fiancé.

"Holy Maiden... no, Platina. I'm sorry. I was looking forward to supporting you."

The insincere words made Platina bite her lip. The engagement to Cyin had been arranged by the late king, who believed that the marriage between the princess and the future high priest would strengthen the ties between the royal family and the temple, stabilizing the country's power. Though it was not a relationship based on love, they had promised to support the country together.

"Hehe. From now on, I will be the Holy Maiden, and Cyin will be the priest of this temple."

"Please rest assured, Platina. From now on, we will support this country."

Medea and Cyin, standing close together like lovers, looked down at Platina with mocking expressions.