It has been a while since Aria left for her pilgrimage. I could not fathom the reason that led her to go on pilgrimage that early. She told me that it was for her atonement. But I think it was more than that. The night before she left for her pilgrimage, she came to me again. At that time, she proposed a plan to me. She wished for me to remain docile to them until one month before the annual prayer. Exactly one month before the annual prayer, the emperor’s people come to observe the preparation for the ceremony. It was a good time to reveal myself. With the emperor’s watchful eyes, they would not be able to harm me. It was her proposal. After my recovery, they would try to attach someone to me. She said that she would volunteer to do it. I felt troubled by her suggestion. She was playing with fire. She was placing herself in danger. To my dismay, she reassured me that her father would never draw the connection between my recovery and her. Nevertheless, I still worried about her. At the end, everything went according to her plan. One day before the annual prayer, it was decided that Aria would become my caretaker. I was joyous that I could be with her. but I also felt anxious about her safety. The day she openly visited me, I noticed the red mark on her neck. Apparently, she was strangled by her father as a warning. I kept praying to the goddess. I also resent the goddess. Why must the goddess put this young girl through this trial?

  On that day, Aria introduced Lucy to me for the first time. She told me that she would adopt Lucy as her daughter. Upon hearing this, I marveled at Aria. I, too, adopted Iris as my daughter. However, I was in my thirties at that time. But Aria has not turned ten yet. They were more like sisters. Yet, the way Aria looked at Lucy and the way she cared for Lucy were akin to how mothers took care of their children. I found that it was delightful that Aria and I had something in common. The way Aria took extreme measures in feeding Lucy was also the same as when I fed Iris when she was young. Do you know what Aria said to me when I warned her about the risk?

  “I am her mother. It is natural for me to sacrifice myself for her.” I could only smile in my heart. Even after almost a year, she had not changed. Her heart was still pure. I was grateful for Lucy. It felt like Lucy lived up to her name after all. She brought life and hope to Aria. I hoped that Aria could find joy in living with Lucy, like I did with Iris. I listened to Aria's story. What she has been doing on the pilgrimage, how she met Lucy, how she met that boy, how she saved people, how she met someone she could regard as her teacher, and how she found someone she could trust. Although I could sense all the hardships she had endured during the pilgrimage, I also saw that it had a positive impact on her. She became brighter. The smile she unconsciously showed when she told me how she saved those lost souls told me that she found joy in fulfilling her duty. I began to think back on my time as a saintess candidate. I could not hold a candle to her. Even after I was appointed as a saintess, I never dedicated myself like her. So shameful. Ah, I got sidetracked again.

  I received the news that Aria would supervise the new orphanage, which would open in her name. However, for the time being, it would be placed under her uncle. She told me she intended to foster human resources through this orphanage. How far ahead has she been thinking?

  Then, Aria asked me about the Moonlight Daw in the legend. She attempted to petition the goddess about the divine revelation she received. She, too, became uncertain about the true nature of that divine revelation. Was it the prophecy? Or was it the future that had been lost? However, Aria said to me, “No matter what it truly is, the things that I must do remain unchanged. I will serve my penance.”

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  After the annual prayer, while faking my coma, I overheard deacons gossiping about Aria. They said that Aria has been accepting the offering indiscriminately. They said that Aria was a greedy person. Aria was not like that. I wanted to rebuke them immediately, but I couldn't. I could only listen to them slandering her. Then, on the night before she left for the remaining time of her pilgrimage, Aria came to me. I told her about it. However, she confirmed that it was true. I could not believe my hearing. I still remember our conversation that day.

  “Aria, I heard from the deacon that you have been accepting the offering from believers.”

  “Yes, I have.”

  “I see. It is inevitable. However, I believe you are different from those people. You must have your reason. But it is not good to accept it indiscriminately. People will judge you.” At first, I thought it was unavoidable. Everyone in the main church has been accepting bribes all the time. It was not strange for Aria to accept it as well. It was a regular occurrence, or should I say it was the norm? If I had something to say in my defense, I also accepted bribes. Yet when I thought back to what I witnessed that day, I believed Aria was different. She would have her reason.

  “… Thank you very much for believing in me.”

  “…May I know your reason?”

  “I was once told that I cannot remain na?ve forever. To cross the river, I need to get dirty. So, I am willing to do it.”

  “... Who is it that planned this idea for you?” Indeed, she had her reason. Come to think of it, I still resent Marquise, ah, no, Duke Larose, for his teaching even now.

  “He is someone I regard as my teacher. In order to achieve my goal, I need to be able to move other people. However, to move them, I need a sizable wealth. And to increase it, I need funds to invest. Every little thing counts.” What she said was an undeniable fact. We really needed a lot of fun. We could achieve many things because of it. It was all due to Aria’s sacrifice.

  “……. It is true. He... I think you met a good teacher. However your means, …… I am worried that others would label you as a greedy person.” At that time, I could not find any suitable reply. It was not wrong. However, the way she did it was not acceptable. Aria was pushing herself toward a self-destructive part. She would be the one to suffer. Her reputation would be lost. When I hinted at it to her, do you know what she said to me?

  “…………. Thank you very much, Your Holiness. I don’t mind it. It is not important.” I believe she knew what I wanted to convey to her. Yet, she, herself, said that it did not bother her. Something this empty, she could not bring herself to be bothered by it. She single-mindedly pursued her penance.

  “Aria!?” When I voiced my concern, she gently placed her hand on top of mine.

  “It is alright, Your Holiness.”

  “…. You are a strong girl, Aria.” I brought my hand to caress her head.

  Then she pulled my hand to her cheek as she made a request to me.

  “……. If something goes wrong, please protect Lucy and those children.”

  Even at the end, she only worried about the other. She did not care about her well-being, she did not care about what others thought of her, and she did not bring herself to put herself under others’ judgment. She only cares about others until the end.

  Aria really loves you, Lucy. You are her only daughter after all. So, you don't have to feel jealous.