Min Jiwon—Rosaria Ellis, Saintess of Light, and former microwave pasta connoisseur—was currently standing in front of a man who looked like he could casually part the sea if he got mildly annoyed.
The Pope.
She wasn't sure what she expected, but it probably wasn't this. He looked ancient, yes, but not frail, more like someone who had tea with gods once a week and still had time to crochet. His beard sparkled slightly. She wasn't sure if that was divine power or if he purposely applied glitter on it. Maybe both.
"Come closer, child," he said, his voice smooth and soft, like melted honey.
Jiwon stiffened. Should she bow? Kneel? Throw confetti?
Do I call him Your Popeliness? High Pope? Papa Light?
She settled for an awkward curtsy that almost tipped her over.
The Pope smiled kindly. "You must be overwhelmed."
"Just a bit," she admitted. "But I'm honored to be here. Truly."
He studied her face with wise, searching eyes. "You remind me of the first Saintess I met when I was a boy."
"Oh," she blinked. "Is that… good?"
"She once snuck a baby goat into the cathedral," he said with a light chuckle. "I expect you'll be similarly… unpredictable."
So no pressure, Jiwon thought. Just live up to goat girl.
Riri cackled in her head.
'He has no idea what's coming.'
---
The meeting was brief but surreal. The Pope placed a hand on her head and spoke a quiet blessing. A warm tingle ran down her spine, and her headache from the carriage ride evaporated like morning dew.
Then, with a nod, he dismissed the others and smiled.
"I see light in you, Rosaria. But more importantly, I see heart. That, more than any miracle, will guide this world."
Rosaria could only smile in awkwardness, she really as if the pope could see all her thoughts and hiden secrets.
A nun appeared by her side like a polite ghost. "Come, Lady Saintess. I will take you to your chambers."
---
The Holy Cathedral was a maze of soft light and silence. Sunlight poured through stained glass windows, painting rainbow puddles on the marble floor. Flowers grew along indoor fountains. Even the air smelled… blessed.
Rosaria trailed after the nun like a dazed duckling, taking it all in.
They passed a long hall with windows depicting previous saintesses. Each one had a dramatic pose and great hair. One was literally tossing lightning at a demon. Another was holding a glowing book while floating above a volcano.
And then there was one who appeared to be… stabbing a giant chicken?
Note to self: Ask about the Chicken War later.
Finally, they stopped before a set of heavy doors carved with lilies and stars.
"This is your room," the nun said gently. She opened the doors.
Jiwon gasped.
The room was absurd.
A fireplace glowed warmly across from a bed that could comfortably sleep six people. Curtains of cream and gold swayed softly around the bed frame. Crystal bottles lined the vanity. A walk-in closet sat next to an arched window with a seat and bookshelf—already stocked with romance novels.
"This is a room?" she whispered. "It's a royal honeymoon suite!"
The nun smiled. "Dinner will be brought to your private dining hall shortly. Would you like a bath prepared?"
"Oh. Yes. Please. Desperately."
---
Half an hour later, Jiwon emerged from her bath smelling like lavender and wealth. She sat at her vanity in a lace-trimmed robe while a maid gently dried her hair with a towel that might have been woven by angels.
Her reflection still startled her.
This wasn't the overworked marketing drone from Seoul who napped in subway stations. This was someone else. Someone softer. Youthful. Her skin glowed. Her eyes sparkled. She looked... alive.
How is this real?
She poked her cheek. Then again. Then harder.
'Keep that up and you'll bruise,' Riri warned, floating behind her shoulder.
'I just look so… different.'
'You're seeing yourself without exhaustion for once. Shocking, I know.'
She smiled faintly.
'…Thanks, Riri.'
There was a pause.
'You're welcome. Don't get sentimental on me now. You've got a banquet in two days, a crown prince to meet, and zero idea how to dance.'
'…I hate you again.'
'Love you too.'
---
Dinner was a full-course fantasy meal.
Her dining hall was smaller than expected—which meant it was only the size of an Olympic pool instead of a soccer field. A crystal chandelier hung overhead. A harp played softly in the corner by a music orb.
A nun placed the first dish before her: roasted duck with citrus glaze and something suspiciously like enchanted mashed potatoes.
Jiwon took a bite. Her soul left her body.
"Don't cry," she muttered. "Don't cry over duck, you fragile gremlin."
'Too late. I see the tears.'
"I grew up on convenience store kimbap! This is an out-of-body experience!"
After two more courses and three polite sobs, dessert arrived: a golden tart filled with soft cream and fruit that shimmered faintly under the light.
She leaned back, fully stuffed, and sighed.
I could get used to this.
---
Later, tucked into bed in a nightgown fancier than her old prom dress, Jiwon stared at the canopy above her.
"…Hey, Riri?"
'Yeah?'
"If I fall in love and stay here… that means I'll never go back, right?"
'Correct.'
She twirled the ribbon on her sleeve. "I don't have anything waiting for me back home. But... even so, this feels like a lot."
Riri floated down, unusually quiet.
'You don't have to decide now. Just take it one quest at a time.'
"Easy for you to say. You're not the one expected to look holy and elegant while walking in heels made of divine vengeance."
'I could try heels if it helps.'
"You don't even have feet."
'It's the thought that counts.'
---
Just as she started to drift off, a soft DING echoed in her head.
She bolted upright. "Am I being haunted?!"
A pink screen popped up again.
---
✨ [New Quest Unlocked!]
Main Quest: Find Love ❤️
Side Quest #1: Attend the Royal Banquet (2 days)
Reward: +20 LP, first character added to Love Panel
Penalty: Embarrassing Public Failure
---
She squinted. "Why is the word 'embarrassing' bolded?! That feels targeted."
Riri hummed like a smug ringtone.
'Because you'll be meeting Crown Prince Lucien—thd first love interest, royal peacock, and certified drama king.'
Jiwon buried her face in a pillow and screamed.
Tomorrow, she'd have to start preparing for the noble circus. But for tonight… she'd let herself rest.