Chapter 2

※Subtitle changed

Just three days after the death sentence.

Platina was stripped of her position as the Holy Maiden, just as Medea had declared.

Since Queen Reiga was away at an international conference, the dismissal papers were quickly prepared and approved. They must have thought that no one would object to how they treated Platina, a princess who had long been neglected. Indeed, it seemed that no one objected, as they believed that the removal of a Holy Maiden who was already in the shadows and distant from the nobility would cause no harm.

“Sigh...”

Sitting on her bed, Platina gazed out the window and let out a deep sigh.

She was told that the room she had used as the Holy Maiden in the temple would now be used by Medea, and she was forced to leave. Although it was a simple room, it was convenient being close to the prayer room, and she had grown attached to it after using it for so long.

With only the clothes on her back, Platina was now in the stone tower of the royal castle. This building, used to confine royal family members who could no longer appear in public due to illness, had only one entrance and exit. The room assigned to Platina was made of sturdy stone and was very cold. Apart from the meager meals delivered three times a day, there was no other human interaction, and it was a very quiet place. The only view from the window, which was sealed shut, was the dense forest behind the castle, and no matter how long she gazed at it, her heart would not be lifted.

Perhaps they thought it would be a problem if she died too soon, as the doctor continued to visit regularly for check-ups. Although she had more time to rest and her condition was more stable than before, the death sentence remained unchanged.

“What will happen to me now?”

Medea and the others' argument that the sudden death of the Holy Maiden would cause unrest among the people was not entirely unfounded. If so, it would be less troublesome to remove Platina from the public eye with some excuse and let her die quietly. Still, she did not expect to be treated as if her years of service had never happened.

She was told that further instructions would be given, but no matter how she spent her time, her fate was death.

“What was my life all about?”

She felt as if a hole had opened in her heart. Despite being a princess, she had been neglected and had devoted herself to the role of the Holy Maiden. The moment her short remaining life was revealed, she was cast out. For the first time, she realized that when one is too sad, they cannot even cry.

(At least, I wish I could go outside. But that's probably impossible.)

Although she rarely appeared in public, Platina's appearance was identical to her deceased mother, the former queen. If she were seen wandering around, it would cause a commotion, especially since she was supposed to be the Holy Maiden in the temple. Moreover, it was impossible for her weakened body to move around.

It was too sad to think that her life would end locked away in this desolate tower. Yet, there was no way to gain freedom.

She wished her father were still alive, but even Platina knew that it was pointless to complain about the dead.

“Sigh...”

Platina sighed again, quietly folded her hands, and began to pray as usual. This was not the prayer room of the temple, and she was no longer the Holy Maiden, but she could not easily break the long-standing habit. At least, she wished to continue praying for the peace of the country until the end of her life, and she closed her eyes tightly.

A few days later.

Finally, the prime minister's messenger visited Platina.

Platina had expected to be transferred to another place, but the words the messenger announced were completely unexpected.

“A pilgrimage to the holy sites, you say?”

“Yes, yes.”

The plump middle-aged man, the messenger, wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and began to read from the document in his hand.

“Um, ‘Princess Platina is appointed to the duty of a pilgrimage to the holy sites. She is to visit the holy sites, offer the scriptures, and demonstrate the prestige of this country.’”

“Holy sites...”

As she repeated the words, trying to digest their meaning, the messenger wiped his sweat more vigorously.

“Yes, yes. The holy sites. You know them, right?”

Platina nodded hurriedly at the messenger's somewhat annoyed tone. The holy sites were the three shrines where the evil dragon that once ravaged the continent was sealed. The temple was responsible for managing these shrines, and devout believers were said to be required to visit all three at least once.

“Me, now?”

Platina's voice trembled with shock. It was understandable. The three holy sites were in very harsh locations, and even a healthy adult male would find it difficult to visit all of them at once. It was impossible for Platina, who had only a short time left to live. The messenger merely shrugged his shoulders in a troubled manner in response to her words.

“Hmm. Well, what can I say. It's already been decided.”

“But...”

“Isn't it a beautiful story for the former Holy Maiden, Platina, to go on a pilgrimage to the holy sites? Whether she succeeds or not, the people will surely shed tears over the beautiful legend of the devout Holy Maiden Platina.”

“...!”

Platina's eyes widened at the messenger's words. She realized the true intent behind the story they were trying to create.

(That's it... They want to turn my death into a beautiful story...)

If the Holy Maiden Platina died of illness, it would cause a significant stir. Moreover, her role was transferred to her sister Medea just before her death. Intelligent people would realize that Platina was being discarded. There was a high possibility of backlash against the temple and the royal family, leading to unnecessary unrest.

However, if Platina voluntarily embarked on a pilgrimage, the story would be different. If she threw herself into the harsh journey and died without returning, the people would surely deify the devout Holy Maiden Platina and praise her as a legend. Announcing that Medea had succeeded her deceased sister as the Holy Maiden would further strengthen the trust in the temple and the prestige of the royal family.

“Please rest assured. You won't be going alone. We will provide you with attendants.”

“Attendants?”

“Yes. A woman traveling alone is dangerous, and they will also oversee your mission.”

(What are they planning to oversee?)

Platina could no longer hide her growing coldness. Until now, she had not harbored deep resentment towards the temple or the royal family. She had been aware of her neglect but had forgotten it by immersing herself in her duties as the Holy Maiden.

“...I understand.”

Even if she resisted, Platina had no power to overturn the prime minister's decision. If she claimed she could not walk, they would likely put her in a cart and take her to the holy sites. At least, she wanted to taste her last bit of freedom without resistance.

The messenger's expression relaxed at Platina's response. He was probably just delivering a message from the prime minister and was eager to leave. His attitude, which did not hide his desire to leave quickly, was somewhat endearing.

“Yes, yes. When the preparations are ready, we will come to fetch you.”

As the messenger, who had only spoken selfishly, left the room, Platina lowered her eyes sadly.