At the dawn of the new year, the Messiah Kingdom faced its coldest day since winter began.

Aside from frozen refugees and wanderers, the streets stood deserted. Even the guards had wrapped up patrols early, retreating home to savor a bit of warmth from the fireplace.

Yet within Dickden Palace, festivities buzzed with life.

“Your Excellency, the Hero—what an honor that you’ve graced our kingdom!”

“Hero, we entrust our nation’s future entirely to you!”

“With the Hero and Saintess here, not even the Demon King or his monsters pose a threat!”

Beneath glittering chandeliers and to the melody of elegant music, nobles in lavish gowns twirled or sipped wine while chatting animatedly.

Surrounded and flattered by these dignitaries, the black-haired, red-eyed youth felt anything but joyful.

Luke had been summoned to this world three years ago by the Goddess of Light—the world faced the Demon King’s threat and needed “Heroes” to save it.

Yes, *Heroes*. He wasn’t the only one.

Over decades, the Goddess had summoned over a hundred thousand; thirty thousand still roamed today.

In truth, Heroes were the most disposable of assets.

Only after dancing repeatedly on death’s edge had Luke risen to modest fame as a Hero of the Southern Realm.

There was a hint of relief, yes—but more than adoration, he craved completion: the Goddess’s reward—returning home.

Unfinished business waited there. Files still cluttered his computer…

“Lord Luke, truly handsome and capable!”

Luke knew the rule: don’t strike a smiling face. A practiced, hollow smile stayed fixed on his lips.

But genuine warmth toward these nobles? Impossible.

The Finance Minister bowed low with a grin, yet thought:

*(Just a lucky bumpkin! Accepted the king’s invite for our wealth? Hmph. Not while I’m here.)*

The seemingly gentle Duke mused:

*(Marry my daughter to him… or adopt him. My plans would be secure.)*

Even the Military Minister, pondering Demon King affairs, seethed inwardly:

*(Another cannon fodder… Could he steal credit? Damn the Temple—wasting our resources!)*

Noblewomen schemed too: some craved a night with him, others plotted to exploit him, many dreamed of cuckolding husbands for thrills. A den of vipers, indeed.

You’ve likely guessed it—the Goddess’s cheat skill granted Luke was *Mind Reading*.

It worked on monsters too, letting him survive this savage world.

Among Heroes he’d met, this ability ranked at least SS—just shy of SSS.

Its flaw? Dependency. Still, for safety, he kept it active 24/7.

No wonder he felt zero kinship with these schemers.

But years of practice let him mask disgust with calm—or even a smile of pure innocence, truer than any forced grin.

“Lord Luke,” an Earl beamed, oblivious to Luke’s revulsion, “Saintess Aelia arrives soon. She is Messiah Kingdom’s brightest pearl—treat her well.”

Luke did feel a flicker of anticipation for Saintess Aelia.

*(Damn… sweet, pure little Aelia, snatched by this bumpkin! Useless king!)*

*(Compared to peerless Aelia? I’ll make him my son-in-law… or adopt him.)*

*(With Aelia, he won’t die easily… Wasting such power on a fool—this kingdom is doomed!)*

Mind Reading needed no prior intel. Just observing others’ inner reactions during introductions revealed true colors.

Even the “gentleman” Duke drew silent scorn from thirty percent of onlookers.

But Saintess Aelia? Not one negative thought.

*(Ugh, men! So she’s beautiful, kind, virtuous, stronger than generals—big deal!)*

Even jealous noblewomen couldn’t withhold praise.

Luke had heard of Aelia since Year One.

Like Heroes, over ten thousand Saintesses existed continent-wide.

Ninety percent were Novice Saintesses; only a thousand held full rank. At the peak? Seven Grand Saintess Candidates.

Aelia was one—the Saintess among Saintesses.

Hence his swift acceptance: the Goddess’s oracle demanded an Arch Saintess’s aid. Until chosen, partnering a Seven Saintess was optimal.

Plus… a pure, kind, upright girl offered? No reason to refuse. Less scheming on the road.

“Her Highness Saintess Aelia has arrived!”

Musicians swelled into a hymn. The crowd straightened robes, parting respectfully, eyes alight with hope.

First seen: a cascade of silky pink hair.

Her face, exquisitely delicate; her smile, warm and gentle.

Snow-soft skin, a slender frame draped in pristine white. Every motion radiated grace, nobility, and approachability—as if a bliss-bearing angel descended to bless the world.

*(No matter how many times… Aelia’s beauty shines. Behold our kingdom’s pride, Hero Luke!)*

People watched with pride as Aelia approached Luke.

Honestly? She was the most beautiful girl Luke had seen across two lifetimes.

Others might rival her looks—but none matched the sacred dignity of *Saintess* like Aelia.

That compassionate gaze, celestial kindness… Without his ability, he might’ve believed it.

Alas—

*(Admire me! Praise me! Grovel! This lady is divinely flawless!)*

Luke had refined Mind Reading: beyond hearing thoughts, he now saw mental avatars—their inner expressions and gestures.

Before him, the serene Saintess’s chibi avatar tilted her head high, basking smugly in adoration, unleashing a dramatic three-stage laugh straight from anime.

*Does she see herself as queen?*

Speechless, Luke still offered a courteous hand-kiss.

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness Aelia.”

“The pleasure is mine, Lord Luke.”

Outwardly graceful; inwardly, her avatar smirked.

*(Mesmerized by my beauty, huh?)*

*Not at all.*

Luke wasn’t surprised. A sheltered girl, adored by thousands, keeping flawless decorum while allowing inner pride? Admirable.

*(That dazed look… Fantasizing already? Disgusting. Just another lecherous “Hero.”)*

Given the lewd thoughts swirling nearby, Luke conceded—*except for himself*—her judgment held truth.

*(But sorry—I won’t adventure with you. I’m comfy here. Don’t dream of it. You can’t have me.)*

No shock. Battling the Demon Lord’s Army was deadly. Half the Heroes/Saintesses he’d met slacked off; thirty percent of the rest had fallen. Aelia, pampered? Refusing was expected.

*(Don’t cling. I was originally a man—I’d never like you. They don’t know… and drool over me? Hilarious! Hahahaha…)*

*Huh?*

Luke froze.

Gender-swapped summons weren’t unheard of—but disgust outweighed surprise.

He sought a companion only as insurance. He worked alone. He’d accepted solely because her skill wouldn’t slow him.

But morally twisted? No matter her power, he’d decline.

Since she refused too, he’d later craft a polite excuse to withdraw—without burdening the kingdom.

Decision made, Luke chatted politely. After hollow weather talk, nobles gathered, toasting their union and the world’s hope.

“May you swiftly vanquish the Demon King and save us all!”

*We will. But not with this Saintess.*

Luke thought.

Aelia’s mental voice added, utterly slack:

*(It’ll happen—but not by a side character like me. The game’s main leads will handle it. Don’t ruin my comfy isekai life.)*

Luke stiffened.

*Game?*

*Female lead?*

He turned sharply toward Aelia. A wild thought sparked: *Is this a game world? Does she know the plot?*

Aelia merely smiled sweetly.

*(Even if I’m unbelievably cute… no need to stare.)*

*(Otherworldly guy… so gross.)*