Iris and I visited the main church to meet the saintess before the annual prayer.

  It was arranged by the saintess.

  “I pray to the goddess for your glory.”

  “It has been a while, Sister Aria,” I responded to Sister Aria's greeting.

  “I am delighted to see you in good health, Duke Willow. It is my honor to meet you, Lady Iris.”

  “It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  “I have been longing to meet you, Lady Iris. Your exploit has been passed down to us, Saintess Candidates.”

  “Please do not say that. It was a youthful mistake.” It was her legend after all. However, Iris never wanted to bring it up. It had become our tacit agreement not to mention it in front of her.

  “No, no. It is not like that. We all really look up to you. It was thanks to your exploit that our condition improved greatly.” That child grabbed Iris’s hands as she said that.

  “I am honored if my youthful mistake could be of help to you.”

  “Ah, this ring. Perhaps? It is great news.” She voiced her surprise as she felt the ring on Iris's finger. I could sense that it was genius.

  “It appears to be so.”

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  “Congratulations, Lady Iris. Congratulations, Duke Willow.”

  “Thank you.”

  “…………………… Thank you.” Her excitement seemed to be real.

  “So, when will your wedding take place? Ah, would you like me to bless you?”

  “No need.” I immediately denied it. It was unthinkable for my part. I don’t want our wedding to be tainted. It was planned that I would request Lilia to bless us.

  I thought Iris also agreed with me. She just silently looked at that girl.

  “Ah, forgive me. I was too excited.” Sensing our discomfort, she immediately lowered her head.

  It was a bit awkward for us.

  Then, something unexpected happened.

  Iris lowered herself to the child's eye level. “…… please forgive my master. I think he was a bit exhausted due to work.”

  “Ah, no. It was I who forgot my place. Please forgive me.” She softly shook her head.

  In response, Iris took hold of that child’s hands. “Ah, no. Lady Aria, if you do not mind, would you give me an honor by giving me a blessing?” Iris gently said to her.

  “………….. Thank you, Lady Iris. It would be my honor. How about the Radiance Blessing?”

  “Lady Aria, that would be too much.” Iris was literally falling back when she heard that.

  “No, please give me this honor.” That child bowed to Iris again as she said that.

  “Ah, are you visiting her holiness? I will go to inform her holiness.” She left us behind as she ran off.

  Iris silently looked at her back as she ran away. After we completely lost her, without moving her gaze, Iris asked me. “Master, are you thinking that she is Black?”

  “…Yes.”

  “However, I have a different opinion.”

  “…”

  “Sometimes, you cannot see things at their face value. However, sometimes, you also should not think too deeply and accept them at their face value.”

  “…… what do you mean?” I could not understand what she wanted to tell me.

  “... Do you know why I admire Lady Rinna?”

  “…” I didn’t know. When I thought of it, we never asked Iris about it.

  “... Do you know why I love you?”

  I could not answer her. I felt my face turn red a little at her question.

  Iris turned to face me. “I will tell you later.”

  At the end, we were escorted by a young guardian knight toward the saintess.