“……”

Everyone’s eyes were on me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

A brief silence passed as they waited for my response. Finally, I cautiously opened my mouth.

“To be honest, I’ve only been guessing until now… but I think I might have Divine Power.”

“What did you say?”

“That’s impossible!”

“!”

…Yep, as expected.

The skepticism was clear on their faces. It wasn’t as though they could believe such a claim based on my words alone.

Meteor had mentioned my immunity to Magi, but it seemed they chalked it up to other reasons or a misunderstanding.

Marquis Miles explained seriously, “Divine Power is rare. It’s not something just anyone can possess, especially not a girl.”

“Child, don’t tell lies. Are you that desperate for attention—” Count Heylroth began scolding, but his words were abruptly cut off.

Rearwin interrupted him with a cold voice.

“It’s not unheard of for women to have Divine Power. Remember, there was one 150 years ago. Who’s to say another hasn’t been born after all this time?”

Having said that, Rearwin clasped her hands together and looked at me with adoration in her eyes.

“Anyway, Centi, you tried to save me? How touching… truly, how moving!”

Her gaze was practically radiating hearts.

Was it really something to be so moved about?

I responded nonchalantly, “I noticed I didn’t faint from the Magi, so I thought I should help Young Master Meteor. While he searched for the door, I decided to look for you, Marchioness. I found you in the study on the second floor of the mansion, and shortly after, we were all returned here thanks to him.”

“But the fact that you tried to save me doesn’t change, does it? I’m so touched, Centi. I must give you a significant reward once we return to our estate.”

“Ahem, Rearwin.”

Unable to listen any longer, Miles cleared his throat. Rearwin gave me a playful wink before turning her attention back to the group.

I returned her gesture with an awkward smile, but Miles didn’t look entirely convinced as he spoke again.

“Crescent, born outside a prominent family, I find it hard to believe you’ve inherited Divine Power. It’s a rare and exceptional gift, not one to be trusted lightly. However, if—by some chance—you truly do possess it…”

…If I truly do?

Miles paused, his words leaving the room in suspense. Everyone leaned in closer, waiting for him to continue.

“…you would become a remarkably special child in this fractured world. Of course, the Holy Palace would need to test your Divine Power first to confirm it.”

“……”

An awkward silence fell over the room.

An orphan, lucky enough to become a ward of the Pluto Ducal House, suddenly declared a “special child”?

It was hard for people to digest the weight of such a statement. After all, I was just a lowly, penniless orphan.

But if I did have Divine Power?

It would mean I had something even daughters of noble families didn’t possess. Depending on the magnitude of my Divine Power, I might even qualify to become a Saintess.

‘Not that it’s quite at that level yet…’

After some time, the Marchioness of Heylroth broke the silence.

“But what if the child is lying? How will she take responsibility for wasting so much of our precious time?”

Her tear-streaked face twisted into a dissatisfied expression. She was implying that if I lacked Divine Power, I should face consequences.

‘…Seriously? Why go this far?’

I clicked my tongue inwardly. What would she do if it turned out I really did have Divine Power?

Was she still bitter about being blindsided by my cello performance? Clearly, she had taken a strong disliking to me.

Rearwin, sensing the unfairness of the accusation, opened her mouth to rebut, but someone else spoke first.

“I’ll take responsibility.”

“?”

The calm voice drew everyone’s attention to its source.

To my surprise, it was Meteor.

“Meteor?”

The Marchioness furrowed her brows, clearly displeased. Her expression seemed to say, Why are you stepping in?

I, too, was taken aback, my jaw nearly dropping.

‘Wait, why is he getting involved?’

Meteor, however, remained unfazed by the reactions around him.

“I was the first to mention the possibility of Crescent having Divine Power,” he said firmly. “If the Marchioness of Heylroth insists that someone take responsibility, then I will do so.”

“Ah, no, Meteor, there’s no need for you to go that far…”

The Marchioness stammered, clearly flustered. She hadn’t anticipated this turn of events.

After all, Meteor was the hero who had saved everyone from the Demon Realm!

Watching their exchange, Rearwin smiled warmly.

“Well, then, Metty, we’ll wait and see. I’m curious to know how the Marchioness of Heylroth plans to hold you accountable.”

Her cheerful tone belied the sharp glint in her eyes.

It was as if she was daring the Marchioness to try anything against Meteor.

The sweet but chilling atmosphere made me shiver slightly, yet I couldn’t help but feel reassured.

After all, I did have Divine Power. That much was certain.