Thought It Was ‘The End’, Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 196

“Through this experience, my perspective has changed a bit.”

“……”

“I realized it’s not much fun to leave my life entirely in someone else’s hands.”

Genevieve’s face was refreshed, as if a layer of burden had been lifted.

Being pushed into a decision had always led to the worst outcomes.

Genevieve had believed she always made bad choices. Because of that, she thought a life where she simply followed decisions made by others wouldn’t be so bad.

But everything she had thought would be fine if left as it was turned out not to be fine.

In truth, it wasn’t fine at all.

“So, I’ve decided to live a little more proactively.”

And then, with a beautifully bright smile, she said,

“Because you told me I could be as happy as I wanted, Lady Adeline. That’s still true, right?”

“Of course.”

Adeline responded, slightly bewildered.

Even if someone wasn’t the protagonist, everyone had the right to be happy.

It was something so obvious it didn’t even require questioning.

“That it’s obvious—that’s something you taught me, Lady Adeline. Alright then. It’s such a bother, but I’ll try my best.”

Her comment, spoken as if she were reluctantly agreeing to manage a group savings club rather than becoming the head of the most popular religious organization on the continent, was unexpectedly charming.

It was a relief she didn’t make some solemn vow to take on the challenge with unwavering determination.

Adeline offered some advice.

“If you find it’s too much, you can always hand it off to someone who wants the job. Don’t stress yourself out.”

“There aren’t as many people who want it as you’d think.”

Perhaps it was because anyone wanting to express dissatisfaction would have to confront Edwin, which no one dared to do…

Still, Edwin, for all his faults, was a reliable protector.

“It seems like everyone thinks you’ll do a good job.”

“…Lady Adeline sees me in far too favorable a light.”

“Well, I am a little lacking in objectivity…”

Adeline admitted with a grim expression. She wished she could confidently proclaim, “I have a great eye for people! Trust me!” but her track record was far too poor.

Look at Shane.

Shane was proof Adeline had no eye for people.

And now her mother, Emma, had been added to the list.

Adeline, who had once believed Emma to be a delicate, tearful mother, had come to understand her true nature and could no longer deny that her judgment was as blind as a hole in a piece of wood.

What good was it to have eyes if she couldn’t see properly?

Genevieve burst out laughing.

“You shouldn’t say that here! You’re supposed to tell me to believe in you.”

“Well, whether you quit or not, you’ll still be the Saintess. Whether you do well or poorly doesn’t matter as long as you’re at ease.”

“Do you think I’ll fail?”

“No, I mean it doesn’t matter if you do well or not. I’m on your side, no matter what.”

“……”

“Even if you do a great job as the Pope, people will just think, ‘Wow, how amazing’.”

Adeline briefly imagined it and then made a slightly exhausted face.

She genuinely thought Genevieve would do well.

Genevieve was someone who listened carefully to others but always said what she needed to, all while smiling.

She was merciful yet firm.

And she was strong.

When angry, she charged like a bull.

Having seen Harrison knocked down like a paper doll, Adeline had resolved never to mess with her for the rest of her life.

The “Bull” Genevieve gave a playful wink and said,

“If I do a great job as Pope, will you be proud of me?”

“I’m already proud of you, no matter what…”

If she became any more proud, that would bring its own set of problems.

Genevieve smiled brightly, as if she had expected this answer all along, thinking to herself that Adeline didn’t realize how much those simple words sustained her.

“I’ll become a power player rivaling Duke Blanchard or His Highness Edwin and steal you away, Lady Adeline.”

“…What?”

Sensing something odd in the flow of the conversation, Adeline tilted her head.

But Genevieve, now full of determination, clenched her fist and pressed on.

“Right now, I’m still in a position where I’m swayed by those two, but just wait. One day, I’ll make sure it’s me!”

“Genevieve, no! Don’t make that decision! Whatever it is, it’s better not to!”

“I’ll make sure you can get a divorce!”

Genevieve burned with dangerous enthusiasm.

“No, I’m not getting a divorce…”

And please, look behind you…

Adeline muttered quietly. Shane, who had returned with Lloyd and a bowl of soup, was smiling—but his smile was terrifying.