I Can Hear the Saint’s True Feelings

“My ideal type? Hmm… I’ve never really thought about it deeply, so I’m not entirely sure,” Victoria replied, her eyes shifting as if contemplating seriously. She began to scrutinize me from head to toe, as though she were assessing every detail.

“…Well, for starters, it’s definitely not you.”

It’s you. You’re my ideal type, through and through.

Once again, Victoria’s words and inner thoughts were completely at odds. Her face, pale and devoid of color like ice, delivered cold and cutting words.

“First of all, my ideal man doesn’t drink or smoke. I have a firm belief that I wouldn’t want someone who succumbs to such harmful vices near me.”

She pointed her chin at me sharply, her words laced with what felt like disdain and criticism, though her gaze seemed more concerned than harsh.

I’m worried about Astral’s health. The previous pope enjoyed drinking too much, and in the end, he was poisoned because of it….

Hearing her genuine concern through her inner voice, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.

“…And yet, you’re smiling through all of this. You’re really an irredeemable pervert, aren’t you? Perhaps you’re some kind of depraved pig consumed by lust?”

Victoria bit her lip as she spoke, her gaze lowering to look at me with disdainful eyes resembling a venomous snake’s.

So, Astral likes this kind of teasing, huh? Maybe if I whisper things like this in his ear, he’ll get flustered and finally claim me as his woman….

“Yeah, well, I guess I’m not your type after all. Alcohol and cigarettes are like girlfriends to me—I just can’t give them up,” I replied, deciding to preempt her taunts with my prepared comeback.

It was crucial to maintain a delicate balance in our fake relationship. We needed to appear close enough to convince others, yet distant enough to part ways without issue when the time came.

That was my strategy for dealing with Victoria—a method to keep her at bay while keeping up appearances. After all, she rarely took the initiative to approach me first.

“And yet, I’m your current partner. Are you declaring that you’ll cheat on me? Or is it that you’re so uncontrollably base that you’d wag your hips at anyone who catches your eye?”

Even if this is a fake relationship, right now, Astral is my partner. Am I really less appealing than alcohol and cigarettes?

Victoria’s irritation was evident, though she tried her best to hide it. Her uncharacteristically crude words, like “wag your hips” and “down below,” suggested she was angrier than she let on.

“…I know I confessed to you first and that you don’t feel the same way yet. But still, isn’t this kind of thing a personal choice?”

As I spoke, I pulled a leaf of magical tobacco from my robe’s pocket and rolled it between my fingers. Fabricating lies, even for the sake of this charade, left me feeling uneasy.

Claiming that I had confessed to Victoria was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it only made the web of lies grow larger.

“I still don’t like it. It stinks, it’s toxic, and it makes your hands tremble when you don’t have it. Why even smoke in the first place?”

The thought of you dying from lung disease before me feels like the world crumbling apart….

Victoria used her holy power to make the tobacco leaf in my hand bloom into a flower. Her intent to banish my smoking habit was now clear, though I still felt conflicted.

“I can’t live without it.”

Understanding her reasoning didn’t mean I was ready to agree with it. For now, this was my only way to cope with my own insecurities.

“Then live that way forever. But I’m telling you, I absolutely hate it.”

With a heavy sigh, Victoria snatched the flower from my hand and crushed it under her foot, leaving no trace of the tobacco behind.

“Secondly, my ideal man must be pious, like me. He should never miss prayers, even during meals, and always express gratitude for the blessings in his life.”

“…That sounds like the exact opposite of me.”

I scratched my chin, puzzled. If that was her ideal type, why on earth did she secretly harbor feelings for someone like me?

“Well, an ideal is just an ideal, isn’t it? I only find you endearing because you’re so earnest in your attempts to win me over.”

Prayer and devotion can come later, after we’re married and start attending the temple together. You don’t have to worry too much about it…!

Noticing my slightly downcast expression, Victoria chuckled softly and patted my back. The gentle, ticklish sensation made my heart race unexpectedly.

“Lastly, I’d like someone who enjoys good food as much as I do. Traveling to try delicious dishes can be lonely when you’re by yourself.”

“…That, at least, I can manage.”

I smirked faintly, already familiar with her hobby of seeking out tasty food.

Seeing her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk’s as she happily stuffed her face always gave me a strange sense of satisfaction.

“You two eat together all the time anyway, don’t you? Is that how you started falling for each other?”

“Not really. It’s just that, in our party, Astral is the only one who can handle spicy food like I can.”

“But you’re a couple now, right? Shouldn’t you be acting more lovey-dovey with each other?”

Anima, the Spirit Summoner, had been quietly listening to our conversation and now tilted her head in confusion, clearly sensing something off.

“Why are you two acting so cold, even though you just started dating?”

It was clear that Anima had been suspicious of our relationship all along, and now she was quick to notice any inconsistencies in our behavior.

“Th-that’s because….”

“Victoria is just shy. Besides, you’re not exactly the type to show affection openly with Talion when we’re around either.”

I wrapped an arm around Victoria’s waist, pulling her close to my side, and started making excuses. After all, Anima and Talion, another couple in our party, often appeared similarly reserved about showing affection in front of others.

“H-hyah…!”

That’s… a weak spot!

Victoria let out a startled yelp as I grabbed her waist. Her slim, soft frame felt so fragile that it seemed like I could break her with a simple touch.

“We’re the same, right, Victoria? This morning, we were practically glued to each other.”

“Y-yes, that’s right….”

Blushing furiously, Victoria covered her face with both hands. Her reddened cheeks and wide eyes peeked out between her fingers, betraying her embarrassment.

My chest is pressing against Astral’s arm… I always thought it was heavy and useless, but now it feels like it has a purpose….

“…….”

Hearing her inner thoughts, I suddenly became acutely aware of the overwhelming presence pressing against my arm. It was enough to make me understand where all her meals had gone.

Trying to avoid further misunderstanding, I gently shifted my arm away from her chest and instead let my hand rest lightly on her side.

“Well, I guess it’s not a lie after all. I also try to keep personal and professional matters separate, so I get it,” Anima remarked. Seeing the two of us awkwardly close, she finally seemed convinced and let her suspicions drop, even offering a small smile.

“So then, Astral, what about your ideal type? You’ve asked a maiden such a personal question—surely it’s only fair to share your own.”

Yes! Good job, Victoria! You asked without making it awkward. Now I can transform myself into Astral’s ideal woman!

Victoria leaned in closer, looking up at me with expectant eyes. Her soft voice, paired with the faint floral scent emanating from her, stirred something in my mind.

“…Astral? Is something wrong?”

I just want to become someone you find irresistible.

Her inner voice, brimming with affection, reached me, and for a brief moment, the Victoria I had always thought of as just another party member felt a little different—more feminine.

“My ideal type? It’s an older woman with a nurturing personality.”

In an attempt to calm my thoughts, I decided to answer truthfully. After all, Victoria and my ideal type couldn’t be more different.

“I’m younger than you, though.”

No…! I didn’t know you liked older women! Is that why you’ve always treated me like a kid?!

“That’s true. But, you know, ideals and reality don’t always align.”

I nodded at Victoria. One of the main reasons I didn’t see her as a romantic prospect was precisely because she was younger. She’d only recently celebrated her coming-of-age ceremony and was just a year younger than me, yet she felt so naive—like a child who hadn’t experienced the world.

“What kind of nurturing traits are you talking about? Are you referring to someone who caters to the darker desires lurking in a man’s soul?”

There must be some way for me to match his ideal!

Victoria, masking her inner determination, started probing me for more details about my ideal type, clearly trying to find points she could adapt to.

Fine. I’ll make her lose interest in me.

“When I’m worn out from studying magic, I’d want someone to greet me at home with a ‘Welcome back, darling♡,’ while preparing dinner and a hot bath. It would be even better if she wore nothing but an apron.”

“…….”

Victoria’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly as if she had no idea how to respond. Her face gradually turned red, spreading to her ears, as though she had just imagined herself in such a scenario.

I can’t believe it… he really is a pervert….

Good. She’s disappointed.

Hearing her inner thoughts, I felt a strange sense of accomplishment. If I could keep killing her feelings for me, it would save us both from heartbreak in the end.

But then…

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

Contrary to my expectations, Victoria responded with a calm tone and an expressionless face.

We’re soulmates, aren’t we? I like naughty things too—I’ve even secretly sniffed Astral’s robe before…. This is perfect!

Victoria’s inner monologue revealed that her affection was far more deeply rooted—and far more intense—than I’d anticipated. She was internally squealing with joy, already plotting how to become my ideal woman.

But will I even find an apron that fits me? No matter how big the size, the chest area would feel tight… Oh, I could just greet him completely naked instead!

Her inner thoughts were far more passionate and audacious than I had expected. The realization sent a chill down my spine.

And then…

“Do me a favor, Astral. Could you hold your breath for an hour?”

“…….”

“I’m mortified that you’re my teammate.”

With that parting shot, Kyle, the warrior, shot me a glare filled with both disdain and disbelief as we trudged toward the fog-shrouded village ahead.