The world is vast, and civilizations are abundant, but at the core, the way people live is the same everywhere.
The elite flaunt their power, the lower class grovel and endure exploitation, and those in power prioritize their own interests over national or public welfare.
Corruption and injustice persist, no matter how clearly wrong they are—be it on 21st-century Earth or in this fantasy world.
And unfortunately, even theocratic states that claim to be closest to the Goddess, like the Setnil Holy Nation, are no exception.
“Waaah!!”
“Saintess!! Please, just look this way once!”
“Bestow a miracle upon us! Have mercy and grant us even a simple blessing!”
The people cheered and called out a single title with unwavering devotion, their voices filled with fervor and hope.
But despite their enthusiasm, the one they worshipped didn’t spare them a glance. No, she couldn’t.
Her attention and hands were occupied, focused entirely on treating the “guests” in front of her.
“Lord, may Your divine power descend upon this land to heal these foolish children… [Absolute Cure]. There, it’s done.”
“Thank you, Saintess. As expected, someone chosen by the Goddess is truly extraordinary.”
“You’re too kind. Please take care on your way home.”
She offered a polite smile and kind words to someone who, by all appearances, had lived a life of luxury and indulgence.
A man who likely sweated gravy just by walking and could spend the equivalent of a peasant’s yearly food expenses on a single meal.
The Saintess masked her feelings and maintained a polite demeanor, forcing a businesslike smile.
But the man, perhaps misinterpreting her courtesy, became emboldened and began to pester her.
“If it’s not too much trouble, would you care to join me for a meal? I’ve recently hired a chef whose skills are absolutely unmatched—”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The Saintess has many duties to attend to. If your treatment is complete, please return home quietly.”
“I wasn’t talking to you! Don’t interrupt when I’m speaking to the Saintess!”
“When you entered the Holy Nation, you agreed to the terms of your visit, did you not? Private interactions outside of treatment are strictly prohibited. Please don’t cause any unnecessary trouble and leave.”
Thankfully, the timely intervention of the Saintess’s guards prevented the man from crossing any physical boundaries.
Even so, he didn’t seem to get the message and continued throwing a tantrum.
“If you persist in disobeying our directives… we will have no choice but to take stronger measures. Surely, you wouldn’t want to face a permanent ban from entering the Holy Nation, would you?”
“Tch. Annoying bastards.”
Finally, with the intervention of nearby soldiers, the situation was brought to an end.
Having been unable to outright refuse and left in a difficult position, the Saintess finally let out a small sigh of relief.
“Thank you. You really saved me back there.”
“It’s nothing.”
The guard responded curtly and returned to his post, his demeanor practically screaming that while he would help, he had no intention of getting involved any further.
It was an attitude the Saintess had grown used to over the years since taking on her role.
She wasn’t surprised, though it didn’t make it any less disheartening.
Swallowing her bitterness, she turned her attention back to her duties.
“Please send in the next person. Who’s next in line?”
“It’s the Marquis Arcanon from Ormera.”
“Ah, I’ve met him a few times before. I treated him for lung cancer and syphilis.”
Like a doctor examining patients in a clinic, the Saintess continued tending to the “guests” who entered her personal prayer and treatment chamber.
One by one, she listened to their ailments, examined their bodies with divine energy, explained their conditions, and performed miraculous healings.
It was a routine she had repeated tens of thousands of times, so much so that it had become second nature.
For hours, she attended to the nobles and dignitaries who had traveled from all over the world.
By the time the seemingly endless line of visitors finally dwindled, her legs ached from standing too long, and her hands felt numb from channeling her miracles.
“Thank you for your hard work, Saintess. That’s it for today.”
“My body feels so heavy… Could you prepare the carriage for me?”
“It’s already been called. It should arrive shortly.”
“Alright…”
Until the moment she returned home, this brief respite was her only chance in the day to have a moment of freedom and peace for herself.
Lately, even that time seemed to be shrinking, which only added to her frustration.
“Well then, if you’ll excuse me for a moment.”
Clink.
With the departure of her guards and assistants, who doubled as her secretaries and overseers, the Saintess found herself momentarily alone in the treatment chamber.
Relishing the brief sense of liberation, she stretched her arms wide, savoring the fleeting moment of freedom.
“Hmm…”
The warm afternoon sunlight streamed softly through the window, gently illuminating her.
The pure white nun’s robe she wore absorbed the warmth, soothing her weary body with a mild sense of comfort.
“Haa…”
However, despite the momentary solace, her heart remained deeply troubled.
The reason was none other than the people huddled together outside the treatment chamber.
“Saintess…”
“Mom, do we have to keep waiting here? I’m hungry.”
“Just a little longer, sweetie. Once the Saintess heals your little brother, we can go home, okay?”
These were the faithful—God’s people—who could not even enter the treatment chamber.
They were gathered nearby, begging for charity.
Unable to afford the exorbitant costs that even nobles struggled with, all they could do was plead for the Saintess’s grace.
And yet, wasn’t her duty as the Saintess to bring God’s miracles to all people?
These people, however, didn’t qualify—not because they were unworthy, but because the system had excluded them.
Instead, they were forced to pay taxes that went toward funding the treatments of the nobility.
Even their basic right to receive blessings had been exploited and taken from them.
“How much longer does this have to continue?”
This wasn’t the world the Goddess had envisioned.
Surely, the Goddess wished for all to receive Her grace and to give thanks in harmony.
So why, even as the bearer of the Saintess’s title, was she so restricted that she couldn’t fulfill even the most basic responsibilities of her role?
“Maybe… just this once, it’ll be okay.”
Unable to suppress the suffocating frustration, she quietly opened the window, careful not to make a sound. She waved at the people outside, signaling them to come closer.
“Huh? The Saintess?”
“Shh! Don’t let anyone see!”
Reaching through the window, she took the hands of each person one by one and bestowed miracles upon them.
She ignored the pain in her legs, the ache in her muscles, and pushed through the weariness of her body.
If not now, when would she ever have the chance?
Ignoring her own discomfort, she focused entirely on sharing as many blessings as possible.
“Thank you, Saintess! I’ll never forget this kindness for the rest of my life!”
“Keep your voices down! Go home quickly before anyone notices, and don’t tell a soul about this.”
“Ah, understood. Thank you, Saintess. We’ll take our leave now.”
The divine power bestowed by the Goddess was limitless.
As long as her physical strength held up, the Saintess could heal as many people as needed.
She might suffer from overexertion tomorrow, but that didn’t matter.
Saving the person in front of her right now was what came first.
What point was there in hesitating when she had the power to help?
Driven by her compassion and determination as a Saintess, she gave everything she had to the people before her.
But.
“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”
Unfortunately, those who managed her were far removed from the ideals of mercy.
“Have we not repeatedly told you not to use divine power without authorization? Why are you disobeying orders?”
“L-let go of me! I am the Saintess!”
“What are you all standing around for? Escort her to the carriage immediately! And call the workers to seal up all the windows!”
“Yes, sir!”
The healing power she had been about to grant to a baby, its face flushed red from fever, dissipated into nothingness.
As rough hands yanked her backward, the mother clutching her baby froze in shock.
“Saintess!”
“I’m so sorry. I wanted to help you at least…”
Her arms restrained, the Saintess was dragged away and thrown into the waiting carriage outside.
There was no dignity, no respect in the way she was treated—just brute force.
That moment marked the last glimpse she would have of the outside world for the next week.
When she was finally escorted back to the Holy See, it felt as though she were a criminal being delivered for sentencing.
The Holy Sovereign was waiting for her.
“You’ve returned, Saintess.”
“Your Holiness, this cannot con—”
Smack!
Her protest died mid-sentence, interrupted by the sharp sting of the Holy Sovereign’s hand slapping her face.
“How many times have I told you? Do not act recklessly. Do not make your own decisions. Obey orders and follow them. But it seems my words mean nothing to you, don’t they?”
“…That’s enough.”
“I don’t want to hear it. Bite down and endure it.”
Smack!
Another slap landed in the exact same spot, harder this time, as if he was venting his frustrations.
The violence was one-sided, relentless, and offered no chance for the Saintess to explain or plead her case.
Her cheek throbbed, blood vessels burst, and the inside of her mouth filled with the metallic taste of blood.
Not until she was on the verge of collapse, bleeding and barely able to stand, did the assault stop.
“Kh… ugh… cough…”
“Now, listen closely, Saintess.”
The Holy Sovereign grabbed the Saintess by her hair and lifted her head, forcing her to look at him.
“The divine power you possess is a precious resource of the Holy Nation. It is not something to be squandered or wasted.”
“It must never be wasted on ignorant, worthless peasants who contribute nothing of value.”
In truth, her divine power was inexhaustible, regenerating fully after just a few days of rest.
But even knowing this, the Holy Sovereign shamelessly spouted his absurd reasoning.
“The power bestowed by the Goddess must be conserved and used sparingly. It is one of a kind, and whenever it is used, there must be compensation worthy of its value.”
“Do not waste it ever again in the name of charity. Such behavior is nothing short of heresy against both the Goddess and me. Do you understand?”
“…”
“I asked you a question. Did you understand?”
Finally, the Saintess, trembling, responded in a subdued voice.
“Y-yes… I understand.”
“Good. I knew the Saintess was quick to understand.”
The Holy Sovereign smiled and clapped his hands, his tone suddenly shifting to one of cheerful nonchalance.
“Well then, it’s time for the Sacred Blood Ritual. Would you kindly offer your arm?”
At his command, the attendants entered, carrying an elegant glass goblet, a sharp knife, and a funnel.
The purpose was clear: they were preparing to collect the Saintess’s holy blood.