Chapter 8: The whip marks on the saint’s back?

Holding Celis’s hand, Melin flitted like a dancing butterfly through Anna Town’s streets. She led them to the hill behind town.

Her secret haven. The only place as a child where she could forget troubles.

But the hill held only a sparse garden now. Green leaves swayed in the wind. The imagined sea of white blooms was nowhere.

Melin’s smile froze. She looked around blankly. Her face fell visibly. Her voice was lost and forlorn.

“Sorry. I only came in summer before. I thought these flowers bloomed year-round.”

From the carriage ride here, she had pictured Celis’s face amid the lilies. Now her wish crumbled.

She should have known. White lilies bloomed only in summer. It was too early.

Seeing the light dim in her eyes, Celis smiled gently.

“It’s okay, Melin. The flowers will bloom soon.”

She walked to the garden’s center. Eyes closed, she raised her hands slightly, palms up. Soft, pure golden light flowed around her—like warm sunrise.

“Lady Celis, this is…”

Without opening her eyes, Celis’s voice was a gentle chant.

“Do you know? A flower’s most beautiful moment isn’t when it blooms. It’s underground—absorbing nutrients, believing it will break through. That ‘anticipation’.”

“All I can do is speed that long wait a little.”

With her words, golden ripples spread, brushing the soil. Green stems shot up at astonishing speed, unfurling leaves.

At their tips, pure white buds opened in perfect form—blooming!

In breaths, the empty garden became a swaying, flawless sea of lilies.

Rich yet light fragrance filled the air. Under moonlight, each petal glowed faintly.

“Wow…”

Melin stood rooted. Emerald eyes wide, reflecting the holy white. She forgot to breathe.

Breeze blowing, Celis plucked a full bloom. She leaned close, tilted her head, and smiled at Melin.

“I received the feeling you wanted to share.”

As if struck by overwhelming joy, Melin snapped back. She rushed over and hugged Celis tight.

Too forceful—Celis fell backward into the garden. Melin clung on top, refusing to let go.

Petals rained down. After a while, Melin nuzzled her chest and mumbled.

“I wish… time could stop like this…”

Stroking her back, Celis smiled silently, letting her act spoiled.

Like childhood. Lying here, she could be willful.

Time passed. Melin whispered.

“When real summer comes, will they bloom again?”

“Of course. This sea is a magic miracle. The true blooms are still ahead.”

“True blooms?”

Murmuring, Melin glanced at the sky. Then she scrambled up in panic.

“Ah! It’s late! Dinner must be ready. Mom will worry if we don’t go!”

She grabbed Celis’s hand again, hurrying home.

Crossing the flower sea, she dazed slightly. Everything felt like before. Happiness filled her. Her lips curved up unconsciously.

Mrs. Mariel hadn’t waited long. When they returned, she had just set the dishes.

Years in bed hadn’t dulled her cooking. The food was delicious. Celis praised it endlessly.

After eating and washing dishes, Mrs. Mariel pulled Celis aside, avoiding Melin. She took her to the second-floor balcony.

She pulled a heavy coin pouch from her pocket and tried to press it into Celis’s hands.

“Instructor, this is the empire’s money for us. I saved it. Barely touched.”

“Ma’am, what’s this for?”

Celis pushed it back. Mrs. Mariel looked earnestly, eyes worried.

“I can tell Melin came back for another reason. If she caused trouble, I apologize for her.”

She bowed deeply. Her aged body seemed older. Even her youthful face gained wrinkles.

“This money is my atonement. We don’t want much—just a normal life. If it’s not enough, tell me. I’ll gather more…”

Pleading, she gripped Celis’s arm.

As Melin’s mother, how could she miss her daughter’s troubles?

From the moment Melin returned, she knew the lie. She just hadn’t called it out.

Celis shook her head.

“Ma’am, you misunderstand. It’s nothing. She’ll live here from now on. You can keep this life.”

“Put it away. Don’t overthink.”

She returned the pouch. Her gaze fell to the hallway corner. Moonlight outlined a girl’s shadow.

She heard everything?

Celis wanted to talk. But she decided private space was better now.

From the garden fall, her dress had soil. After reassuring Mrs. Mariel, Celis went to the bathroom.

Steam filled it. She removed the soiled dress.

Before the full mirror, she turned. She looked at her back.

What should be smooth pale skin was covered in fresh red whip marks. As if the imperial saintess had been brutally abused in secret.

She admired a moment, lips curving. She stepped toward the tub.

But then—the door burst open.

Melin walked in, arms full of clean clothes, mind elsewhere. Next second, she saw Celis clutching her chest. Shock replaced her expression.

“Sorry! I didn’t know you were in here!”

She backed out two steps. Slam—the door shut.

Thump thump thump—

Back against the door, face flaming, heart racing.

Despite the steam, she had seen Celis’s perfect form. She wasn’t lustful, but that alluring body sparked thoughts.

Soon, though, something else. Brows furrowing, the reverie faded.

…Illusion?

On Celis’s back, she had seen… whip marks?