After a more detailed conversation, Caine learned that the girl in the white robe before him was named Phyllis. She was a female bishop of the Holy See within the Kingdom’s Church. Of course, people were more accustomed to calling her by her nickname, the Radiant Saint, rather than her formal title of Archbishop.
She was called that not only because of her high authority at such a young age, but also because her holy magic was the best of the best. It was virtually impossible to find anyone with more talent than her.
Furthermore, she was a gentle and beautiful girl with a broad heart who treated everyone with kindness and friendship. It was no wonder she was called a Saint.
Just as Altina and the others had corresponding male characters in the original work, Phyllis also had a counterpart. In the original game, he was one of the male leads available for romance and had significant ties to the royal family.
In this parallel world, the female version of him was this Phyllis.
Caine had only heard of her existence before; this was their first official meeting.
“I see, I see. So, what you’re saying is that you aren’t the Majesty of this world, but a Majesty from another world?”
Since Caine saw no reason to hide it, he explained his situation just as he had before.
Phyllis looked thoughtful as she listened, nodding along as if she were seriously considering his words. After he finished, she even asked a question to confirm if her understanding was correct.
“To be precise, I am only a prince in that other world. In my world, the previous king is still alive and in good health.”
Seeing how easy she was to talk to, Caine felt relieved and continued explaining his circumstances with a smile.
“I see. I understand. Then, one day, you suddenly appeared in this world. Since you had no way to return, you decided to stay at His Majesty’s palace in this world for a while. Today, while you were out on a date, you heard a scream and rushed over, subsequently meeting me. Is that correct?”
Phyllis analyzed the current situation with a serious expression. Even though she wasn’t wrong, Caine couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of embarrassment.
It was likely because Phyllis was busy with her duties in her bishop’s robes, while Caine had slipped out in plain clothes to relax with Corellia and Edwina.
It felt somewhat like the awkwardness a top student feels when they go to an internet cafe to play games on a weekend, only to find another top student from their class working there as a part-timer to support their family.
“…That’s right.”
On the surface, however, Caine didn’t let his embarrassment show. He maintained his gentle demeanor.
As for the mother and daughter, Corellia and Edwina? The one feeling awkward was Caine, whose identity couldn’t be hidden at all. They were currently pretending to be entirely different people, not the Queen and Princess, so they didn’t feel any embarrassment whatsoever.
“I understand completely. Thank you for your explanation. Please rest assured, I will keep the fact that you are dating two women at the same today a secret. Of course, it would be nice if you could invite me along next time. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind even if there were four of us. I am very interested in you, a visitor from another world.”
Much like her nickname, Phyllis’s personality was quite striking. In particular, her ability to say things that could be easily misinterpreted with a completely serious face left Caine at a bit of a loss for words.
“That would be my honor, Lady Phyllis.”
In the end, Caine could only offer a polite smile, having no intention of taking the initiative to chat further.
“I believe there must be a purpose for someone from another world like you to come here. I am certain that behind such a miracle lies the deep foresight of the Goddess. If you ever wish to seek the reason for your arrival in this world, you can come to the Church to find me at any time.”
It didn’t matter if Caine didn’t speak.
Phyllis, who wasn’t a nun but radiated a sense of holiness far greater than one, gave Caine her advice and then stopped disturbing his date. she turned her attention back to the young master and the attendants who had been attacked.
As a bishop of the Church, her concern for the safety of the people certainly matched the style of a Saint.
Caine and the others were just bystanders who had come to check the situation after hearing a noise. Since they weren’t needed here, they turned to leave.
“Phew, I’m glad we weren’t exposed.”
Once they were a distance away, Edwina—who had been incredibly tense while pretending not to know Phyllis—let out a clear sigh of relief.
“…”
Corellia remained as detached as ever, as if everything had nothing to do with her, radiating a cold aura.
“It really would have been bad if we were exposed. Especially with the three of you looking like this, I’m afraid the conservative members of the Church would find it highly inappropriate.”
Caine couldn’t remain as unresponsive as Corellia. He smiled as he responded to his “daughter’s” words.
Compared to when he was in front of Phyllis, who was essentially a stranger, Caine appeared much more relaxed now.
“…Caine, what do you plan to do?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
Just as Edwina was about to smile back at Caine to agree with him, the silent Corellia suddenly spoke up, stealing Caine’s attention.
Edwina’s smile stiffened slightly.
Since it was only a momentary change in expression and she quickly returned to normal, Caine didn’t notice. He simply looked at Corellia and asked what she meant.
“If you plan to go to the Church to see her, I suggest you take someone else with you. Either Altina or Vita would be fine.”
Corellia wasn’t being cryptic. Instead, she patiently offered her advice to Caine.
The advice was simple: do not go to see Phyllis alone.
This was for Caine’s own good.
“…I see. In that case, Corellia, why don’t you accompany me next time?”
Caine knew Corellia was telling him to be careful of the Church. Despite Phyllis’s seemingly pure and kind appearance, she was ultimately a bishop of the Church. Her position was with the Church, which was inherently different from their position as royalty.
Normally, such a small thing wouldn’t need to be said aloud, yet Corellia had spoken up, which was unlike her usual style.
This surprised Caine somewhat, so he teased the Ice Queen with a relaxed tone.
Caine had expected her to say something like, ‘It isn’t out of the question,’ because her concern for him was clearly different from how she treated others.
However, the actual situation was even more extreme than he imagined.
“Very well. I will have Altina arrange for guards to accompany us when the time comes.”
Corellia stated plainly that she would go. Not only would she go, but it wouldn’t be as an individual—it would be an official visit in her capacity as the Queen.
“No, it doesn’t need to be that formal.”
Seeing her act this way, Caine didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.