After uttering those words, the priest lowered his head deeply. Goodness gracious. I touched my forehead, understanding perfectly well what kind of rumors were circulating outside.

"Not mere rumors."

Evelina had indeed engaged in such actions. But why, of all times, did it have to be today when these rumors reached the lips of the people? Why, precisely now!

"And so, the atmosphere is rather unpleasant," he said.

"Rather?"

Could it be otherwise? The priests, who would make a big fuss over the slightest omission during the ceremony, were suggesting that the most vital procedure be skipped. It meant that the external atmosphere was truly unfavorable.

"This 'rather' implies that the most important ritual of the prayer gathering cannot be performed."

"......"

"What exactly is happening outside?"

"That..," he faltered, and I gestured to the surrounding priests to leave us alone. Once we were alone in the room, I spoke to him again.

"Tell me what you've heard. I have no intention of blaming you."

"A malicious rumor has spread among the crowd. Some individuals are attributing their own illnesses and misfortunes to the Saint's actions, claiming that she has displeased the gods... so they intend to..."

“Cause harm to her."

"Indeed. It seems certain that the sectarians at the far end of the continent are intentionally spreading the rumor. Or perhaps it could be the sorcerers. Even if we scrutinize the individuals entering the central square, it would be difficult to prevent those who are determined to hide something. If someone were to emerge wielding a weapon and intending harm to the Saint... moreover, with the absence of the Lord Latvan this year, it is even more dangerous..."

As the priest spoke, he hurriedly closed his mouth. It seemed he was surprised by the name that slipped out unintentionally. It was not surprising for him to be startled since Evelina had reacted so sensitive to the mention of Latvan.

"But what should we do?"

Stolen novel; please report.

If they were resorting to such extreme measures to dissuade attendance, then the atmosphere must be extremely hostile.

"At this rate, Evelina is already solidifying her notorious reputation."

The incident of insulting Latvan had already spread beyond the boundaries of the temple. This prayer gathering had become the catalyst for her infamous reputation to swiftly spread throughout the entire continent.

Everything before me was shrouded in darkness. Whether I attended this prayer gathering or not, would it ultimately unfold according to the contents of the book?

At that moment, someone whispered inside me.

"Why do you strive so fervently to alter the future?"

Once, I died. The life that I have awakened to in Evelina's body is like an unexpected gift that I never anticipated.

Then, wouldn't it be enough to just stay still until the end comes?

If nothing will change no matter what I do, perhaps it's alright to leave things as they are. After all, there are still two years until Evelina's death. Compared to the time spent in the hospital, unable to do anything, these two years with a healthy body would be nothing short of paradise.

"Your Grace..."

I lifted my head at the voice of the priest. He was waiting for my decision.

If I skip the final step of stepping forward in front of the people, there wouldn't be much for me to participate in during the prayer ceremony. No, in fact, I wouldn't need to attend the prayer ceremony at all.

"In the book, Evelina refused to attend the prayer ceremony, citing poor health."

Because of that, I became known as the saint who abandoned her duty throughout the entire continent. However, that didn't mean Evelina was immediately facing a threat to her life. Until Iris appears, Evelina lives as a saint within the temple. Therefore, even if I choose not to do any of this and live exactly as the novel describes, there wouldn't be any issues.

So, if I simply do nothing and wait comfortably for the end. If I quietly live according to the conclusion of the book.

"No, I refuse."

I didn't want to live like that.

If I were to live like that, I wouldn't have needed to enter this body in the first place.

As someone who has died once before, I am grateful for this opportunity given to me. And I had no intention of enjoying this fortune just as much as it was given. As long as this luck, which I might lose again at any time, is in my hands, I wanted to hold onto it for as long as possible.

I walked forward and opened the door. All the gazes of the people outside were fixed on me. Through their midst, I saw a long and dark corridor, with no end in sight, where I had to walk. It seemed like the future I had to move towards.

Now, I have to walk that path alone. That's what I thought as I prepared to take a step forward.

"I bid you farewell."

Suddenly, along with a familiar voice, a large hand reached out.