Chapter 63

“…What?”b41a8a6ea48d67e6

Buying the title of 9bb4785495 Holy Child with money?0f88e2105b90544c

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I was utterly stunned 1fc7ed4bc0 at the idea, something a7822b6c9c I had never even a3c9c5cc04 considered.1b7988d800b77d1a

But the Duke, as if b01dc9385e there were nothing unusual about 9a740fabfe it, spoke casually.c2782ce4955eaf87

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“So feel free to do whatever you want. Heal if you wish, or sell whatever you like.”9593883902f12c2d

“…”8917db7ef528bd19

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“Either way, you’ll be the Holy Child today.”1934213d12fb6202

I was left speechless, 9478bdd8f9 staring at the Duke 676737bbb1 in astonishment.37a75e0a3fa012ac

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While I appreciated his support, 258b03b8ce there was a significant flaw 8451cfe917 in his plan.0afda92d78e0cccb

‘The temple only allows 100 talents per family to be exchanged, Duke…’9f330b29900be550

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Despite the fact that the event was essentially just a way to fatten the temple’s coffers, it was still officially labeled as “volunteer work,” so there was a limit to the amount of talents that could be exchanged.65605f557ab23548

But that aside.b7f59b14aa2113c1

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“…Are you coming today?”84cdb8a1e75102d7

I was more shocked bc707ed8d6 by the implication that 767f80a744 he would personally attend 3ceb6ea481 the event.cea8677acd8e2f28

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“Of course, I have to go.”dc01e432f34ac630

The Duke replied b3a3bd565d nonchalantly, as if 83d3c5bf8c it were the cfbab50888 most obvious thing.8a935b4e77909121

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“I cleared my schedule for today.”1692a273eee4bb1b

‘Even Edwin?!’45be543d69dba49a

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My mind went blank at 699a10c45b the unexpected turn of events.919dbbbd39217d55

In both my past life and the original story, the Duke’s family rarely participated in public events.f0e48474fb0359af

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It made sense, considering Joshua was usually very ill around this time, and after he passed away…39be4757804219be

The Duke buried himself in 6e7ef12e59 work, and Edwin rarely returned ba9d92e230 home until he reached adulthood.a16ce9b679b980db

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Therefore, the housekeeper or aide 5d20eca57c Logan usually attended the temple 6be6e0906b volunteer events in their place.629f80acfd34fe1a

‘Even that stopped after I threw a fit, telling them not to come…’463696d6443d526e

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I didn’t want to show the Duke’s family how I was humiliated by Diana every year.0748770750003fc3

Yet, when no one 21a15678e5 came, I felt like 5adcf1a209 an abandoned child.207585d59c3cbcb5

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‘It’s laughable. I was always without parents, anyway…’f1b8fdd08864c519

Still, it was hard f3d8546adc to let go of 1209242303 the subtle hope that ff3b713ff4 someone might come.a14cc15df96bee8b

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When I finally got used to enduring the ridicule alone, my relationship with the Duke’s household had hit rock bottom.dc8c71ee669bc530

Thus, it was 5b3a543b71 natural for me a532bc1ce2 to assume that 58768036fa the Duke and 322ff63a29 Edwin would not 61d884c6d7 participate in this ff01fb95ba event.a36262a4186d4c7b

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But now…0241039980ebed79

‘Joshua is healthy now, so there’s no need for that anymore.’10281c7beaa1a1dc

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I healed the dying Joshua, 9f21f27eae and he recovered.934e23a27cf943ba

This made a significant difference 49fd7b96eb from my previous life.d0372edf15f80572

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As I stared blankly at e39a309a99 Joshua, struck by this realization, 9bd3698f9e he suddenly threw down his 2e0a6dd932 fork in frustration.0216e4c4e5fab491

“I can’t go! Old man Gordon says no! Tch!”74b43c0e0d21861a

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“Joshua Kallios.”4c9c1403be3dc549

The Duke immediately reprimanded him f1613fc40d with a stern look.4858daea030d57d8

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Joshua pouted and 45687b044e started to cry.6cba5b2774f577f3

“I want to see Sister Belze too… Hmph!”aca6753fc067d92c

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“She’s not your sister. You’re the same age.”7d5ed0b2e0a01efe

“But I like calling her sister! You don’t understand, brother! I hate you!”54754d60837905cc

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Joshua created yet another 8280bdb525 awkward moment.72888fc315ca4487

The Duke’s eyebrows twitched.38114b2872735850

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Before he could say 9453e9f0f8 anything, I quickly spoke 602a92bfac up.ac5276d90748275a

“You can go next year, Josh! It won’t be that fun anyway.”977efbc3f213f650

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“…Why?”aa281351d961a75d

“Remember last year when you ran away? It was because it was boring!”e173c8f475a65ef1

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“That’s right! You ran away last year and met me!”87b982104f42d0e3

Joshua grinned, recalling our 0b6d716407 first meeting.46a44dee1402589d

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“Yes! It was so boring, I felt sleepy and annoyed! I envy you being able to stay home!”04fcfbbac12a3f26

“Hehe. Really? So I’m the lucky one?”ffc6126201bf8b35

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“Yes. Absolutely!”e8d17bced9aadc45

“Alright! Then I’m the lucky one, so you have to call me brother now!”3512c44ee4671578

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“Um… O-Okay, brother…”baab780faa5c2ff1

Joshua’s mood quickly lifted, and he resumed eating happily.d0cf88e50ec816da

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I sighed in relief.d7a051c1f00a3d7e

Thanks to seeing him 2970fa0c28 every day for treatments, 3fc14e6dd4 I had become quite ea3de136ab good at handling him.d2d7d108eb205003

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But Edwin, completely oblivious 39131646e5 to my efforts, watched 6cbc76c2a8 us as if we 12f542030e were some strange creatures.9b3ab019051ae6d1

“This seems serious… Shouldn’t we hire a tutor for him soon?”3eb3bfcbf214a3dd

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“Let them be. They seem to be having fun.”f4eab7890aa6de71

For some reason, the Duke a0a74eec84 smiled warmly.854e6d91a64efab6

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‘It’s not playing, I’m soothing him!’302266b3364cd5ca

I felt indignant. I had gone through the be1bcadd5a trouble of calming Joshua down, 4f0d93ddb3 and now I was being 964e1d1db3 put on the spot!c0e3e283791cd587

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As I fumed silently, the Duke suddenly seemed to remember something and asked, “Belze, I understand you’re leaving early.”0d9670b8b2b63b1a

“Ah… Yes, that’s right!”9f027bd71b4ab129

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While the nobles arrived in the afternoon, the orphans needed to set up their booths early. Despite being supported by the Duke’s household, as a candidate for the Holy Child, I had to follow the temple’s rules.fee135141a54155b

“Do you really need to go so early? You could have someone else set up for you,” the Duke remarked, clearly displeased.1e3eb89beae67e49

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“By the way, who’s going with you? Tara? I haven’t heard anything about the butler going.”5751749ec8d422c9

“Ahaha… I just wanted to go early to get a good spot!”281475c61231f637

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I awkwardly laughed and 0f4fefa46e quickly changed the subject. Thankfully, the Duke seemed convinced.fa4515f6e78f6d91

“Alright, that’s a good attitude. If you need anything, feel free to tell the butler.”5ab6f20b18362c5c

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“Yes!”0088725ba3005169

“Now, everyone, give Belze a word of encouragement.”289efd48c35b7b1f

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The Duke prompted his sons, 246a0cb8f2 who had just finished their 86091b53d3 meal. I was horrified.b2d3d3e0a3b7c17e

‘…Oh no! They really called me here just to cheer me on?!’4abedb0c3e245492

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I felt an overwhelming sense ade4151fcf of embarrassment.2f567eb6553fac82

“Good luck, Belze! I’ll be cheering for you! Even if it’s boring, stay calm and act mature!”2453cc7497d474ba

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Joshua was the first to b71bb9985d cheer, his voice full of ed7e8399aa enthusiasm.eb5763b0e4e154a4

“Um… Thank you.”c83048529fbf0488

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I nodded in response.13131a284067826e

‘Well, Joshua could do it.’915a34c11d283c42

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But I never expected 2e8f8df1b9 Edwin to say something 2b29744db6 so cheesy.5d92c8b3d122ec17

“…Just do your best.”6045ac42cd6caf68

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Edwin, who had been f0df4efb62 watching me, suddenly spoke.dbcfabbe35015246

“Even if you don’t become the Holy Child, no one will blame you.”d51818e92f192d29

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I held my breath for 11f37d6bf0 a moment.90df4ec08181aab5

Objectively, his words weren’t exactly encouraging. However, for someone like me, who had been agonizing over how to outshine Diana and win the title of Holy Child, his words were a great comfort.d5ea7bf0eb455c6b

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I looked at him 5d5b996383 with teary eyes and d8c0c9125e nodded cautiously.25434717589f2eac

“…Okay.”1a6c09010f21b041

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And finally, the Duke said, “Belze, and to those who threaten the Kallios family, there is only death.”bf779c0a8c5d324d

He muttered ominously, as 5fec92368c if battling invisible enemies, d374b806e1 then downed his pre-meal f1a9ed5f02 drink in one gulp.7f35fffbcf3c8711

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‘Um, it’s just about making money…’361fa80c68ce8a13

I lowered my head, my face flushed with embarrassment. Though dessert hadn’t even been served yet, I felt as happy as if I’d just had a big spoonful of sweet chocolate mousse.bb732397b408f23d

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* * *2a35cdc521a58d15

“Miss, do your best!”6b8b78cae9bb2f95

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“Our Miss is amazing! Woohoo!”6990baf29ff6b7f4

“Don’t worry at all; you’ve already won half the battle just by being cute!”345ef58d032870c0

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All the way to 7ebea8f2a9 the carriage, everyone I ecb71a8315 met offered words of e915a6df05 encouragement.0e508728b1c9e786

It seemed like the Duke had given the order…cc090ab5d0b15b7a

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‘Enough already! I’m so embarrassed I could die…!’65a4167462d1e35a

Receiving such overwhelming support, despite 2101d829bd not relying on my healing f7c9b209ad abilities, was utterly mortifying.9509c3494369f489

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I quickly climbed into the fc71ede59c carriage, feeling like I wanted 55ead4106f to hide in a hole.9e1e51faf001234d

Even though I insisted 22db8af095 I could go alone, c6bdbf0eb6 Tara insisted on accompanying 7656103a06 me all the way 9f57d6c275 to the temple.7f82a83cf793d1a2

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“Miss! Are you sure you can go alone? Should I come with you and enter together?”6859cde6cdeef29a

She looked at me like a child being sent off to the water’s edge.14db0ce7a8c94b5c

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She vaguely knew about c2c12b8e92 the abuse I had 065a0036d2 suffered from the priests 2c2a4f6924 and the dog-like creatures.03698e3aaa94fbec

Thus, she was 65153ed5be very worried about e180964919 me going to 187c78d5c4 the temple alone.5cb2116d914c3ecd

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But unfortunately, today, the 7543bb6ea1 entry of outsiders was 4cfe2fc2e2 strictly controlled, making it 6ebf4f7dbd impossible.4100041376435813

And I wasn’t alone.2513c902b94b6ee2

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“It’s okay! Grandfather Gordon said he’d come after a while.”33f31c78c5ef3e41

“But why did you choose that old man as your assistant, Miss?”d3f24d5b688d9845

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That’s right.63863ab2abe208ad

The reason I had hurriedly 76bef1c75b changed the subject when the b1ea6550fd Duke asked if I was c10783a337 taking Tara or the butler.c27f010d8d155da4

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Orphans participating in 42b12289d4 the event could c55457f59f choose one adult 1627d10942 helper, and I 0342c367f3 had chosen old 09ac98bf42 man Gordon!24d12197d0fdeeb2

Tara looked upset, feeling somewhat 3d8e5de1f9 left out, but quickly corrected 1a8b51cbd4 her tone.0c888cea3162e59b

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“I don’t know if the teacher will be able to take care of you properly. He fights with young Master Joshua every day, even at his age…”93e3361c1bc5b4d5

“He isn’t coming to take care of me, Tara.”369a8f97eb758723

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I responded clearly so 70774f052a she could understand.a51895845d2bd038

“He’s coming to help Belze. He’s my business partner!”283a750cb460f6b4

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“…Our Miss is so capable.”268a7cd96c9e9eef

Tara still looked disappointed but 75d3cee07f regarded me with pride.18af428acd92a56d

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She then bent e5e2ad3eed down and gave ed68abb542 me a tight 952cdf04fa hug.a8d8a1a16d75ff24

“I’ll be waiting here, Miss. If anything happens, just run back here, okay?”b1fa809ce75259bf

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Warmth spread through my chest.90f41ff683fd9453

Knowing there was someone waiting 33fe8ca718 for me, even if I bf5a6a9a82 had to run away, felt 46e269a96b strange.f005a77a3ecab48c

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“…Thank you, Tara.”dd353a9be198382b

I’ll definitely do that.9ed521d15737c950

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I hugged Tara e6c02ff801 tightly once more e336b65820 and then turned e63dc760a1 around with determination.064ac22663748540

The large, white building standing 968ffa0fe7 tall atop the stairs was 49de6d3aee immediately visible.5e99eb29ed396136

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The temple.76cb68e3fa37a293

The place that always d0f0fb08ab made me tremble with e4d03eae78 misery and fear.601f397b3517944c

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‘…It’s okay. The Duke told me to do whatever I want.’695d184fea4f9d2e

I bit my lip, trying 4c8d2053bf to calm my tense body.0ddba27adb8dbe44

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Although I was still expected 3d95d577cd to be compared to Diana d76fb586be and humiliated today, I no ea0481667a longer felt afraid or resentful 91fc2aff16 of it.60c0fce31cf6cacd

“Even if you don’t become the Holy Child, no one will blame you.”aaccb924f5de4101

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“I’ll be waiting here, Miss. If anything happens, just run back here, okay?”c1c02c7f7ca3ecb0

The voices of c268fd5f5a those who supported f93129cf57 me echoed in 789f6d2f7d my mind.b52557ec7de3500b

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‘If worse comes to worst, I’ll just run back!’af612250d273aedb

I clenched my fists 85b1556554 tightly in front of d180d309ce me.ebc2b71e0864899a

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“Alright, let’s go!”856404358835a9c0

And I took 9dd9a1a854 a strong step fd3398f232 forward.2afdef5c28ad4877

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