Cursed Villainess’ Obsession

"I sincerely apologize. Our priestess, Sister Sietra, is very cautious around men…."

"S-Sorry…."

Just before I was completely soaked with holy water, Father Provan, the head priest who had gone out to shop in the market, returned and cleared up the misunderstanding. Although, to be honest, it wasn’t much of a misunderstanding in her eyes.

"Haha, and with such a handsome young man, it’s no wonder she was taken aback," Provan said with a hearty laugh, pressing down gently on Sietra’s head. Just moments ago, she’d been shouting that I was a demon while dousing me in holy water, but now, hiding behind Provan, her face flushed with embarrassment and shame. Even so, she couldn’t resist casting a few shy glances my way.

"Haha, it’s fine. Just a bit of water," I replied, trying to smile as amiably as possible.

Meeting my eyes, Sietra’s face turned an even brighter shade of red, and she blurted out from behind Provan.

"P-Please, do not tempt me, servant of God!"

I wasn’t even trying, though.

"Perhaps we should move to a more private area. I understand you came with some questions?" Provan suggested, lifting the grumbling Sietra and leading me to the church’s inner reception room.

The room was warmly lit by sunlight streaming through the windows, filling the air with the pleasant scent of herbs by the windowsill. Once we were seated at the wooden table, Provan took a seat across from me, while Sietra went to the kitchen to prepare tea.

"So, Ken, are you an adventurer? I haven’t seen you in the village before."

It seemed like he was making small talk before diving into the main topic.

"Yes, due to certain circumstances… I’m traveling with my wives."

"Your… wives?"

I thought it best to casually mention my three fiancées before anything awkward happened—especially considering Sietra’s earlier reaction. Strictly speaking, they were fiancées, not wives, but it was all the same to me. In passing through a small village like this, such an explanation would make things smoother.

"Ah, I see. With looks like that, I can imagine why."

"It’s a peaceful and happy arrangement, really," I clarified, hoping to keep a good impression. Although it wasn’t unusual to have multiple wives in this society, some might still find it odd. I didn’t want him jumping to any negative conclusions about us.

"Oh… ‘peaceful’ and ‘happy’ don’t usually come to mind with a two-timer," came a wary comment.