《Like a Dry Branch in the Wind》


 CH 1

    ***


    Rietta Tristy was a beautiful woman.


    Her thick, wavy blonde hair was untied but shone beautifully, and her feminine, beautifully curved nose and mouth and deep, graceful eyes always drew people¡¯s attention.


    Her white skin, which didn¡¯t burn much under the sun, was a rarity among commoners.


    Most special of all were her eyes. Her eyes, which shone with a brilliant sky-blue color whenever the light shone on them, and sometimes a noble lapis lazuli color, made her pure beauty even more mysterious.


    The flowers and stars lost their light when Rietta smiled with her beautiful eyes.


    When people first heard that she was already married and even had a three-year-old daughter, they all mourned and envied her, saying that her husband had saved the country in his previous life. Their family was happy.


    That was, until four months ago, when her husband died.


    ***


    After Rietta¡¯s husband contracted a mysterious illness and died suddenly, she lost her laughter.


    Beauty was more of a curse than a blessing to the powerless commoner woman.


    Before the flowers she had sown at her husband¡¯s funeral could wither, she was forced by Cassarius, the lord of the land where they lived, to become his concubine.


    At first, Rietta refused. Not only because Cassarius was her father¡¯s age, but also because her husband was dead only less than a month.


    In his frustration, Cassarius took her daughter from Rietta, who did not even pretend to listen to his wishes. Her daughter was only three years old. She was a young girl who begged Rietta to find out where her father had gone, because she still didn¡¯t know what death was.


    Rumors said that Cassarius had sold Rietta¡¯s daughter to a slave dealer.


    Poor Rietta almost lost her mind and accepted to be his concubine if he returned her daughter back safely.


    But unfortunately or fortunately, Cassarius, who contracted the plague that struck the empire, was unable to get Rietta and died without giving her daughter back.


    He left a nasty will that asked for Rietta to be buried with him.


    ***


    It was a harsh season.


    There was nothing but moaning and lamenting in the empire as the plague and demons reared their ugly heads.


    There were constant wailing and burning dead bodies everywhere.


    The land dried up and people fought among themselves to get food.


    In some lands, sacrifices were even offered to comfort the dead.


    In other words, it was at least possible for one of the petty commoner women to be martyred at a nobleman¡¯s funeral.


    The day of Rietta¡¯s death was set.


    It was the day of Cassarius Sevitas¡¯s funeral.


    ***


    On that day, Grand Duke Axias appeared in the territory of Sevitas.


    To get back the huge debt Cassarius Sevitas owed him.


    ¡°While she¡¯s still so young¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­. Poor thing, what shall we do?¡±


    ¡°Tsk, tsk. ¡­¡­ Even if the commoners do it nicely, the stars won¡¯t turn.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s a shame, really. Heaven is merciless.¡±


    Rietta was wearing the most expensive clothes she had ever worn in her life, but there was no smile on her face.


    Beautifully adorned with a festive dress made of soft black silk and a black veil that covered her sky blue eyes, her braided hair tied up and adorned with white flowers, Rietta¡¯s appearance was truly sigh-worthy.


    In front of the Sevitas residence, where the funeral of Count Cassarius was held.


    Rietta knelt on a carpet that was more expensive than her ransom as she waited for her turn on the altar that was temporarily prepared.


    To ensure a painless and clean martyr¡¯s burial, Rietta had been sedated since dawn with a decoction of anesthetizing alucino berries. Although she had difficulty moving her body, she was surrounded by maidens on either side of her and guards to prevent her from escaping.


    Everyone gathered felt sorry for the beautiful woman who had come to meet such a tragic fate.


    One middle-aged woman clicked her tongue and murmured,


    ¡°The sky is not just pitiless. If you build your castle with such care, you will see that Cassarius has finally come down with the plague. Heaven forbid!¡±


    The man beside her chuckled and stepped in.


    ¡°Heaven doesn¡¯t care, but rather the plague gods have seen to that, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    They all cursed Cassarius with one accord, and pitied Rietta.


    However, there was no one to stand up for her.


    She had no parents to begin with, and her husband, the only person who could protect her, was dead.


    ¡°He had a thing for women younger than his own children. Even when he died, he dragged Rietta with him. He¡¯s a really bad person.¡±


    ¡°Shh. Lower your voice. People can hear you.¡±


    After the priest¡¯s eulogy, the Count¡¯s maids helped Rietta up from both sides.


    Rietta, drowsy from alucino and feeling a little dazed, staggered her feet as she followed the maids.


    It was time to go beyond the world and be with her family.


    Dry snow began to flutter down from the gray sky.


    It was a late April¡¯s snowfall.


    Rietta looked at the thin snowflakes that seemed to stop at any moment, and thought about her little daughter¡¯s last complaint.


    She had waited all winter for her father, who left as soon as winter came and never came again. Her daughter begged for a snowman all the time.


    ¡°Adele.¡±


    A teardrop ran down Rietta¡¯s cheek as she finally called out the child¡¯s name.


    ¡°When this snow piles up¡­.. It¡¯s the time for us to build a snowman together.


    ¡°Now ¡­.. the three of us together¡­¡­ ¡°


    Those who die have few words, and those who live have few words.


    The people who remained on earth were also silent, each with their own thoughts still hidden in their hearts.


    The quiet funeral procession began slowly.


    The bereaved family of Cassarius began to move their feet, following the beautiful sacrifice as she followed the coffin, supported by the attendants.


    ***


    By the time the cemetery was just around the corner, a small commotion broke through the slow-footed procession.


    A servant was rushing towards their procession.


    Cassarius¡¯s eldest son, Frederick, who had wanted to handle this event as quietly as possible, maintained a calm expression, but was annoyed.


    He hoped the senseless fellow wouldn¡¯t make it to him, but the servant finally made his way through the crowd to Frederick and lowered his head, breathing heavily.


    ¡°My lord, ¡­¡­! We have an important guest!¡±


    Frederick frowned and snapped at the servant.


    ¡°It¡¯s a funeral. You shouldn¡¯t act frivolously. Don¡¯t you know how to guide the mourners?¡±


    The servant stammered in a panic.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a mourner, sir. Oh, Grand Duke Axias is here!¡±


    The bereaved family¡¯s complexion changed at the servant¡¯s words about the Grand Duke¡¯s visit. A quiet unrest spread.


    Frederick, who had forgotten his words for a while, bit his lips.


    ¡°Killian Axias is here?¡±


    The deceased Cassarius owed a great debt to Grand Duke Axias.


    It was a debt that was already some time past its promised repayment date.


    The family of Sevitas had to hire priests and pay huge sums of money to the temple for the control of the plague. The sudden death and funeral of Cassarius left the estate in a near deplorable financial state.


    They had no way to immediately repay their debt to Archduke Axias.


    They had even hidden the death of Cassarius from the outside world in order to give him no excuse to visit.


    Frederick bit his lip.


    ¡°How did he come to know that my father had passed away?¡±


    ¡°I was passing by and thought I¡¯d pay a visit to a friend who I hadn¡¯t heard from for a long time.¡±


    The sound of thumping horse hooves and a cold voice interrupted.


    All eyes turned to the owner of the voice.


    A man with an intimidating energy on top of a huge black horse was slowly approaching with glowing red eyes.


    His jet black hair swayed gently with the horse¡¯s mane as he moved.


    Killian Axias tilted his head and raised a corner of his mouth. The people who were watching inhaled, gasping. It was a beautiful and ghastly smile that made people shudder.


    ¡°I had no idea my friend¡¯s funeral was taking place.¡±


    A chilling sneer.


    No one could blame Killian Axias for his rudeness in interrupting the funeral procession on horseback.


    It was a lazy attitude that even looked like a lazy one, but the knights instinctively swallowed their spit and tensed their shoulders when they saw that he was not the least bit phased by the immediate blade wound.


    Killian Axias.


    He was the most influential and ferocious man in the empire.


    He was born the legitimate eldest son of the emperor, but he was an abolished prince who was kicked out of the imperial family more than a decade ago for decapitating his brother and throwing his head at the feet of the emperor and queen.


    Under the imperial law, the death penalty was inevitable due to the murder of the royal family and the defamation of the royal family.


    The emperor, who regretted his brilliance, was unable to execute him and punished him by expelling Killian to the distant northern wasteland to Axias.


    He was stripped of all his titles and rights as a prince.


    However, the abolished prince, who seemed to have lost everything, reclaimed the ancient Saint Axias from the clutches of the demons, which had not been allowed to humans for hundreds of years, and began to transform the wasteland into a habitable place.


    A few years later, Killian seized vast territories in the area and reigned as the champion of the north.


    From the huge snow mountain in the region he controlled, Adamantite, the most precious mineral on the continent, was found.


    Axias accumulated immense wealth from the workers and mercenaries, crafters and artisans who gathered to stare at the magic hand loot and adamantite.


    Axias grew at a superior and explosive pace.


    Cities were built on the land that was once a wasteland at a speed that was almost unbelievable.


    The House of Lords changed its attitude and pawed at him, saying that he should formally be granted a title to fulfill his tax obligations.


    In the end, the imperial family formally granted him the title of Grand Duke of Axias and recognized his dominion over the land. Even though he was not a prince, the imperial family granted him the title and rights as a royal Grand Duke.


    Killian accepted it without much emotion.


    Up to this point, the story was known to all the people.


    It had been thirteen years since he lost his imperial name and been banished to the far north.


    Killian Axias had never once appeared in social circles, but his name alone was a constant topic of conversation among the nobility.


    The commoners, with the addition of all the exaggerated falsehoods, were so cruel and violent that he was considered a monster instead of human.


    Stories about being crazy were basic, stories about being possessed by demons and cursed were very common.


    From the ¡°stare at me and I¡¯ll kill you, body graze me and I¡¯ll kill you, feel bad and I¡¯ll kill you, don¡¯t like me and I¡¯ll kill you, I¡¯ll kill you if I¡¯m not satisfied with a woman, if I like a body part I¡¯ll kill her to gouge it out¡± stories.


    From stories of eating human flesh, drinking blood, and even collecting human fingers, ears, and eyeballs, there was no one who was unaware of all the creepy and bloody rumors he was pulling, where some were true and some were false.


    The road to the cemetery opened as the people on his way stepped back with blue faces.


    Everyone bowed their heads in fear of making eye contact with him.


    By the time Axias stopped in front of Frederick, all the funeral processions had already spontaneously stopped.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time. His Royal Highness, Grand Duke Axias.¡±.


    ¡°I see. Frederick. Are you Count Sevitas now? Why didn¡¯t you give me the news? If you did, I wouldn¡¯t have committed this kind of rudeness of asking for debt payment at the funeral.¡±


    Killian chuckled, ruthless and graceful. He still did not get off his horse.


    Frederick responded with a smile.


    ¡°Rude is outrageous, my lord. Since he died of the plague, I tried to send him off quietly, without accepting any condolences. It was rather my fault.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Killian chuckled animatedly.


    ¡°I thought you hid it, hoping I wouldn¡¯t come again.¡±


    The bereaved aristocrats froze at the unspoken directness of a man who had never cared for others and had never been associated with society.


    Even Frederick, who was a stout man of society, couldn¡¯t immediately respond to his words.


    He thought about denying it, but decided it was better to just admit it and bowed down.


    ¡°I apologize¡­.¡±


    As it turned out, Frederick didn¡¯t make the wrong decision. Killian chuckled, turned away involuntarily, and murmured as he looked at the coffin of Lord Cassarius.


    ¡°He said he would pay me back even if he¡¯s dead or alive. The excuses he used each time. But I can¡¯t bring him out of the coffin.¡±


    Killian commented harshly and jumped off his horse.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m at a funeral, I suppose I should give you my condolences. I¡¯m sorry about your father.¡±


    Killian took off his hat, placed it on the head of the black horse he was riding, and handed the reins to a knight who followed him a step behind. He spontaneously joined the funeral procession.


    The people stared at Killian, who was somewhat different from the rumors of a madman. Some people exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s the Grand Duke of Axias?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he like eating meat¡­?¡±


    The others who gathered and stared at Grand Duke Axias with shocked faces because of his eerie beauty.


    Killian Axias, who called Cassarius Sevitas friend, but was rather the same age as his eldest son Frederick, was a cool, laid-back, chilled beauty.


    His blood-colored eyes and cold stare gave off a sharp energy, but his eyes didn¡¯t seem to be obsessed with madness.


    At least, from his current demeanor, he didn¡¯t look like a madman, let alone a homicidal maniac.


    The first sight of Grand Duke Axias was unexpected, even as a nobleman who roughly skipped the false rumors circulating among commoners and knew only the truth as appropriate.


    His dusty gray robes, as if he had traveled on horseback for a long time, were alien to the black mourners, but no one could believe that he had not been polite in his splendid appearance.


    Whether it was the fact that he had cut off his brothers¡¯ head, or the fact that he had ruthlessly slaughtered northern looters and terrifying beasts mercilessly to carve out vast territories had a noble and dignified face that was more elegant and colder than any art gallery.


    His jet-black hair and black horse suited him perfectly.


    Killian blended in naturally, as if he had been walking there from the beginning to remember the deceased, and bowed silently to Frederick¡¯s wife and siblings.


    The nobles of the House of Sevitas carefully exchanged silent greetings with him and resumed the funeral.


    Rietta, who had paused for a long time at the delayed funeral, staggered to a sitting position.


    The mourning maids helped her up, feeling agitated.


    Killian¡¯s brow furrowed as he stared at the distracted woman who had been following the coffin in front of the mourners.


    ¡°Who is that woman?¡±

 CH 2

    ¡°Who¡¯s that woman?


    ¡°Oh¡­¡­.¡±


    Frederick stopped for a moment, unable to answer about his father¡¯s disgrace with his own mouth, but eventually gave an awkward cough and then opened his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡­.my father asked me to bury her with him.¡­.She¡¯s become a martyr.¡±


    A brief silence followed.


    A cold sneer appeared on Killian¡¯s face as he stared at him.


    Frederick¡¯s wife, Segnitia, interrupted her husband, who was having trouble keeping up appearances, changing his words to reflect his expression.


    ¡°Frederick was acquainted with that woman. He¡¯s not feeling good.¡±


    Cassarius¡¯s second son did not answer, but turned away, his expression hardening.


    Segnitia continued on talking, making excuses.


    ¡°He was not the one to leave a will that required taking an innocent person along with him¡­. ¡­¡­. As one would expect, a temptress is a temptress.¡±


    Although Cassarius¡¯s will forced them to follow it, Segnitia secretly appealed that it was not something they were happily doing.


    ¡°Segnitia.¡±


    Frederick stopped his wife.


    ¡°It¡¯s my father¡¯s funeral, so we¡¯ll keep our thoughts to ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    Segnitia bowed her head and retreated.


    Frederick breathed a sigh of relief and inwardly praised his wise wife.


    It was good enough. He was embarrassed in a position where he showed impeccable scenes, but he avoided it effectively.


    Frederick lifted his gaze to study Axias¡¯s expression. Then he was a little startled.


    ¡°Temptress.¡±


    Killian smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m interested.¡±


    The people nearby looked at him, unsure of what to make of his expression.


    But Frederick remembered the rumors about Killian¡¯s fondness for women.


    Grand Duke of Axias, ¡°East Annex¡±.


    Of all the people who were angry that he was a lunatic who followed a harem that only the emperor could have. How many of them honestly do not envy him?


    It was said that he would take the ladies everywhere he went, but today there was no woman with him.


    The Grand Duke of Axias continued to laugh, tilting his head.


    ¡°Everyone here seems to feel sorry for her, but I have yet to receive my payment from Cassarius. If I took her instead of the debt, everyone would be happier.¡±


    The Sevitas family stared at Killian with their eyes wide opened at the unexpected proposal.


    Killian smirked.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s mouth dropped open involuntarily.


    ¡°Are you serious? How much do I owe you? Are you saying that you will write off the entire debt¡­?


    Frederick said, stuttering.


    Killian assured him without blinking.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take the last companion of the dead. Shouldn¡¯t that be enough? If there¡¯s a difference, use it for incense.¡±


    Frederick swallowed a cough and glanced at Rietta.


    It was an unexpected windfall.


    He could get that tremendous debt written off by offering someone who was going to be a corpse anyway.


    But he couldn¡¯t be too happy about it, because he had a reputation to uphold, so he pretended to be hesitant.


    Killian lifted one side of his mouth in a coy smile.


    ¡°Ah, I suppose I can¡¯t go against my father¡¯s last wishes after all. I¡¯ll pretend I never heard of it.¡±


    Once again, the people¡¯s expressions suddenly changed.


    Segnitia turned her head around to look at Frederick.


    You would never know when the Grand Duke of Axias would change his mind.


    This was not the time to hesitate, worrying about his dignity.


    Frederick clenched his fist nervously.


    The decision was changed quickly.


    ¡°Bring the woman.¡±


    This time the others turned suddenly to the side to look at him.


    ¡°No, My Lord.¡±


    The eyes of the people turned to Cedric Cavalam, the loyal servant of the dead Cassarius.


    Confused by the cold stares of the mourners who suddenly gathered, Cedric quickly bowed his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s already the week ¡­¡­ all the preparations are done, and it¡¯s his last will and testament. I cannot betray the will of the former lord Casarius this way¡­¡­!¡±


    Frederick glared coldly at his airheaded subordinate.


    ¡°Then do you have a way to take responsibility for my father¡¯s debt of twenty million gold?¡±


    It was not acceptable to play tricks on the Grand Duke of Axias.


    Rather, Frederick, who knew that being frank was the only way to avoid going against his mood, told him in straightforward terms. Suddenly, flustered by the arrow aimed at him, Cavalam began to stutter.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of the money. Are you going to betray your father¡¯s last hope because of a mere piece of money? I¡¯ve even finished the wedding for his soul! Rietta Tristy will serve Lord Cassarius forever in the afterlife¡­¡­!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a touching sentiment.¡±


    Killian suddenly drew his sword.


    The people¡¯s complexion instantly changed. Even the knights couldn¡¯t respond for a moment.


    Killian tilted his head and smiled sweetly.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­. I don¡¯t have any particular gift that I¡¯ve prepared for Cassarius¡¯s last journey¡­..How about it? How about you go and serve Cassarius forever. Being a loyal servant forever would be the best present.¡±


    A gentle gaze of his red eyes slowly made its way through the sword blade.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be a beautiful story?¡±


    When the red eyes with a relaxed smile lifted towards Cedric, Cedric¡¯s face turned pale.


    ¡°¡®Cassarius will be pleased to see you.¡±


    Frozen in place, Cedric retreated with a trot. Cold sweat ran down his face like rain, sliding down the monocle on his nose.


    Killian smiled and fell flat on his face.


    A sweet voice fell upon his head like a death sentence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t refuse.¡±


    The moment Killian drew his sword down and took a step forward.


    Cedric¡¯s knees collapsed on the floor.


    ¡°I, I was out of line! Please forgive me!¡±


    ***


    The procession stopped immediately as the Sevitas family and Grand Duke Axias seemed to be talking about something.


    The words were conveyed to the maidservants through the knights that were near Frederick.


    As the maids came and went, they exchanged inaudible words, and then supported Rietta¡¯s body and turned her back.


    Rietta was led toward the family of Sevitas, and the crowd, who couldn¡¯t hear what they said, began to murmur in confusion.


    ¡°What is it? What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡­.¡±


    Rietta, who couldn¡¯t understand what was going on, moved her feet at the guidance of the maidens with stunned eyes.


    The beautiful widow, on her way to death, was brought back before the Grand Duke of Axias.


    The maids tried to greet the Grand Duke politely.


    In a daze of consciousness, not knowing what she was doing, Rietta bowed awkwardly with unfocused eyes.


    The knights, and even Frederick, had been unable to retreat from the sword from Killian¡¯s hand, shaking nervously.


    Killian nonchalantly extended his sword toward Rietta and lifted the black veil that covered her face with the tip of his sword.


    When the veil was removed, the face of a beautiful pale woman without a single expression was revealed.


    Her unfocused sky-blue eyes blinked slowly.


    Killian¡¯s cold, subdued red eyes swept through the woman.


    A cold smile appeared on his face, one side of his mouth raised casually.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡±


    Killian Axias chuckled and tilted his head.


    Then, like a fierce beast in the spring sun, he gave a sweet greeting.


    ¡°Hello temptress.¡±


    ***


    That night.


    Killian walked into his special guest room, which was set up in the Sevitas mansion, and unexpectedly found someone had already occupied his bed.


    Rietta, with her loose beautiful blond hair and wearing a transparent white slip, was sitting on the bed with a dazed expression on her face, but when she spotted him, she stood up and bowed her head.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    A voice was cracked and faint without power.


    ¡°Thank you for saving my life¡­ I will serve you with all my heart.¡±


    She meant to give him a happy night. Killian looked dumbfounded.


    The soulless voice seemed to be reading the words, apparently in the form of mumbling.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I saved you¡­..¡±


    The woman stood dumbfounded, her eyes downcast, unable to smile at the joke that pointed out her attitude.


    When Killian saw her during the day, he was told that she had taken an alucino sedative.


    It seemed that she still hadn¡¯t come to her senses.


    Killian approached and lifted the woman¡¯s chin.


    Her hazy, light blue eyes were unfocused and empty.


    ¡°It looks like someone who¡¯s already dead.¡±


    A moment later, a stupid reply came from the expressionless face.


    ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Killian clicked his tongue, looked at the woman, and said.


    ¡°Go back now. I don¡¯t have a hobby taking in a woman at a funeral.¡±


    The woman stood absentmindedly without a single refusal, she just gave her greetings and stepped down.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­¡±


    Killian liked that the woman didn¡¯t talk much. But it was unsettling to see her retreat so gracefully, as if she¡¯d been waiting for this moment for a long time.


    Killian only glanced at the woman and asked,


    ¡°You. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    A dull reply came back slowly from her expressionless face.


    ¡°I¡¯m Rietta ¡­¡­Tristy.¡±


    Killian scanned her up and down.


    Although she was a rare beauty in the countryside, what fun would there be to hold a dead, expressionless woman in bed?


    ¡°Yeah. Rietta. Go outside and call Leonard.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­.¡±


    Killian turned away and took off his coat as Rietta walked out the door.


    No matter how much Federick wanted to resolve his debt, the act of pushing the woman into Killian¡¯s room on the day of his father¡¯s funeral was outrageous.


    That was also the woman who was supposed to be sharing his father¡¯s path.


    Killian snickered tastelessly.


    Cassarius did a great job of raising his children. (Sarcasm).


    ***


    ¡°You asked to see me?¡±


    Leonard, Killian¡¯s knight, asked,


    Killian nodded casually, started undressing.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened to that woman?¡±


    Leonard began to recite as if he had waited.


    ¡°She is an ordinary widow. I heard they were a happy couple.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve already figured that out ¡­¡­?


    Leonard nodded briefly.


    ¡°Of course. I have to find out what kind of woman who can enter


    the bedchamber of the Grand Duke.¡±


    ¡°Continue.¡±


    ¡°It was four months after her husband died of a disease, Count Cassarius tried to make her his concubine. But when she refused, the Count took her three-year-old daughter and sold her to a slave dealer.¡±


    Killian, who was listening silently, sat on the sofa and spit it out with a blank face.


    ¡°That¡¯s a dirty story. Well done.¡±


    ¡°Furthermore¡­.¡±


    ¡°What else do you have?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure but there¡¯s something suspicious about her husband¡¯s death. I heard he died from the plague.¡±


    Killian glanced at Leonard.


    ¡°¡­Didn¡¯t you say it was four months ago that her husband died?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a time when the plague hasn¡¯t spread in Sevitas. The timing doesn¡¯t match. There seems to be a rumor that Count Cassarius, who was greedy for Rietta, killed her husband in disguise of the plague. Isn¡¯t it the curse of her dead husband that Cassarius has a real plague?¡±


    Killian smirked.


    A curse.


    People love stories like that.


    Leonard¡¯s words followed.


    ¡°Cassarius was staying in an ordinary mansion, so the fortification spell would not have the same effect as a fortress. However, a count would have been protected by a castle spell by his immediate priest, so it is unusual that the plague was able to break through it and enter.¡±


    Leonard held out a piece of paper in the form of a brief summary report.


    It was a quick summary of the dates of Cassarius¡¯s plague onset and death.


    ¡°In fact, he was one of the first people in Sevitas contracted the plague, and the progression of his life to critical condition was unusually fast. Shall I find out more?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. You did a great job. Go back.¡±


    Killian did not care more than that.


    Leonard bowed and left the room.


    ¡°Widow¡­.I see.¡±


    Killian nodded, uninterested, and lay back on the couch.


    He was just passing by Sevitas, and decided to pay Cassarius a visit. But he was dead.


    Killian wasn¡¯t interested in collecting the dead man¡¯s debts from his children.


    It wasn¡¯t much money to him anyway.


    Frederick¡¯s attitude of being frank and polite wasn¡¯t bad either.


    Nor did he expect him to be a very great sorcerer.


    What the nobles were doing was funny, and it was just a boring once-in-a-lifetime entertainment.


    Killian crossed his legs, tossed the piece of paper Leonard had given him on the table, and opened his book.


    He quickly forgot about her, moved to the bed and fell asleep.


    ***


    ¡°You won¡¯t be staying any longer?¡±


    Segnitia greeted Killian with a regretful look.


    ¡°Next time.¡±


    Killian replied with a plain face.


    He had an indifferent attitude, but it was interesting to see this ruthless man treating them like a gentleman.


    Still, Frederick and Segnitia were more than a little disappointed to see him leave.


    It was a rare occasion when a man of great influence in the empire, both in terms of wealth and military power, stayed at their home. It was a person who would surely be useful for a long time if they could establish a positive relationship.


    Even when it was discovered that Frederick was about to make a mistake, it turned out to be unexpectedly harmonious, and despite his initial nervousness, the Grand Duke was not a difficult person.


    Furthermore, Duke¡¯s willingness to write off their debt so easily made an impression on them.


    However, Killian was not a man he could catch even if he tried, nor was he in a position where Sevitas would dare to pester him.


    Unfortunately, Frederick had to content himself with serving the Grand Duke and his knights with the utmost hospitality, beautified the woman, and provided her a top notch carriage to ride in.


    The Grand Duke of Axias and his party were ready when Rietta, beautifully dressed in a plain and elegant black and purple dress made of the finest fabrics, stepped into the carriage with a deadpan expression on her face.


    ¡°Then.¡±


    Killian turned to casually glance at the woman he had paid a high price for with a disinterested attitude.


    Frederick, a little bewildered by the momentary farewell, looked at the back of the man and gave him a last look.


    ¡°I hope you have a comfortable journey.¡±


    Without looking back, Killian Axias lifted one hand to respond to Frederick¡¯s greeting and drove off.

 CH 3

    About ten days later, late at night, they arrived at the Axias estate.


    Killian came out after melting away the fatigue of his journey in a warm bath, and on his way into his bedroom, he was flabbergasted.


    The beautiful blond-haired, blue-eyed woman he had brought from the Sevitas territory, wearing only a white, transparent slip, sat on his bed, then stood up and bowed her head.


    Needless to say, it was d¨¦j¨¤ vu; he had seen this scene a few days ago.


    The location changed to his bedroom, and this time she didn¡¯t look quite lost. The woman was as expressionless as ever. The neat, deep eyes dropped its gaze wistfully.


    This was the woman whose presence was almost imperceptible for the past few days.


    Despite the long journey, the woman remained expressionless.


    ¡°Did the ride make you a little nauseous at first?¡±


    The woman didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°You¡¯re not talking much today, are you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Killian spat as he walked to the table.


    ¡°Do you remember what you said in Sevitas?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    A step later, the answer came back.


    ¡°Yes, I remember.¡±


    The words Rietta said that day were repeatedly brainwashed by the head maid of the Sevitas mansion.


    The strong tranquility of the sedative had put her out of her mind, but she still had occasional memories.


    ¡°Grand Duke Axias saved your life. Don¡¯t forget that you have to serve him well. What you do will determine whether you die or live. Do not dishonor the Sevitas family. Don¡¯t tarnish the reputation of the Sevitas family. If you don¡¯t do it right, you¡¯ll be dragged back and killed!¡±


    Honor¡­


    Even in the midst of confusion, Rietta laughed at the word.


    At Rietta¡¯s appearance, the maid raised her hand as if she was frustrated, but she could not leave an ugly mark on the body of a woman who would soon be devoted to the Grand Duke, so she clenched her fist and hit her chest.


    Rietta sat there in a daze, only blinking, besides laughing once at that.


    ¡®Why does she still look like she¡¯s out of her mind? How much alucino did that ignorant maid feed her?¡¯


    ¡°Repeat after me. ¡®Your Highness, Grand Duke Axias¡¯. Repeat after me! ¡®Grand Duke Axias. Thank you for saving me. I¡¯ll serve you with all my heart.¡¯¡±


    A stout hand grasped Rietta and shook her.


    ¡°Repeat after me!¡±


    Rietta vaguely recalled that night. The Grand Duke dismissed her as drunk and insane with Alucino.


    The fact that he had sent her away did not interest her in the slightest.


    She would just be taken away and die.


    It didn¡¯t matter.


    It was neither alive nor dead.


    But perhaps the head maid¡¯s words were false, for it was not death that awaited Rietta.


    Rietta was beautifully dressed and handed over to the Grand Duke of Axias like a precious piece of baggage.


    Did he stop by her home for her to take something with her?


    She picked up a few things in a daze, but she didn¡¯t feel anything about that either.


    And the long journey that followed.


    She had never taken such a long carriage trip in her life.


    She wasn¡¯t interested in where she was going, or what would happen to her.


    She didn¡¯t care who she belonged to or when she was going to die.


    And so Rietta¡¯s spirit drifted throughout.


    The words that Grand Duke Axias threw in a harsh tone brought Rietta to reality.


    ¡°Please kill me. What, you don¡¯t even say that?¡±


    She didn¡¯t seem to understand the meaning of the words and didn¡¯t answer right away.


    Killian took out a bottle of wine from the tray cart and poured it into a glass as he continued speaking.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to look like that, it might be fun to say something like that.¡±


    Fun¡­.


    It was what her body, her life, meant to them.


    Rietta smiled helplessly.


    The smile barely made an appearance on her face.


    What can you say to the villagers when everything already depends on the will of the Grand Duke? Do as you wish.


    Killian stared at her. He approached her with a glass of wine.


    She didn¡¯t care anymore. Or so she thought.


    Rietta closed her eyes to avoid his hand, to keep her from panicking.


    Killian, however, passed her by, leaving her where she was.


    Rietta opened her eyes and blinked blankly, then she heard a dry voice behind her.


    ¡°Have you never heard any rumors about me?¡±


    ¡®What kind of question is this?¡¯


    There were more than one or two rumors about him, and Rietta did not know what rumors he was talking about. Was he talking about the rumor that he would kill the woman if he was not satisfied with her?


    It was meaningless to her anyway.


    Should she tremble in horror?


    Would he enjoy seeing such things?


    Rietta just murmured calmly.


    ¡°Do as you please. Kill me or save me¡­.¡±


    The languid voice continued.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Killian placed the wine glass on the side table by the bed and took off his cloak.


    ¡°Get dressed. I will call the butler.¡±


    Rietta, who had been standing in a daze, took a step back and asked.


    ¡°¡­¡­ What?¡±


    Killian said, not even looking at her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you in my room. I¡¯ll give you a room. You can go there and sleep.¡±


    Rietta was at a loss to understand what he was saying, but only after a long time did she ask again


    ¡°Why ¡­¡­?¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s good that she has come to her senses, but she makes me say many things. Did she say her name was Rietta?¡¯


    Killian unsheathed his sword and glanced at her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if you wanted to be held, but your look isn¡¯t that seductive. With a face like that, a confession of love sounds like a family obituary.¡±


    Dressed a little more comfortable, Killian brought the glass he had set down to his mouth.


    Rietta dropped her head as she heard the same thing as before.


    It took her quite a while to answer again.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Same response.


    It was nothing new.


    Killian lost interest.


    ¡°Get dressed. Don¡¯t make me say it three times.¡±


    No matter how beautiful she was, he had no intention of holding a woman with a face like that.


    Rietta put on her gown, rustling it over her slip.


    After a moment, Killian set down his empty glass and rang the bell.


    Soon there was a knock at the door, and an old man¡¯s voice sounded.


    ¡°Did you call, master?¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    The old butler with the neat gray hair walked in and bowed his head.


    Killian pointed with his chin at Rietta.


    ¡°Show her the room where she¡¯ll rest. Make sure she¡¯s comfortable. And find a house on the estate where she¡¯ll be staying.¡±


    Rietta looked at Killian with a bemused expression.


    The butler bowed his head.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    An indifferent glance went to Rietta.


    ¡°Go to the guided room and sleep today. I¡¯ll give you a house in the territory and you¡¯ll live there from tomorrow.¡±


    Rietta didn¡¯t say anything.


    Killian had already averted his gaze.


    Even the old butler didn¡¯t seem to care that she couldn¡¯t answer, and quietly led her out of the room.


    ****


    The next day, Rietta followed the old butler, Ern, out of the castle.


    Axias, a land still untouched by the plague, was peaceful and vibrant.


    She gazed out the carriage window at the busiest street she had seen in a long time.


    The weather was nice. People¡¯s faces were bright, everyone was busy, and the streets were full of life.


    There was a time like this for her at Sevitas.


    A time when her husband and her daughter were by her side¡­¡­.


    ¡°We have arrived.¡±


    Ern¡¯s voice suddenly woke Rietta from her thoughts. The carriage they were riding in stood in front of a beautiful two-story house with a front yard and garden.


    Rietta stared at the house with her mouth opened. None of her neighbors in Sevitas had a house this nice.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Rietta stared at him for a moment, unable to answer, then replied in dismay.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful¡­¡­. It¡¯s a very nice house.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡±


    Ern chuckled, opened the carriage door, and got out first. Then he held out his hand to escort Rietta.


    This was the first time she had received such kindness, except when her husband was playing a trick on her, so she awkwardly declined and grabbed the handle and got down herself.


    Rietta¡¯s sense of reality slowly began to return because of the house in front of her.


    ¡®That¡¯s right. He gave me a place to live and even a place to work. I am grateful for that. Is this the house where I will be living while working as a housekeeper?¡¯


    She was worried because the house looked a little small for a nobleman to live in, let alone have a maid.


    Was there a separate room for the maidservant to stay? Even though it was small, the house was clean and beautiful, it looked flawless.


    A clean house is easy to work in. With a house like this, she thought, even if she had to live in a storage room, it would be okay.


    ¡°It¡¯s a brand new house, less than half a year old. It¡¯s not big, but it¡¯s in a good location in a reserved area, so it¡¯s not bad for living in.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. ¡­¡­¡±


    Ern led Rietta closer to the house and began to explain about the location and lighting.


    ¡°Axias has a dry climate, but we get a lot of rain in the summer. It is good that we have frequent ventilation in the summer. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s much you need to take care of except to make sure the wood on the window frames doesn¡¯t get damaged by frequent exposure to rainwater.¡±


    Rietta listened carefully. But the important part, the master of the house, had not yet been mentioned.


    Ern went on to explain the location of the market and stores where they could get what they needed nearby. Then Ern held out his hand politely and asked,


    ¡°We have most of the furniture and things we need to buy right now. How do you like the house? Would you like to take a look inside?¡±


    There was something strange about it. What did he mean to look inside? And it was equipped with necessary furniture and supplies?


    Rietta, who had been in denial of reality, finally asked back as she stood in front of the house.


    ¡°What about the people who live in this house?¡±


    Ern replied with a slight bow.


    ¡°Are you asking if anyone lived in the house? No one has passed through this house yet. If Miss Tristy chose it, you would be the first tenant.¡±


    Rietta gave Ern a puzzled look, thinking that this couldn¡¯t be right.


    ¡°I¡¯ll live in this house alone? Is that what you¡¯re saying?¡±


    Ern smiled, tilting his head slightly.


    ¡°Do you have anyone with you? Even an acquaintance in Axias, please¡­¡­..¡±


    Rietta replied, waving her hand hurriedly.


    ¡°No, no, I don¡¯t. I¡¯m asking because¡­..are you saying that you¡¯ll give me this house? Was that why you asked if I liked it..?¡±


    Seeing Rietta¡¯s confusion, the butler paused for a moment, as if to check if there was anything wrong with his words. Then he answered quickly and carefully.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Rietta covered her mouth in surprise and embarrassment.


    So that was what the Grand Duke meant when asked Ern to get a house?


    She was not going to be a maid, but the master of this house?


    Rietta shook her head and replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s too big ¡­¡­¡­. It¡¯s too much.¡±


    Ern smiled serenely and answered,


    ¡°This is the house Master sent. It can¡¯t get any worse than this.¡±


    Ern took out the key, opened the door and let Rietta in.


    ¡°Take a look inside.¡±


    Ern held the door and waited for Rietta. Rietta couldn¡¯t be stubborn and followed him in.


    Once inside, she was more and more convinced that the house was too big for a single person to live in.


    The house was fully furnished with everything from dining tables and sofas to closets. It was brand new with no signs of use. It was strange to be in a new house that had furniture but had never been used .


    Rietta finally spoke up, standing awkwardly, unable to move as if she shouldn¡¯t be there.


    ¡°Does this happen often?¡±


    She thought it was a house where she would work as a servant. But it was her house.


    She hadn¡¯t even gone with the butler to look for a house.


    The butler came here with her in a carriage and opened the door with a key. It was as if the house had been prepared in advance for just such an occasion.


    Ern smiled and replied, confirming Rietta¡¯s suspicions.


    ¡°Master would give a place for the person he brought home, it¡¯s quite common. There is no need to feel burdened. Would you like to see more of the other houses?¡±


    Rietta shook her head in a panic.


    ¡°No¡­.no.¡±


    Was the butler trying to test how much shame she has?


    Rietta asked cautiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t like this house, but is there a smaller one?¡±


    Ern replied.


    ¡°Most of them are similar in size, but there are larger ones available if you wish. Would you like to go see?¡±


    Rietta stopped her complicated thoughts at the old butler¡¯s answer. There was no need to bother him more. She just gave up in trepidation.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯m afraid this will be the house¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Will you? Alright, then I will instruct the servants to bring your belongings this evening.¡±


    Erun said, and asked Rietta to give him her hand.


    After a moment, Rietta held out her hand and Ern took out a bag of gold coins in his pocket and placed it on her hand.


    The sound of clattering, heavy weights and metal clashing echoed through the air.


    The open pocket opened slightly to reveal the gold coins inside.


    Rietta¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    But Ern just continued speaking.


    ¡°This is a settlement grant. You can use it to pay for your living expenses for a month.¡±


    Rietta was dumbfounded as she saw Ern offer her an amount of money that she had never had in her life as living expenses for a month.


    Before the words ¡°too much¡± could come out of her mouth, the old butler calmly continued, as if he had already anticipated that Rietta would say something like that.


    ¡°It¡¯s your first time living alone, so you¡¯ll need a lot of money. Prices in Axias are higher than in Sevitas. I will come and give you half of this amount every month for the next year.¡±


    Rietta asked back with a blurry face.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to give me money every month?¡±


    ¡°Yes. The reason I don¡¯t give it to you all at once is that it could be stolen or lost. Please take your time to explore your future livelihood, and if you find it difficult, or if you are not quite sure what to do, feel free to come and ask.¡±


    Rietta was so flustered that she was speechless. But that wasn¡¯t the end of Ern¡¯s  words.


    ¡°If you want to open a store or buy a piece of land, you can always come and tell me. If it¡¯s a big business, you will have to come up with a business plan, but Master will look into it and approve it.¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s giving me permission to run a business? Even allow me to buy land?¡¯


    Rietta, who had not been able to come to her senses, suddenly realized why he was being so generous and shut her mouth as if she had been hit by cold water.


    This was the flower stand. (*she meant this is the house of the concubine.)


    There was no shame in feeling contempt for the position.


    She stood there in silence, fidgeting cautiously so as not to appear rude, and returned the bag of gold coins to Ern.


    ¡°I have some money that I brought with me from Sevitas. That will be enough.¡±


    The old butler replied without any trouble.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hesitate. It is my duty.¡±


    Rietta thought that Ern spoke gracefully.


    Without raising her hand, she pursed her lips and bowed her head.


    ¡°¡­. His Highness the Grand Duke did not hold me. I can¡¯t accept this money.¡±


    Ern replied nonchalantly.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Killian wouldn¡¯t send the woman he wanted out in the middle of the night. Instead of explaining every word, Ern bowed his head to Rietta, whose eyes became surprised because she didn¡¯t know such a thing.


    ¡°What I said was misleading, I apologize for that. I did not mean anything else. Since my master brought you here, Miss Tristy is his people, his person.¡±


    Rietta stared at Ern with a confused look on her face.


    After a while, she opened her mouth and the words came out unintentionally stupid.


    ¡°Sir¡­¡­since I spent some time with him, that¡¯s why¡­you¡¯re kind to me too?¡±


    The old butler smiled.


    ¡°I am merely being polite to the Master¡¯s person.¡±


    ***


    After Ern left, Rietta was left alone in the house and sat on her bed in a daze.


    ¡®What did I just talk to the old butler about?¡¯


    It was all so unreal.


    Before she was bewildered by the fact that she suddenly had an overstocked house and a scary sum of money, she was left on her own.


    Not long ago, she was trapped in her house and lived waiting for the day when she would be buried in Cassarius¡¯ grave.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure there are still guards outside to make sure I don¡¯t escape.¡¯


    The chirping of the birds outside was so peaceful that Rietta¡¯s shoulders shook.


    It was as if she finally woke up from the alucino she drank two weeks ago.

 CH 4

    After the butler left¡­


    On the second floor of the white house where the widow of Sevitas, brought by Grand Duke Axias, stayed.


    A faint candle was lit in front of the plaque bearing the name of the small child.


    Rietta sat enraptured in front of it for a long time.


    And for a long time, she prayed.


    ***


    The night passed with nothing to be seen outside the dim candlelight, and when the moon, floating in the sky, flowed toward the west, Rietta finally lay down on her bed.


    The cool but cozy bedding wrapped around her body.


    It was her bed.


    Not a bed for someone to get drunk in¡­¡­.


    It was a bed just for her, for her to rest and sleep in.


    Rietta casually thought of the most violent man in the empire who had rescued her and thrown her out onto his land.


    Killian Axias.


    He was a cold-blooded man who decapitated his brothers¡­¡­.


    He would kill a woman if he wasn¡¯t satisfied.


    He was a lunatic tyrant with such heinous rumors.


    Could that really be the man?


    Rietta thought about the words of the butler, Ern, as she felt the cold bedding slowly warm up.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know the master very well, Lady Tristy, but he doesn¡¯t hold women who don¡¯t want to be held by him.¡±


    His manner was natural, as if he knew she had misunderstood Killian.


    The smiling butler¡¯s face was filled with respect and affection for his owner.


    ¡°If he¡¯s not going to hold me, why did he bring me here?¡±


    The butler, with a kind smile, answered the question of the foolish woman.


    ¡°Perhaps the master felt sorry for Miss Tristy.¡±


    Riteta sighed shallowly and covered her eyes with the back of her hand.


    A part of her felt a sense of emptiness and guilt that she was the only survivor in a world where her husband and child had left her.


    It was frustrating that there was a sense of relief to be alive.


    Belatedly, tears flowed soundlessly down her hands.


    She thought she had abandoned the whole idea of living.


    Countless people said they felt sorry for her.


    But the only one who reached out to her was the most notorious cold-blooded man in the empire.


    ***


    Rietta finally wobbled to her feet at dawn, the eastern sky pale after a cold night.


    The faint dawn light coming in through the window wasn¡¯t bright, but after sitting for so long without having eaten, it was completely dark before her eyes when she stood up. Rietta put her hands on the wall for a bit and waited for the dizziness to subside.


    ¡®Now that my body is comfortable, I can afford to create a dainty atmosphere.¡¯


    As she sat with her daughter¡¯s memorial plaque in front of her and lit candles day and night, the flint and candles she brought in her small luggage were gone within a day. So she decided to get up.


    Rietta began to move her body as if by instinct, chiding herself for hanging on too long.


    Spending time in a daze, doing nothing, was the luxury of time spent waiting for death in the funeral of the lord.


    It had been a long time since she was able to adapt to the habits of her body, to stay cooped up in the house like this, not waiting for death. Rietta moved almost unconsciously.


    Too much time had passed for her to dwell on the excuse that she could not accept reality. She had to come to her senses quickly since she survived.


    So that she could light a candle and pray for her daughter to find her husband well¡­.


    Commoners have to work for a living to survive. It was only by keeping moving and not resting, no matter what they did, that they could endure the famine of spring and the harsh times that could strike at any time. The long hours of mourning were also a luxury.


    They offered her money to live on, but she couldn¡¯t just sit around and take it. It was spring when food was expensive.


    The difficulties of spring did not apply to Grand Duke Axias, but as a commoner, Rietta felt the financial support she received at this time of year was even heavier.


    The thought that the debt of life alone was already an unbearable weight irritated Rietta.


    As she was organizing her luggage with a sluggish body, she thought it would be bright soon, but she didn¡¯t bring anything, so that was it. It was still dark outside.


    ¡®I really didn¡¯t bring anything.¡¯


    In the midst of all this, she realized that she needed candles for her daughter¡¯s memorial plaque.


    Rietta, who didn¡¯t move much but got tired quickly, stared blankly at the extinguished incense burner. Then she looked out the window again.


    It was still too dark and dangerous to go out and buy things.


    She moved her weak body again and began to wander around the house like a ghost.


    She wondered if there was a tool in the house that could light a fire.


    It was only when the people of this world who loved the departed lit a light in his honor so that the one who had left beyond the river of the other world would be able to see those who had gone before him with God¡¯s guidance.


    Having lived in the monastery for more than ten years and having seen many times how such superstitions were used to make money, when it came to her, Rietta too became obsessed with it.


    At the monastery of Sevitas, where Rietta spent her childhood, she made money by putting flesh on her beliefs that when the devil was on the rampage, she should light up all night and hold a ritual, buy a talisman, and listen to the priest¡¯s blessing.


    Fortunately, after a long period of monastic life, Rietta¡¯s prayers, celebrations, and rituals were able to be done by herself. Still, she could not miss only the symbolic ritual of lighting a candle.


    Lacking strength, Riteta moved her shaking body.


    She opened the drawers, cupboards, and closets in the living room and her room and was a little surprised to find so many things.


    There was no shortage of things, much more than she had in the house she had lived in.


    There was even dry food to eat. Dry biscuits that would not get damaged even if kept for a long time.


    It was then that she finally felt the hunger from her long starved stomach. Rietta took out the entire bucket of biscuits, held it in one arm and ate it, continuing to rummage through the drawers.


    Her stomach was upset and she felt nauseous twice from the hard, dry food and the earthenware, but she still managed to get her hands on the cookies again.


    Before long, Rietta found a match in the drawer. She quickly grabbed it with her eyes wide opened.


    It was a high quality match that could only be used when there was an important event at the monastery. She even found a lamp with plenty of oil right next to it.


    If the lamp was lit, there was no need to worry about that candle that frequently went out of light.


    No, shouldn¡¯t there be candles too? It would be weird if there was even a lamp and the match, but no candle.


    As expected, after a short time of searching, Rietta found a candle in a nearby drawer and took it, feeling pleased. It was a fine candle made of beeswax.


    Returning immediately to the altar ¨C or, more accurately, the small drawer where she had placed the plaque and the incense burner ¨C Rietta squatted down in front of it again.


    After lighting the candle with a match, Rietta looked at it as it burn slowly, forgot to do anything else, and after a while, she chewed the biscuit in her mouth and swallowed it.


    The tub with the biscuits was half empty before she knew it.


    It was funny how hungry she was in this situation, and she mocked herself when the food went down her throat.


    Rietta immediately hung her head. There was nothing to be happy about¡­.


    Rietta cried. She cried not because of the happiness that her daughter ate all the side dishes she made, or made a mess of her pretty clothes, or chewed cutely in her sleep.


    She cried because she was so happy to see the candle lit in front of her daughter¡¯s plaque.


    She thought she was going to die, but she lived.


    Shethought she was going to be a consolation prize for the nobility, but she was released.


    Still, sad was sad.


    As she silently chewed on a tear-stained biscuit, Rietta thought about her daughter, and her husband¡¯s grave, who she had left in the distant land.


    It hadn¡¯t even been two months since her child was gone. Being a mother who lost a child, she chewed her food with relief that she was alive.


    There was nothing to be happy about, but she was delighted knowing that the candle in front of the plaque was a luxury item.


    Chewing on dry bread was not only because there was no water. (*I don¡¯t really know what this sentence meant.)


    ***


    She didn¡¯t know when she fell asleep, but Rietta woke up to the sound of someone knocking on her door.


    The bright daylight and the wind were coming in peacefully through the window.


    Once again there was a dull thumping sound ¨C a knock at the door.


    Suddenly, she felt scared,


    Was it the Knights of Sevitas? Guards?


    No. This was Axias.


    Did the Grand Duke of Axias change his mind?


    Nervously, Rietta quietly opened the door and was stunned to find a middle-aged woman with a gentle impression and a man and a woman, who looked about ten years older than Rietta.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    The middle-aged woman standing in front greeted Rietta first. Almost as if following in her footsteps, the man took over.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s true. The landlady is here. Wow, she¡¯s really pretty! I¡¯m Martin. Call me Uncle Martin!¡±


    The woman next to him punched the man in the back and pinned him before his quick bow could hit Rietta in the head.


    ¡°Really, you¡¯re ridiculous! I¡¯m Nella. You don¡¯t need to worry about his nonsense.¡±


    The middle-aged woman smiled and held out a plate in her hand.


    A sweet and savory aroma wafted through the air.


    ¡°Welcome to Axias. Do you like apple pie?¡±


    It was then that Rietta finally realized that they were her new neighbors and had come to offer a mundane welcome greeting.


    ¡°Oh, thank you¡­. ¡­.¡±


    Rietta took the plate absentmindedly and thanked them with a stutter voice. They giggled and waited for Rietta¡¯s next words.


    After a while, Rietta came to her senses and realized that she was the owner of the house, and feeling unsure of what to do, she flinched and stepped back from the door.


    When she was alone, she naturally searched around like it was her house, but she felt so strange when she stood in front of others and asked them to come in.


    ¡°Oh, um, ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­would you like to come in? ¡­¡­ Please wait a moment. My house isn¡¯t organized yet.¡±


    Rietta hesitated and stepped back, greeting them awkwardly.


    She turned around hurriedly.


    The place was so perfect and clean that she was ashamed to say it wasn¡¯t organized.


    It was obvious. It was a new house and there was very little stuff that Rietta had brought with her.


    She happened to see a table with four chairs in the living room in front of the kitchen.


    ¡°This way¡­¡­¡±


    Rietta awkwardly ushered the guests in and set their plate on the table.


    The middle-aged woman handed her the apple pie, smiled and introduced herself.


    ¡°I live next door. Call me Mrs Phenyl.¡±


    The younger man and the woman, who had already revealed their names, added their words again. (Martin and Nella.)


    ¡°We run the M&N store in front of the intersection. It¡¯s Martin & Nella General Store.¡±


    ¡°Glad to have you, my new neighbor lady!¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡±


    Her head told her a step later that she had to say her name.


    Rietta finally bowed her head and greeted.


    ¡°Oh, hello. I¡¯m Rietta.¡±


    ¡°Rietta? What a lovely name!¡±


    ¡°Oh, no! I¡¯m Rietta. Rietta Tristy.¡±


    ¡°Tristy! That name is beautiful too!¡±


    The woman was powerful and energetic with a strong voice.


    Rietta was in a hurry to breathe because she felt like she was out of breath, even though she was barely saying anything, but she was embarrassed another step later when the guests who entered the house stood in the daze and offered the chairs to them.


    The guests chuckled and sat down. Then Rietta realized that she had no drink to offer them.


    Rietta turned to the guests in embarrassment.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­..but there are no drinks in the house. Ah, please wait a moment. I¡¯ll go out and get it.¡±


    ¡®The money. Where did I put the money?¡¯


    As Rietta searched her mind obsessively, Nella smiled and waved her hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel pressure. Water is okay.¡±


    Rietta was embarrassed again.


    ¡°Oh¡­I don¡¯t have any water. Oh, could you tell me where the nearby well or drinking water is?¡±


    The three people¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°My goodness, didn¡¯t you move in here two days ago? But no water in the house? Have you eaten?¡±


    Nella turned and slapped Martin on the back.


    ¡°Martin, go and get some milk.¡±


    ¡°Ouch! Wait a minute!¡±


    Martin reacted nervously after being hit in the same spot as before.


    Mrs. Phenyl saw Rietta¡¯s pale face and looked concerned.


    ¡°My God, you look so glum. Looks like you¡¯ve been pretty busy moving and organizing! Still, you need to eat.¡±


    Nella¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Busy? Was there a lot of things to do?¡±


    Martin finally noticed that Rietta¡¯s complexion was darkening and spoke.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for the right time to come¡­.I think it would have been better if we came sooner and helped you. You must have a hard time.¡±


    Mrs. Phenyl motioned towards Rietta.


    ¡°Come out with us. I¡¯ll show you where the well is.¡±


    Nella listened to the conversation, exchanging a few words.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s better. Did you ever go outside at all? Do you know where the market is?¡±


    Nella also stood up quickly. Martin followed.


    It was a fast flowing dialogue that didn¡¯t leave any room for interruption. Rietta instinctively began to fidget, raising and lowering her hands in the air rapidly to adapt to their fast pace.


    ¡°Oh, go, thank you. Wait a minute¡­¡­ Where did I put the key?¡±


    When Rietta, who couldn¡¯t find the key, panicked and tried to go upstairs, but Nella pulled her hand, saying, ¡°You can just go.¡±


    With her arms half-folded in Nella¡¯s, Rietta blinked as she looked at Nella dumbfoundedly. Nella gave a friendly smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right. You don¡¯t have to lock the door. You¡¯ve never been to Axias before, have you? There are very few thieves in Axias.¡±


    Mrs.Phenyl, who had already opened the door, passed on the word.


    ¡°Well, you still have to lock the door at night. But you can leave it open for a bit when it¡¯s bright. Hmm, but this lady should be more careful about other thieves than night thieves. Rietta, you¡¯re really beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Nella reached out with a pity look and touched Rietta¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°You look pale. Did you sleep? You must eat well and sleep well. You¡¯re still young.¡±


    Riett blinked blankly at the sudden warmth that passed by the touch.


    ¡°It will hurt your good skin.¡±


    ¡°Still, you¡¯re very beautiful. I have some nice creams at the grocery store, would you like one?¡±


    ¡°Nella. Don¡¯t touch people¡¯s face when you¡¯ve just met them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I got carried away.¡±


    Rietta was dragged away by Nella, as if she was caught in a torrent.


    Even if this was a well-designed kidnapping, there was no time to think.


    Rietta was so engrossed that she did not refuse, but was pulled into the arms of the cheerful people.Chapter 5

 CH 5

    After the loud welcome, the three people left like the wind as they did when they came.


    In the kitchen were all the groceries they had shopped together, a bottle of milk that Martin had bought, and the many jugs of water that they had fetched thanks to the help of Mrs Phenyl and Nella.


    While she went with the crowd in a daze, Rietta came back full of food that would last at least a week without worrying about it.


    It was like a storm had blown by. A strange kind of storm, one that specialized in supplying rather than destroying.


    After Rietta sent the guests away, she sat down in a chair in front of the dining table in a daze. Her head was spinning. It wasn¡¯t because she was hungry. Rather, her stomach was full.


    There were two pieces of apple pie left on the table, left over from the four of them eating together and filling their bellies. Next to it was the nameplate that Nella had brought from the grocery store and given to Rietta as a gift.


    Having left the store open empty for too long, Martin and Nella hurriedly left their seats, and Mrs Phenyl said that it was time for her son to take over soon, and they left together, promising to see each other again next time.


    Looking at the kitchen in a daze, Rietta thought that she should cook and serve the neighbors before all the food went bad.


    Their visit was like a drain on Rietta¡¯s soul, but the tightly packed kitchen and the kindness of the people she was seeing for the first time filled her heart with a warm commotion.


    Not only the three neighbors who came to visit Rietta, but everyone she met and was introduced to in town was kind.


    Everyone welcomed Rietta and gave her more than she paid for, saying they had never seen her face before.


    General stores, bakeries, blacksmiths, drapers, fruit and vegetable shops, butchers, well, marketplace¡­¡­


    Rietta, who was thinking of the places she had been shown today, dropped her gaze and stared blankly at the empty nameplate.


    Mrs Phenyl worked at a bakery downtown in the center of the Ministry of the Interior. Nella and Martin have been dating and breaking up from time to time, and now they¡¯re separated, so they¡¯re just partners in a grocery store¡­¡­.


    ¡°Oh, my God, Rietta. So you¡¯re a mage?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing! I couldn¡¯t find anyone who could do that! We had to go far out to the outer lands to find them. It¡¯s very difficult to find a divine being, especially these days when there are no priests to make the pilgrimage!


    ¡°We¡¯ll spread the word for you. Oh, put the sign in front of the door right now!¡±


    Rietta sat quietly, fiddling with the tips of her fingernails, then quickly stood up. Then she brought out the thick chalk she had seen upstairs.


    She silently looked at the empty nameplate with a bit of awkwardness, and with a slightly unsure manner, she wrote in the word ¡®Mage¡¯. It seemed too small, so Rietta scrubbed it off and rewrote it a bit larger.


    She held the nameplate and looked at it lightly at this angle and that angle, then raised herself up.


    Rietta opened the door and went outside to look at the protruding parts of the fence next to the door, and hung it in a suitable place.


    Then she gently looked around and looked at the nameplate again, smoothing the angle of the nameplate.


    ¡®¡­¡­ What a funny mood I¡¯m in.¡¯


    Rietta noticed that the gates and hedges of Axias were lower than those of Sevitas, and so were all the other houses.


    ¡®There are no thieves here? Is it because it is resistant and therefore safer?¡¯


    Rietta, who was entering the road, stopped when she saw that there was also a small nameplate by the gate of the house.


    It was much smaller than the nameplate Nella had given her and could not be used as a sign, but it was a place where the name of the house owner could be written so that the letter carrier could see it.


    Rietta hesitated for a moment, then went inside the house and came out again with the chalk.


    Then she stood in front of it again for a long time¡­¡­


    Finally, she took the chalk and wrote her name.


    Rietta Tristy.


    ***


    A week later, Rietta came to visit Killian.


    ¡°Master, Miss Tristy is here. Would you like to see her?¡±


    Killian, who had been looking at the papers that had accumulated due to his long outings, raised his eyes without saying a word and looked at Ern and asked back.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Miss Rietta Tristy.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Killian, who remembered the woman whom he gave a house to a few moments later, looked at Ern and asked,


    ¡°Is there a problem?


    Killian asked because normally Ern would handle people¡¯s business. Ern answered briefly.


    ¡°She would like to see you in person.¡±


    Originally Killian was not one to be easily seen even if by request. This time, however, he nodded without much thought.


    Ern, who had the permission, led Rietta to his office shortly after.


    When Rietta saw Killian, she stood in the distance and bowed down. Ern stepped outside and pushed in the tea-set tray.


    Killian, who was still sitting at his desk in his office, flipping through the papers he had been looking at, finally turned his attention to the tea as it began to be set on the tea table and stood up from his seat.


    He walked over and sat down roughly on the chair in front of the tea table, picked up a teacup, and finally his gaze went to Rietta.


    The moment he caught sight of Rietta, he saw the white blonde hair she had tied up and a strange intuition came to mind.


    It had been a while so he had forgotten about it.


    For a while now, seeing young women with white hair, Ern was anxious to let Killian see it again. Only a few times, a few years ago, the woman Killian met happened to have white hair.¡­.


    Ern knew that Killian was staring at him, but without any expression on his face, he prepared the tea and left.


    Killian laughed without knowing it.


    Killian averted his gaze from Ern, who quietly stepped back out of the room, and addressed Rietta.


    ¡°Is the house to your liking?¡±


    Rietta replied with her head down, standing in a far enough distance.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m comfortable thanks to the generosity of the neighbors and the Duke. Thank you.¡±


    Killian stared at her head, and said,


    ¡°My face is here, not on the floor.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Yes?¡±


    Rietta finally raised her head slightly to look at him.


    Killian gestured his chin at a chair.


    ¡°Sit down.¡±


    After a few moments of hesitation, Rietta quietly came over to the table. Before she sat down, she greeted him by lowering her head once more, then carefully sat down on the chair in front of the table with just the edge of her bottom.


    It was a modest and docile manner. Killian could see her take a deep breath without a sound. Rietta looked quite nervous and stiff.


    Inside and out, even though he¡¯d already almost seen her naked body, Killian watched her demeanor change a bit oddly.


    Back then in his bedroom, she should be nervous, but she didn¡¯t show any signs of it. So, what on earth is there to be nervous about now?


    Come to think of it, Killian only saw Rietta in her funeral robe, the slip, and the fancy dress.


    He had never seen her in such unadorned commoner¡¯s clothing before.


    It wasn¡¯t often that Killian Axias had a solo meeting with a woman in commoner¡¯s clothing this close up. She wore a very plain commoner¡¯s ordinary clothes, is it because she doesn¡¯t have enough money?


    Killian began to speak plainly.


    ¡°It seems that you have already decided what you will do for a living. If you had told me the size of the budget you needed, Ern would have taken care of it, but you came to see me in person. It looks like you need my permission to do something.¡±


    Rietta hesitated a moment with her gaze dropped.


    Her fingers trembled faintly, and her lips quivered.


    How much time does she need before she could talk?


    Just before Killian felt frustrated, Rietta opened her mouth.


    ¡°This¡­¡±


    Rietta pulled a small box out of her sleeve and placed it on the table.


    She opened the box with trembling hands and turned it in Killian¡¯s direction.


    Inside the box was a necklace.


    No, a ring?


    It was a modest necklace with a small ring made with a leather strap.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    At Killian¡¯s question, Rietta hung her head, her lips quivering in a small voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a small thing but I¡¯ve cast it with a blessing¡­It isn¡¯t much, I¡¯m afraid, but it¡¯s the most valuable thing I can offer¡­¡±


    Killian was momentarily rendered speechless by the unexpected words.


    No one spoke up and a quiet silence fell.


    After a moment Killian broke the silence.


    ¡°You¡¯re a mage?¡±


    Rietta replied with a small nod.


    ¡°Yes. ¡­¡­ I can purify and cast blessings, though it¡¯s limited ability. So I don¡¯t need any money or land to do this business. I will work diligently to pay back the house and the money you have given me.¡±


    Rietta¡¯s voice became quieter and quieter, and her head hung lower.


    ¡°So¡­¡­. The monthly living expenses are too much for me. Please take back the orders you have given to the butler.¡±


    Killian stared at Rietta, who had her head down.


    She looked stubborn and pitiful as she gripped the hem of her skirt tightly in a nervous manner.


    So it seemed that ¡°No, thank you for the money¡± was the main point.


    ¡®Is she a diligent type? Don¡¯t want to be indebted to others.¡¯


    Of course, there are many people who try to get more by appealing to their sincerity in this way.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a monthly allowance¡­¡±


    Killian drew the line without giving her a firm answer.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell Ern. Also you don¡¯t need to return what you¡¯ve already given.¡±


    Rietta lifted her head.


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t do that¡­..¡±


    Killian interrupted Rietta¡¯s words with a blank expression.


    ¡°Excessive politeness is disrespectful. Do I look like I¡¯m in need of money?¡±


    Rietta¡¯s face burned red.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­.¡±


    ¡°And what is this necklace?¡±


    Killian¡¯s gaze went to the table.


    ¡®You don¡¯t have to go and do this either. There are plenty of these things at the temple.¡¯


    Killian was about to say his thoughts, but he swallowed his words when he saw Rietta¡¯s hand trembling holding the hem of her skirt.


    He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with people who were afraid of him, but seeing Rietta like this. It was a little too absurd, he thought.


    Killian leaned back against the sofa and sat crookedly looking at Rietta.


    ¡®What did I do to deserve this?¡¯


    It was ridiculous that he should be treated this way, despite his good intentions.


    It wasn¡¯t like him to be nice and reserved.


    ¡°Thank you for the necklace.¡±


    When Killian answered, Rietta finally let out a small breath of relief.


    Then she turned her slightly watery eyes to him.


    ¡°Thank you for accepting it¡­¡­¡±


    Killian stared at her silently, then averted his gaze from Rietta and looked down at the necklace.


    Well, it didn¡¯t hurt to have one more blessed thing.


    It was a harsh season when the plague struck the world.


    ***


    Rietta retreated with a polite greeting, and Killian looked casually at the ring in front of him. It seemed to be an old one, with many fine scratches.


    It was made of precious metal, albeit crude.


    For such a poor commoner, it must be the best thing she had.


    The only thing new was the leather strap that made it possible to wear it as a necklace, a luxury item that must have been quite expensive. It looked like it had been newly made for him as a gift.


    She must have bought it with the money he gave her.


    Killian chuckled.


    A mage with purify ability.


    It was a high skill. Especially in times like this.


    Cast blessings is the ability to bless a person or objects with holy power to prevent disease, demonic invasion, and pray for good luck.


    Although it¡¯s the most basic sacred magic, it¡¯s an ability that received good treatment because sacred abilities were very rare to begin with.


    It was almost always done by priests with sacred abilities, but in rare cases there were those who could not become priests who had such abilities.


    Most were raised and educated in monasteries from an early age, but failed to become priests and returned to the secular world.


    Many of them developed their abilities late or had disqualifications that prevented them from becoming priests, but in many cases their abilities did not allow them to become priests.


    They were called purification Abilities or mages, but because their status was not as clear as that of a priest and their abilities were not uniformly guaranteed, they were treated at a lower level than officially recognized mages.


    Usually, they were hired by people who were not in a good enough condition to go to the temple, or not wealthy enough to call a priest.


    On the contrary, however, recognized mages with blessing ability who lived in a single territory were treated as professionals and loved by many people.


    In particular, those with superior abilities were positioned as influential figures in the village, and were sometimes respected even more than priests.


    When the plague spread like these days, and the priests were desperate for a higher price, the cost of hiring mages jumped to a nominal price, so being a mage with blessing ability was truly a blessed profession that brought in money with their bare hands.


    Not to mention the purification, exorcism, and healing abilities that were treated more highly than cast blessings.


    The ability may not be at such a high level, but it was well timed. Just the fact that he brought her here and she¡¯s settled in the manor would make it easier for her to gain people¡¯s trust.


    Killian had a feeling that as a mage, Rietta¡¯s settling in this land would work out without any major problems.


    But to think that the Sevitas people were trying to bury a mage¡­Wasn¡¯t it a foolish thing to do when the territory was riddled with plague?


    ¡®To have rescued such a person from danger and brought her to his place at such a critical time¡­I¡¯m a very capable lord, aren¡¯t I?¡¯


    ¡°Your Highness, Would you care for a friendly duel?¡±


    Leonard, Killian¡¯s loyal servant, an excellent knight, asked,


    ¡°Hmm. Perhaps.¡±


    Killian leaned back on the sofa and looked at Leonard with a smirk.


    ¡°But it wouldn¡¯t be fun since I¡¯m already so competent.¡±

 CH 6

    ¡°You look happy, Your Highness.¡±


    Leonard threw off his armor, and gasped while laying on the floor.


    A dozen other knights were scattered all over the place, taking in the beauty of their big sky counterparts, who hadn¡¯t been excited in a long time.


    ¡°Not really.¡±


    Killian chuckled like a slender, fierce beast, his red eyes narrowed.


    ¡°It seems my beloved knight¡¯s skills are rusty.¡±


    The knights lying down at the ominous sound cried out as if they were spoiled.


    The sad premonition never failed to come true. The Grand Duke¡¯s voice echoed as he rolled them over.


    ¡°All with the exception of Leonard, who got one shot at me, will be doing 20 laps. The one that came in last will add 10 more rounds.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Grand Duke!¡±


    Leonard, the loyal knight, confessed his love loudly. He was still lying on the ground in front of his lord in a large figure, but only his sycophantic voice had the perfect amount of discipline in it.


    The knights stood up slowly, groggily, looking like they were dying.


    Killian looked at them and raised one corner of his mouth.


    ¡°Except for Leonard, who loves me, all will do 30 rounds. And the slower ones will do 10 more.¡±


    ¡°I love you, Grand Duke!¡±


    The knights stood up shouting in unison and leapt to their feet, taking off their armor.


    The noble knights started running and shouting loudly, trying to reduce the number of laps.


    Killian smiled flirtatiously and looked at the knights who said they loved him.


    ¡°Not a single one of you thinks you¡¯re going to be in the bottom half by any chance, but you don¡¯t think you¡¯re going to be the last one if you slack off, do you?¡± (*I don¡¯t really understand this sentence.)


    Leonard chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s the foundation of the end of comradeship. I¡¯m not as good as him, but at least I¡¯m better than him.¡±


    Killian opened his mouth, staring at him quietly.


    ¡°Leonard, did you know that Rietta has the ability to cast blessings?¡±


    Leonard had told Killian that Rietta was an ordinary widow. There wasn¡¯t any mention that she was a mage.


    He didn¡¯t mention it because the information was not relevant to her situation?


    It was an ability worth noting. And her husband had died of an illness.


    Leonard looked uncomfortable and squinted his eyes.


    ¡°The lady from Sevitas¡­.?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡±


    That was to be expected.


    There was no way his capable subordinates would have divulged such information.


    Leonard, who had been lying on the ground, quickly raised his upper body up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it, sir.¡±


    Killian replied distantly.


    ¡°No need.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t the kind of superior who bullied his men senselessly. The difficulty of gathering information was different from when they were in Sevitas. It wasn¡¯t information about anything very suspicious or important.


    It wasn¡¯t even something that could be investigated, since it had already been verified that she was a woman without any questionable history.


    In any case, she¡¯s not someone like Cassarius, where money and interests were directly involved.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Leonard understood his master¡¯s intentions, but apologized for the lack of information he¡¯d gathered.


    A man of integrity.


    Killian waved his hand curtly.


    The story was not of great interest to Killian.


    Leonard was used to Killian being that way, so the information he gathered should have been enough to verify that she was not a woman of questionable background.


    It was enough to confirm that Rietta had never been openly known in Sevitus as a person with ability. Killian thought he could ask Rietta next time he saw her.


    When he had forgotten that such a thing had happened, Killian met Rietta again.


    ***


    ¡°Rietta?


    Killian, who had warmed up with the knights in the castle¡¯s training hall and was returning to the main building where he stayed, spotted Rietta and called her name.


    As if she had already spotted him from afar, Rietta was ready to greet him. She bowed politely.


    She was dressed in ordinary clothes again today.


    Perhaps it was because of the warmer weather, but her clothes were lighter than the last time Killian saw her.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Lord.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. My Lord.¡±


    Rietta blushed and bowed as Killian absentmindedly corrected her.


    She has been living in Axias for a month now, and it¡¯s outrageous that she called him ¡®Your Highness¡¯. She called him as if he was someone else¡¯s lord.


    She wasn¡¯t dressed up, but she looked much more beautiful with her light clothes. Her neatly pulled up blonde hair, her unadorned linen dress, and light blue eyes fit well in spring.


    She was indeed a beautiful woman.


    Killian thought nonchalantly.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to the East Annex on a request for a blessing.¡±


    Killian nodded lightly, recalling the words of Ern, whom he had reported to pass by as she was safely ensconced as a mage.


    ¡°I see you¡¯re doing well.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to your care.¡±


    Killian wanted to ask Rietta.


    He thought he would ask her a quick question now, but it might be a long story, and he thought it would be vague to grab someone who was going to work and ask them, so Killian said.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t have much to do after work, come see me.¡±


    Rietta replied, bowing politely.


    ¡°I understand. My Lord ¡­¡­.¡±


    Rietta bowed until Killian had completely hidden himself inside the main building, and when he had completely disappeared from her view, she finally raised herself up, sighed briefly, and stepped toward the East Annex.


    ¡®I hope I didn¡¯t sound aloof. Even after being so indebted.¡¯


    She only had one lord in her entire life, Cassarius.


    So it had to take a little time to get used to the new lord.


    Rietta thought now that it felt strange to call the person who had nearly ended her life and the person who had rescued her from the mire by the same title.


    ***


    ¡°Oh, oh, oh, ah!¡±


    Rietta was startled by the scream that suddenly came from above and looked up.


    A little blonde girl was holding onto a tree branch, as the tree was falling down towards Rietta.


    She was so startled that she couldn¡¯t even speak, and her eyes were wide open and hardened. When she heard a loud crack, the fallen tree suddenly stopped.


    ¡°Oh, my God! Anna!¡±


    Rietta didn¡¯t know where she jumped out from, but to her surprise, a woman grabbed the tree trying to uproot it and pushed it to its original position.


    When the little girl, who was about to fall headfirst to the ground, shivered and could not come down, the monstrously strong woman extended her arm toward the girl while supporting the tree diagonally with one hand.


    ¡°Come here, please!¡±


    It was an amazing monstrous strength, but when she tried to support the tree with one hand, it was unstable and the tree the child was hanging from was wobbling.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared! I¡¯m scared! I¡¯m scared!¡±


    Rietta, who was frozen by the child¡¯s crying voice, managed to come to her senses and ran quickly.


    She briefly struggled with whether she should go towards the girl or the tree, but decided that it was better to lend her strength to the dangerous tree than to leave a frightened child in the hands of an unfamiliar person, so she rushed over and pushed the tree together for support.


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    When Rietta lent her strength, the woman thanked her briefly, then quickly regained her balance. As Rietta supported the tree with both hands, the force it took to hold the tree firmly was reduced by half.


    The monstrously strong woman leaned her freed upper body and stretched her arms high towards the child in a more stable position.


    When she reached as far as she could reach, the little girl reached out.


    As soon as they grabbed each other¡¯s wrists, the woman quickly shouted.


    ¡°Let go. Come here.¡±


    The little girl quickly let go of one hand, which was grasping onto the branch, though she could have been frightened by the unsteady posture. As if trusting the woman to accept her, the little girl, called ¡°Anna,¡± clung to the woman¡¯s upper body.


    The woman shielded the girl¡¯s body, spun her around, lightly balanced her, and gingerly pushed away the tree that was supporting her.


    For a moment, the weight of the tree that had been added through Rietta¡¯s hands disappeared.


    Rietta stopped after taking a couple of steps toward the tree with the force of the push, and looked vaguely at the flying tree.


    A rather thick tree had been overturned and thrown over without power with its roots pulled out.


    The roots seemed to have been weakened by the rain that had swept away the soil.


    The sound of the girl called Anna whimpering behind her rang out.


    ¡°Ah, Miss Seira!¡±


    The monstrously strong woman who pushed the tree, shook Anna¡¯s little arm.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t it say you¡¯re long past climbing trees? Do you think you¡¯re still a little girl? You broke a branch the other day and fell!¡±


    The girl said in a tearful voice.


    ¡°So this time she climbed a thicker, sturdier branch.¡±


    ¡°Why did you climb the tree in the first place?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to see the Lord!¡±


    Seira, who had lightly tapped the girl¡¯s head, laughed apologetically and called out to Rietta, whose eyes widened.


    ¡°Ah. Anna startled you, didn¡¯t she? I apologize for that. Are you injured in any way?¡±


    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Rietta waved her hands in the air to say that she was fine.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±


    Seira picked Anna up and said,


    ¡°You could have hurt her, too!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m so sorry!¡±


    Rather, there was a long scratch on the little girl¡¯s calf. When Rietta discovered this, she informed her that Anna¡¯s leg had been injured and recommended that she take her to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible to avoid scarring.


    Seira immediately examined the wound on Anna¡¯s leg. The girl was so startled that she didn¡¯t even notice that she was injured and followed her gaze all the way down, craning her neck and widening her eyes.


    Seira, who became impatient, thanked Rietta and asked her name so she could pay her respects.


    Rietta refrained, telling her it was okay and to go quickly. Seira didn¡¯t force her, but said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, thank you,¡± and smiled and moved away with Anna on her back.


    The sound of their conversation could be heard in the distance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Helen!¡±


    ¡°No! Please don¡¯t tell Helen! I¡¯ll do the cleaning duty three times for you!¡±


    ¡°Three times?¡±


    ¡°No, no. Five times!¡±


    Rietta looked behind them in a daze and saw the tree lying there, pulled out of the ground.


    ¡®Are you sure you want to do this?¡¯


    After pacing around the tree for a while in a panic, Rietta suddenly realized the time and turned back to her way. It was in the direction of the East Annex.


    ***


    Passing through the main building of the castle of Axias, where the lord resided, passing through two unknown buildings, and turning the corner of another unknown building, the East Annex appeared.


    This was where the ladies of the Grand Duke of Axias stayed.


    Killian¡¯s women lived in the East Annex. This was possible because there was a time when he was single and a prince. There was also no one who dared touch his private life.


    The women who were involved with Killian usually went back to where they came from after receiving compensation, but if there were women who wanted to stay in the castle, he would let them stay as long as they wanted.


    The number of women who came to live that way exceeded a dozen. It was a small scale compared to the rumors that the Grand Duke Axias had a hundred or so women in his harem¡­¡­


    ¡®I guess he didn¡¯t even need a woman like me,¡¯ Rietta thought.


    Killian didn¡¯t get married even when he was over 30. Rumors had spread that it was due to his bad woman¡¯s habit.


    Rietta had heard horrible rumors when she was in Sevitas, that Killian would never look at the same woman twice, that he would kill a woman if he wasn¡¯t satisfied with her, that he would kill her if he liked her, even if he had to stuff her.


    Rietta felt lucky, and she was indebted to the Grand Duke¡­¡­..


    Maybe that¡¯s where the women stay, gathered there for their own reasons and purposes.


    Before turning the corner of the last building, Rietta took a deep breath.


    She stepped nervously.


    When she raised her head, an unexpected atmosphere greeted Rietta.


    Away to the east, where the sun was shining brightly, there was a cozy building that looked cleaner and whiter than the rest of the buildings, with a group of women who seemed to be friendly and carefree.


    Some of the women were laying in the shade of the trees, some were sitting by the window yawning and eating fruit, some were throwing bread to the goldfish by the pond, and some were skipping stones.


    There were even women who were hanging their laundry near the clothesline and running around.


    Rietta¡¯s panicked gaze wandered, unable to distinguish who was the Annex¡¯s ladies and who was the maid.


    Even if there were the occasional women in fancy dresses, they were all in the same comfortable dress without those who were tightly cinched or puffed up.


    The air was peaceful, even jovial. No one looked scared or depressed, no one looked uncomfortable or sick.


    Rietta stood so absentmindedly, and quickly lowered her eyes.


    She wasn¡¯t in a position to observe.


    ¡®Why not just approach someone and ask for the name of the young lady who called me? The mood doesn¡¯t seem as grim as I thought it would be¡­¡¯


    Rietta quickened her steps and walked towards the distance.


    A few women spotted her and began to look at her.


    At that moment, a woman approached behind Rietta quietly, and spoke to her.


    ¡°Welcome. You¡¯re the mage, right?¡±


    Rietta hurriedly turned around and greeted the person who had approached her.


    ¡°Oh, hello. Thank you for requesting ¡­.¡±


    A beautiful woman with short black hair and purple eyes smiled at Rietta.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Rachel. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    Rietta was a little surprised to see her short cut hair, unusual for a noblewoman. Even though her hair was short, it was beautiful. She was beautiful, not flashy, but neat and shrewd.


    Among the women who were looking at them, two women started to approach curious eyes.


    They seemed to be at ease with each other, as arms on each other¡¯s shoulders and not a single expression changed.


    A tall blonde woman asked,


    ¡°Rachel. Who is she?¡±


    Rachel turned and answered, introducing Rietta.


    ¡°She¡¯s the mage.¡±


    The women looked at Rietta with round eyes.


    Rietta quickly bowed her head.


    ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Rietta Tristy, the mage. Please meet the ladies of the East Annex.¡±


    One of the women who was playing with each other laughed as if she had heard something unexpected.


    ¡°I¡¯m not used to greetings like this.¡±


    Then she gently lifted her skirt and bent her knees in a mischievous greeting, mimicking Rietta¡¯s elegant figure.


    ¡°Welcome, Lady mage.¡±


    Another woman laughed, tilting her head gently to the side.


    ¡°Welcome to the East Annex.¡±

 CH 7

    ¡°May I ask you to bless my room as well, lady mage?¡±


    ¡°Yes. But first, I have to stop by Miss Giselle¡¯s room, so can you wait a moment?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Elise secretly interrupted.


    ¡°I think you¡¯d better go to Helen¡¯s room first. Helen¡¯s room is much closer from here. Mine and Giselle¡¯s room is the furthest, so we¡¯ll go last.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­. Can I do that?¡±


    Giselle agreed without hesitation, smiling.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that.¡±


    They were all chatty, good-natured women.


    The problem was that there was more work to do than Rietta thought.


    The women outside began to gather, and when Rietta entered the annex, the women in their rooms also came out.


    All the women started following Rietta. Everyone wanted their rooms to be blessed.


    It was a burden to see the people who had gathered, chattering away in the back and peering at her work, but it was much more comfortable than the gloomy and scary atmosphere she had first thought.


    One of the women asked,


    ¡°Lady mage, I heard we can get blessings for our belongings too, not just our rooms?¡±


    Rietta answered.


    ¡°Yes. But it is more difficult and time-consuming to bless objects, and it doesn¡¯t last long.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I still want my belongings blessed nonetheless. It¡¯s hard to find a reliable mage.¡±


    ¡°If you do it, I want one too.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    The women began to buzz. Again, more work for Rietta.


    Then she remembered Killian had asked her to come see him after¡­She felt frustrated and nervous about the delay. Then she asked the women to bring the items they wanted to be blessed and send them to her. She should return them with her blessings after some time.


    The women said they would leave their goods in her hands.


    It was quite a lot, and Rietta didn¡¯t have to worry about living expenses for a few months. However, all she could think about was worries, ¡®I don¡¯t suppose the lord is waiting for me?¡¯


    When she finally went around the rooms and was almost finished with her work, a young lady approached Rietta.


    ¡°We¡¯re having tea in our garden, why don¡¯t you join us? The flowers have bloomed beautifully.¡±


    Rietta flustered and shook her head lightly.


    ¡°Oh, no. Thank you for the invitation, but I have someplace to go.¡±


    ¡°It seems that you had other plans.¡±


    Rietta wondered for a while if it would be better to tell the Lady a fake reason, but Rietta decided it was better to be honest. There were a lot of eyes and ears in the castle anyway.


    ¡°No, I just happened to see the Lord on the way here, and he asked me to stop by after I¡¯m done here.¡±


    Giselle widened her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand. Then she said quickly.


    ¡°Oh! Then you should go.¡±


    ¡°Please go quickly.¡±


    The women pushed Rietta out the door without hesitation. Rietta found these women a little hard to understand, but she greeted them with an embarrassed but grateful smile and withdrew.


    With hurried footsteps, Rietta left the annex.


    ***


    ¡°You¡¯re truly heartless ¡­.¡±


    Rietta stopped at the sound of a woman¡¯s voice pleading as she hurried towards the main building where Killian was.


    ¡°I thought I told you not to visit me without my permission.¡±


    The cold voice echoed.


    Rietta¡¯s gaze moved toward where the sound came from.


    ¡°But¡­ How come you never come to see me? I came in here, looking only at you, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just leave?¡±


    ¡°¡®That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    Killian frowned.


    ¡°I did not grant you any privileges. I did not say it¡¯s okay for you to bother me.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness¡­¡±


    Killian stopped when he spotted Rietta. A beautiful red-haired woman in a pink dress stared at Rietta along his gaze as she followed Killian. Her green eyes were wet with tears.


    Rietta stopped awkwardly and bowed to Killian. Killian opened his mouth, keeping his gaze fixed on Rieta.


    ¡°Castle Axias is not the place for you. You can¡¯t do whatever you want, so pack your things and go back.¡±


    Killian didn¡¯t even look at the poor woman next to him and gave her a cold order.


    He kept his gaze on Rietta, and for a moment Rietta thought he was talking to her.


    As soon as she thought, ¡°Oh, it wasn¡¯t me,¡± Killian called out to her.


    ¡°Rietta.¡±


    Quickly regaining her composure, Rietta¡¯s shoulders shook slightly.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Without waiting for her response, Killian disappeared into the main building of the castle.


    The beautiful woman¡¯s wet eyes glanced at Rietta in despair. Rietta had no choice but to bow her head and follow Killian with an awkward feeling.


    ***


    As Rietta entered, Killian gave his coat to the butler, and spoke without looking at her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s dine first.¡±


    Rietta was startled.


    ¡°Yes? Um, I¡¯m fine¡­.¡±


    ¡°Well, It¡¯s time for me to eat.¡±


    Rietta panicked for a moment, not knowing what to say.


    It was because she came too late.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m late¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Then the butler asked Killian.


    ¡°Shall I have them prepare dinner, Your Highness?¡±


    Killian stared at Rietta.


    ¡°Only if Rietta responds¡­¡±


    Rietta¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°Thank you, Your Highness. I am honored¡­.¡±


    Killian snickered.


    ¡°There¡¯s no honor in a simple meal.¡±


    To Killian, it was no big deal, but to Rietta, it sounded like a cold sneer, even more so now that she had just witnessed such a scene. It seemed to make her heart shrink.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have dinner plans, did you?¡±


    Even if she had a dinner appointment, how could she dare to refuse the Lord¡¯s order? Also he would not eat if she didn¡¯t.


    Rietta replied with her head down.


    ¡°No, Your Highness.¡±


    Killian said, addressing her.


    ¡°Is your habit of talking to the floor part of the Sevitas culture?


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Now that I know how polite you are, you should lift your head and look at people when you speak. In Axias, it is polite to talk to the face, not the feet.¡±


    Rietta flinched and raised her head to look straight at Killian.


    ¡°I will. Your Highness.¡±


    With another glance of those light blue eyes, Killian turned his gaze to Ern.


    ¡°Show her to the dining room. I will join her when I¡¯ve changed.¡±


    The butler bowed his head as Killian walked away.


    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±


    ***


    ¡®I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m dining with Grand Duke Axias.¡¯


    Rietta didn¡¯t know a single thing about the dining etiquette of the nobles.


    Where did it go wrong?


    If she was able to get here a little earlier, this wouldn¡¯t have happened in the first place, but it was inevitable.


    As she waited for Killian, Rieta felt sick to her stomach, even though she hadn¡¯t eaten yet.


    It would have been better if she sat far away, but the butler gave her a seat in the vicinity of the upper table.


    ¡®What shall I do?¡¯


    She wanted to ask if she could sit somewhere else when it was so empty, but she couldn¡¯t just run away because she might have to talk.


    More than anything, Rietta was concerned that the modest and reserved behavior she had shown so far seemed to have bothered the Duke. The last time he said she was rude.


    ¡®I understand everything now. Thank you very much. Should I have said that?¡¯


    ¡®Well, as a commoner, I dare not to say no.¡¯


    In the first place, I don¡¯t think that person is an empty talker¡­¡¯


    The survival instinct of the commoner, who had been wary of the aristocracy, was close to Rietta¡¯s answer.


    The Grand Duke of Axias did not like to repeat his words.


    Rietta tore at her fingernails nervously, repeatedly reminding herself that from now on, when dealing with him, she must give the desired answer as quickly as possible, rather than with polite reserve.


    And the conversation will be face to face. ¡­. No matter how great a nobleman is, don¡¯t look at his feet but his face¡­


    Rietta thought it was going to take some time to get used to his ways. If possible, she also hoped that something like this would never happen again.


    Today¡¯s meal was going to be very long.


    She still hadn¡¯t heard the reason why Grand Duke Axias had called her.


    If they were going to talk over dinner, she would have to listen carefully to make sure she wouldn¡¯t miss a single word the Duke said.


    If they didn¡¯t talk, she would have to sit in a tense state, not knowing when Killian would bring up the business that he called her.


    Rietta was sure she would pass out.


    Shortly after waiting, she smelled something delicious and soon the food came in.


    She had never smelled anything as delicious as this, even at the annual harvest festival. ¡­¡­¡­. But what good were they all for?


    She would eat food without knowing if it would go in her mouth or nose.


    All kinds of food that she had never seen before began to unfold on the gorgeous dining table.


    There was tomato salad, cut into bite-size pieces, topped with cheese and brown sauce, and garnished with kale; a salad of lettuce, rose, oak, tenderloin fillets with peppers, and peeled oranges; a sweet and sour soup of shrimp and an unknown flavor; a potluck of mushrooms, potatoes, onions, romaine lettuce, bok choy, and meat.


    Red sausage and white sausage saut¨¦ed with vegetables and topped with almond slices; an unnamed dish of mashed pumpkin topped with cream and rosy sauce and seeded; a steamed dish stuffed with yellow grains and olives; a huge fish that Rietta had never seen before, one of which was roasted whole and smelled fragrant ¡­¡­


    There was no limit.


    Rietta, who at first had vaguely thought she was a glutton, began to feel panic.


    ¡®How in the world are two people going to eat all this?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m sure most of it will be thrown away. Does he always eat like this?¡¯


    One after another, the dishes arrived.


    A huge, sizzling poultry roast, which she couldn¡¯t tell if it was chicken or turkey, and grilled back ribs with sweet-smelling cheese were being served on a huge silver tray.


    At that moment, suddenly she heard a lot of noise. A group of men in armor gathered in the dining room. They were knights. Rietta was astonished.


    The knights stopped when they found Rieta sitting alone at a large table with a sumptuous meal.


    ¡°Huh? It¡¯s a woman.¡±


    ¡°Where is she?


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Oh that woman, from Sevitas.¡±


    ¡°She was about to be buried.¡±


    Rietta stood up in a panic.


    Something seemed to have gone wrong.


    The butler saw her and came up to her.


    ¡°Is there anything you need, Miss?¡±


    Before Rietta could speak, Killian entered the door on the other side where the knights had come in.


    He had changed into his light loungewear and wandered over to the upper table and sat down, not looking at anyone. Then he threw a glance at the knights, who were standing around along with Rietta.


    ¡°What are you doing? Sit down.¡±


    Then the knights sat around the table in perfect order.


    The momentum of the crowd made Rietta sit down, flustered.


    ¡°Eat.¡±


    Killian thought nothing of it and started eating as usual. The knights picked up their silverware and started eating. Rietta stared blankly at Killian and the knights.


    ¡°Your Highness.¡±


    A handsome knight who sat across from Rietta, whom she had seen sometime before, called out to Killian.


    ¡°The lady is embarrassed. You didn¡¯t explain anything to her, did you?¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Finally realizing that Rietta was there, Killian looked at her indifferently.


    ¡°These are my knights. Let¡¯s eat together. We can talk after the meal.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes.¡±


    Rietta nodded, perplexed.


    Leonard covered his face with one hand, a miserable expression on his face.


    He gave up on his lord and began to take matters into his own hands.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind us, lady. Just eat comfortably. I know it must be uncomfortable for you.¡±


    Then, he gently jerked his chin at Killian and frowned.


    ¡°He¡¯s a man far from romantic.¡±


    Rietta hurriedly glanced at Killian¡¯s face.


    Killian, who had been carving the food without saying a word, glanced at Leonard with one eyebrow raised, only to drop his gaze to the food again and take the fork from his mouth.


    Leonard caught his gaze as if nothing had happened and continued talking, looking at Killian with a pitiful expression.


    ¡°He¡¯s still very charming. He is good at everything except for matters of the heart.¡±


    Swallowing his food and reaching for his wine glass, Killian casually spoke.


    ¡°Like your love life is very good. Keep the concern for yourself.¡±


    Leonard retorted shamelessly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not concerned about it because I know that love is more about quality than quantity. But I can¡¯t say the same for you, Your Highness.¡±


    Rietta stared at Killian as he plopped the knife on the plate, feeling like she was walking on thin ice.


    Would he take that knife and stab that knight right away? Would he break the plate? Would he turn the table upside down? Rietta¡¯s head was spinning.


    Killian raised his red eyes to look at Leonard and tilted his head, smiling faintly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my beloved knight?¡±


    ¡°I love you too, Grand Duke.¡±


    Leonard responded to Killian¡¯s words naturally. Then he put his hand up to his mouth and whispered to Rietta.


    But he only pretended to whisper with his hand and facial expression, and he did not lower his voice. He had no intention of hiding it.


    ¡°But he only loves his knights.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t agree with that statement!¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t love us!¡±


    ¡°He only loves Leonard!¡±


    Leonard¡¯s words were interrupted without fear by the other knights from across the table. Instantly, the table became noisy.


    At that moment, Killian suddenly smiled.


    No, he had been laughing faintly before that.


    The expression on his face was something else entirely.


    It was only for a moment, but Rietta, who had been watching his expression with a fluttering heart, did not miss the strange smile that appeared on his lips.


    Rietta stared at Killian, confused as if she was looking at someone else. Before long, Killian¡¯s face returned to the indifferent look, then he spoke with a cold voice.


    ¡°I see. I guess I didn¡¯t love you enough.¡±


    Killian placed his chin on his hand. Then, with those languid, dangerous-looking red eyes, he scanned the knights sitting around the table.


    ¡°I will regard you more in the future.¡±


    The knights knew what his love and contentment was and became quiet as if they were poured with cold water.


    Not letting that moment of silence pass, Leonard touched the wine glass with his fork and shouted loudly.


    ¡°I love you, Grand Duke!¡±


    The brief toast was followed by an animal-like chorus.


    ¡°I love you, my lord!¡±


    It was a soul-splitting cheer. The knights began to eat briskly. Laughing and talking around the table.


    No one was vulgar, though there was none of the elegance of a refined aristocrat.


    ¡°Meow.¡±


    Suddenly, an unexpected voice sounded.


    An amber-eyed cat with brown fur approached Killian¡¯s side.


    Leaning up and placing its small paws on his chair, the cat licked its nose while wagging its tail. Once again meowing, the small thing tilted its head.


    Killian only glanced at it, but didn¡¯t pat the cute thing¡¯s head. He just took a piece of grilled fish from a nearby plate with a blank face and gave it to the cat.


    The cat kept its eyes on his moving hand like a magnet, and as soon as the fish came near, it removed its paws from the chair and walked towards the dish.


    With a rather large fish in its mouth, the cat took up residence in the shade under his chair, wrapping its tail around its body.


    Then, with its paws on the fish, began to eat it deliciously, munching with a pleasant sound.


    The knights were still eating their food like nothing happened.


    Killian, who had finished his meal earlier than the others and was drinking tea, put his cup away with a curt look and poured some milk into a plate. Then he set it down on the floor.


    In no time at all, the cat, who had finished the fish and was licking its paws, approached the dish and started licking the milk in it.


    When Rietta came to her senses when she saw it, she had already eaten comfortably, filling her stomach with unexpectedly delicious food.

 CH 8

    After finishing their meal, the knights tapped their bellies, sang loudly and retired in a unique way, ¡°I love you, Grand Duke!¡±


    Killian and Rietta, without moving to the parlor, sat quietly and began to drink tea.


    Come to think of it, when they faced each other the other day, it was not in the parlor, but in the office. Thinking that she was just a commoner and therefore wouldn¡¯t dare to use the parlor, I felt less burdened instead.


    ¡°I see the meal was to your taste.¡±


    Rietta¡¯s face turned red at the words Killian spoke.


    ¡®Did he see how I ate?¡¯


    ¡°Yes, it was a very tasty meal, thank you.¡±


    Rietta didn¡¯t dare to look Killian straight in the eyes, but since she was ordered to do so, she knew she had to look at his face to speak, so she answered while looking at his neck.


    ¡®He could see that I had eaten a lot, too.¡¯


    Rietta¡¯s face flushed as she thought about the fact that she had eaten a full meal, even though it was served for her lord.


    ¡®I haven¡¯t eaten that much lately. I couldn¡¯t believe I¡¯d eaten so comfortably myself.¡¯


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Killian chuckled and quickly got to the point.


    ¡°I called you here today to see how you¡¯re doing living in Axias.¡±


    Rietta replied succinctly in a lean manner.


    ¡°Yes, thanks to your grace, my lord.¡±


    Killian glanced at Rietta and leaned back in his chair.


    He wondered why she was staring so intently at only at his neck, but he decided to tolerate it, since just being able to talk to her face instead of the top of her head was a great development.


    He knew that there were many places that prevented commoners from looking directly at the faces of nobles. Sevitas seemed to be no different.


    The chef came in and left the newly prepared tea and refreshments. It was beautiful and smelled delicious, but Killian didn¡¯t touch it and neither could Rietta.


    Without delicately noticing it, Killian continued speaking.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯re settling in nicely as a mage. You¡¯ve never worked as a mage in Sevitas, have you?¡±


    A question briefly drifted through Rietta¡¯s mind, ¡°How did he know?¡± but of course she had a feeling he might have. It wasn¡¯t really a secret, so Rietta answered quickly.


    ¡°No, my lord.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Not far from my house was a retired priest, who usually gave blessings and healed people, so I didn¡¯t have to do it. Compared to him, I didn¡¯t have the talent to do it for money, so I only used it at home.¡±


    Killian frowned and asked back.


    ¡°Even after the plague had spread?¡±


    The plague had swept through the empire, disrupting the pilgrimages of the priests and holding the seers to high ransom. In addition, Sevitas began to run into plagues in recent years, and there must have been a high demand for sacred abilities.


    It was a wonder that the commoners had never used their abilities to do business.


    Rieta replied with a nonchalant bow of her head.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t long before the plague spread to Sevitas, so I never had a chance to use my meager ability.¡±


    Ah!


    Killian was convinced, remembering later what had happened to her.


    It was not three months after Rietta¡¯s husband¡¯s death, just as spring was arriving, that the plague cases began to appear in Sevitas, starting with Cassarius.


    At that time, Rietta was locked in a house guarded by guards, waiting for her death.


    Even though she was a commoner, no matter how much her status was above the law, she would not have taken it so lightly if her husband was still alive.


    Killian asked as he silently touched his chin.


    ¡°Did your husband die from the plague?¡±


    ¡°Yes. ¡­¡­. I¡¯ve never seen it before. The older man who saw the body said it was the plague¡­¡­¡­. It was confirmed that way.¡±


    Rietta replied nonchalantly, but when Killian saw the vaguely darkening face, instead of offering careless comfort, he simply switched to the part of her words that needed attention.


    ¡°Can you see the evil?¡±


    Rietta gave a small nod.


    ¡°Yes. But I don¡¯t have enough ability, so it¡¯s not very useful.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Killian didn¡¯t know much about sacred abilities, but he did know that it was rare for a mage to have the spiritual eye to see evils.


    The divine ability to enlighten people through blessings, purification, exorcism and healing was a part of the development that could be gradually developed through training and effort.


    However, the ability to see evil was the realm of innate talent that could not be helped by effort.


    If Rietta had the quality to see evil with her eyes, she could have become a priest. Her ability might be manifested later if she practiced it diligently.


    When the quality of seeing the devil is combined with divine ability beyond the ability of the exorcism, it naturally creates a high synergy effect.


    Some high-boundary sacred magics have magical means to allow you to temporarily see demons with your eyes, but they are not very cost-effective.


    Once the imperial priests said that people who see demons naturally, without much effort, have a much greater advantage in that aspect.


    Including the high priests and high priests of certain temples, and even the emperor¡¯s direct priests if they are lucky. It was not unlikely that one could rise to a high position.


    Killian was intrigued by Rietta¡¯s talent.


    ¡°Did your ability manifest itself after you came of age?¡±


    ¡°No, it was before.¡±


    ¡°At the monastery?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Killian tilted his head gently. He wondered.


    ¡®Why didn¡¯t she become a priest?¡¯


    If she developed her divine abilities before she became an adult, wouldn¡¯t she be able to become a priest in a short time?


    If she was from a monastery and an orphan. Priest was the best profession for a commoner orphan to choose.


    Even a nobleman can¡¯t do it recklessly. A commoner from a monastery could become a priest if she wanted.


    In addition, if she had a spiritual eye and developed her divine abilities earlier, she would have been able to train steadily and become a priest of high rank.


    Then she would not have been subjected to Cassarius.


    ¡°How old were you when you started?¡±


    ¡°About fifteen.¡±


    ¡°You said you were capable of purification. What about it?¡±


    ¡°Started at 17¡­.¡±


    ¡®Um¡­ Is it normal?¡¯


    Even though the sacred abilities blossomed through training, most of them were high enough in potential to manifest at a very young age.


    Although Killian was older, he didn¡¯t know much about priests and divine abilities, so he didn¡¯t know the level of divine abilities that manifested at the age of fifteen.


    Among the emperor¡¯s most elite priests that he had shared his childhood with, there were countless geniuses who had manifested their divine abilities before they were even ten years old.


    The only priests Killian knew well enough to have had a dialogue with were the Emperor¡¯s priests and Abbot of Axias, who were close to him when he was a child.


    Anyway, wasn¡¯t she old enough to be a priest?


    Even if she wasn¡¯t able to heal or cast blessings, but she could purify, so she could have become a priest.


    But why didn¡¯t she?


    The question Killian was going to ask lightly did not come out, as if a strange intuition had grabbed him by the ankles.


    Most of the people who have the ability to bless as a sacred ability who couldn¡¯t become a priest have graduated from a monastery and manifested after adulthood, or even if they manifested early, they couldn¡¯t become a priest due to major doctrinal disqualifications.


    It was unlikely that Rietta would have such a disqualification.


    She may have had an accident earlier, but ¡­¡­.


    The thought of maybe dragged his words down.


    It was believable.


    Did Rietta have an accident? Or something bad happened to her?


    Killian frowned.


    Seeing Rietta¡¯s face added persuasion.


    For a noble priest, marriage and pregnancy could not be prevented, but for a commoner priest, it was a great enough wound to be a catastrophe.


    Because of the hereditary nature of sacred ability, it was a devious attempt by the nobility to maintain the privilege of sacred ability.


    When he thought about it, the fact that Rietta was a townswoman and also beautiful, and Killian felt it was quite convincing.


    ¡®Did you have an accident? Did something happen to you?¡¯


    But no matter how high Killian¡¯s status was, he didn¡¯t want to ask such a question to a woman.


    But then again, he wasn¡¯t thoughtful and considerate enough to let it go unanswered.


    Killian asked as he stirred the cold tea.


    ¡°There¡¯s no brand of dismemberment, and seeing that you married early, it¡¯s not like you were a priest and you were dismembered.¡±


    It was a question about why she didn¡¯t become a priest after all, although Killian said it in a reasonably roundabout way.


    Rietta replied without much expression on her face.


    ¡°Yes. I gave up on becoming a priest after I failed the exam.¡±


    Killian was unconsciously relieved. He remembered hearing about it in passing.


    The Sevitas monastery had its own graduation exam that was created at some point. It was replaced by an exam to become a priest.


    It was supposed to be a written exam. Was it difficult?


    At the monastery, they taught all the children the theory of spellings, purification, exorcism, and healing, but very few of them actually developed even the most rudimentary blessing ability.


    Furthermore, the further one went into those abilities, the more drastically the number of people who could use those abilities decreased.


    It was a real shame for the employees who missed out on people with that kind of ability, since the plague was going around in such a big way and the ability to bless was in dire need.


    So why did they create a test that made no sense?


    ¡°It would be a foolish employee to lose someone with the ability to bless and even purify.¡±


    Rietta replied nonchalantly.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t good enough.¡±


    Killian could see no hint of anything in her expression.


    It didn¡¯t seem to be a matter of purity.


    It could have been a lie, but he couldn¡¯t imagine Rietta lying to him with a face like that, so he just believed her. Even if it was a lie, there was no reason not to believe her. It wasn¡¯t that important.


    The truth was that Rietta was not a noblewoman for whom such things were important, and there were times when he wondered what it was like if she had actually caused an accident.


    It would make him uncomfortable if her precious talent was buried in a doctrine where people couldn¡¯t even see her face because she was a commoner, and where such standards were vague.


    If they had done something terrible to her and made her that way, he would be angry with them as a human being.


    He didn¡¯t want you to feel sorry for the woman even though it was a miserable life.


    The two of them engaged in a dialogue for a while.


    Rietta, true to her earlier resolve, wasted no time in answering Killian¡¯s questions.


    Killian found her concise, quick and to the point answers to be comforting and not suffocating like before. She seemed like someone who would stay with him for a long time, like Ern or Leonard, and listen to his moods.


    It was a moment when the survival instincts of a commoner who had lived her entire life under the thumb of the aristocracy was successfully demonstrated.


    Killian couldn¡¯t have known that Rietta had made a policy of keeping her wits about her and answering quickly and succinctly to the point.


    For Killian, he just felt relieved that Rietta¡¯s hesitation and overly politeness disappeared and the answer came out immediately, and now he felt like he could communicate with her, so he thought if he fed her and she would talk.


    Seeing that Killian didn¡¯t seem as grumpy as before, but said with a subtly different demeanor, Rietta was relieved that she didn¡¯t seem to be treating her lord wrong. At least she didn¡¯t think it was terrible.


    Unbeknownst to Rietta herself, she had lost control of her fear and nervousness towards Killian as she ate. She even had time to think about other things.


    As Rietta answered Killian¡¯s question, she was inwardly saddened that he hadn¡¯t used the necklace she had given him. Her heart felt a little empty.


    It was a memento of her daughter.


    When pushed to the most desperate situation of her life, she squeezed everything out of herself and casted a fierce blessing.


    It had been a long accumulation of selfless prayers and a steady breeze, and when Rietta became aware of it, it had become an almost semi-permanent construction.


    It was an objectively rare thing. It was good to say that she would never be able to make something like that again in her lifetime.


    It was almost the only item she could ever repay him for being her benefactor¡­. ¡­.


    Killian needed it more than herself, who was somewhat resistant to bad luck anyway¡­ ¡­.


    It took so much burying in front of her daughter¡¯s plaque, asking for forgiveness, praying with tears, and aching in her heart to make up her mind to offer it to His Highness the Grand Duke.


    However, she knew that it was a shabby thing for Grand Duke Axias, so she swallowed her inner disappointment.


    It was an item that had already left her hands.


    Killian continued asking a lot of questions.


    ¡°I see. What did you do in the East Annex?¡±


    ¡°I blessed the rooms and the belongings for the ladies.¡±


    I tried giving a hint, but the lord didn¡¯t seem to associate the necklace with her.


    Because of their previous conversation, which was called rude, she couldn¡¯t say that she would return the money. He didn¡¯t even use the necklace she had given him.


    Rietta knew she had to do her best to repay him somehow in some other way. She only received it from this man, and there was nothing to repay him.


    For a moment, Rietta¡¯s mind reminded her of a way she could be slightly useful to him.


    ¡®Why didn¡¯t I think of that earlier?¡¯


    After the conversation had stopped for a while, Rietta quickly said with a brightened face.


    ¡°Shall I bless Your Highness¡¯s bedroom as well?¡±


    Killian¡¯s eyebrows twitched upward.


    ¡°Oh, my lord! That¡¯s not what I meant!¡±


    Rietta quickly corrected her words, biting the tip of her tongue.


    But that wasn¡¯t what Killian thought. It hadn¡¯t even occurred to him to correct her.


    He had expected Rietta to be quite bold in her seduction.


    It wasn¡¯t just seductive, as she seemed to be unconscious, to the point where she stuck her tongue out and bit it and blushed.


    His heart was instantly moved.


    He had never seen her smile before. But it was the brightest expression he had seen.


    He was only going to ask Rietta about her ability. But he thought it was because she answered well in the way he preferred, like his long-standing hands and feet.¡­.


    She had white blonde hair that resembled moonlight on a clear day.


    Pale, sky-blue eyes.


    A neat and beautiful face and a calm voice that gave a relaxed feeling.


    Indeed, Rietta was a beauty to his liking.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Anyway.¡±


    He was not sure what he was thinking, but Killian¡¯s hand involuntarily went to his lips while looking at Rietta¡¯s lips the whole time¡­..


    It was a little awkward and strange.


    He figured it was because Leonard was talking nonsense earlier.

 CH 9

    Together, they went up to Killian¡¯s bedroom, where he had finished preparing to rest.


    Unaware of what Killian had in mind, Rietta answered his question honestly in a whisper, looked up to the sky, and entered his bedroom with a pure heart.


    Rietta prayed sincerely from the entrance of the bedroom that led to the hallway, to the window, to the door that led to the bathroom, to the door that led to the office, and even to the bed, sweeping it with her faintly glowing hands and carefully blessed the areas to prevent illness and demons from entering.


    It was a beautiful and clean attitude.


    Killian silently leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and stared as a small, beautiful woman with a pleasant scent busily moved about in his bedroom.


    Last month, when that woman was sitting on his bed in a transparent slip with no expression on her face, it didn¡¯t phase him.


    Now seeing the same person, in such a plain and neat commoner¡¯s dress, moving lively in his room, it was strangely uplifting.


    It felt good just to see a sincere face.


    As Rietta closed her eyes in silent prayer, the faint white light that covered her hands shifted from her body to the wall, to the window, to the bed.


    Her unfamiliar attire also added to the mystical atmosphere.


    There were times when she was just still and quiet.


    Rietta had no idea.


    Killian was staring at her intensely.


    It was only a few hours ago that she was observed working surrounded by a dozen chattering women. It was a sight that might have seemed strange to the average person.


    Rietta worked carefully, not caring that Killian was watching her.


    A high-quality priest came and did her best to the point that no one could be better. The blessing light was so strong that it enveloped the whole bedroom.


    Even from the eyes of an outsider, Killian, he could guess that the clear, clean light penetrated wherever her hands were brushed was quite well built.


    Finally, Rietta turned to him.


    ¡°No more demons or diseases will invade this bedroom for about a month. After a month, the effects will begin to wear off, but with your permission, I will come back and bless it again.¡±


    ¡°Are you promising that we will even meet on a regular basis naturally?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Killian nodded, appreciating her hard work.


    ¡°Good work.¡±


    Rietta smiled faintly and bowed. She stood still by the side of the bed.


    ¡­¡­ By the bed.


    Killian was conflicted.


    Should he offer her a drink?


    No way, right away?


    Rietta  just stood there looking at him.


    It was a temptation to bring him closer without getting closer.


    He had never had a temptation to come into his chest so softly without lifting a finger.


    He didn¡¯t even look at her, only praised her, pretending he had no such feelings for her.


    Even just the way Rietta stood quietly and stared at him¡­.


    It felt like a temptation that tugged at his heart as hard as it could.


    It was not a temptation filled with an appeal of wanting or needing her, but for her to need him¡­


    Killian stepped and moved closer to her, hesitating at the immorality of disrespecting a pure priestess.


    Rietta blinked as she turned to look up at him as the distance grew closer.


    Killian, who had been staring at her, raised his hand to Rietta¡¯s white neck.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Seeing his hand, Rietta quickly moved aside and stepped back.


    Bone-Rietta quickly moved his hand to the side and stepped aside.


    Killian¡¯s hand stopped in the air.


    A string of bells appeared where Rietta stood earlier, hanging beside the bed.


    ¡°¡­¡­?¡±


    While Killian paused, Rietta bowed politely.


    ¡°Please go ahead.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ what?¡±


    Killian was momentarily confused by Rietta¡¯s words.


    Thinking the distance was too close, Rietta thought she had blocked his path. The lord must be trying to call the butler by pulling on the bell cord.


    Rietta had no doubt that he wanted to rest. She stepped back from the side of the bed, then said her goodbye.


    She said goodbye to him with a beautiful, unsuspecting look on her face.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m going now.¡±


    What drove him crazy was the thought that he might have made a mistake.


    ¡°It¡¯s late, why don¡¯t you stay here for the night.¡±


    It was already after a regrettable sound had come out of his mouth.


    Rietta smiled softly, as if she understood.


    ¡°I will do that, sir. Thank you.¡±


    The calm answer that came out so easily made Killian, who instantly regretted the words he had spoken, even more flustered.


    Even in her wildest dreams, Rietta hadn¡¯t thought he meant it.


    Unfortunately, his words seemed to Rietta, who had made up her mind about her policy towards Killian, to be similar to the earlier ¡°Let¡¯s eat and go home¡±.


    Polite specifications aside, follow orders immediately.


    As for Rietta, her own reaction to the evening was simply to respond in the same way, for good measure.


    The idea that her lord didn¡¯t need a woman like her was basically laid on unconsciously, and the experience of being shown to the other room a month ago when she first came to this bedroom wearing only a slip also played a part.


    Unable to catch the confused look on Killian¡¯s face, Rietta meekly kept her head down. She was sure that the Grand Duke would pull the bell cord and call for the butler like last time.


    However, Killian remained frozen and showed no sign of pulling the bell string. He didn¡¯t even call the butler.


    A strange silence flowed.


    Rietta suddenly felt that she was being rude, waiting for Grand Duke Axias to do something for her.


    She decided to act like a smart subordinate. It wasn¡¯t as if she didn¡¯t already know where to go and who she needed to find. The butler was supposed to be waiting not far from outside the room.


    Rietta smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Thank you for your consideration today. Have a good night.¡±


    Killian put his hand on his forehead and replied awkwardly.


    ¡°¡­.. Yes, you too.¡±


    When Rietta opened the door noiselessly and stepped out, Ern, who was sitting in a chair at the end of the far corridor, closed his book and stood up in surprise.


    The butler, who had noticed Killian¡¯s strange gaze following Rietta, panicked when Rieta walked quietly over, neatly dressed and uneventful, but quickly and skillfully hid such an appearance.


    Rietta, who bowed to Ern, lifted her head and told him without the slightest hesitation.


    ¡°The lord told me to go to bed.¡±


    Ern¡¯s eyes widened.


    He immediately realized the meaning of Rietta¡¯s words that she hadn¡¯t quite caught.


    It was still how Rietta had understood it.


    How can a 26-year-old adult woman be so tactless!


    The beautiful woman who had swayed the master¡¯s heart blinked her sky-blue eyes as she stood pensively with an honest face.


    It became clear what kind of misunderstanding had occurred.


    ¡®Oh¡­ This is the first woman he liked in a really long time¡­¡¯


    Ern felt miserable and sad, and in his heart he agreed with Leonard¡¯s opinion.


    ***


    Unaware of the somewhat somber mood of Ern, Rietta was led into a guest bedroom like the one she had been in the other night and laid down on the cozy bed, feeling full and content.


    She was troubled by the mental labor of carefully casting spells as she walked around all day from the east annex to Killian¡¯s bedroom. It was labor robbery that was two or three times as much as usual, and as soon as the tension relaxed, the fatigue set in.


    She lightened the load on her mind as much as possible.


    She also ate a lot of good food.


    She slept outside for the first time after a month of getting used to the house, but she couldn¡¯t feel more comfortable.


    The last time she stayed here, she couldn¡¯t sleep all night.


    ¡°How¡¯s your life in Axias?¡±


    Of course.l..


    ¡®It¡¯s too much.¡¯


    Rietta uttered the feeling that she could not fully express in her heart.


    It was a place where her daughter¡¯s plaque could be placed and candles could be lit.


    Her daughter, whom she couldn¡¯t even give a proper send-off, let alone a funeral, was buried in her heart.


    Now she could light a candle in front of it every day.


    Rietta was slowly taking root in this place, in the house where she had written her name.


    It was a nice place where thieves don¡¯t bother to come even if she didn¡¯t lock the door.


    Neighbors naturally knock on the doors of newly moved-in tenants and care for strangers.


    Rietta remembered the door of her Sevitas¡¯ house, which had been closed for a long time without anyone coming to visit.


    Long after her husband had died of the plague¡­ ¡­.


    While Cassarius began to frighten her for a while¡­.


    None of the kind neighbors came to visit Rietta at her home.


    Rietta lay on the bed and placed her hands on her chest.


    This was where her daughter¡¯s belongings were kept before they were given to Killian.


    Instead of being able to light a candle in front of the memorial plaque today, Rietta closed her eyes and said a short but heartfelt prayer.


    ***


    The hospitality Rietta received in the one month she stayed in Axias was warm.


    Even though the prices here were higher than in Sevitas, they paid a good price for labor.There were no beggars on the streets, and the people were jovial and friendly.


    The same was true of Axias Castle.


    The warm, crowded atmosphere of the east annex, and the energetic dinner she had with the knights.


    And the false smile that briefly appeared on Killian¡¯s face.


    ¡°I love you, Grand Duke!¡±


    It made her laugh.


    And.


    The hand that casually poured milk for the little cat, who approached him without hesitation, as if it was used to Killian¡­ ¡­.


    He was a good man.


    He was not as scary as she thought.


    It was a nice place.


    It was where the lord made it.


    Rietta blinked quietly.


    ¡°It¡¯s late, why can¡¯t I sleep?¡±


    Killian¡¯s last words were open to misinterpretation, she thought it a step too late, but Rietta immediately thought that it couldn¡¯t be, and she smiled. It was funny when she thought about it.


    It was too much of a misunderstanding that he would woo her, even though he was the lord.


    The bedding became warmer.


    Soon a sweet sleep descended.


    ***


    Though Rietta had fallen asleep for a while, Killian just tossed and turned in bed, wide awake.


    He eventually gave up on sleep, stood up, and opened his book.


    It was the History of Imperial Warfare, which he¡¯d read over dozens of times, but he couldn¡¯t get it into his head.


    He quickly folded it and threw it on top of the table next to his bed.


    A little Rietta in a plain, neat dress came into his mind constantly. He didn¡¯t even remember Rietta in her transparent slip very well.


    She placed her hand on her chest every time she greeted him.


    A married woman with an extremely innocent face.


    Killian glanced at the head of the bed where her hand grazed.


    Her face was beautiful as she put her hand on it and closed her eyes quietly.


    It was pitiful to see the sad look on her face as she hid her grief when she talked about her dead husband.


    ¡°Shall I bless your bedroom?¡±


    ¡­¡­ A sly woman.


    It should not have been his fault that he was inadvertently tricked. Killian thought.


    ¡°Oh, my lord.¡±


    Killian grinned at the thought of Rietta¡¯s flushed face when she bit the tip of her tongue.


    It¡¯s funny.


    He may not have had a terrible love life, but he wasn¡¯t stupid enough to not know what it felt like.


    He knew that it was an exhausting feeling to go through.


    He didn¡¯t want the feelings that were eating away at his reason to occupy his mind.


    Killian got up.


    That way of dealing with emotions had once been dinged.


    Eventually, he went to his office and sat down at his desk and began to process the pile of papers one by one with his pen.


    It was not difficult.


    Killian skillfully began to dispel the raging thoughts that were about to begin.


    ***


    While Killian, who had been processing work all night, was resting on the couch in his office, Ern came to convey Rietta¡¯s departure greetings.


    slumbered a bit on the couch in his office and took a morning nap, Rieta returned to convey greetings through Ern.


    Killian just casually replied, ¡°yes¡±, without even glancing at Ern.


    He seemed to have forgotten all about Rietta and picked up the documents he had checked from his desk without any expression. He asked Ern,


    ¡°When did you receive this report?¡±


    ¡°What kind of report is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a report from Abbot Habitus from the Great Temple, recommending to cast blessings on my territory.¡±


    The report said that Castiner territory, which was not far from Axias, was devastated in two months by the plague.


    Therefore, the report recommended that Axias territory should also get blessings to strengthen the city¡¯s defenses against plague gods and demons.


    ¡°It¡¯s less than a month.¡±


    ¡°Was it early May?¡±


    ¡°The end of April.¡±


    When Killian was touring the empire with his knights, he had also stopped by the Castiner territory. It was a large city adjacent to the temple and not far from Axias.


    On the way back to Axias with Rietta, he also tried to stop at the Castiner territory, but avoided it when he heard from a local vendor that the plague had started circulating and spreading a while ago.


    The report arrived at the end of April.


    It meant the report had already been completed and sent out in mid-April.


    That¡¯s pretty quick, isn¡¯t it?


    Killian gave the order.


    ¡°Call Leonard.¡±


    ***


    ¡°You want to see me, Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°Leonard.¡±


    Killian, who was leaning back on the chair, put down the report and looked at him.


    ¡°When did we stop by Castiner estate before the plague?¡±


    ¡°Early March.¡±


    ¡°When did the plague begin to spread to Castiner?¡±


    ¡°Early April.¡±


    Killian, who had been silent for some time, grinned and presented Leonard with the report.¡±


    ¡°This report says it began in early March.¡±


    Leonard accepted the report.


    The report contained information on the manifestation of the plague, its damage, and the route of spread of the plague.


    Leonard flipped through several pages of the report and replied.


    ¡°As I recall, it was in early March that we stopped by the Count of Castiner¡¯s office. There was no mention of the plague at that time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my recollection as well.¡±


    There was no plague in Castiner, at least not at that time. It was certain because they were there in person.


    However, the report said that the outbreak of the plague in Castiner, the casualties, and the devastation of the territory as having occurred between the beginning of March and April.


    The disastrous situation was ongoing. The path of spread of the plague was shaped in such a way that it approached the north where Axias was located.


    They cross-referenced what they knew for certain with the information in the report.


    It wasn¡¯t just Castiner that was suspicious.


    The plague in Sevitas was also briefly mentioned in the report. The timing matched what they knew, but the spreading patterns in the report were more exaggerated than they actually were.


    The plague was spreading through the city of Sevitas, but it was not this devastating. If that was the case, they wouldn¡¯t have entered Sevitas in the first place.


    The information was not far off, but it was subtly adjusted to rationalize the conclusion.


    ¡°Well, there may be some errors or exaggerations in dates and spreading.¡±


    Killian chuckled coldly and stared at the report in Leonard¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t this report seem to predict a plague on Castiner?¡±


    The report from the Great Temple indicated serious concern over the rapid spread of the plague.


    The report also stated that it would be desirable for the large city of Axias to receive blessings from an institution of public trust because of the fear of the invasion of the station demon, and that the Grand Temple would cooperate with Axias if he wished.


    Killian ordered.


    ¡°Plant one of our men in the Great Temple.¡±


    He was suspicious of the temple.


    Leonard, who rarely disagreed with his master¡¯s opinion, unexpectedly denied it.


    ¡°But, sir¡­..¡±


    Leonard had a brother who was a priest.


    ¡°Leonard.¡±


    Killian¡¯s red eyes narrowed and he sat up. There was a cold smile on his sharp features, like a lazy beast waking up.


    ¡°Who benefits most when the plague spreads?¡±


    Leonard¡¯s expression hardened.

 CH 10

    A week later, Rietta visited the East Annex again to cast blessings on the ladies¡¯ items. Erne tipped off the fact to Killian, but Killian only reacted indifferently.


    Shortly after Erne left, Killian headed to his private training grounds with Leonard to warm up. Leonard clenched his teeth and barely managed to take Killian¡¯s strike. He took a step back and breathed heavily


    ¡°I have relocated our people in the Grand Temple Havitus. There are no reports yet.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Killian partially turned his body away after pushing Leonard¡¯s sword from the bottom to the top. Then, after Leonard showed his back, Killian kicked Leonard and pushed him away. Leonard quickly regained his balance and stood on guard against Killian again, all the while gasping for air. Then he continued his report.


    ¡°It was indeed early April when the plague began to spread in Casteiner. But I don¡¯t think that can be a sufficient basis for doubting the grand temple as the cause of the plague.¡±


    Killian flashed a cold smirk.


    ¡°I know. They probably moved quickly because they didn¡¯t want to miss a big client and lose them to another temple.¡±


    With an opening in Leonard¡¯s posture, Killian struck and sent his sword flying.


    Clang!


    The sword flew upwards before falling down at the corner of the training grounds.


    ¡°But there¡¯s a high possibility of them being the cause.¡±


    Leonard felt a tingling shock from the elbow to his shoulders. He held his wrist and let out a deep sigh. Then, he expressed the courtesy of the defeated.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Killian pointed at the opening in Leonard¡¯s right thigh with the tip of his sword.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t fixed the opening here when you¡¯re distracted.¡±


    Leonard scratched his head with a groan.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I know it in my head, but it is not easy to fix.¡±


    Leonard picked up his sword that fell across the training ground. Killian glanced at the ankh ornament tied to his sword¡¯s hilt, it was a blessed item that was regularly sent by the temple.


    The Grand Temple Havitus. Priests were also human, even the temple would be unwilling to set foot in a land that was already dealing with plagues and demons. Just as a blessing was not a perfect defense, priests were also not immune from demons and plague. The fact that many priests had already lost their lives from the plague was proof of that.


    Now that the service fees of priests have risen to the ceiling, the most tempting task was to cast a large-scale blessing in a huge neighboring city that had not yet been infected with the plague, like Axias. Such a task was not high in risk and they could pocket a large sum. Axias was a wealthy city, they would have thought it was a golden opportunity.


    He thought of the report from the grand temple. As long as the reliability of the information contained in the report was already suspicious, it was better not to do it at all. Was it a product of simple error or greed?


    Killian was a person who did not mind doing the hassle of dealing personally with most of the documents and reading all the reports himself. That also meant he hated false reports that made him waste his time. He did not have enough free time to care about such trivial things, after all.


    Maybe his judgment was wrong when he found false information in the report, but Killian left open the possibility that the plague may not have occurred naturally.


    Even if Axias needed to be blessed, the Grand Temple Havitus had already lost a lot of points from Killian, so they would never get any unexpected profit from them. Still, there was definitely a need to be careful of the plague.


    Killian recalled the report from Erne that Rietta was in the East Annex.


    A blessing caster. Could she be of use to me?


    Helping would be difficult if she did not have any experience in dealing with plague demons. But Killian paid attention to Rietta as someone who could see the plague demon with her bare eyes, was free from the influences of the temple, had no suspicious history, and was a reliable blessing caster.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡°Jeez. How could only you all receive the blessings? You should have let me know too!¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t here back then. But you can ask Lady Rietta to do it for you today!¡±


    ¡°Lady Rietta, please cast the blessings for our rooms first!¡±


    The second time Rietta visited the East Annex, four women who had not been blessed because they were absent from the last time or had other business were added. Among them was the girl who climbed the tree and the powerful woman that she had met last time. It was Anna and Seira. Again, a dozen beautiful women began to surround Rietta and started chattering while wearing and taking care of the things that had been blessed. Some women even came out with more items. However, as there were less items to be blessed, it was a relatively easier job than last time. After finishing her work, Rietta cautiously opened her mouth.


    ¡°Are you all willing to call me again when the effect of the blessing is over?¡±


    A woman answered right away.


    ¡°Yes. I would like to ask for your service again.¡±


    ¡°Me too. I like you more than the priests of the grand temple.¡±


    ¡°You live nearby, too. If we ask for your service, you can come right away.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re sweet and you also do your work meticulously.¡±


    ¡°Your price is cheaper than the temple.¡±


    ¡°Above all, you¡¯re not arrogant.¡±


    As everyone was on the same page, they nodded their heads and giggled together. Rietta let out a small sigh of relief and bowed her head politely to express her gratitude.


    ¡°Thank you. If you would allow me, I would like to come every week to supplement the blessings of five places. Can I do that?¡±


    It was quite burdensome to meticulously cast blessings throughout more than 10 spacious rooms a day. If she divided it into five places every week, she would be able to work much easier. The ladies gladly gave their permission.


    ¡°Then, it will be 15 places for three weeks.¡±


    ¡°Yes, there are also 15 of you, so it will be just right.¡±


    ¡°There are 15 of us? One is missing. Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Irene.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Convincing expressions passed by the ladies¡¯ face. Rietta asked with a slightly confused look.


    ¡°Is there one more person?¡±


    ¡°Yes. There are 16 people living here¡­ But never mind Irene.¡±


    What¡¯s going on? Who¡¯s Irene?


    Rachel added a little bit as she noticed something was bothering Rietta.


    ¡°She¡¯ll probably say she¡¯s not interested. Don¡¯t worry about that. She¡¯s a noble so it seems that her family is already sending blessed items and holy water for her.¡±


    Nevertheless, wearing a blessed item and receiving the blessing directly in the abode was incomparable in terms of stability. It was like the difference between wearing an umbrella or wearing a hat to avoid the rain. However, an unexpected word from Celine made Rietta forget her thoughts about Irene.


    ¡°Lady Rietta, don¡¯t you want to live in the castle? If you say you want to live here, he will allow you.¡±


    Another lady agreed with her.


    ¡°Oh my, that¡¯s true! Come live here, it¡¯s nice. Sometimes, you can also see His Lordship.¡±


    The ladies looked at her with their eyes shining. Rietta was taken aback. Last time, she thought that they just had a good relationship, but this was beyond good.


    What kind of atmosphere is this? They want to increase the number of competitors?


    She knew that these women were not afraid of the Archduke of Axias at all. But this was too far from her imagination of the typical harem that would hold someone in check and would fight over a man.


    Rietta hesitated from telling the truth. Due to various reasons, Erne, the butler, asked her not to tell other people of the goodwill she got from the Archduke, as there were a lot of people who got in trouble after offending the Archduke for trying to abuse his generosity.


    Rietta remained silent following his request. She thought the ¡®goodwill of the Archduke¡¯ was not just the financial assistance she received, but it also included him releasing her without doing anything to her.


    It was not like she was a lady who would be in trouble for having such a rumor. She was also in no position to be worried about losing her chances of getting married. Remarrying was not her concern as of now, so it would not be a problem at all. Life in Axias was so safe and peaceful that she did not need a man at home.


    Rietta was not aware of it, but from the public¡¯s point of view, she was the woman whom the archduke was interested in. And that fact alone protected her from the men who would have otherwise flirted with her, making her life in Axias very comfortable.


    Anyway, Rietta kept quiet about how nothing happened between her and the Archduke of Axias, so the women should not have known that the Archduke had no sexual interest in her at all. But she could not understand why they wanted to increase their competitors.


    Regardless of Rietta being flustered or not, the women huddled around her, touched her hair, complimented her beauty, and began to promote the East Annex.


    ¡°If you live here, you can always stay pretty. We always share our housework so there¡¯s not a lot to do.¡±


    ¡°We also get enough living expenses!¡±


    ¡°It would be much prettier if you braid your hair and decorate it. If you live here, I will do your hair every day.¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t bother you. We will treat you well!¡±


    ¡°We can also get the blessings for free!¡±


    Anna, the blonde young lady, added brightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re so shameless! We should give her payment for that!¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡±


    Anna quickly covered her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. She¡¯s still immature.¡±


    Giselle had an attractive beauty mark under her eyes. She smiled with her hands on both Anna¡¯s shoulders. Her charming brown hair that was braided to one side gave off a lovely and energetic feel.


    ¡°Did His Lordship call you today?¡±


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t.¡±


    She smiled lovingly.


    ¡°Then, will you have tea time with us?¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    They laid mats in the beautifully bloomed garden and began drinking tea. Fragrant tea and sweet cookies were placed on the mat. Rachel, a petite woman with black short hair and purple eyes, came out with a tray of cookies. She was the first person who called Rietta to the East Annex.


    ¡°I made this myself. Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°Really? You¡¯re very skilled.¡±


    ¡°I also helped her.¡±


    Rachel laughed at Anna, who joined the conversation. Helen let out a loud sigh.


    ¡°Anna, what you did was not help, but interfere.¡±


    Anna dropped the cookie she was biting with a shocked face. Rachel calmly brushed off the cookie she dropped on her clothes.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Anna. You¡¯re improving.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to you, we cooked what could have been done in thirty minutes for an hour and a half.¡±


    ¡°But at least we can still eat it.¡±


    There were no maids in the East Annex. The ¡®East Annex ladies¡¯ told her that instead of living there and receiving living expenses from the Archduke of Axias, they helped with the castle work when they were short-handed and they needed to do the housekeeping of the East Annex by themselves.


    They needed to clean their own rooms and they also cleaned up common spaces such as corridors and the yard and handled their own laundry, meals, and other things. They even cut firewood on their own in winter. They said that sometimes they just bought it when things did not go their way. Even women who were not particularly talented were in charge of preparing meals, finishing up, and organizing the garden. It sounded happy and pleasant, but it was certainly not the life of noble ladies.


    ¡°Irene is the only one doing nothing. She did not even clean the yard.¡±


    Someone lightly replied.


    ¡°Because she¡¯s the precious daughter of a Count. Instead, Irene does not receive living expenses  from His Lordship.¡±


    ¡°But as long as she¡¯s here, we¡¯re all equal. Everyone does their job.¡±


    Anna complained with a sulky face.


    ¡°Irene does not even eat with us and she never comes to tea parties. She does not even say hi whenever I see her, only looking at me coldly. She has never even been called by His Lordship, but always acts as if he was hers alone. I don¡¯t like her.¡±


    In a way, Irene¡¯s reaction might be the most sensible¡­ Rietta drank tea in the simple teacup with a strange feeling and looked at Anna, who grumbled with the women who looked friendly.


    She felt weird. Anna looked a little over twelve. Even a child like this was the concubine of the Archduke¡­ How could a child who did not seem to have menarche be so bright even after dealing with such a thing? Rietta herself, who was a 26-year-old widow, suffered so much after receiving such an offer from Lord Casarius. The Archduke of Axias was much younger and more beautiful than Casarius, but she still could not understand it.


    How old is she? At most, maybe 15?


    When Rietta asked carefully, Seira answered casually.


    ¡°No? Anna is 12 years old..¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Rietta became gloomy without even realizing it. She looked at Anna, who was busy pouring milk into her glass with the kettle, her mouth covered by cookie powder, and her cheeks both puffy.


    The Archduke of Axias did not touch Rietta, yet she owed him her life, so she did not dare to criticize him. No one even dared to interfere or criticize his privacy.


    It was possible because he was a noble. Even though she knew in her head that she should just let it go¡­


    Elise, who followed Rietta¡¯s gloomy gaze, held her cheeks and smiled.


    ¡°Oh, Lady Rietta. I know what you¡¯re thinking. But it¡¯s not like that for Anna. She¡¯s just a child that His Lordship picked up on the street.¡±


    Rietta¡¯s eyes were wide open. Anna swallowed the cookie with the help of some milk and shouted.


    ¡°What do you mean pick up? I told you, he brought me here to be his wife someday.¡±


    ¡°What should I do with this kid?¡±


    The women messed up Anna¡¯s hair as they were dying of her cuteness while she was angry. Rietta looked at them with a puzzled face.


    A child that was picked up? Wasn¡¯t it only the women of the Archduke of Axias who lived in the East Annex?


    The women explained that Anna was abused in the monastery after losing her parents, and was then brought to the land by Killian.


    Anna had nowhere to go. If she were an adult, Killian would have given her a house like Rietta. But Anna, who was only five years old, was too young to live alone. It was also hard to send an abused child to another monastery. At that time, the women in the East Annex voluntarily took care of Anna.


    ¡°But still, I¡¯m like the senior here.¡±


    Anna bragged about the fact that there were not that many ladies who have lived in the East Annex longer than her now. Helen laughed at her.


    ¡°Stop pretending to be a senior. Anna, since you peed¡­¡±


    ¡°No! Helen!¡±


    Having experienced Anna¡¯s embarrassing history firsthand, Helen launched a counterattack, causing Anna to blush and turning her face red. Then, Anna swung her fist tightly in the air and rushed to Helen, making a fuss.


    ¡°Oh, oh, the snacks. The snacks!¡±


    Seira giggled and grabbed the tray that was about to fall. Rietta looked at the girl¡¯s face with a puzzled look and big eyes. She had a past of abuse, yet there were no signs of injury on her face. She was a brave and lovely child. Cookie crumbs stuck to her hair as she tried to brush it with her fingers that were covered with cookie powder.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to get ants on your hair!¡±


    Helen scolded Anna with a smiling face and shook off the crumbs on her hair. Rietta, who had been surprised for a while, laughed after feeling her heart getting warmed without realizing it.


    After a while, Killian visited the East Annex.

 CH 11

    Rachel felt a human presence. She inadvertently turned her attention to the garden between the East Annex and the main building. Then, she mumbled.


    ¡°How strange. His Lordship is here.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    All the women¡¯s attention turned toward the annex garden¡¯s entrance. Entering through it were Killian and Leonard, who seemed to be heading to the annex building through the garden. Helen let out a sigh and looked at Anna.


    ¡°Good for you, Anna. His Lordship is coming.¡±


    Anna wiped her hands on her skirt and was urgently tidying up her hair, she looked at Helen.


    ¡°Helen! How do I look?¡±


    Helen rubbed the leftover milk stains on Anna¡¯s lips and told her.


    ¡°You look pretty. Hurry and go, Before the red fox beats you to it.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Irene!¡±


    Anna sprung to her feet and shouted. A beautiful red-haired woman was approaching Killian. Anna rushed toward Killian while holding her skirt.


    She¡¯s Irene?


    Rietta had also seen her before. The woman with red hair and green eyes who was told to pack up and go back by Killian last week.


    Seeing Irene approaching, Killian slightly frowned.


    ¡°You¡¯re still here.¡±


    Irene smiled brightly.


    ¡°Where would I go without you, Your Grace?¡±


    Even though Irene had a pretty face that would make everyone look twice at her, Killian was apathetic. As if she was used to it, Irene just smiled regardless of Killian¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°I made you uncomfortable that day¡­ Please pity this lacking woman who could not control her overflowing emotions. I¡¯d like to give you something as an apology. Would you like to have anything?¡±


    Killian ignored Irene and indifferently turned to where the women had gathered. There were a lot of women in the garden enjoying refreshments. There was also Rietta among them, but he felt troubled as he was caught by Irene as soon as he entered. He did not have any business with Rietta right away, so he thought that things had become troublesome for no reason.


    Irene was not of Axias but was actually a noble lady from the County of Spelman, located halfway between the Empire capital Rhodeminue and Axias. She forced herself into the East Annex, after asking for protection, saying that she was abandoned by her father and chased by pursuers for a certain reason. All of that was a lie to catch Killian¡¯s attention.


    Her lie was quickly discovered because she did not hide anything and soon revealed her true feelings. But, as she had not done anything bad, and as she had paid a lot of money for the accommodation fees, it was difficult to forcibly pull out the grown-up noble lady from the annex. He did not expect her to bother him for more than two years, however.


    ¡°Irene is crazy for His Lordship. She came in about two years ago. She thought His Lordship loved the women in the East Annex.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is that not the case?¡±


    When Rietta asked with a puzzled look, the women looked at her and burst into laughter.


    ¡°The East Annex is known as the ¡®Harem of the Archduke of Axias¡¯, right?¡±


    ¡°There are women who came because of that, but there are more than half of the women who came in because of other reasons.¡±


    ¡°In the past, when His Lordships visited the annex like this, there were times when he would call a woman that gave a good impression to come at night. But how many years ago was it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared he would get old and die alone at this rate.¡±


    Giselle shook her head and responded with a quite worried face.


    ¡°But His Lordship comes to Giselle a lot.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. I can¡¯t even go near his bed. He always comes to me for other business.¡±


    Beth put her hand behind her and smiled with her eyes.


    ¡°But no one knows. Maybe you only said that for the sake of it.¡±


    It was a tone of teasing rather than being sincere.


    ¡°Oh, so is this the level of trust between us? I guess I was not virtuous enough. Think whatever you like.¡±


    Giselle smiled brightly and took the teacup to her mouth. Rachel lowered her voice and said playfully.


    ¡°Helen, you¡¯re wrong. Giselle is not into His Lordship nowadays, but someone else.¡±


    Giselle spat out her tea and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. Then, she looked angrily at Rachel.


    ¡°Rachel, please.¡±


    Rachel glanced at Leonard. Giselle shouted at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see if it¡¯s true or not.¡±


    Rachel sipped her tea, flashing a coy grin. Rietta was listening to their conversation with excitement.


    She was amused at the free atmosphere of the East Annex and the pleasant people who could even tell that they were interested in a man other than the Archduke.


    ¡°Anyway.¡±


    Giselle cleared her throat to change the subject and looked at Rietta.


    ¡°As you can see, the women who were madly in love with His Lordship have all gone out, and shall I say, Irene and Anna are the only ones left¡­¡±


    Celine rubbed her forehead with a serious face.


    ¡°Should we even include Anna?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You should include me instead.¡±


    Karen, who did not even bother to look back when the Archduke of Axias was around her, shamelessly pushed herself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should be included either.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong. I¡¯m actually ready to be caught if he throws me some bait. I just act like this because he never throws any.¡±


    Another woman smiled casually and shrugged.


    ¡°Yeah. Then, you will become like me. I don¡¯t even have a burning passion for him in the first place, but I have already gotten bored of him.¡±


    Karen shook her shoulders as she got goosebumps.


    ¡°Urgh. That¡¯s so convincing¡­ Don¡¯t say that.¡±


    Giselle shrugged at the women¡¯s whining and smiled at Rietta.


    ¡°We¡¯re like a family now.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. We don¡¯t have a feeling like that for our family.¡±


    Seira made idle remarks and smiled.


    Another woman put her elbows on her lap while cupping her face. Then, dusting off her skirt, she said.


    ¡°Oh, at least he¡¯s not giving us false hope.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean not giving¡­ He¡¯s not doing that out of consideration, it¡¯s because he really is indifferent to us.¡±


    Elise turned away from the ongoing lamentation and laughed as she ate the last cookie.


    ¡°It¡¯s already hopeless for us, but we don¡¯t want someone who is like family to us to grow old and die alone. Don¡¯t mind us and do your best.¡±


    Elise¡¯s last words were directed at Rietta. Rietta looked at her with a puzzled face. Giselle, who was next to her, lowered her voice and whispered.


    ¡°I heard you slept in the castle last week.¡±


    After noticing their misunderstanding, Rietta opened her eyes in surprise and looked at her. She indeed slept in the castle, but it was in a different room. Giselle winked at Rietta.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let Irene find out about it.¡±


    Rietta thought that it would not matter if she told these women the truth. Then again, she was told not to tell anyone else about the matter, so she just smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Giselle.¡±


    The women who remained on the mats turned their heads in surprise at the sound of the Archduke of Axias who already approached them. The Archduke frowned and pointed at Anna, who climbed and was now hanging from his leg.


    ¡°Hang this thing.¡±


    Giselle asked with a puzzled face.


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    Killian glanced down at Anna and coldly said.


    ¡°The fringe tree on the road to the East Annex. It¡¯s your doing, right?¡±


    Anna changed her expression in surprise and dropped from the Archduke¡¯s leg. Rietta¡¯s face turned pale as she was startled by his cold words.


    The incident back then?


    ¡°You totally uprooted the tree, huh? I already told you I won¡¯t just let you go if I catch you climbing the tree once again.¡±


    Anna trembled as she backed away.


    ¡°M, m, my apologies! I won¡¯t do it again!¡±


    Rietta sprung to her feet before she knew it.


    Hang her? No way. That little girl?


    Anna quickly turned around and started to run away. And in two steps, she was caught in the hands of the Archduke of Axias.


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    The Archduke frowned and grabbed Anna¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°This won¡¯t do.¡±


    Anna looked like a rabbit that was caught by the ear. The Archduke said coldly.


    ¡°Give her the death sentence.¡±


    Rietta¡¯s face was white as a sheet.


    ¡°H, hold on!¡±


    Rietta shouted. People¡¯s attention turned to Rietta. Her mind went blank.


    ¡°I also saw the fallen tree! But the tree fell not because someone climbed it, but because it rained and its roots were exposed¡­! So, I mean, Anna did not do that much wrong at all! W, what do you mean sentence her to death?¡±


    A strange silence fell. Killian stared at Rietta and flatly said to the women.


    ¡°Prepare the punishment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    After standing up from their seats, the women put their fingers up like a cat and surrounded Anna with a solemn look. Anna screamed and began to writhe. While Rietta was standing with a blank expression, Killian¡¯s sentence was dropped.


    ¡°Execute.¡±


    ¡°Aarrgghhhh!¡±


    The women ran and startled tickling Anna, who was struggling.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡°Sob¡­ His Lordship is so mean. He did not even play with me and just left after punishing me¡­¡±


    Anna became exhausted and lay down on Helen¡¯s leg while whining. Seira laughed as she messed up Anna¡¯s hair. Rietta also swelled down her feelings and smiled. Giselle tapped her thigh and teased her.


    ¡°I mean, Rietta, did you really think he would execute a death sentence? How are you going to live in this tough world when you¡¯re this naive?¡±


    Rietta became embarrassed, she bowed her head and fiddled with her fingertips. Celine smiled. She put her hands on Rietta¡¯s shoulder and leaned slightly against her body.


    ¡°But still, I was a little touched. Her face turned white and she said it while shivering. Just imagine if someone really steps forward like that during a real execution.¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha!¡±


    Seira tilted her head and burst into laughter. Rietta¡¯s face turned red.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make fun of me¡­¡±


    After a while, the side door of the annex opened. Elise appeared, holding a tray and exuding a powerful aura.


    ¡°Ta-da! I bring fruit punch!¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Seira sprung up to her feet with a groaning sound. Then, she went to lift the tray that looked heavy even at a glance.


    ¡°Elise, I love you¡­ Will you marry me?¡±


    With an elegant smile, Elise held the tray high beyond Seira¡¯s reach.


    ¡°No. Your love is too cheap.¡±


    ¡°Wow, I got dumped with such a cruel comment.¡±


    The women burst into laughter.


    ¡°The spoons are here!¡±


    While laughing and chatting, the woman took the spoon, sat close, and began to eat the fruit punch that Elise had prepared. Rietta also received a spoon. Suddenly, Irene came into her eyes. She stood tall as if chasing Killian¡¯s shadow who had already disappeared, her lonely back disappearing into the East Annex.


    ¡°Wow! How can there be grapes already?¡±


    ¡°From the greenhouse of the Grand Temple of Havitus! Expensive fruit that grew up with divine power!¡±


    ¡°Gosh. The grace of the goddess is extremely sweet. Although it is also extremely expensive¡­¡±


    Having been hesitant all the time, Rietta carefully opened her mouth when the tea time was over.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Before returning home, Rietta once again entered the annex with permission from women in the East Annex. Then, she went to Irene¡¯s room, which was located on the fourth floor, a bit far from the other women¡¯s rooms. It bothered her that Irene was the only one who did not get any blessings.


    Compared to the hallways on the second and third floors, where flowerpots and display cabinets were placed on each window, the fourth floor was empty. As she did not receive any money, Rietta only planned to cast a simple blessing in front of the door. She stood in front of the room and gently placed her hand on the door.


    Then, the door suddenly opened. Rietta took her hand in surprise and stepped back.


    ¡°What are you?¡±


    The voice asked with a cold tone. She glared at Rietta with her green eyes, not being able to hide it being swollen and red.


    ¡°I, I¡¯m a blessing caster. I¡¯m commissioned to¡­¡±


    Rietta was flustered and bowed her head to the floor as she used to do to the nobles. Then, suddenly she raised her head again as she remembered about the courtesy in Axias. Irene looked up and down at Rietta¡¯s clothes, frowning annoyedly. Soon, a cold voice came out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that. Get out.¡±


    She told Rietta to get out when she did not even step into her room. Irene spoke as if even the hallway was her mansion. Irene was the only one staying on the fourth floor but Rietta had no excuse to give as she was not going to ask her to let her in or ask her to give her work.


    Irene smiled coldly and sarcastically with an only sensitive face, instead of a miserable one.


    ¡°I guess now even a blessing caster is touting for customers, huh? If your business is not doing well, why don¡¯t you go to a place with a lot of men instead of a place like this?¡±


    Rietta just bowed her head quietly. She came to Irene¡¯s private room, wandered around without permission, and ended up disturbing the noble lady¡¯s feelings. She thought that she could not do anything even if Irene was angry.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. Just at the door¡­ I will go back after casting a simple blessing. I came here to do just that from the beginning.¡±


    Irene silently stared at Rietta and strode into her room. She picked up a gold coin and threw it out of the door. The gold coin rolled before stopping after colliding with Rietta¡¯s foot.


    ¡°Take that and get out of my face.¡±


    In the end, Rietta¡¯s face returned red.


    ¡°I, I don¡¯t need any mo¡­¡±


    The door was slammed in front of Rietta¡¯s face. She stood silently in front of the door for a moment. Even though Irene was a noble, she felt insulted. But at the same time, she pitied Irene.


    Even though she only saw Irene¡¯s room through a small gap for a moment, she could see that it was dark and messy.


    There was no maid in the East Annex. Everyone had to do everything themselves there. It was not a suitable place for a noble lady, who had maids to serve her all her life since she was born.


    A noble lady who had thrown everything away. No matter how she decorated herself, the one she desperately tried to grab did not even give her a glance. There was no one to take care of her. She forced herself to stay but time went by with his heart still closed.


    Even Rietta knew what it meant for a noble lady over the age of 20, getting older in a place like this without a fianc¨¦. Her romantic feelings would burn her heart and gnaw at it without cooling down. Her pride would have hurt too.


    Irene could not even afford to joke around with the Archduke¡¯s women who called him family. Other than being sharp and spitting out mean words, she would not have known how to protect her pride.


    With her eyes closed, Rietta slowly swept the door with a faintly shining touch. Just like what she did to other ladies. With a sad wish that she would not get sick.


    After a while, Rietta left the door, leaving nothing but a shiny gold coin.

 CH 12

    Translator: Wawaa


    Editor: WilsonWilson


    ????????????????????¡ã???¡ã?????????????????????


    Since then, Rietta has visited the East Annex every week for her work and had tea time together with the ladies. Naturally, she became close to them. Killian never visited the East Annex, but whenever they talked to each other, he had never been left out from their main topic. They regarded the most notorious cold-hearted guy in the Empire as their old bachelor cousin.


    ¡°There are rumors in the capital that His Lordship killed a woman again.¡±


    Elise smiled and asked her.


    ¡°Did your aunt send a letter saying she was worried about you again?¡±


    Then, she grumbled.


    ¡°Yes. She did not even believe me when I told her that such things don¡¯t happen in the East Annex.¡±


    Seira wrinkled her nose, leaned back, and stood on her tippy toes.


    ¡°Another rumor about him appeared saying he killed people even though he just saved someone. As expected of His Lordship.¡±


    Rachel calmly analyzed what she heard while fixing her straw hat that was messed up by a fruit that fell from the tree.


    ¡°In the case of the rumors regarding Rietta, maybe the spread of his malicious rumors was to avoid the spread of his good deeds.¡±


    Giselle shrugged.


    ¡°No one knows.¡±


    The lady who received the letter let out a long sigh and complained.


    ¡°Aah, I¡¯m tired of people misunderstanding him and pitying me. I just want him to quickly meet someone nice and settle down.¡±


    Anna became excited and intervened.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! Me! Give strength to me! So that I can grow fast!¡±


    Some of the ladies burst into laughter.


    ¡°There she goes again.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    A month later, Rietta went to Killian¡¯s room to replenish the blessing. A thoroughly cast blessing could last about three months, but it was the standard to replenish it every month when the effect began to decline. This time, she even cast the blessings in his office with his permission.


    While Rietta was casting the blessings, Killian casually sat at his desk and looked at the documents. Suddenly, he blurted out the thought that came to his mind.


    ¡°I heard you didn¡¯t accept money last time.¡±


    He was talking about the blessing in his bedroom last month. After knowing what Rietta did, Erne tried to pay for the blessing service fee, but Rietta refused and did not receive the money.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Take it.¡±


    Rietta has established a response policy while facing Killian, such as don¡¯t retort or refuse him and always followed his orders, but she could not yield for this one.


    Rietta, who was casting blessings on the window of the office, stopped her hand and turned toward Killian. Then, she carefully opened her mouth with her hands buried in her skirt.


    ¡°I thank you from the bottom of my heart.¡±


    Killian moved his eyes off the documents and glanced at Rietta. Her voice continued calmly.


    ¡°For saving me and for bringing me to live in this good land¡­ Every time I laugh on this land, every time I realize that I¡¯m still breathing¡­¡±


    And every time I light a candle in front of my daughter¡¯s memorial tablet.


    ¡°I feel your kindness that I can¡¯t pay back for the rest of my life.¡±


    She knew that only sharp rejection would return if she said, ¡®Never mind the money. Just let me do it,¡¯ so Rietta carefully extended her speech. Even though he did not like long words, Killian was silently listening. Rietta took a short breath and bowed her head while fiddling with the tips of her fingernails.


    ¡°It¡¯s just self-satisfaction¡­ But I want to repay you even a little bit somehow.¡±


    Fortunately, Killian did not say that she was arrogant. As it was difficult to withstand the awkward silence, she bit the inside of her lips. Rietta quietly lowered her eyes and concluded with a smaller voice.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t take away what small joy I have.¡±


    Killian glanced at Rietta with indifferent eyes. He did not feel anything for the woman who was standing modestly. He just thought that she spoke very cleanly. He did not trust people easily, but he thought she had the talent to talk so that she would look transparent and upright. He quietly lowered his eyes to the documents without answering.


    It was not until a moment later that Rietta realized that his silence meant permission and turned silently toward the window in relief.


    ¡°There will be more opportunities for you to repay me with your ability.¡±


    When his low voice rang from behind, Rietta turned again to him. Killian said with his eyes fixed on the documents.


    ¡°I will call you when I need you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, milord!¡±


    Rietta answered happily. She could not believe there would be an opportunity for her to repay his favor with her poor ability. It was really a happy and fortunate thing. Summer was just around the corner and the birds were chirping.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    It was already summer, and in no time at all, the day became completely hot. Anna was watching Rietta wiping off her sweat with her sleeve, she pulled her hand and took Rietta to her room, saying that she had a blessing commission for Rietta.


    Anna hesitated for a long time and asked if there were any blessings that could make her become prettier or grow up faster. Rietta chuckled.


    ¡°There¡¯s no such blessing, Anna. You¡¯re pretty enough right now.¡±


    ¡°But the others say that I¡¯m too young. Even His Lordship only sees me as a child. He hasn¡¯t ever gazed at me with passion in his eyes.¡±


    Passion¡­ gaze¡­


    Rietta almost imagined the scene where the Archduke of Axias looked at Anna with a passionate gaze but quickly shook her head.


    What a dangerous little lady¡­


    Rietta smiled and lowered her body to meet Anna¡¯s eye level.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same case for all ladies, so it¡¯s not something that you should be disappointed in.¡±


    Anna had a sullen face.


    ¡°But still¡­¡±


    Rietta smiled affectionately and tucked Anna¡¯s hair behind her ears. Then, she held the little girl¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Anna, the future won¡¯t come quickly even if you rush it. Rather, I¡¯m worried that you won¡¯t be able to fully enjoy your current beautiful days after seeing only the distant future.¡±


    Anna looked at the beautiful blessing caster as if she was possessed. Rietta continued to talk, still making eye contact.


    ¡°Right now, you¡¯re so pretty and cute that we don¡¯t want time to go by¡­ But I know that little Anna won¡¯t stay with us forever. You will become prettier and more mature as the years go by until you finally become a beautiful lady. I¡¯m looking forward to that day too.¡±


    Anna¡¯s face turned red, she shyly looked at her toes.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying. No matter how pretty I become, I won¡¯t become as pretty as you, Lady Rietta.¡±


    Rietta shook her head and smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯re prettier than me now. And just call me Rietta, Anna.¡±


    Even though all the ladies in the annex called her Rietta after becoming close to her, Anna stubbornly called her Lady Rietta. Anna hesitated and looked at her, then she ran to the corner of her bed after letting go of Rietta¡¯s hand.


    Anna opened a sewing basket placed under the bed and took out a white handkerchief. She came back to Rietta with the handkerchief in her hand. Then, after hesitating for a moment, she gave it to Rietta.


    ¡°This.¡±


    It was a handkerchief with ¡®blessing caster¡¯ written in crooked embroidery on it. Not even her name, but just blessing caster. Anna was cute and lovely, and Rietta smiled at her for that.


    ¡°Is this for me?¡±


    Anna nodded with a slightly blushed face. A warm smile bloomed on Rietta¡¯s face. At first, she barely showed any of her emotions, but as she hung out with the ladies of the East Annex, she gradually started to smile and became more beautiful as the days went by. Anna felt her heart pound as she saw the woman she liked smile beautifully.


    ¡°A blessing caster is a cool job.¡±


    Anna said, wiggling her body in a bashful manner.


    ¡°If I can¡¯t be His Lordship¡¯s wife¡­ I wish I could be a blessing caster like you.¡±


    Rietta blinked. She looked at Anna, slightly surprised. Noticing Rietta¡¯s silence, Anna tried to change the subject and quickly picked up her pillow with a red face and gave it to Rietta.


    ¡°Please cast blessings here.¡±


    Rietta took the pillow in a daze and looked at the girl who was looking at her with wistful eyes.


    ¡°This one, this one, and this one too!¡±


    Anna brought all the things in her room with a red face and gave them all to Rietta. Rietta cast blessings on all the things that Anna gave.


    ¡°Uh¡­ How much will that be?¡±


    There were more than ten items that Rietta blessed. She was embarrassed, so she just shoved out things to be blessed, but Anna knew that casting blessings were labor that had to be paid. Rietta smiled and shook her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You gave me a gift, so my blessings today are a gift for you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Anna¡¯s eyes widened in awe. Rietta put her index finger in front of her lips.


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret from the other ladies.¡±


    ¡°Rietta¡­ I¡­¡±


    Anna hesitated again for a long time and spoke in a determined tone as if she had made a really big decision.


    ¡°If it¡¯s Rietta¡­ I can even yield His Lordship.¡±


    Rietta stared blankly at Anna¡¯s solemn face and burst into laughter. After a long while, Anna, too, laughed out loud.


    Before Rietta left, Anna grabbed her once again.


    ¡°Are you going to stop by the 4th floor again today?¡±


    4th floor¡ªthe floor where Irene stayed.


    ¡°Oh, yes.¡±


    Even if she had never told anyone about it, everyone knew that Rietta secretly cast blessings on the hallway where Irene stayed. Even if no one mentioned it, Rietta always stopped by the 4th floor before returning home. Anna hesitated a little and took out something from the drawer and gave it to Rietta.


    ¡°This¡­ Can you put this on Irene¡¯s door?¡±


    Anna was holding a silk hair tie. The green embroidery at the end of the gray silk was a color that seemed to go well with Irene¡¯s green eyes. Rietta looked at it with surprised eyes and asked.


    ¡°For Irene?¡±


    Anna nodded and muttered.


    ¡°Tomorrow is Irene¡¯s birthday¡­¡±


    Anna added in a hurry as Rietta looked at her in surprise.


    ¡°Of course, I still like you the best, so I¡¯m going to give you something better on your birthday!¡±


    Anna made all sorts of gestures, and with a dazed look, Rietta blinked and asked.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be difficult to give this to her¡­ But why don¡¯t you give it to her yourself?¡±


    Anna replied, fiddling with her ear with an awkward face.


    ¡°I usually don¡¯t get along well with Irene¡­ and she must be depressed because His Lordship may not even know her birthday.¡±


    Anna continued with a coy look, pouting her lips.


    ¡°Irene and I are rivals in love. So I think it would be better if she thinks that¡¯s a gift from you.¡±


    Unable to say that she was also not welcomed by Irene at all, Rietta glanced down at the hair tie in her hand.


    Rietta was speechless, though, not because of the words ¡®rivals in love¡¯. She felt warm at the place where the soft hair tie was.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    After leaving Anna¡¯s room, Rietta gathered a little more courage than usual and headed to the 4th floor of the annex where Irene stayed. She had never seen Irene since her visit that day; when the door slammed in front of her face and she heard Irene¡¯s harsh words. But whenever she came there, Rietta knew that Irene was in the room over the thin wooden door.


    Rietta thought maybe she should knock on the door today. If she opened the door, she wanted to honestly say that the hair tie was a gift from Anna and congratulate her on her birthday. She wanted to say that she hoped they could have tea time together next time. With as much kindness and courage as the young girl did¡­


    But Irene was not in her room. The room reflected through the door was dark and there was no usual silence presence. Rietta waited for a while but eventually, Irene showed no signs of returning. She hung the hair tie on the doorknob and stepped back. Before leaving, she gave a sweet blessing, silvering the tightly closed door.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡°The Grand Temple Havitus has been acting strange lately.¡±


    Leonard affirmed Killian¡¯s words with silence. The flow of money that had skillfully gone missing, the priests that have been dispatched or transferred for no apparent reason and have not been seen for a long time, the situation where the person on the document was different from the person who was actually present, and the guests who had secretly visited on occasion.


    Suspicious movements were detected by the person Killian had put in the temple. The informant has identified and reported some of the guests who visited secretly. Among them, there were priests who broke the commandments by dealing with black sorcerers, and there were scholars who were masters of demonology and medicine.


    As the disease was circulating, a meeting between the temple and demonologists could not be seen as strange. But the fact that it was conducted in secret was what made it so suspicious.


    All of these were grounds that could support the claim that the temple was playing a part for the plague to move in a bad direction. The investigation yielded an unimaginable harvest, even for Killian, who started it as insurance. Above all, the Archbishop of the Grand Temple insisted that he had never sent such a report to Axias.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Erne called Killian from outside the door.


    ¡°Come on in.¡±


    Erne entered and bowed his head.


    ¡°The delegates of Her Majesty, the Queen, visited with the priests of the Grand Temple Havitus. They are urgently asking for an audience with you, master.¡±


    Killian frowned.


    ¡°On what business?¡±


    ¡°They said they would meet you and tell you in person.¡±


    Leonard smiled and said under his breath.


    ¡°¡­A combination of the Queen and the Grand Temple Havitus which is currently making the most dangerous and suspicious moves.¡±


    The Queen was not Killian¡¯s mother, but the mother of his two brothers whom he decapitated. As usual, Killian opened his mouth with a cold smile, raising only one corner of his lips.


    ¡°Erne, is today the day that Rietta will come?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She¡¯s in the East Annex at the moment.¡±


    ¡°Tell the delegation. I¡¯m rolling around in bed with my woman now so wait until I¡¯m done in the audience room.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master.¡±


    Then, he turned to Leonard, who stood next to him, and gave him a predictable order.


    ¡°Bring Rietta here without attracting any attention.¡±


    Leonard accepted the order.


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±

 CH 13

    ¡°Rietta, raise your head.¡±


    Killian greeted her in somewhat loose-fitting clothing that was somehow different from his usual outfit. Despite the fact that he was smiling, Rietta thought that his face looked colder than usual for some reason.


    ¡°The opportunity has come to repay the favor you have been longing for.¡±


    Killian snapped his finger and two ladies-in-waiting came through the side door.


    ¡°You may change your garments first.¡±


    The ladies-in-waiting were holding a flowy and luxurious sleeveless dress.


    ¡°I will give my order after that.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    After Rietta changed her clothes, Killian gave out orders to a beautiful woman with long black hair and an exotic appearance. After she nodded her head, she raised and put her hand in front of Killian¡¯s chest. Blue light in the shape of a shield appeared in front of his body before disappearing.


    As Rietta entered, Killian looked at her. His red eyes glanced over Rietta¡¯s outfit.


    ¡°It suits you.¡±


    Why do I have to wear this?


    Her outfit was not that revealing but she was still concerned about how obscene it looked as if it was purposefully made for seduction. However, as soon as Killian started giving his orders, Rietta¡¯s composure for such thoughts quickly disappeared.


    ¡°The people you will meet from now on are the delegates representing the Queen and the priests. Lana will stand next to me and Rietta will stand behind me.¡±


    Rietta¡¯s eyes got bigger.


    The delegates of the Queen?


    ¡°If any among them doesn¡¯t seem to be priests, put your hand on my shoulder. And if you see plague demons or something dangerous, hug my neck.¡±


    Rietta came to her senses. It was not a difficult mission to understand. However, according to her intuition, something dangerous and important was happening. She clenched her hand and nodded quickly.


    ¡°Yes, but it will be difficult to know for sure whether one is a priest or not.¡±


    ¡°I know. You don¡¯t have to be perfect.


    Killian approached her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to be wrong. I don¡¯t mind even if you¡¯re uncertain, but if something is suspicious, do this.¡±


    Killian touched Rietta¡¯s shoulder with his fingertips, drawing Rietta¡¯s attention to her shoulder.


    ¡°If there are several suspicious people, do this.¡±


    Killian tapped Rietta¡¯s shoulder with two of his fingers. Then, he tapped her shoulder again with three fingers.


    ¡°And if you think it¡¯s definitely strange or dangerous, do this.¡±


    Killian gently grabbed Rietta¡¯s shoulder before gently caressing it. Rietta bit the inside of her lip with a nervous look and nodded.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    The Queen was Killian¡¯s enemy who fought him for her life. It was well understood that she had bad blood with the Archduke of Axias due to their past. However, as Rietta had never heard news of either of their deaths for decades, she thought that it was just a metaphor that they were fighting for their lives.


    But even a fool could see that Killian¡¯s orders were unusual.


    ¡°Do you need a blessing?¡±


    Killian shook his head lightly.


    ¡°Lana¡¯s protective magic is enough.¡±


    When Lana finished casting protective magic on Rietta, Killian smirked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. Smile. You ladies just rolled around in bed with me. Be shameless and natural.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡°Greetings to Archduke Killian Axias. I¡¯m Vincent, the delegate of Her Imperial Majesty, Queen Aversati.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Killian, who leaned to the side on the seat of honor, smiled languidly and hugged Lana¡¯s waist next to him.


    ¡°What brings the delegates of the Queen this far?¡±


    Queen Aversati. The mother of the Crown Prince. More than a decade ago, she lost her two sons to the hands of Prince Killian, son of the deceased Empress. She was the most powerful woman in the Empire.


    After the Empress¡¯ death, the Emperor remarried to Aversati. As The Emperor did not take in any other wives, she remained the only companion to the Emperor. Empress Aversati¡¯s reputation suffered due to several incidents caused by her feud with Killian. But the Emperor practically had no woman other than her, and as her son grew up to become the Crown Prince, she naturally possessed power comparable to that of the Emperor. Much to no one¡¯s surprise, she had a long-standing feud with Killian.


    Rietta pretended to have a calm smile and looked at Killian¡¯s side. Killian always looked indifferent and languid, even at the current moment, but Rietta saw what he had prepared before going out in front of the Queen¡¯s delegation.


    It was difficult to understand. No matter how hostile their relationship was, could the Queen openly hide an assassin or a spy in her delegation? With that thought in mind, Rietta turned to the delegation and felt a tingling sensation burning down the back of her neck.


    One of the men in the priest¡¯s uniform was looking at Rietta. The moment their eyes met, Rietta knew he was feeling for her. Instead of divine power, unfamiliar energy scanned through her body creepily. He was not a priest.


    ¡°Her Imperial Majesty, who is concerned about the plague circulating in the Empire, is now personally coming to the Grand Temple Havitus to pray for the peace and well-being of the Empire.¡±


    Vincent answered politely even though Killian showed his arrogance by yawning with a woman in his arms even in the presence of the delegates of the Queen. Rietta struggled to raise her trembling hand as she gave a lovely smile towards Killian. She placed her finger on Killian¡¯s bare shoulder, exposed through his loose clothing, and caressed it.


    Killian found her adorable and let go of Lana. Then, he grabbed Rietta¡¯s hand as she passed by and naturally put it on his lips. Cold sweat was dripping from Rietta¡¯s hand.


    Killian kissed her on the back of her hand as if to calm her down. Then, he answered.


    ¡°Therefore?¡±


    ¡°Your Grace has not seen Her Imperial Majesty for a long time. You occasionally showed yourself to His Imperial Majesty, but not to¡­¡±


    Seeing Vincent trying to deceive him with transparent guile, Killian smirked and cut his words off.


    ¡°It seems that Her Imperial Majesty misses me.¡±


    There was no way the Queen would miss him. Want to kill him, maybe.


    ¡°Yes. Her Imperial Majesty has not seen Your Grace for a long time. She is sad for¡­¡±


    ¡°Wilhelm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Vincent, Your Grace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure whether Her Imperial Majesty wants to see me or my body.¡±


    ¡°W, what are you talking about¡­!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really like lengthy speeches. So what does Her Imperial Majesty want from me?¡±


    Vincent, who turned pale, bowed his head.


    ¡°For Your Grace¡¯s health, Her Imperial Majesty had¡­¡±


    ¡°State your business only.¡±


    Killian cut Vincent off again. Vincent clenched his teeth and bowed his head.


    ¡°Her Imperial Majesty would like to invite Your Grace to the Great Temple Havitus.


    Killian snorted with a grumpy face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I already got the blessing. Convey my thanks for her.¡±


    ¡°You have to go. Before the full moon rises.¡±


    Killian looked at Vincent with one eyebrow raised. Vincent continued to speak.


    ¡°As a result of careful discussion with the Archbishop of the Great Temple Havitus, Her Imperial Majesty has decided to forget about the perennial bitter feelings and accept the Archduke of Axias as a member of the Imperial family who serves His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor.¡±


    Killian¡¯s expression hardened. Everyone, including Rietta, looked at him with a surprised face.


    ¡°As a result of getting an auspicious day from the Chief Priest, the full moon this month will be the brightest it has been in 12 years and it will be at its utmost potential. Her Imperial Majesty has sent priests to help you on your way. Your Grace will go through a blessing ceremony by the Archbishop. The temple will recognize the ceremony and your authority as the Imperial family will be¡­¡±


    ¡°When is the full moon?¡±


    Vincent bowed his head, bewildered by the deathly pale gaze. He was asking not because he did not know.


    ¡°It, it¡¯s in five days.¡±


    ¡°Five days.¡±


    Killian repeated his words and lifted his eyebrows. He laughed as he was dumbfounded. Whether the Queen¡¯s proposal was sincere or not, it was too short of a duration to lead a large group.


    Slam!


    Rietta and the delegation were surprised. Killian kicked the table in front of him and stared at Vincent with cold eyes.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡±


    Killian displayed insolence that no one dared to do in front of the delegates of the Queen. But, for making the duration so short, the fault certainly lies in them.


    ¡°My¡­ My apologies. We were originally scheduled to arrive four days ago. It took a long time as we tried to avoid bandits on our way. But if we take our departure today¡­¡±


    ¡°What about His Imperial Majesty?¡±


    ¡°His Imperial Majesty has persistently recommended it. Her Imperial Majesty is so affectionate that even in the midst of sadness, she keeps missing Your Grace and is filled with concern. Since she is also a devout person, when the Archbishop and the Chief Priest said they are of one mind with His Imperial Majesty, finally Her Imperial Majesty made the final¡­¡±


    ¡°Wilhelm.¡±


    Killian cut him off again, his red eyes stared ferociously at Vincent.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking whether His Imperial Majesty knows about this or not.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. After making her decision, Her Imperial Majesty immediately sent a messenger to the Imperial Palace. His Imperial Majesty¡¯s deputies will attend the grand blessing ceremony¡­¡±


    Vincent replied while shivering. Killian gently closed his eyes and clenched his teeth.


    [¡°Killian¡­ Should I kill you?


    I know that hatred is deep between you two.


    I¡¯m not asking you to embrace her with your feelings. Whatever your inner thoughts are, at least treat her with respect on the outside. That¡¯s it.


    There¡¯s no more mercy than this.¡±]


    A long time had passed, but the dry voice whispering in his ear was still clear in his head.


    Killian opened his eyelids, revealing his cold red eyes. The news had already been conveyed to the Emperor, and moreover, if his deputies were to attend the grand blessing ceremony, he had no reason to dare to refuse. Even if he refused the reinstatement, he still could not refuse it without even meeting the Queen who had made such an offer.


    ¡°Wilhelm.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±


    Not daring to correct his name this time, Vincent only silently bowed his head.


    ¡°Go outside the castle and wait. I will get ready.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±


    The delegation left the audience room while getting scared out of their wits. Leonard immediately came over and said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t mean it. There must be something wrong.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    After giving a short answer, Killian immediately turned his head to Rietta.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the suspicious one?¡±


    ¡°The one standing in the second row from the far left¡­ He¡¯s not a priest.¡±


    ¡°Why did you think so?¡±


    ¡°When our eyes met, he looked at me with an energy that was not divine power.¡±


    Killian¡¯s eyes lit up.


    She can even feel the nature of energy?


    ¡°Leonard, do you know who it is?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace. I remember him.¡±


    ¡°Kill him.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    The same word came out of Leonard and Rietta¡¯s mouths with different tones after listening to Killian¡¯s order. Rietta¡¯s eyes widened. Killian turned his gaze to Rietta. It was a cold gaze.


    ¡°The order is not for you.¡±


    Rietta looked at Killian in disbelief.


    ¡°Did¡­ Did you order the knight to kill him?¡±


    With just a few words from me? No way. Nope. I must have heard him wrong. I just said that he did not seem like a priest.


    Killian¡¯s cold eyes drew an eerie arc.


    ¡°Yes, and?¡±

 CH 14

    ¡°W, wait a second!¡±


    Shouted Rietta urgently. She ran out in front of Killian with her hands trembling. After staying in Axias for some time, she had forgotten about that one fact. The man in front of her was Killian Axias¡ªthe most notorious cold-blooded person in the Empire.


    ¡°T, that¡¯s too¡­ That¡¯s too!¡±


    The fragments of gibberish words spouted by Rietta did not create a proper meaning. However, her intention was clearly conveyed. A cold reply came back from him.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Why? because I would not have said that he was suspicious so easily if I knew he was going to kill someone just like that.


    Rietta urgently lifted her eyes and looked at Killian. A gentle voice came out from the face of a beautifully smiling man.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t order him to kill you.¡±


    A cold wind blew through her spine from his expressionless face. Neither Lana nor Leonard looked particularly flustered.


    Am I the weird one here?


    ¡°Maybe¡­maybe I misjudged him.¡±


    Rietta forced out her stuttering voice.¡±


    ¡°How, how can you easily believe me and order something¡­¡±


    Killian smirked.


    ¡°You¡¯re at least more trustworthy than the Queen¡¯s delegates. You¡¯re sincerely grateful to me.¡±


    Rietta¡¯s body froze at Killian¡¯s unexpected answer, on the other hand, Rietta¡¯s mouth was moving quickly to save a stranger. She did not even know his name, yet, his life was at stake because of her.


    ¡°He just had an energy that was not of a priest.¡±


    ¡°You said he was feeling your body with that.¡±


    ¡°He just scanned through with that energy!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same thing?¡±


    Rietta grabbed her chest, she felt like she was suffocating.


    ¡°How can you kill someone so easily¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t kill first, you might be the one getting killed.¡±


    Killian dismissed her pleas coldly.


    ¡°Even if I¡¯m okay, you will be in danger. You, Rietta.¡±


    His red eyes looked directly at her.


    ¡°Can you protect yourself from enemies as much as I, Leonard, or Lana can?¡±


    A delegation sent by someone who opposed him. A man who investigated if the women by his side were either just a sorcerer, a mere plaything, or a priest with an energy that was not one of a priest. Why was he even in a priest¡¯s attire when he was not one?


    ¡°We are going to go on a five-day journey together with their ¡®escort¡¯. There is no reason to keep someone who is clearly dangerous.¡±


    Besides, Killian was thinking of another possibility in his head. It was quite possible when the delegation said that they came across bandits. Recently, there have been quite a few bandits attacking travelers. There were not many cities that accepted migrants from villages ravaged by the plague. But for them to arrive this late, making them have such little time to prepare, was it really their fault?


    Rietta belatedly asked back with blank eyes.


    ¡°We¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re coming with me. Erne.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the Grand Temple Havitus. Prepare for the trip, offerings for the grand temple, and gifts for the Queen.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master.¡±


    ¡°Leonard, prepare 12 knights in the best condition, including you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±


    Rietta could not get a hold of herself and was terrified. She held onto Killian again.


    ¡°How are you going to kill the priest that the Queen sent without any reason?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nothing for you to worry about.¡±


    A cold answer returned. Killian dismissed Rietta and disappeared out of the door.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Less than two hours later, a large party headed to the Grand Temple Havitus was formed. About forty priests, the delegation sent by the Queen, and twelve knights and attendants who were to accompany Killian lined up in front of Axias Castle. Each riding on horses or carriages.


    There was a limit to the number of armed personnel Killian could bring along. Besides, if the Emperor was watching, he could not take more troops than the one sent by the Queen. It could be interpreted as disrespect and distrust.


    Normally, the Archduke of Axias would not care about that. But since it was a serious issue, Killian was required to follow the custom. Meaning, only twelve knights followed Killian. It was less than half of the number of knights escorting the delegation sent by the Queen.


    A regular carriage carrying six women, including Rietta and Lana, and six wagons carrying numerous loads also followed. The priests frowned at Killian for taking a division of his concubines even though he was on the way to the temple with the call of his stepmother, a woman of the highest class in the Empire. But no one was brave enough to object to him. He already did his best by keeping his manners by limiting the number of security personnel accompanying him.


    Giselle, Rachel, Elise, and Seira were called without knowing anything and rode the carriage. They found Rietta and called her pleasantly.


    ¡°Oh my! Riet¡­ta?¡±


    Rietta looked at them blankly, not even thinking of greeting them. The four women looked at each other, blinking their eyes in bewilderment when they saw Rietta¡¯s pale expression. Rietta thought it was something she should not have said recklessly so she could not open her mouth and just stayed quiet.


    At that moment, Lana raised her hand and put a blue barrier around the carriage. Then, she began to explain to them where the carriage was heading to and what had happened in a clumsy accent of the imperial language.


    Lana seemed to have already known the women of the East Annex. Rietta thought it must be okay after seeing Lana tell them about what had happened as she seemed more familiar with this situation than herself. She blankly tore off the tip of her fingernail. After the women learned of the situation, they looked at Rietta with pity.


    ¡°Rietta¡­ You must have been shocked.¡±


    Giselle offered her consolation. However, their feelings were different from saying that his measure was too much. Rather than thinking Killian¡¯s order was excessive, they were sorry for her because Killian was not considerate enough to make sure she did not directly hear about his order.


    However¡­


    Rachel stayed still and stared at Rietta¡¯s pale face. Rachel knew that Killian trusted her to be someone who would never betray him, so she could see his intentions behind bearing such excessive stress on Rietta and suddenly including her in the delegation. And now it seemed that he was testing her abilities.


    ¡°But, Rietta, I don¡¯t think His Lordship¡¯s order is wrong.¡±


    Rachel cautiously opened her mouth.


    ¡°Because the person indeed did something threatening. Why would someone who was not even a priest be wearing a priest¡¯s outfit? If someone who had a history of threatening my life had sent someone suspicious to escort me, then even I would not want to go on a trip that would require me to spend days and nights with him.¡±


    Seira looked into Rietta¡¯s eyes with a slightly worried look.


    ¡°Still¡­ Killing is too much. He has not even done anything yet.¡±


    ¡°But His Lordship can¡¯t just wait until he does something. His scanning through Rietta already means that he is planning to do something. He must have been prepared in case he was found out.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t they just lock him up somewhere or just leave him out of this trip?¡±


    Elise let out a short sigh and leaned against the carriage wall.


    ¡°They don¡¯t have a reason to do so. Is there even a way to leave him out without being blamed? The most efficient thing to do is to remove him in secret. It can¡¯t be helped. It might be safe if they didn¡¯t get caught removing him.¡±


    Giselle found Rietta, who was spacing out and looking pale.


    ¡°Rietta? Are you uncomfortable somewhere? Rietta.¡±


    ¡°Get a grip!¡±


    Seira clapped her hands in front of Rieta.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Rietta, who had been out of her mind with a pale face, lifted her trembling eyes and looked at them. Unknowingly, she squinted her eyes and grabbed her dress. Rietta relaxed her expression with force and lowered her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Her attempt at trying to be calm with an absent-minded look made the other women feel rather sympathetic.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be hard, but forget it. Even if it was not because of you, he would have found something strange and the man would not have been safe. I don¡¯t think even the Queen is expecting all her people to come back alive.¡±


    Rietta nodded her head, but her expression was still unconvinced. Seeing her, Elise continued.


    ¡°Rietta, it might not look like it, but His Lordship¡¯s position is not very stable. The Queen is always threatening his life. There have been times when a delegation sent by the Queen suddenly attacked him. But of course, there was no one left and they all died at the hands of the knights.¡±


    Another lady added.


    ¡°I heard when he nitpicked the Queen about that, she said she had never sent such a delegation. Even His Lordship said he knew she would come out like that so he just overlooked it.¡±


    Rietta looked quite surprised by what they said. It was the first time she had heard about that.


    Something like that happened between the Archduke of Axias and the Queen? If that¡¯s true, shouldn¡¯t the Empire be turned upside down with the news? The Queen¡¯s delegation conducted an open attempt to assassinate the Emperor¡¯s son, and the Emperor¡¯s son killed them without a blink¡­ and he just moved on when the Queen said that she did not do it?


    ¡°Actually, His Lordship leaves the vicious rumors about him without denying them and lives his life like a lazy playboy to avoid becoming a threat to the current Crown Prince. His appeal is that he is not someone that the Emperor will pay attention to.¡±


    Rietta blankly repeated.


    ¡°Threat?¡±


    ¡°It is speculated by the public that the Emperor still has lingering feelings for His Lordship, and that speculation would intimidate the Crown Prince¡¯s mother, the Queen.¡±


    ¡°His Lordship doesn¡¯t even think about that. It would be nice if His Majesty could just give up on that feeling.¡±


    ¡°Well. Even if he is not a threat to the Crown Prince, the Queen would still probably hate him. To the point where she wants to kill him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why when people are about to forget about it, she starts doing crazy things like this.¡±


    The women began to worry around.


    ¡°What is it this time? I¡¯m really anxious. She even said she would reinstate him. Is something big going to happen?¡±


    Rietta embraced her cold body with a disturbed mind. Giselle looked at her.


    ¡°Rietta, what¡¯s that in your sleeve? It¡¯s going to fall.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you.¡±


    Rietta fixed the position of the dagger. When Giselle saw her, she tilted her head and asked.


    ¡°A dagger? Why do you have such a thing?¡±


    Rietta replied awkwardly.


    ¡°¡­I was wondering if he¡¯d spare him if I proved that I could protect myself¡­¡±


    Elise shook her head, covering her mouth with a surprised face.


    ¡°Oh my God. Rietta¡­ You still have not given up yet?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. His Lordship will never take back his order.¡±


    Seira smiled bitterly.


    ¡°You could not even keep a dagger properly in your sleeve. Forget protecting yourself, can you even hold it, let alone swing it?¡±


    She was right. Rietta smiled helplessly as if she accepted the words. It was indeed a silly idea. Even she thought the words that came out of her mouth sounded stupid.


    Rietta was not the only one who was incapable of self-defense. There were five more women like her. Even if she excluded Lana, there were still four women. If he was a really dangerous person and if something did happen, not only Rietta, but many others could be in danger. Rietta stared blankly at the corner of the carriage.


    Safety and threat¡ªthose words did not relate well to the Archduke of Axias.


    Power, wealth, and status that everyone feared. Since he was a member of the Imperial family, he had no reason to fear the nobles and no reason to fear the law¡­ So she thought that he would never face any threat in his daily life.


    ¡°Rietta, don¡¯t blame yourself. It¡¯s not your fault. That person came with a hostile status and did something suspicious.¡±


    Someone comforted Rietta.


    Rietta looked out of the carriage window with a hollow look on her face. She just wanted to see another place, but he was there in her view.


    The man whom she pointed at. The man who would die today. He was still alive.


    No matter how much she convinced herself that he was a threat to the Archduke of Axias, she did not want to believe that he would soon die because of one word from her. She could not bear the weight of the words that came out of her mouth.


    ¡°¡­I will see what I can do.¡±


    A small voice rang out from inside the carriage. Giselle let out a light sigh.


    ¡°Leonard was the one who got the order anyway, right?¡±


    Rachel whistled.


    ¡°Oh, are you going to use your chance as a girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not his girlfriend.¡±


    Elise asked with a puzzled face.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    Giselle moved her sleeve once, then pulled out a small vial from her sleeve. Incomparable to Rietta¡¯s clumsy skill, the carefully hidden object came out of nowhere and was caught between Giselle¡¯s index and middle finger.


    ¡°I will give him very bad diarrhea for a few days. He will give up the journey himself before his neck will fly away.¡±


    Giselle winked her eyes.


    ¡°Have I ever told you that I can deal with medicine?¡±

 CH 15

    Before the sun had gone down that day, the procession suddenly stopped. One of the priests, visibly haggard from exhaustion, staggered forward and bowed his head in front of Killian.


    ¡°¡­My apologies, Your Grace. My physical condition has rapidly deteriorated, so it would be difficult¡­for me to continue with you. I¡¯m sorry that this hasty journey was delayed because of me.¡±


    The women were clinging to the window of the carriage, watching the scene restlessly.


    ¡°It seems to be going well.¡±


    ¡°Shush¡­!¡±


    Until then, everything seemed to be going as they thought. Killian¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°You, come closer.¡±


    The man approached Killian with a slightly bewildered expression on his face. Killian looked at him up and down, expressionless. Then, he muttered faintly.


    ¡°What do you have in your mind¡­¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Well, whatever.¡±


    Killian¡¯s red eyes narrowed coldly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost interest.¡±


    The next moment, the man uttered a piercing scream and shook his shoulder. A strange groan followed. Blood dripped from the man¡¯s mouth with bloodshot eyes. Some of the people who were standing nearby screamed.


    ¡°Argh! Priest!¡±


    The man¡¯s trembling hand desperately grabbed the blade that pierced his chest. Bright red blood spread behind the back of his priest uniform as he dropped his head. His body collapsed.


    A few drops of blood splashed on Killian¡¯s face. He pushed the priest¡¯s shoulder with his heel and pulled out his sword. Vincent screamed.


    ¡°What are you doing?! H-how can you kill a priest? How are you going to bear this sin?¡±


    ¡°A priest?¡±


    Killian smirked.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know better that this man is not a priest.¡±


    Vincent flinched. He staggered and took a couple of steps back. Killian¡¯s eyes were shining red with his back against the sunset.


    ¡°What excuse will Her Majesty, the Queen come up with this time? I bet she¡¯s going to say that she did not know why such a man was included amongst the priests.¡±


    Killian wiped the drops of blood flowing down his cheek with the back of his hand. A low voice rang.


    ¡°She¡¯s not a really good person for you to be loyal to. You¡¯d better not open your mouth carelessly. You should not bring trouble to her.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Giselle apologized with a dejected look.


    ¡°Rietta, I¡¯m sorry that things have turned out like this.¡±


    Rietta shook her head with a pale face.


    ¡°No, no. Giselle¡­ What¡¯s there to be sorry about? You¡¯re just concerned. I¡¯m the one who should be saying sorry. Everyone is concerned because of me¡­ I even made all of you see something frightening.¡±


    The friendly women shook their heads and smiled silently at Rietta. Rietta tried hard to smile, but she knew that her face would look weird, so she instead bowed her head and tried to forget about it. Even though they all saw the same scene, everyone aside from Rietta remained calm.


    I¡¯m the only one being a burden.


    She squeezed her hands tight but she still trembled. The sight of blood splattering behind the clothes of the man she pointed at constantly came back to her. The scream at the moment of death©¤a scream that she had never heard before in her life©¤was vividly recalled in her ears.


    After that, Rietta became ill with a fever. The other women surrounded her and cared for her. Lana, who barely spoke except when absolutely necessary, radiated a blue light from her hand and touched Rietta¡¯s forehead with a cool energy. Rietta expressed her gratitude to her with her eyes.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    After killing the priest, Killian departed first alone with his knights. He said that they could not go together because the priests were slow. Vincent insisted on going together because the priests should escort him. However, Killian mocked him, telling him to just escort the wagons. No one dared to rebel against Killian.


    Leaving only the priests and wagons behind, Killian¡¯s party easily left. The delegation naturally thought that the women¡¯s carriage would remain behind together with them but it unexpectedly caught up with Killian at an amazing speed.


    Killian and his knights kept pace with the speed at which the women¡¯s carriage could follow. It was still surprising for a carriage to be able to chase and stay right behind the knights.


    The carriage¡¯s axles and wheels were strengthened with adamantium and reinforcement magic was put on by Lana. It was much stronger than an ordinary carriage and much lighter than the priest¡¯s wagon, so it was able to withstand considerable strength and speed. Additionally, six powerful horses were left in the hands of a skillful coachman.


    The delegation did not know that Killian was the one who prepared their wagons, nor did they know that he had also augmented the women¡¯s carriage. Actually, Killian had intended to separate from the priest¡¯s from the very beginning; he had also made preparations for the women¡¯s carriage so that they would not be left behind.


    Even though Lana had cast stabilization magic, the carriage still shook considerably. The women endured the tough journey without saying a word.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Rietta¡¯s condition continued to deteriorate due to the psychological burden and tough journey that had continued on for three days. On the evening of the third day, when the party stopped at the last village with only a one-day distance to the Grand Temple Havitus, Killian heard that Rietta was not in good shape. Unfortunately, he had only heard about it after Rietta had lost consciousness


    At Killian¡¯s order, the knights inquired and summoned a reliable doctor.


    ¡°It¡¯s a stress-induced fever.¡±


    Answered the doctor who diagnosed Rietta.


    ¡°All sorts of her organs are in poor condition. She looks normal on the outside but her insides are a mess. Is she even eating properly?¡±


    Tsk. Killian clicked his tongue.


    She didn¡¯t need a lot of care before. She seems to have more talents than I thought so I tried to take her with me. But isn¡¯t she too weak? I can¡¯t believe she got sick because of something like that.


    Killian had taken a liking to her talent so he tolerated her a lot even when she talked back to him or protested against his words. Her talent was higher than he expected. In addition to the fact that she was a reliable blessing caster, she was able to see plague demons and feel a person¡¯s energy.


    The story that spread around saying that Killian took ¡®the widow of Sevitas¡¯ instead of a substantial amount of debt was quite plausible and he could disguise her as his concubine. Her appearance was also quite convincingly beautiful.


    But with the way things are going, I¡¯ll have to look for someone else now.


    ¡°When she wakes up, tell her not to be concerned. The guy didn¡¯t die because of her, it¡¯s just because of my unpredictable behavior.¡±


    Killian thought that Rietta was stressed because of what had happened two days ago. The doctor tilted his head in response to him.


    ¡°But her body could not have broken down in such a short time. Though, the fever might have been the trigger for short-term concentrated fatigue.¡±


    Killian bit his lips.


    ¡°I think she has been under a lot of stress for a long time. What happened to her? Her internal organs are totally burned.¡±


    The doctor, who thought Rietta was just one of Killian¡¯s concubines, advised him not to touch her for the time being. He gave her the medicine and went back.


    People went out to see the doctor off. Killian, who was left alone in the patient¡¯s room, looked down at Rietta¡¯s pale face.


    ¡°¡­But she said she was doing just fine.¡±


    Her pale face was thinner than what he remembered before.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡®Killian, Killian! Don¡¯t come, Killian!¡¯


    Mother.


    ¡®How is it? An undead who has retained her consciousness¡­ Isn¡¯t that amazing?¡¯


    Killian¡¯s beautiful mother, bound in chains, cried out miserably.


    ¡®Killian!!!¡¯


    His stepbrother grinned as he saw Killian¡¯s mother rotting in her own body.


    ¡®But she¡¯s just an undead.¡¯


    He pulled a sword out of his waist.


    ¡®We will help you, you who are so wise, in order for you to not be deceived.¡¯


    Killian¡¯s dead mother was torn right in front of her eyes.


    ¡®Father.¡¯


    Prince Killian walked in front of the throne, drenched in blood, and called the Emperor by a different name.


    ¡®I have avenged my mother.¡¯


    The eighteen-year-old Killian laughed languidly.


    ¡®I brought the head of her enemy¡­ Will you accept it?¡¯


    Killian threw his brother¡¯s head at the Emperor¡¯s and Queen¡¯s feet. The Emperor opened his eyes wide. The Queen stood up from her seat and screamed a scream that could make one¡¯s hair stand on end.


    ¡®William!!!¡¯


    It was the beginning of their ill-fated relationship.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡°Your Grace.¡±


    Killian was sitting on the couch in his room, lost in the line between dreams and thoughts.


    ¡°¡­Leonard.¡±


    He answered a little slower than usual


    ¡°Lady Rietta is awake. Would you like to see her?¡±


    ¡°No. Just make sure she doesn¡¯t have any¡­¡±


    Killian paused for a moment. He felt it was not like him to convey his words without seeing her in person.


    ¡°Nevermind, I will go see her.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡°Get out. I want to talk to her in private.¡±


    Killian dismissed the others and approached Rietta, who sat on the bed. He stopped Rietta from getting up and spoke indifferently.


    ¡°You¡¯re weak.¡±


    Rietta did not know what to do and lowered her head.


    ¡°I apologize for the journey being delayed because of me.¡±


    ¡°Forget it, we can arrive tomorrow. I was just about to rest here anyway. It must have been an unfamiliar journey for you. Good job.¡±


    Rietta was barely relieved. Killian continued.


    ¡°We have to leave tomorrow. I can¡¯t wait for you to recover. If you¡¯re tired, you can go back from here. I will send a knight to escort you.¡±


    Rietta was startled and raised her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I can go. Please let me go.¡±


    Killian tilted his head.


    ¡°To Axias?¡±


    ¡°N, no! To the grand temple! My body is fine, really.¡±


    She came to repay his favor and to help him. She could not be taking away the knight who was supposed to escort him. Killian crossed his arms.


    ¡°Do you know what you will do at the grand temple?¡±


    ¡°Yes, roughly¡­¡±


    Killian would often take his women with him to outdoor events. First, in order to appear as a playboy not worthy of the Emperor¡¯s attention, and second, to avoid other people¡¯s surveillance or their troublesome approach.


    This was part of the reason why he was labeled as a troublemaker who did not care about his surroundings. It was also the reason why the East Annex became known as Killian¡¯s concubine division.


    ¡°Okay. Since the place we are going to is the great temple, perhaps the priests will try to cling to me in the name of attending to me or for blessings. It is then when I will use you as a shield.¡±


    Rietta nodded her head with a stern expression on her face.


    ¡°Yes. I can do that.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡±


    Killian nodded his head.


    ¡°Can you leave tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°No problem. I apologize for the concern.¡±


    ¡°I have not yet given you permission to apologize.¡±


    Killian paused for a moment, then continued.


    ¡°I brought you because I needed you. So there¡¯s nothing to be sorry about. If you want anything as a reward, ask for it.¡±


    Rietta shook her head.


    ¡°Being given a chance to repay your favor is enough for me.¡±


    It was an expected answer. Killian let out what he was thinking.


    ¡°Shall I find your daughter?¡±


    Rietta¡¯s eyes shook quietly at his unexpected remark. Killian continued to talk.


    ¡°I heard Casarius sold her to a wandering slave. He died without even getting to find her again. If you fail to find her, I will try to look for her.¡±


    A strange light passed through Rietta¡¯s expression. Her answer came not long after.


    ¡°My daughter is dead.¡±


    A silence passed between the two.


    ¡°¡­Really?¡±


    The silence passed again.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Rietta smiled as she replied calmly.


    ¡°Thank you for saying so.¡±


    Killian looked up at her face. A calm smile appeared on her gaunt, pale face. It was the first time he knew that such a beautiful face could be so sad.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    The next morning, while having breakfast at the inn before departure, Killian lifted his eyes and saw that Rietta was eating. With the help of the doctor¡¯s medicine and Lana¡¯s care, it was clear that the color of her face was getting better compared to how it was yesterday.


    Killian spoke to everyone.


    ¡°We will arrive at the grand temple this evening. We will be moving for a long time so make sure you eat well.


    The knights who were sitting at the same table as Killian answered him without much thought.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Ladies, answer.¡±


    The women who were sitting at the other tables answered, feeling flustered.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    That evening, Killian Axias, along with his knights and his concubines, arrived at the Grand Temple Havitus. It was the day before the full moon.

 CH 16

    Killian and his party arrived at the entrance to the temple. At the time of their arrival, the holy mass, conducted by the Archbishop, was being held on the eve of a full moon. Aside from the Queen, most of the high-ranking priests were present in the ceremony. A young and ambiguous ranking priest ran out of nowhere and greeted Killian.


    ¡°I, I will bring the Archbishop. Please wa¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget it. I want to rest, so guide me to my dwelling.¡±


    ¡°Pardon? I, I can¡¯t do¡­¡±


    Killian frowned coldly.


    ¡°What I need is not the Archbishop but a place to rest. Is there no one other than the Archbishop who can guide me to my dwelling?¡±


    An earthquake happened in the poor young priest¡¯s eyes. While he was struggling for a long time with a face that looked like he wanted to cry, fortunately, a high-ranking priest who had a relatively calm face came out and began to guide Killian in a polite and cautious way.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Located on top of a mountain, Grand Temple Havitus was not a very luxurious temple. The dwelling for honored guests was a three-story, appropriately sized, detached house, and was set up in a quiet and secluded place where not many people came and went.


    Except for the few knights and young ladies, Killian did not bring any attendants. As his party consisted of only about 20 people, it felt like the detached house for the honored guest in the temple was too excessive for his small party.


    The high-ranking priest first showed them the lobby, dining room, and prayer room on the first floor. Then, he introduced the rooms on the second floor where the knights and young ladies would stay, and finally, he led them to the guest of honor¡¯s room on the third floor where Killian would be staying.


    Dozens of monks in blue robes lined up in front of the room. Noticing Killian glancing at them, the priest explained.


    ¡°These are the monks of the Grand Temple Havitus who will serve you and your entourage during your stay here. Treat them as your attendants and use them as you see fit.¡±


    Perhaps due to the Grand Duke of Axias¡¯ notoriety, there were no women. However, hoping that they would not appear intimidating, most of them were young male monks.


    Killian passed by without looking at the monks and entered the room.


    ¡°No need.¡±


    The high-ranking priest bowed his head deeply from behind.


    ¡°You will need them. Please don¡¯t say no.¡±


    Killian dismissed him.


    ¡°My women will serve me. This is not a place for the young monks.¡±


    The high-ranking priest shut his mouth. The young monks expressed their displeasure with flustered and embarrassed faces. Some monks could not hide their offended looks and felt as if they had been insulted.


    Either way, Killian went in, took off his coat, and just threw it anywhere. The young ladies casually followed him and organized his clothes. Killian took a cigar and bit it as he sat down on the sofa in front of the table. Leonard approached and quickly lit the fire.


    The high-ranking priest, barely able to brace himself up, opened his mouth again.


    ¡°¡­Even though this is a grand temple, it is not completely safe from diseases. Your Grace did not even move together with the priests that we sent along.¡±


    After a long puff of smoke, Killian glanced at him. The high-ranking priest turned slightly towards the monks that were standing outside. Then, he continued.


    ¡°These monks are still young and have not yet been ordained as priests, but they are all excellent users of divine power. If anything happens here¡­¡±


    Killian ignored him and reached out to his women.


    ¡°Rietta.¡±


    A woman with blonde hair came out, shining brightly even in the midst of the beautiful young ladies. Having rarely seen young women, when they saw the startling beauty, many of the monks opened their mouths and held their breath in spite of themselves.


    Rietta quietly walked over to Killian and gently placed her hand on his. Killian took out the cigar from his mouth, grabbed her hand, and pulled her.


    Killian, who had locked her in his arms in an instant, whispered.


    ¡°Bless me.¡±


    Red eyes with black hair met with sky blue eyes under dazzling blonde hair. The woman smiled. Soon, a clear and transparent light went around Rietta. She put her hands on Killian¡¯s shoulders, bent down, and kissed his forehead. People were captivated and held their breath at the appearance of a goddess blessing a demon.


    Killian¡¯s eyes lit up. Then, with a satisfied smile, he grabbed Rietta by the waist and sat her on his lap.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Surprised, Rietta wrapped her arms around Killian¡¯s neck. His red eyes, like a languid beast, looked at the priests eerily. A cold voice rang in her ear.


    ¡°You can tell if you have eyes. My concubine is a blessing caster, I have no need for you all.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    After all the people of the grand temple had left, the ladies scattered throughout Killian¡¯s room. They inspected the bed and the surrounding area for suspicious devices and potential dangers and cast blessings and protective spells. Killian leaned on the sofa, his gaze following Rietta, who was meticulously covering the room with blessings.


    ¡­she¡¯s more useful compared to what I¡¯m worried about.


    Rietta was well aware of the role entrusted to her. And she perfectly understood the showmanship Killian wanted. For Rietta, she instinctively recalled the blessings she had seen at the monastery when she was young. Specifically, the time in which an abbot offered blessings to high-ranking nobles.


    For Killian, it was a test of how far this weak woman could adapt to her circumstances. But despite his doubts, Rietta moved beyond his expectations. Forsaking his initial impression of her timid personality, Killian gave Rietta high marks for her natural and plausible behavior.


    She¡¯s not that bad. She¡¯d be a pretty good pawn.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    After driving the priests away, Killian stayed in his dwelling with the ladies of the East Annex and did not take a step outside until mass was over. People whispered his actions to be very typical of the Archduke.


    In a few hours, rumors of his concubine spread widely in the grand temple. The priests were generally interested in those who used the same power as them but were not bound by the religious body¡¯s rules.


    Moreover, her impressive blessing scene added exaggeration, making the grand temple noisy. Someone even managed to speculate that the mysterious concubine and the widow in the rumors were related and the story was secretly circulating in the grand temple.


    When the night finally turned late and the long mass on the eve of the full moon was over, almost everyone knew about the arrival of the Archduke of Axias. Therefore, it was expected by most that he would greet the Queen after mass.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    When the ceremony ended, no one was surprised that the Archduke of Axias came to escort the Queen as well as to give her his greeting. However, most people held their breaths and waited for the Queen¡¯s reaction when they saw Killian coming with loose attire along with his concubines as if to show them off. As Aversati, the Queen, came upon Killian, she stopped on the stairs for a moment before flashing a smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, the Archduke of Axias.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I saw you last, Your Majesty.¡±


    Wearing a white veil, the Queen gently came down the stairs and stood in front of Killian. Her ladies-in-waiting fixed her skirt and stepped back. The Queen¡¯s gray eyes looked up at Killian. The most noble woman in the Empire, Queen Aversati, was so beautiful that it was hard to believe that she was over fifty.


    Long curly hair with a dark wine color flowed down over her pale, gentle-faced, skin. She folded the fan in her hand and handed it over to her lady-in-waiting.


    ¡°I was worried that you would not come because there was no news about you.¡±


    Killian replied with a smile.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you down.¡±


    The Queen whispered a gentle greeting with an even lower voice.


    ¡°A pity for still being alive.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±


    ¡°I meant it being a pity that I¡¯m still alive.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I meant too.¡±


    The high-ranking priests could not intervene in the brutal conversation of the Imperial families and desperately sought the Archbishop. The Archbishop was unable to cancel his busy schedule that followed after the eve mass.


    In front of the Queen with her six ladies-in-waiting, the Archduke of Axias stood with his six concubines. His outfit was quite informal to be facing his stepmother, whom he had not seen in years.


    The Queen spoke calmly with a face that did not specifically criticize him.


    ¡°It seems that you¡¯ve gotten lucky more times than the Emperor.¡±


    She was pointing to the fact that even the Emperor did not openly bring so many women by his side. Killian answered bluntly.


    ¡°There are no parents who can win over their child.¡±


    The Queen smirked. Killian reached out his hand to the Queen with a calm smile on his face. The Queen also naturally placed her hand on top of Killian¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m honored to be escorted by you, archduke. What number am I today?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the eighth one. I was worried about escorting a noblewoman with this old bachelor¡¯s hand of mine, so I washed myself with my women. Is it not satisfactory?¡±


    The Queen glanced at the women following Killian.


    ¡°But I only see six concubines with you. Did you visit a brothel for the seventh woman?¡±


    ¡°I came riding the seventh one. It¡¯s my female black horse.¡±


    The priests, flustered by the insane blasphemy towards the noblewoman, gasped.


    ¡°How dedicated.¡±


    The Queen did not even bat an eyelid and smiled.


    ¡°I should be the one who lacks nothing. Where did you leave the gifts I sent? Beyond River Rhodomus? ¡°


    Killian smiled calmly and answered.


    ¡°Due to my incompetence, I have only been able to guide one person there.¡±


    The Queen responded without showing any concern.


    ¡°That¡¯s unexpected. I guess you¡¯re not the same as before. What about the rest?¡±


    ¡°They will arrive soon. They¡¯re so painfully slow. They¡¯re carrying my presents for you.¡±


    The Queen smiled brightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it. What kind of present is it? Is it someone¡¯s head?¡±


    Killian shrugged.


    ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s not the head of the guy you like the most.¡±


    While the complexions of the listeners were turning blue, only the faces of the Queen and the Archduke were as calm as masks. Their sharp psychological battle ensued and no one backed down until they reached her dwelling.


    ¡°We can slowly catch up later. Go ahead and relieve your fatigue of travel first. Wash up your hand that was stained by this old woman.¡±


    The Queen gently said, wiping off her hand that had touched Killian with a handkerchief.


    ¡°Thank you for your consideration.¡±


    Killian smiled and grabbed his concubine¡¯s waist, who was beside him. The Queen threw her handkerchief on the floor after she finished wiping her hand. Then, she spoke calmly.


    ¡°I heard that you must fast while the sun is up in order to perform the blessing ceremony tomorrow night. Since you have had your dinner already, we will be having a banquet at night to welcome you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be a long night.¡±


    Killian bowed his head over his woman¡¯s hair, buried his lips, and grinned.


    ¡°I look forward to your welcoming, Your Majesty.¡±


    The Queen replied with a smiling face.


    ¡°I hope you enjoy it.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    News has arrived, informing of the Emperor¡¯s delegation¡¯s attendance for tomorrow¡¯s grand blessing ceremony. As it was time for the banquet to begin, so, too, would it be set as the stage.


    Queen Aversati was changing into a purple evening dress, she smiled faintly at the mirror as she was dressed up by her ladies-in-waiting.


    The Archduke of Axias. This year, I have prepared several gifts for you. You will feel empty now if I¡¯m quiet.


    The boring game between the one who did not go down easily and a tireless revenger was starting.

 CH 17

    The delegation of Emperor Estenfeld entered the banquet hall. The representative of the delegations placed his hand on his chest and knelt down on one knee to pay respect to Killian and the Queen, who both sat in the banquet hall¡¯s seats of honor.


    ¡°Greetings to Queen Aversati and Archduke Killian. I¡¯m Lectus Justin, the faithful servant of the Emperor.¡±


    The Queen greeted them with a smile, while Killian responded with apathetic eyes.


    After the long greetings were over, one of the delegation¡¯s attendants carried over a blackish-purple jewelry box on a red cushion as directed by Lectus Justin.


    ¡°This is from His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor.¡±


    The attendant opened the box, revealing a set of beautifully crafted red jewel-encrusted necklaces and earrings. The Queen smiled faintly as the people in the banquet hall exclaimed quietly.


    ¡°Aside from that, His Imperial Majesty said that he would positively review the issue of the adamantite mine mining rights in the Oran Sea. He also said that he would discuss the tariffs and the exclusive rights to trade the oak wood of Mt. Renaha when Your Imperial Majesty returns.¡±


    Killian grinned.


    ¡°It appears His Imperial Majesty¡¯s love is still the same, Your Imperial Majesty.¡±


    The Queen answered gently with creased furrows around her eyes.


    ¡°It is all thanks to you.¡±


    Well, no matter what impressive gift the Queen got, she would not even bat an eyelid. The greatest gift to her, above everything, is for me to go to hell.


    Killian turned his gaze to Lectus Justin and smiled languidly.


    ¡°I wish to have the right to mine the adamantite too. Is there nothing for me? What if I were to yield my reinstatement to the Imperial family?¡±


    At Killian¡¯s words, the people gathered in the banquet hall focused their surprised eyes on him. Killian flatly raised his glass and nodded.


    ¡°Why are you people surprised? You all know I¡¯m satisfied with my life now. I don¡¯t have to be more capable than this anymore and honestly, I don¡¯t want to bother Hilstead anymore.¡±


    Hilstead¡ªthe name of the 17-year-old Crown Prince and the youngest son of the Queen. He was Killian¡¯s half-brother who was appointed the Crown Prince at the age of four when Killian was stripped of his Imperial surname, Lilfaeum.


    After Prince Killian murdered his half-brother, the Queen lost control of herself and raised a sword at Killian in front of the Emperor. A lot of unexpected changes started to happen; the law pertaining to the punishment of the murder of an Imperial family member being the death penalty was changed, and the law that no Prince could become a Crown Prince until he turned 18 was also changed.


    Queen Aversati and Lectus Justin watched Killian silently. While staring back at them indifferently, Killian continued.


    ¡°I don¡¯t necessarily need to be reinstated into the Imperial family in order to be recognized as the Emperor¡¯s son. I don¡¯t appreciate being a topic for people¡¯s gossip, so I have no intention of meddling in the battle for the throne.¡±


    Killian looked down at the wine glass he was holding.


    ¡°For me, it¡¯ll only add to more troublesome responsibility. I¡¯m already satisfied with this being symbolic that Her Imperial Highness has forgiven my past wrongs by providing this opportunity.¡±


    Killian lifted the wine glass upwards to show his respect and brought it to his mouth. The only sincere thing he said was that it was a status of authority that would only add to more troublesome responsibility. Killian had no intention of getting reinstated for the throne or for the right of succession. He no longer wanted to make contact with anyone in the Imperial family.


    The Queen would not have quietly given him the right to the throne anyway, but even if he did take it, it was self-evident that the threat to his life would come true.


    ¡°You¡¯re so thoughtful of the Crown Prince.¡±


    The Queen smiled softly and said.


    ¡°This mother is very happy to hear that.¡±


    Killian smiled brightly at the Queen. As if to respond to his courtesy earlier, she lifted the wine glass slightly upward and continued.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to decline. His Imperial Majesty and I know your sincerity, what is the actual problem? When you¡¯re reinstated as a member of the Imperial family, you will need a bride. I¡¯m keeping my eyes on suitable noble ladies. Both concubines and mares are good, but you too have to settle down and start a family.¡±


    Killian smirked as he looked at the Queen who kindly made a hole for him to escape.


    ¡°The more I hear you say so, the more reason I should decline. I will be grateful for your wish to forgive me. I like my life right now. No matter how underserved I am for the lady, it¡¯s too hard for me to settle down with just one woman.¡±


    Killian brazenly held Rietta and Lana, who was attending for him, on either side and smiled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t make these cuties cry.¡±


    Their talk would be conveyed as it was to the Emperor by that fair and rigid deputy, Lectus Justin. Whatever the case, Killian had already lost to the Queen against the Emperor.


    Mining rights and exclusive trading rights¡ªit was a pretty sweet gift. If her purpose was simply to get what she wanted, Killian would rather be relieved. But, for someone who came out with this situation using Killian¡¯s reinstatement as bait, was this really what the Queen wanted?


    After offering and declining came and went, finally, the Queen pretended to raise her hand.


    ¡°If you insist, I will discuss the matter again with His Imperial Majesty, and I will tell His Imperial Majesty what you want. We¡¯re finally meeting after a long time apart, but you keep refusing my favors. There¡¯s nothing I can do for you except to ask Ostia to pay special attention to the grand blessing ceremony tomorrow.¡±


    Killian frowned slightly at the unfamiliar name.


    ¡°Ostia?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the Chief Priest who will lead your grand blessing ceremony tomorrow with the archbishop. She¡¯s my cousin.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    He was smiling but his eyes went cold. The Queen said that she would ask the Chief Priest to take good care of Killian. But her words sounded very suspicious.


    A grand blessing ceremony that must be received in an unarmed condition. If she intended to do something to him during the ceremony, the Chief Priest would be closest to him for the longest time, it was quite likely that she would do something. To say that the Queen would not dare to carry out such a one-dimensional attack in front of the Emperor¡¯s deputy¡­


    From his past thirteen years of experience, Killian already knew that the Queen did not discriminate between high-level methods and one-dimensional methods. He could not afford to let his guard down just because it was a ceremony under the observance of the Emperor¡¯s deputy. The Queen might pretend to be calm, but she was someone who could do crazy things at any time.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    As the banquet wrapped up, the archbishop, who showed up late, approached the two honored guests and greeted them warmly, begging for their understanding. However, it seemed that he was unable to get out of his work at all as he was called by a priest who rushed to him before he could even say a few words. It seemed that it was regarding the ceremony tomorrow.


    ¡°Excuse me for a second.¡±


    The archbishop asked for understanding from the two honored guests again with a look of regret and went a few steps back to talk to the priest. In the meantime, a high-ranking priest approached and gave Killian precautions for the grand blessing ceremony tomorrow.


    ¡°We will brief you about it again tomorrow, but you can only eat until tonight. When the sun rises tomorrow, you will have to fast until the ceremony to cleanse your body.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to be sexually abstinent too?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    The priest was flustered by Killian¡¯s counter-question and stuttered.


    ¡°That, that is a matter of course¡­ It¡¯s a ceremony to ask for blessings from God so your body and mind both need to be clean¡­¡±


    ¡°My concubine is a divine power user, so I guess I can clean my body and mind with her.¡±


    Killian shamelessly answered and turned his seductive gaze towards Rietta. He muttered in a gentle voice while sweeping down her hair.


    ¡°How I wish I could receive the blessing from you instead.¡±


    Even Rietta, who knew it was only empty flattery, turned red. But her flushed face became a natural setting in its own way. It was perfect for people to imagine her as a shy concubine.


    The archbishop finally returned after he finished talking. He also heard what Killian said. He smiled and said.


    ¡°You must really cherish her. I also have heard that she¡¯s a blessing caster.¡±


    Killian looked at Rietta with a sweet gaze and wrapped his arm around her waist.


    ¡°Yeah. Isn¡¯t she lovely? She will look good in the temple¡¯s ritual attire.¡±


    The archbishop smiled brightly and responded.


    ¡°She¡¯s indeed a beauty who does not lack in your eyes. However, as you are well aware, the grand blessing ceremony in the temple cannot be performed by anyone other than the temple priests. Moreover, wouldn¡¯t it be a burden to her as well?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re no fun.¡±


    Killian let out a frustrated snort. As soon as he lifted his empty cup, Rietta naturally poured liquor in it. He quietly looked at her profile. If Rietta acted awkwardly, Killian would have kept his distance without making it obvious, but she was doing it much more naturally than when she first stepped in front of the Queen¡¯s delegation or when she cast blessing in front of the priests at the dwelling.


    As she accepted it well, there was more he could do. Killian expanded his radius of action beyond the originally planned line.


    ¡°I think it would be truly divine for the divine woman who spent the time with me on the eve of the ceremony to lead the grand blessing ceremony the next day. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    The archbishop smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. But you already have the chief priest who the Queen prepared for you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Killian retreated gently. He contemplated whether he should insist on receiving the blessing from Rietta because the chief priest was prepared by the Queen, but there was no way the archbishop would accept such demands unless something did happen. The chief priest of a grand temple was an honorable position and it was always entrusted to the most prestigious noble of the temple. Killian asked about the chief priest, who was said to be the Queen¡¯s cousin.


    ¡°Since when has she been here?¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about Chief Priest Ostia? She has always been in the temple. It has probably been over twenty years. Through Havitus Monastery¡­¡±


    Killian thought that she was probably someone that was pushed in by the Queen when she started her plans, but as he unexpectedly heard her background, he could tell that she was originally a priest of Grand Temple Havitus.


    Although she was a cousin of the Queen, she suffered harm rather than benefited from it. Her parents were involved in corruption. After their death at a young age, she lived alone for a long time.


    Seeing that it was a name that Killian did not know, it seemed that she was not very close to the Queen. In terms of the degree of kinship, she was the Queen¡¯s second cousin. It was said that she had been a priest at the Grand Temple Havitus and had been raised as a priest all along.


    ¡°Okay. Did she not attend the banquet? I should at least greet her before the ceremony begins.¡±


    ¡°The chief priest entered into fasting prayer three days ago for the grand blessing ceremony tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I see. She¡¯s working hard.¡±


    Killian answered indifferently and tilted his wine glass. The Queen, who had left her seat for a while, stepped in and answered him as she heard him.


    ¡°I will tell her to give her greetings to you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to.¡±


    The Queen smiled.


    ¡°Please do not decline.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    The banquet was over and they went back to their respective dwellings. The high-ranking priests followed Killian all the way into his dwelling, giving him endless precautions for the ceremony. Killian did not hide his uncomfortable feelings and looked down at them with cold eyes. Just before they went up to the third floor where his bedroom was located, Killian said to the high-ranking priests.


    ¡°Are you going to follow me to the bedroom? That¡¯s enough, go away.¡±


    ¡°A, are you going to go in with the lady? F, for the ceremony tomorrow, you have to be sex¡­ sexually¡­¡±


    ¡°Even the archbishop allowed it. You talk too much. Didn¡¯t I already say that I would spend the night alone with this divine lady?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Hah¡­¡±


    Killian sighed and tilted his head. His hand rested on the sword wrapped around his waist.


    ¡°Not many people are familiar with me here. Were you not informed that no one will survive if I¡¯m made to repeat the same thing three times over?¡±


    The faces of the priests who met Killian¡¯s eyes became pale.


    ¡°F, forgive us. T, then, take a good rest.¡±


    The priests went out of the dwelling in a hurry. Looking at their backs as they moved away, Rietta whispered to Killian carefully.


    ¡°Milord, do you really plan for me to lead the grand blessing ceremony?¡±


    Killian answered indifferently.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a priest, so you cannot. Don¡¯t worry about it. Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    Killian wrapped his hand around Rieta¡¯s shoulder and went up to the third floor. When no one was watching and they were left alone, Rietta¡¯s expression became serious. Killian smirked.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t serious when I said that I would clean myself with you. Think nothing of it.¡±


    Rietta shook her head.


    ¡°No, I was not worried about that. It¡¯s just that if the person called Chief Priest Ostia was prepared by Her Imperial Majesty¡­ You¡¯ll be unarmed during the grand blessing ceremony, won¡¯t that mean that it¡¯ll be dangerous?¡±


    Killian stared intently at Rietta.


    She¡¯s having the same thoughts as me¡­ Well, it¡¯s not that difficult though. But this woman is not that scared of me.


    It¡¯s funny for her to be contemplating what I will have to do in that situation.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit sad that you are not worried at all.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    Killian expressionlessly removed his hand from Rietta¡¯s shoulder and turned his gaze forward.


    ¡°Your role is over. You¡¯ve done well enough, so take a rest.¡±


    The moment Killian opened the bedroom door, the two of them were frozen like ice. A familiar but out-of-place smell flowed, and a blast of musty blood hit them.


    ¡°Mi¡­ Milord!¡±


    Rietta called him in a trembling voice. Killian quickly shoved her into the room, went in after her, and locked the door. Then, he looked around the room with cold eyes, with Rietta behind him.


    Nothing strange was seen. With a sword drawn from his waist, Killian strode forward and stood in front of the closet. The next moment, he raised his sword and slammed the closet door open. Outside the building, an ominous cry was heard.


    ¡°Has no one seen Chief Priest Ostia?¡±


    Killian found the Chief Priest Ostia waiting in his room, inside the closet. A bloody middle-aged woman in priestly attire had become stiff, dangling over without even getting to close her eyes. Rietta shut her mouth as she was about to let out her scream.

 CH 18

    Outside Killian¡¯s room, there was a disturbance looking for the missing Ostia. He quickly grasped the situation and murmured to himself.


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Rietta ran with a pale face and flopped down in front of the closet. She was about to collapse, but when she realized that she needed to help him, she moved her body. She touched the blood-covered body, her hand shaking like leaves because of her instinctive fear.


    Rietta shivered with the chilly touch.


    ¡°Oh no¡­ Oh no! She¡¯s dead!¡±


    Killian said.


    ¡°Of course she was. She must be the Chief Priest Ostia¡­ the Queen¡¯s cousin. She¡¯s planning to frame me for killing the chief priest.¡±


    The chief priest of the grand temple, who was also the blood relative of the Queen died in front of the Emperor¡¯s deputy.


    Shit. I was wrong. She had no intention at all to hurt me using the chief priest in the first place.


    Rietta desperately lowered her voice with an incredulous look on her face.


    ¡°But we didn¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a trap.¡±


    He lost his alibi after insisting that he would not keep the monks of the grand temple by his side.


    How much did the Queen laugh inside when I kindly said I wanted to make Rietta lead the ceremony?


    The Imperial family did not tolerate the killing of relatives. The justification was with the other side. Just by saving Killian, who killed his half brothers 13 years ago, the Emperor was still held back by the Queen and the nobles.


    The Imperial family could no longer defend him. Aside from the Queen, who was obsessed with chewing Killian up, there were far more enemies in the imperial family. They had always been pointing their blades towards Killian, who did not get along well with anyone.


    If the Queen and the nobles accused him of killing the Queen¡¯s blood relatives again, they would gain strength to claim that he would threaten the Crown Prince, the only remaining child of the Queen.


    Rietta urgently raised her trembling body.


    ¡°Hurry up. Before people get suspicious, you have to call people to investigate the truth¡­!¡±


    Killian grabbed Rietta¡¯s wrist and stopped her.


    ¡°Are you going to naively claim innocence?¡±


    It was planned from the beginning. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve already prepared all the evidence they would ever need. It won¡¯t be easy to get out of this situation.


    Killian moved quickly. He rolled the body around into a bed sheet to prevent blood from flowing and took it out of the closet. However, there was no other place to hide the body.


    ¡°What are you planning to do?¡±


    ¡°Bring a towel and clean the closet. Open all the windows and spray the room with fragrant oil.¡±


    It was already too much for her to even hold on to her senses, but still, her body moved quickly. Rietta opened all the windows with trembling hands to ventilate the room. She ran to the bathroom and opened a jar containing fragrant oil. After putting all the fragrant oil in an empty bottle, she came out with a towel on her side. The body in Killian¡¯s hand had already disappeared somewhere.


    She sprayed fragrant oil all over the room. The closet where the body was located was wiped with a dry towel first and then wiped again with a wet towel. After that, she wiped the closet again by pouring fragrant oil into it.


    Killian lit all his cigars. The smell of fragrant oil and tobacco had spread, but the thick bloody stench remaining in the room was not hidden. Before they knew it, the chaotic atmosphere began to spread to their dwellings.


    ¡°What is this fuss in His Grace¡¯s dwelling?¡±


    Through the open window, Giselle¡¯s sharp voice was coming up from downstairs.


    ¡°Chief Priest Ostia who will hold tomorrow¡¯s ceremony is missing. A search is underway in all buildings so please give your cooperation.¡±


    ¡°Argh! What are you doing? How can paladins enter the women¡¯s bedrooms?¡±


    The voice of the flustered women rang from below and was informing Rietta and Killian of the situation.


    ¡°I won¡¯t do anything other than search the room. Please cooperate.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s just going somewhere. How can you behave so disrespectfully?¡±


    Elise¡¯s protest was answered by the cold voice of a man.


    ¡°The priests who were praying in the prayer room foresaw a big problem with the chief priest. The traces left in the place where she disappeared were unusual. For this, we have to find her. I ask for your understanding.¡±


    The sound of the paladin¡¯s heavy armor was getting closer to their room. Rietta came to her senses. She turned her head and looked at Killian.


    ¡°Where is the body?¡±


    ¡°I took care of it well.¡±


    Rietta believed what he said at once and asked no more questions. The remaining problem was the smell of blood that could not be covered by the smell of tobacco or fragrant oil. Killian clenched his teeth with a cold face.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. They won¡¯t find the body anyway.¡±


    In an instant, the sound of the approaching footsteps stopped in front of the door.


    ¡°The stench of blood can¡¯t be considered as evidence by itself. We can just say we don¡¯t know about it.¡±


    The sound of knocking on the bedroom could be heard. And they heard a voice calling him outside.


    ¡°Your Grace!¡±


    At that time, Rietta moved. She hurriedly ran to the room where she left her luggage and took out a dagger. Killian raised his eyes when he saw her pulling out the dagger.


    ¡°What are you¡­¡±


    Suddenly, she rolled up her skirt, sat on her knees, and stabbed the dagger on her thigh. He did not even have the time to stop her. In an instant, red blood burst and flowed between the sides of her thigh and leg. The white skirt she sat on turned red.


    Rietta tore off the sleeves of her clothes with the dagger. Then, she stopped the bleeding by binding her leg with her shaky hands. But her hands were shaking and she lacked energy. Killian approached her with a stiff look. He bound her leg tightly and yelled at her with a low voice.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    The sound of knocking on their bedroom door rang again.


    ¡°Archduke of Axias! Are you there? Please open the door!¡±


    Their eyes met. Killian realized what Rietta did. Rietta pushed the dagger in the holder and threw it into the pile of clothes. She hurriedly organized her skirt and stood up. She headed to the bathroom with a limp leg.


    There was a bloodstain on the back of her white skirt. Rietta quickly washed her blood-stained hands and wiped the water off her hands at the foot of the dress. Then, she turned toward him with a calm look.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, milord. Please open the door.¡±


    It was a voice that could even be heard outside.


    ¡°¡­Your Grace!¡±


    The voice from outside called him again and pressed him. Killian stood firm and looked at Rietta silently. The sound of knocking on the door urged them again.


    ¡°Your Grace! I don¡¯t want to open the door forcibly. Please open the door!¡±


    Killian did not move with his eyes fixed on Rietta with a stern look. When he showed no signs of moving, Rietta approached the door herself. Just before touching the door, the firmly sunken sky blue eyes headed for Killian. She calmly looked into his eyes and unlocked the door.


    The door opened with a clicking sound. A considerable number of priests and armor-clad paladins gathered in front of the door menacingly. The paladin at the front most position looked down at Rietta once and then found Archduke of Axias standing behind her and opened his mouth.


    ¡°Your Grace.¡±


    Killian slowly turned his head and stared at the man who called him with terrifying eyes. Seeing his eyes filled with bloodlust, the paladin flinched.


    ¡°My, my apologies for disturbing your rest. Please excuse us at this dawn. I¡¯m Niston, a high-level paladin in Grand Temple Havitus. Chief Priest Ostia is missing so we¡¯re urgently searching for her. Please give¡­¡±


    But as if he soon realized something, his expression quickly became intimidating.


    ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t this the stench of blood? Your Grace!¡±


    Killian¡¯s cold red eyes turned to him.


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? How can your room reek of blood? We will have to search your room. Please let us go inside!¡±


    ¡°Ha¡­¡±


    Killian smiled gruesomely and put his hand on the handle of his sword.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t get used to the temple¡¯s minions¡­¡±


    Killian tilted his head and pulled out his sword.


    ¡°How much should I endure¡­¡±


    ¡°Milord!¡±


    Rietta threw herself, hung on to his hand, and shook her head furiously.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine! Don¡¯t make unnecessary misunderstandings and let them search the room!¡±


    Blood permeated the back of Rietta¡¯s skirt when she turned around. As soon as the paladins realized what it meant, their bodies hardened. The knights in the back were also surprised. They lowered their voices to share a few words with each other.


    Bang!


    Killian kicked the door. Flustered by his force, several paladins stepped back. Killian growled.


    ¡°How dare you whisper disgracefully in front of me?¡±


    ¡°I, I¡¯m fine, milord!¡±


    ¡°I am not fine.¡±


    Killian affectionately raised Rietta, who was hanging on to his hand, then pushed her to stand behind him. Held by Killian¡¯s hand, Rietta hid behind him. Then she turned her gaze pitifully out of the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure even the knights know¡­ every month women sometimes feel uncomfortable.¡±


    Rietta mumbled and avoided the eyes of the knights.


    ¡°Usually, I have time to prepare because it¡¯s a regular occurrence. But due to the unexpected forced marching for the past few days¡­ I wanted to dress up before opening the door, but it seemed urgent¡­¡±


    ¡°Rietta, no need to explain yourself.¡±


    Killian cut off Rietta¡¯s words.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    She could not bear to finish her words and dropped her flushed face down. A drop of blood fell under Rietta¡¯s feet.


    The paladin behind was embarrassed and quietly pulled the clothes of the paladin in the front. It meant that they had to step back immediately. A priest next to the knight clenched his teeth.


    ¡°Sir Niston! You still have to search the room. How can you just move on from a room that reeks of blood?¡±


    Killian gently removed Rietta¡¯s hand and walked forward to block the door. He just leaned against the door frame but the knights had already stopped breathing under the pressure. It seemed that a beast seemed to have blocked the door. The priest stepped back, though he did not show any sign of backing off. He stared at Killian and opened his mouth.


    ¡°¡­Does it make sense that a woman¡¯s time of the month could fill the room with the stench of blood? As expected, you have to¡­¡±


    Killian snorted at him as if he was dumbfounded. The other people gulped the air. No one even saw the moment his sword moved. Before they knew it, the tip of his sword already touched the priest¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just ask her to show the inside of her skirt?¡±


    ¡°No, no way. Just, just the room, urgh!¡±


    Killian walked out of the door pushing the sword as if he was going to just slash it. The priest, whose neck was pressed against the sword, stepped back to avoid being stabbed. Blood came out of his neck.


    ¡°You should be grateful for her weakness. If only my woman was not watching, I would have already slashed all of you.¡±


    The pale priest protested in a trembling voice.


    ¡°Are, are you going to use force against priests and, and paladins?¡±


    Killian flashed a twisted smile.


    ¡°Priest.¡±


    It was a strange tone. It felt as if he was brooding over.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    The priest paused for a moment, not knowing what to do. Killian cleared the air by asking in a friendly tone.


    ¡°Name.¡±


    As time passed without the priest answering, some of the paladins felt strange and looked at him. The priest who could no longer drag further finally answered him.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m Serus.¡±


    Killian swung his sword at his body. The surprised paladins were unable to respond. They strengthened their grip on their swords.


    Slash!


    Instead of cutting the flesh and bursting blood, the sound of metal hitting rang. At the end of the sharp sword, the cape of the priest¡¯s uniform was cut in half and fell down slowly. The chain mail hidden under the cape was revealed. The paladins opened their eyes wide.


    ¡°Get a hold of yourself, Serus.¡±


    Killian smiled affectionately.


    ¡°Wearing a priest¡¯s uniform doesn¡¯t make you a real priest, does it?¡±


    Serus¡¯ face turned pale. Having turned pale in an instinctive sense of crisis, he flinched his hand on his waist. However, the place where the sword was located was empty for his disguise.


    He was hiding the sound by wrapping it in clothing, but Killian could detect the subtle movements of someone wearing hidden chain mail. He even had the unique posture of someone who trained with a sword.


    At that time, after wandering around his waist, Serus¡¯ hand touched something.


    Drop.


    Roll.


    A gold identification tag with a purple tassel fell to the floor. While Serus was unable to move, Killian lifted the end of the identification tag with the tip of his sword and read it.


    ¡°Serus Weichen. A regular knight belonging to the Knights of Gryps in the Queen¡¯s Palace.¡±


    The friendly appearance of the identification tag made him dumbfounded. When Killian looked up to look at Serus¡­ He looked pathetic enough to blow away any doubt whether this was a double strap. Killian muttered coldly.


    ¡°It seems that Her Imperial Majesty has a fetish of putting priest¡¯s uniforms on things that are not even priests.¡±


    Then, he snorted and scanned through the paladins.


    ¡°By the way¡­ Since when did the Order of Paladins of the grand temple become the dogs of Her Imperial Majesty?¡±

 CH 19

    ????????????????????¡ã???¡ã?????????????????????


    A red-haired paladin shouted, his face red from Killian¡¯s insult.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true! What do you mean by the dogs of Her Imperial Majesty?¡±


    Before Killian could say anything, Niston firmly raised his arm and blocked the paladins.


    ¡°Quiet, Riddlers. This is our fault.¡±


    Niston seemed really offended by Killian¡¯s remark about how the Order of Paladins had become the dogs of Her Imperial Majesty. Nevertheless, he bowed his head to acknowledge their faults.


    ¡°My apologies, Your Grace¡­ No words can justify our actions.¡±


    The paladin Niston admitted their mistakes by saying he did not confirm Serus¡¯ identity. The knights were accompanied by the people of the Queen, then doubted Killian, and committed impertinence by invading his bedroom in the middle of the night. Not only that, they made his concubine bear shame in front of the paladins.


    ¡°It happened because of our negligence. Please do not misunderstand Grand Temple Havitus for this mistake. My apologies.¡±


    The Order of Paladins blindly followed a suspicious person without even recognizing that he was not a priest, and even led the Queen¡¯s people against the Archduke of Axias. It was clearly the Order of Paladins¡¯ fault. The Archduke of Axias had all the reason to be mad.


    However, Killian turned his head, ignoring the paladins. Rietta, who was left behind him, still had blood flowing from her leg. Killian immediately took off his cloak and turned around.


    Entering the room, he carefully covered Rietta with his cloak. The cloak had barely reached below his knees when he wore it, and with Rietta wearing it now, the cloak had reached the floor.


    Rietta looked up at Killian for a moment with a puzzled face, but soon calmly grabbed the hem of the cloak.


    The priest and paladins stared at the corner of the room in order not to accidentally look at her. The blood kept flowing because the wound in her skirt that was urgently tied did not stop bleeding properly but no one noticed it.


    When Killian left Rietta in the room, closed the door, and came out in front of the paladins, the situation had taken a strange turn. Serus was surrounded by the paladins and was at a loss. He made shallow excuses saying that he really did know the Archduke well, and to minimize unnecessary explanations, he only borrowed the priest uniform for a while. He only ended up earning the wraths of the paladins.


    ¡°Your Grace!¡±


    Leonard and the knights came up belatedly with grim faces. He intercepted in between Killian and the paladins and confronted them. They could not draw swords against the priest, so they probably had a hard time coming up. They looked disheveled and were gasping for breath. Killian laughed.


    ¡°If you really have to search my room, call the priestess. Men are not allowed in.¡±


    Leonard gritted his teeth after hearing Killian. He glared fiercely at the paladins.


    ¡°Search his room? How dare you¡­!¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡±


    Killian looked at Leonard and ordered.


    ¡°Leonard, go downstairs and call the ladies of the East Annex. Tell them to bring clothes for Rietta to change into.¡±


    Then, he turned to Niston.


    ¡°I want to give Rietta time to prepare. That much would be fine, right?¡±


    At Killian¡¯s unexpectedly generous remarks, Niston¡ªwho had been half prepared to give up the search¡ªbowed his head politely and expressed his gratitude.


    ¡°Of course. I just want to thank you for your consideration.¡±


    Rather, Leonard and the knights were displeased.


    ¡°Your Grace, do you need to cater to these ignorant buggers?¡±


    ¡°Rietta is concerned.¡±


    Killian answered indifferently and pointed with his chin towards Leonard. Leonard frowned but bowed his head and turned around, leaving to carry out Killian¡¯s orders. At Niston¡¯s command, one of the paladins had also moved out to call the priestesses.


    The ladies of the East Annex, staying on the floor right below them, arrived first. Giselle, Elise, and Rana were summoned. Serus, who was curling up in the corner, blatantly intervened again.


    ¡°You must not enter until the priestesses arrive.¡±


    Before Killian could step up, the paladins first glared at Serus. Killian opened his mouth, expressionless.


    ¡°Even if there was Chief Priest Ostia in my room or something, it would not change if I let some women in. Why are you so impatient?¡±


    Niston was afraid Killian would change his mind if he was offended. He intervened to please him.


    ¡°You can go in.¡±


    Serus, whose mouth was blocked after losing his ally, shut his mouth in anger.


    ¡°Well, if there is any misunderstanding, I will just let one person in. Lana.¡±


    A woman with long black hair stepped forward.


    ¡°Assist Rietta.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±


    Answered Lana. She took the clothes from Giselle and opened the door, closing it again after entering. An awkward silence broke out between Killian and the paladins while they were waiting for the priestesses to arrive. Killian stood without expression and stared at Serus. Then, he opened his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s so strange.¡±


    People¡¯s attention focused on Killian.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯re sure there¡¯s something there. But there¡¯s nothing in my room.¡±


    Killian continued to speak softly.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about the responsibility you have to bear for this discourtesy after it¡¯s confirmed that there¡¯s nothing in my room? Or maybe you¡¯re confident to cause something in my room after going in.¡±


    Serus¡¯ expression turned pale. Killian said to the paladins.


    ¡°I will name the priestess who will enter the room. I can believe him, and frankly, you lot, too.¡±


    Everything went according to Killian¡¯s will.


    Among the four priestesses that the paladin brought under Leonard¡¯s supervision, the priestess Leonard had placed in the temple earlier was included. She was a real priestess, not someone in disguise. So no one doubted her.


    After checking the identities and affiliations of the priestesses one by one, Niston confirmed to the Archduke of Axias that they were not suspicious. Leonard pointed to the priestess as the one to enter the room.


    After a while of having been searched by the priestesses, it was concluded that there was nothing suspicious about Killian¡¯s bedroom.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    A three-way meeting was held between the Emperor¡¯s deputy, the Queen, and the Archduke of Axias. The Archduke of Axias generously cooperated with the search despite the mistakes of the paladins. Rather, the story of the Queen¡¯s people intervening in the process of searching his dwelling and acting suspiciously was conveyed to the Emperor¡¯s deputy.


    The paladins testified that they had no suspicions about Killian. The high-level paladin, Niston, put Serus on the ground to kneel and testified of what Serus had done. The Queen frowned at him.


    ¡°Serus, why did you do that? Where did you get a priest¡¯s uniform? How could you impersonate a priest? I¡¯m sure you know that¡¯s a crime.¡±


    The Queen expressed her regret and discarded Serus.


    ¡°You must know that my pure sincerity to forgive the Archduke of Axias and accept him as part of my family was hurt and almost ruined because of you. How will you be responsible for this?¡±


    Serus bowed his head and was dragged out without saying a word of objection.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Archduke of Axias. I failed to control my subordinates.¡±


    The Queen showed a sad expression on her face and smiled as if nothing happened.


    ¡°Tell your concubine that I am sorry.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    A petite black shadow looked around silently and jumped off the roof. The shadow set aside a heavy dark object on its shoulder and caught its breath. Then, the shadow laid down the body of the human it had carried in the bushes of a remote, remote place.


    The shadow sat down tiredly and silently took a breath. After a moment, then the shadow lowered its purple eyes and looked down at the body.


    The shadow in the darkness looked at the body for a while, harboring mixed feelings. The shadow carefully arranged the disheveled body in the blood-stained light blue ceremonial robe and laid it down. Then, it placed its hands over the priestess¡¯s blood-stained face and closed her eyes.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    It was when the dark dawn merged into the day that the body of Ostia, the cousin of the Queen, was found in a remote area of the temple. The location was quite far from the dwelling where Killian¡¯s party was staying. Due to the distance, it was difficult to doubt Killian, who had been attending the banquet all the time and had immediately returned to his dwelling.


    Ostia lived a miserable life without her name being known for a long time. Finally, she met an unexpected end in the temple. Upon hearing her cousin¡¯s news, the Queen expressed her regrets without even shedding a single tear.

 CH 20

    Killian returned to his bedroom. As soon as he opened the door, Rietta jumped out of the sofa. She quickly approached him as the door closed and asked.


    ¡°Did it go well?¡±


    Killian stared at Rietta with a cold face. It was very easy to notice that she was limping even though she tried to hide it. He was not grateful, he was boiling with rage.


    ¡°Who told you to act as you please?¡±


    Rietta¡¯s already pale face became even paler with his cold voice.


    ¡°Did I cause any problems?¡±


    Killian¡¯s eyes headed to Rietta¡¯s leg. The wound was hidden in her dark navy indoor dress, so it was not visible. Killian turned away, gritting his teeth.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Killian replied coldly, taking off his coat and hanging it over the chair next to him.


    ¡°It worked out well.¡±


    Only then did Rietta¡¯s stiff expression relax a little. She pressed her trembling chest down. Barely having breathed a sigh of relief, she walked and reached for Killian¡¯s clothes on the chair. Killian grabbed her wrist when she crossed next to him.


    ¡°What are you doing now?¡±


    Rietta looked at him with a surprised face.


    ¡°Your clothes¡­ I¡¯m the only one here.¡±


    ¡°Hah.¡±


    Did I look like I threw my clothes away so she could clean them?


    Killian shot back.


    ¡°Who asked you to do that?


    Rietta¡¯s eyes shook without knowing what to do.


    ¡°My, my apologies. I¡¯m just¡­¡±


    ¡°I was not in such a troubling position that warrants you to do that. I didn¡¯t even ask you. How dare you¡­!¡±


    Killian spouted off coldly. Somehow it was not about cleaning the clothes anymore. Rietta was flustered and bowed her head in front of Killian.


    ¡°My apologies. This foolish countrywoman has done something presumptuous.¡±


    Killian felt the anger from within. He unconsciously put strength in his hand that was holding Rietta¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°What made you so confident to do such reckless things¡­!¡±


    Rietta¡¯s eyes trembled. Eventually, Rieta knelt down with her wrist being held.


    ¡°I was wrong. Please punish me. I will submit to any punishment.¡±


    ¡°Punishment? Are you kidding me?!¡±


    Killian could not control his rage and pulled her hand to make her stand up. Rietta stood up helplessly and staggered, the moment he saw the weak woman being swayed by his strength, Killian let go of her hand out of bewilderment. Her slender wrist was bruised red as a result of being held.


    Killian¡¯s felt as if cold water had just been poured on his head. He didn¡¯t even put much strength into his hand, only pulling her slightly, but her wrist was bruised and her feet had stumbled. And yet, this same weak woman stabbed her body with her own hand just to help him.


    ¡°Rietta.¡±


    Killian growled in a low voice.


    ¡°This is not the kind of loyalty I want from my subordinates.¡±


    Killian was able to protect himself, there were separate people who worked to protect him, he had all of his beloved men who were strong, loyal, and ready to throw themselves into danger, not a weak and ordinary woman


    He never imagined that he would be helped at the expense of such a weak woman. When he got angry at her unauthorized action, she admitted she was wrong and asked him to punish her. Her actions seemed to make her more pathetic.


    Killian clenched his fist and closed his eyes tightly. He did not know why he was so angry.


    Killian murmured quietly, keeping back on the rising anger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me a shameless superior.¡±


    When he chewed his lips and opened his eyes, their eyes met.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to deal with sacrifices that I didn¡¯t even ask for.¡±


    Rietta was bewildered. Only after a while did she vaguely think that he was angry because he felt sorry for her injury.


    ¡°Answer.¡±


    ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡±


    Rietta quickly nodded and replied. Killian¡¯s face was still dissatisfied, but he slightly became relaxed. He looked at her red wrist and then looked back into her sky-blue eyes again.


    ¡°¡­Your wound?¡±


    ¡°It is fine.¡±


    He was annoyed because he was sick of her answer that did not go beyond his expectation. However, to avoid repeating the same mistake, he barely suppressed his feelings and said.


    ¡°I will call a doctor or priest as soon as we leave this place tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Killian eventually burst into anger, overshadowing his effort to be patient.


    ¡°What are you thankful for? You got hurt because of me!¡±


    Rietta could not find anything to answer and just shut up. Killian thought that if she spoke again, it would drive him crazy. He spouted swear words in a low voice and let out a sigh. After a while, he calmed down his anger again and continued to talk.


    ¡°I can¡¯t call a healer right away.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I know.¡±


    Killian could not hide his boiling rage and stared at her. Only much later, he sat crookedly in a foul mood on the sofa where Rietta was sitting.


    Rietta had taken off her blood-stained white dress and changed into a dark navy dress that was difficult to reveal wounds or bloodstains. On the bed, there was a nightdress for Killian to change into at any time. A towel was placed on the sofa where she sat. Killian soon noticed that the towel was placed there in case blood seeped from the wound.


    Killian gritted his teeth and called Rietta.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°I need to see your wound. I didn¡¯t even stop the bleeding properly and you didn¡¯t even show it to Lana, right?¡±


    Rietta¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°No, no. Your Grace¡­ I mean, milord, you have tied it tightly.¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. Come here.¡±


    Killian gestured to her. Rietta waved her hand with a reluctant face.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Everything is good.¡±


    ¡°But I saw the blood flow with my own eyes.¡±


    ¡°I, I¡¯m fine now.¡±


    Killian frowned.


    ¡°Those who make me repeat my words¡­¡±


    Rietta immediately gave in and approached him. Killian was momentarily speechless at Rietta¡¯s quick change of stance but he was barely able to finish his sentence.


    ¡°¡­This will be the only time that I forgive you.¡±


    Killian reached out and pulled the small stool attached to the sofa. He tapped it with his hand as a sign for her to raise her leg. As it was painful to lift her injured leg, Rietta¡¯s eyelids trembled and she carefully placed her left foot on the stool.


    A deep stab wound was exposed in her leg. The blood had stopped flowing to some extent, but blood was still seeping through the red, open wound. The skin around the wound was red and looked very painful. Killian frowned at her with a bitter face.


    ¡°¡­There was no need to make the wound this deep.¡±


    ¡°My apologies.¡±


    Those damned ¡®my apologies¡¯ and the ¡®it¡¯s fine.¡¯ I should throw away those two words from the dictionary.


    Killian squinted his eyes and looked at Rietta, he let out a sigh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s cleanse it.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Killian carried Rieta carefully to the bathroom so as not to open the wound. Rietta was quiet but she did not even dare to make eye contact with him.


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡­¡±


    ¡°Put your hand away.¡±


    Regrettably, Rietta obeyed his order and let Killian wash her wound with clean water. When she flinched after the water touched her wound, he bluntly said.


    ¡°Tell me if it hurts a lot.¡±


    Contrary to his cold voice, his hands were cautious. Killian murmured through the sound of the flowing water.


    ¡°What would you do if they tried to do a body search?¡±


    Her strategy worked because all the people who came were men bound by doctrine. As paladins and priests, they would not have dared to look inside a woman¡¯s skirt. But if they pushed a priestess in, she could have noticed something suspicious.


    In fact, they were able to suppress the situation that was almost dangerous because of the knight Serus with his authority and the justification she had created. They had the priestess they had placed in the temple so they were able to go through it smoothly¡­


    But Rietta¡¯s answer in the next moment stopped his thought.


    ¡°But then¡­ Your Grace would stop them.¡±


    Killian¡¯s hand stopped.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m¡­your concubine.¡±


    Killian looked intently at Rietta¡¯s face.


    ¡°¡­I mean, milord.¡±


    Rietta thought he looked at her because she was addressing him incorrectly, so she corrected herself furtively. Killian lowered his gaze to her wound.


    I thought she would say something like ¡®my apologies¡¯ again.


    ¡°¡­Of course I would not just let them search your body.¡±


    But what¡¯s with this leg? At least take it easy.


    He stood up to get a towel to wipe her wound.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    After rinsing the wound with cold water, Killian wrapped it tightly with a clean cloth instead of a ripped hem. At first, Rietta did not know what to do, but as Killian was accustomed to handling wounds, she felt at ease as if she was dealing with a doctor, letting him take care of her wound.


    Somehow, I always feel compelled to pay back what I owe. Perhaps doing this will also make him comfortable. No, of course, he¡¯s different from me.


    ¡°Good job.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, milord.¡±


    Her wound treatment was complete. Killian left Rietta sitting and even cleaned up the mess by himself. He turned around indifferently and pointed to his bed with his chin.


    ¡°Now sleep.¡±


    What he meant was clear. Rietta¡¯s eyes widened. The Archduke of Axias was heading to a chair with a backrest instead of the bed. No matter how she needed to follow his order, this was wrong. There was only one bed in this room.


    ¡°Mi¡­ Milord, you must sleep too. You have to attend the grand blessing ceremony tonight.¡±


    ¡°Forget it. I think it would be more comfortable to watch you sleep.¡±


    Killian indifferently dragged the chair to the front of the bed and sat down. Then, he glanced at Rietta who was still sitting, not knowing what to do.


    ¡°Should I lay you down?¡±


    Rietta jumped up reflexively. Killian pointed his eyes at the bed.


    ¡°Lie down. That¡¯s an order.¡±


    Rietta crawled into the bed with a long face.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Morning light came through the translucent curtains, making the whole room bright. Even though Rietta stayed up all night due to the incident, she still could not sleep easily due to the bright sunlight and tension¡­


    Besides, if you look at me like that, how am I supposed to sleep?


    Killian leaned on the backrest of the chair and looked at her with his chin resting on his hand as if to see when she would fall asleep. Rietta reluctantly opened her mouth.


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t mean anything else. But, but the bed is spacious, so milord, you also will be able to lie down here.¡±


    Even though I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t misunderstand anything.


    Killian smirked when he saw Rietta murmuring in a faint voice with her eyes shaking.


    Even though I know she¡¯s not trying to be seductive this time, I still feel like she is. Probably because of that dull look.


    Rietta took courage and spoke straightforwardly with a red face.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re sitting down there, I can¡¯t sleep.¡±


    Rietta gambled on her words and met success with her daringness. Killian smiled with his eyes.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    He liked an honest and direct speech and he was a generous person to accept a suggestion done that way. Killian changed into his nightdress. He went to the other side of the bed and lay down toward the window with his back to Rietta. Indeed, the bed was so wide that he still would not reach Rietta even if he rolled a couple of turns in his sleep.


    Rietta sighed with relief, thinking it was fortunate that Killian¡¯s face was invisible.


    There are a lot of things related to the bed with His Lordship. Even though such a thing did not happen at all.


    Rietta laughed silently as she somehow thought it was amusing.


    The shadow created by the tall, broad-shouldered man on the bed did not even reach her. As if peaceful darkness had been cast, Rietta soon fell asleep.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    When Killian heard her breathing pattern turn to one when she was asleep, he turned around and looked at Rietta. Sometimes she let out a groan as the wound started to be painful in her sleep. Perhaps because of tension or the wound, her fine face was sweating. She became heated and looked flushed. Killian looked at her sleeping face with disfavor.


    He felt disgraceful and upset that she dared to leave such a sense of debt in his heart. When he put his hand on her face to cool off the heat on her cheek, his heart beat quietly.

 CH 21

    The criminal who murdered the Chief Priest was not caught. Aside from the incident investigation, her case was kept secret because it was an ominous event in the sacred temple.


    The grand blessing ceremony that night was a highly publicized event for all the locals. It was not possible to suddenly cancel it on the same day. After an emergency meeting, it was decided that the ceremony would proceed for now, but who should fill the vacancy of the Chief Priest became the main topic for discussion. Unexpectedly, under the recommendation of the Emperor¡¯s deputy, Lectus Justin, Rietta was named as the substitute for the Chief Priest.


    ¡°In essence, there is no difference in the divine powers of the priests or the blessing casters.¡±


    Lectus Justin calmly said the truth that the priests did not want to admit.


    ¡°There will be no problem with the procedure. Even the one who will receive the blessing, His Grace, the Archduke of Axias, also expressed such desire earlier.¡±


    There were many faces that seemed to want to refute by citing the dignity of the Grand Temple Havitus and the authority of the grand blessing ceremony. However, Lectus Justin said that as long as there was still a high possibility that the criminal who murdered Chief Priest Ostia still remained in the temple, Rietta would be the best fit for the position, as she had nothing to do with the temple and that she would need to assist the Archduke of Axias the closest during the ceremony. No one spoke out to oppose his opinion.


    The Archduke¡¯s concubine and also the blessing caster Rietta was already a hot topic by the rumors going around. Suddenly she received more attention as she rose to the surface of the official story.


    All sorts of gossip followed one after another and swelled up like a snowball. Nonsense rumors spread about her that she was the beauty of the century, that she was an extraordinary blessing caster more than that of the high-ranking priest, and that the Archduke of Axias had trampled on Sevitas with his knights to take her away, all the while Rietta was sleeping well.


    After sleeping and groaning, Rietta woke up late in the afternoon.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Killian approached Rieta with an expressionless face and held out a glass of water. She looked up at him blankly.


    ¡°¡­Don¡¯t be alarmed. Get up slowly, don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re hurt.¡±


    Fortunately, Rietta was not startled nor did she jump up. When she slowly got up, Killian pushed a cushion behind her back to support her. She humbly took the glass with both hands, a cool sensation was transmitted to her palms.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Her voice got hoarse and cracked. She drank the glass of water in one breath as she was parched with thirst, Killian silently refilled her glass and handed it back to her. Her voice expressing her gratitude again, sounding a little better.


    Killian informed Rietta of Lectus Justin¡¯s proposal and the results of the grand temple¡¯s meeting.


    ¡°If it¡¯s too hard for you, you can say no.¡±


    Killian added calmly, but rather than letting someone else take over, Rietta could easily see for herself that it was safer and reasonable for Killian if she was in charge.


    And above all, the grand blessing ceremony was already imminent in a few hours. This was not the time for her to think that she was crossing the line or such. Her answer came out in a voice so calm that she could not even believe herself.


    ¡°I can do it. I have learned about the grand blessing ceremony in the monastery. I can learn it quickly. It may not be perfect, but I remember the role of the Chief Priest and the procedures that come along with it..¡±


    When Rietta learned the role of Chief Priest, she never imagined that she would be standing in as the Chief Priest for the grand blessing ceremony. Killian looked at Rietta for a moment and asked.


    ¡°Can you even walk?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Killian tilted his head. Rietta got up from the bed and seemed to walk calmly without limping. There seemed to be no problem with her walking, but the nervousness on her face was clear.


    ¡°Is there any pain?¡±


    Rietta opened her mouth to answer, but before her voice could even come out, Killian intercepted her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just say ¡®It¡¯s fine.¡¯ Be honest.¡±


    Having her words taken away from her, Rietta shut her mouth. Killian looked straight into her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a matter of getting it over with your willpower. You will have to repeat standing and sitting for more than an hour. I don¡¯t want people to notice that you¡¯re not feeling well.¡±


    Rietta looked at her own body condition for a moment without saying a word, and then she answered carefully.


    ¡°The pain is not unbearable, it¡¯s not that bad. Moving for a while is no problem. But if I have to kneel or move for a long time, I think my movement may not look natural.¡±


    Killian quietly nodded his head in response to her specific answer. He hurriedly opened the door and left. His voice giving out orders could be heard.


    ¡°Tell Giselle to come up to the third floor.¡±


    After a while, Giselle came up to their room on the third floor.


    ¡°Are you looking for me?¡±


    Killian asked bluntly.


    ¡°Do you have any painkillers? It would be good if we have some on hand.¡±


    Giselle asked with her eyes wide open.


    ¡°Are you not feeling well?¡±


    Killian informed her that Rietta suffered an injury that she had to hide. Giselle was startled to see Rietta¡¯s legs wrapped in bandages and her faintly burned-up face. Giselle hurriedly turned her back and went downstairs. After a while, she returned and handed Rietta medicine to relieve inflammation, a fever reducer, and a painkiller.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me earlier?¡±


    ¡°I forgot.¡±


    ¡°Oh my gosh!¡±


    Giselle started nagging with a terrifying force. Killian apologized expressionlessly.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Rietta watched the conversation between Killian and Giselle with a strange feeling. Giselle was bashing Killian without hesitation, and even though Killian did not make eye contact with Giselle nor did he really listen to her, he still obediently apologized. But without a moment to watch them for long, Giselle started looking directly at Rietta.


    ¡°Rietta, you should have at least told me about it!¡±


    Rietta flinched and froze.


    ¡°I, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s not that you didn¡¯t know that I¡¯m a pharmacist. You two are just the same! When did you get hurt?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that long ago. Hmm, last night¡­¡±


    Rieta murmured in a weak voice as if making excuses. Giselle sharply raised her eyes. She remembered the commotion that happened last night. Even though the situation had already been resolved, and despite her not being able to get into Killian and Rietta¡¯s room, Giselle was tipped off that there was something in Killian¡¯s room that should not be in there. With how strange the situation was at that time, coupled with Killian¡¯s riddling order to bring a change of clothes for Rietta, the wound on Rietta¡¯s leg fit into the situation like a piece of a puzzle. A picture was drawn in her head.  Moments later, Giselle opened her mouth again.


    ¡°¡­Can I see the wound? It would be better to disinfect it.¡±


    Rietta read Killian¡¯s face and carefully nodded her head. Giselle skillfully sat Rietta on the bed bench and unwrapped the clothes from her legs, examining her wound. Fortunately, the bleeding had stopped and there did not appear to be any serious infections.


    Giselle¡¯s expression hardened and took out the disinfectant. It was not a light wound. Even though it would be quite painful to put the medicine on her wound, Rietta showed no sign of anguish while receiving the treatment. Killian sat quietly on the sofa a little further away.


    ¡°¡­Looking at the condition, it doesn¡¯t seem like a good option to apply medicinal herbs now. Rather, it can get worse. It would be better if the wound gets properly treated after it dries a little.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Giselle.¡±


    After the medicine had dried up to some extent, Giselle silently put the bandage back on Rietta¡¯s thigh. As she was a pharmacist, her hands were fast and her ability to wrap the bandage was unusual. Rietta felt more at ease than when Killian did it because Giselle was a woman and had a delicate touch.


    However, Giselle¡¯s unusual grim expression made her pretty face look cold. Rietta could not say anything in the heavy atmosphere.


    The treatment was over. Giselle got up, still wearing a grim expression. She turned her body towards Killian and opened her mouth.


    ¡°It will leave a scar on Rietta¡¯s leg. Are you going to take responsibility for that?¡±


    Killian lifted his eyes and glanced at them. Realizing Giselle¡¯s misunderstanding, Rietta was flustered and grabbed her hand.


    ¡°No, Giselle. He didn¡¯t do it¡­ I, I did it to myself.¡±


    Giselle looked at Rietta suspiciously. Rietta uttered a feeble voice.


    ¡°I took the liberty¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no different than if I did it.¡±


    Killian¡¯s low voice interrupted. His sunken red eyes lowered his gaze a little. A cold voice mumbled insensitively.


    ¡°If I had done it myself, it would not have left such a severe wound.¡±


    Rietta shut her mouth and bowed her head with a slightly perplexed look. Giselle looked at Rieta with startled eyes. Killian¡¯s eyes, which had been staring silently, inadvertently headed out of the window and turned away from them.


    ¡°So don¡¯t do that without my permission next time.¡±


    Giselle looked at Rietta with an incredulous look on her face. It was not until a moment later that she opened her mouth like a sigh and muttered.


    ¡°Rietta¡­¡±


    It was hard to get a deep wound if one wanted to hurt oneself because the hand would become defensive. Seeing the wound herself, Giselle did not dare to imagine that it was a wound made by Rietta herself. Giselle approached Rietta with a sad look and pinched Rietta¡¯s flushing cheeks.


    ¡°You¡¯re seriously¡­¡±


    ¡°It, it hurts.¡±


    ¡°This hurts? This much hurt you? Your leg? What about your leg?¡±


    Giselle began to yell again. Rietta shrank her shoulders, fidgeting. Killian sat like a folding screen and half-heartedly listened to the criticisms that were also directed towards him.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    The priests came and told Killian that the Archbishop was asking for him. Killian left his seat and asked Giselle to take care of Rietta. Giselle turned around with the door closed after Killian left, she found Rietta staring at her.


    Giselle winked at Rietta.


    ¡°Why do you look at me with such a hot gaze, Rietta?¡±


    Her refreshing wink and mole under the eye were charming. Giselle was someone that everyone would like.


    ¡°Giselle.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Do you really like Sir Leonard?¡±


    ¡°¡­Not you too. What¡¯s wrong? I don¡¯t like him.¡±


    Giselle¡¯s answer with her face frowning seemed sincere. Rietta answered carefully and seriously.


    ¡°What do you think of His Lordship?¡±


    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±


    If Giselle did not like Leonard, she might have entered the Eastern Annex because she liked His Lordship.


    Maybe they are not on the same page.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think His Lordship thinks about you in a special way? He even apologized earlier.¡±


    Rietta thought the way Killian treated Giselle looked quite special. From her point of view, Giselle and Killian looked good together.


    Giselle was stunned. Soon she gave a hollow smile and looked at Rietta.


    ¡°I mean, Rietta, what kind of person do you think His Lordship is? How can you say he likes me just because he apologized?¡±


    ¡°But, he didn¡¯t even show that he doesn¡¯t like your nagging¡­¡±


    It was the first time Rietta saw Killian apologize, she never imagined that would happen. Giselle put her hands on her waist and put her face close to Rietta.


    ¡°Oh my. What do you mean nagging? I just told you the truth with sincerity. So, Rietta, it was like nagging for you? It¡¯s really not worth it. You didn¡¯t listen to me at all, right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. I listened to you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right!¡±


    After a while, Giselle¡¯s sincere advice that seemed like nagging followed again. Although Rietta was at a loss, she smiled because somehow she missed the situation and it felt sweet. After finishing her nagging, Giselle squeezed her temples as if she could not help it and sighed.


    ¡°His Lordship is not the type of person who finds fault with something correct. He also knows how to apologize. He¡¯s a bit blunt and strict but he¡¯s someone ordinary with common sense.¡±


    Rietta tilted her head with a bewildered look on her face as if she was not convinced.


    ¡°But, this is the first time I have ever seen him talk so softly like that. You two look really close. And both of you lo¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Rietta. We¡¯re family. That¡¯s gross.¡±


    Giselle frowned. Rietta thought that even the knight Leonard and the people of Axias Castle seemed to treat him in a way that was truly unimaginable for outsiders.


    Giselle answered with a nonchalant expression.


    ¡°His Lordship is not scary to just anyone. He¡¯s usually nice to women, children, and the people he cares for. The same goes for the knights.¡±


    He is only merciless to those who are hostile or attack him¡­ But everyone hates people like that.


    Giselle did not say out loud her last sentences. It seemed that Rietta was still afraid of Killian. Giselle hesitated for a moment, then frankly said her judgment out loud.


    ¡°Rather than that, I think His Lordship thinks you¡¯re special.¡±


    Rietta opened her eyes wide and shook her head.


    ¡°No. I¡¯m only staying next to him for a while since this is a temple and I¡¯m a blessing caster.¡±


    And, obviously, Rietta thought Killian was not interested in her. He was always indifferent to her even though he could easily have her if he wanted. She was just a mere boring widow who did not even act amiably¡­ There were many more lively and attractive young ladies around him.


    Besides, the conversation between Killian and Rietta was always that of a clear superior-subordinate relationship. He commanded and she followed. He asked and she answered. She could not imagine having a conversation with him with an atmosphere like when she was having a conversation with Giselle.


    Rietta thought Giselle misunderstood because Killian has kept her close, carried her around, and only has herself in the bedroom since coming to the grand temple.


    However, Giselle felt that Killian¡¯s gaze was chasing Rietta strangely from time to time. After this journey began, she gradually became more certain about that.


    It was the same as his words before. The way he spoke and the content were unusual to Killian who was always insensitive and indifferent.


    Killian was clearly aware of Rietta. Neither Rietta nor Killian seemed to know about it. Giselle simply rolled her eyes, shrugged her shoulders, and said.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±

 CH 22

    The Archduke of Axias confirmed that he would entrust Rietta with the position of Chief Priest. As soon as the Archbishop and the high-ranking priests heard the news they had been waiting for, they invited Rietta to guide and inform her of the ceremonial procedure. But instead of taking Rietta out, Killian brought them to their dwelling.


    A light refreshment table was set up in the spacious drawing room and meeting room on the first floor of the dwelling, Killian himself went upstairs to Rietta¡¯s room and escorted her down. As Rietta had an injured leg, Killian followed her pace so that she would not have to move too much. After seeing his careful escort, the priests whispered to each other that he was very fond of her and that he had become a very different person to her.


    After greeting each other, the Archbishop hurried to leave, asking to be excused to prepare for the ceremony, and told Rietta to do her best for the ceremony. It seemed like he had barely managed to get time to greet Rietta. They let him go and talked.


    After the Archbishop¡¯s departure, the high-ranking priest mainly led the meeting and began to explain the procedure of the grand blessing ceremony. Although there were parts that were modified due to the characteristics of Grand Temple Havitus, the grand blessing ceremony was generally similar without being too complicated. Rietta listened to them and occasionally nodded, remembering the procedure and things to be done.


    As the meeting progressed to some extent, a high-ranking priest asked.


    ¡°If I may say so, can you tell what level is your divine power?¡±


    ¡°I can cast blessing and do purification. I¡¯m relatively familiar with blessings but my purification ability is still poor.¡±


    ¡°Then, can you exorcize and heal?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    The priest said.


    ¡°Oh, yes¡­¡±


    He extended the ends of his words and added.


    ¡°Have you ever encountered an aggressive demon?¡±


    Rietta shook her head again this time.


    ¡°No. I have no experience in facing intermediate demons. I have only ever seen either spirits or low-level demons that were slow and submissive.¡±


    The high-ranking priest said.


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±


    He just nodded. He thought that, since Rietta was born with the spirit eyes ability, she could see demons with her eyes. But compared to the rumors floating around, she was not that great. The high-ranking priest had no healing abilities, but he could perform exorcisms and he had experience in dealing with demons. Rietta added cautiously.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that my lack of experience may prove troublesome for the sacred ceremony.¡±


    The high-ranking priest explained as if he was showing mercy.


    ¡°What you can already do is enough. When the moon rises, all the priests will gather around the Goddess statue and begin to pray. Then, your divine power will be multiplied several fold for a short time with the divine power overflowing the entire altar.¡±


    Though Rietta already knew those theories, the high-ranking priest still explained them from scratch. Still, Rietta nodded her head and listened carefully, wondering if she might have missed something.


    ¡°Then, you will become more spiritually sensitive. It¡¯s an unfamiliar feeling where your nerves will be on edge about everything around you, but you don¡¯t have to be too surprised. In severe cases, your senses may be slightly distorted¡­ But you won¡¯t have to worry that far. I¡¯m just telling you in advance that there are such cases where it just happens, so don¡¯t get too surprised if it feels weird.¡±


    In any case, he had a kind attitude.


    ¡°If you fast and abstain properly, you may feel it from early in the evening. But you might not be able to feel it because it¡¯s that time of the month for you in the first place¡­¡±


    Killian glanced at the high-ranking priest. He wondered about who told him about Rietta¡¯s physical condition; the paladin or the priest. Rietta asked carefully.


    ¡°Does that matter?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t you know? During that time of the month, your divine power and spiritual sensitivity will decrease.¡±


    The high-ranking priest acted like a know-it-all by saying that since the chief priest in the temple was also a priestess, the other priests sometimes gave consideration to her, he also said that it was rare for a priestess to stand as the chief priest in a ceremony, and he wondered if Rietta knew this was an exceptional case.


    ¡°It¡¯s beyond our control after all. But it¡¯s a pity in many ways because we have carefully prepared for it. You can even do purification, so the fact that you won¡¯t be able to show your abilities as usual¡­¡±


    Rietta replied cautiously.


    ¡°Fortunately, I don¡¯t have a lot of ups and downs. I will do my best.¡±


    He smiled, shook his head a little, and leaned back.


    ¡°Originally, a priestess who is having their period will be considered impure and can¡¯t even lead a ceremony. So it is already breaking the rule when we decide to appoint someone who is not even a priest as the chief priest for a ceremony. Even His Imperial Majesty¡¯s deputy said so and His Grace also¡­¡±


    ¡°Why is a priest talking so much about a woman¡¯s body?¡±


    Killian interrupted after listening to their conversation. The priest corrected his posture with a startled face.


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t mean anything else. From an academic perspective¡­¡±


    ¡°Whatever your intention is, it¡¯s still rude if it sounds unpleasant. Apologize to Rietta.¡±


    Rietta calmly replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Your Grace.¡±


    Killian said with an expressionless face.


    ¡°I am not fine.¡±


    The high-ranking priest could say nothing.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Killian kicked the priest¡¯s leg under the table. The priest was shocked but he could not even scream and just flinched his back.


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    The priest stammered and apologized to Killian and Rietta with his head hung low.


    ¡°My, my apologies. I was being insensitive.¡±


    Rietta was flustered and accepted his apology and said that it was fine. Killian smirked and then spat out as if he was showing mercy.


    ¡°Keep going. If you want to run away, you can go out.¡±


    The priest¡¯s face changed color without him being able to either sit or stand up. Rietta, who was flustered, changed the topic to calm down the mood.


    ¡°Is the prayer starting early in the evening? There¡¯s not much time left then.¡±


    Another high-ranking priest noticed Rietta¡¯s intention to let it go and move on, he replied.


    ¡°Yes. Soon, 120  faithful priests will be convened in the square.¡±


    ¡°I have heard about the spirituality of the grand temple. With the Havitus goddess statue and 120 priests, it will be a really great ceremony.¡±


    Rietta smiled at him. On behalf of the tongue-tied high-ranking priest, another priest naturally continued to speak.


    ¡°A tremendous divine power will be concentrated in one place. An ordinary person will not feel it but priests and divine power users can feel considerable spiritual pressure. It¡¯s a precious experience. When the ceremony reaches its peak, dense divine power will weigh on the body and it will make it difficult to speak.¡±


    Rietta nodded carefully and responded. The priest continued to explain the precautions and procedures of the ceremony.


    ¡°It can be a little too much for someone with extraordinary spiritual sensitivity. You may want to instinctively relieve the pressure, but you should refrain from suddenly moving your divine power during the ceremony. The amplified divine power is unstable and can have a lot of influence on the surroundings.¡±


    Other priests also added helpful advice.


    ¡°The power reaches its peak only for a short moment. When the grand blessing is cast, the pressure will soon be fine and the temporary side effects from concentrated divine power will be slowly resolved, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your advice. I will keep that in mind.¡±


    Rietta replied with a smile. Killian no longer intervened and silently let Rietta talk to them.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    After Rietta and Killian returned to their bedroom, the priests came and delivered the ceremony clothes. They said that the prayers of the 120 priests to prepare for the grand blessing ceremony would soon begin.


    Killian nodded casually and accepted the ceremony clothes. After a while, they realized that they were looking down on the ceremony.


    ¡°Rietta.¡±


    Killian was about to hand Rietta her ceremony clothes before he suddenly approached her. Rietta was flustered and almost dropped her clothes. Her nose was oozing blood.


    Rietta hurriedly put her ceremony clothes down on the sofa and tried to tilt her head. Killian¡¯s hand wrapped around her back to strengthen her head.


    ¡°Put your head down.¡±


    Killian led her to the bathroom. Rietta washed her forehead and nose with cold water. Killian stood behind her, frowning.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I think the prayer ceremony has begun. I will be fine soon.¡±


    ¡°Is it because of the ceremony?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I think so.¡±


    Even though the square where the ceremony took place and their dwelling were somewhat apart, the divine power that was heavily spread began to affect Rietta¡¯s body. Whenever her heart beat, the divine power flowing in the blood began to tap inside the body as if it would penetrate the body. Her body trembled slightly.


    It was only after her nose bleed stopped that Rietta could change her clothes. However, after changing into the ceremony clothes, Rietta had to talk to Killian again with a troubled look.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Milord, my apologies but¡­¡±


    Killian realized at once what was wrong with her. The wound on her leg was split again and blood was flowing. Killian approached her with a frown.


    ¡°Let me¡­¡±


    Killian stopped mid sentence.


    ¡°No. I will call Giselle.¡±


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    Giselle rushed up from downstairs. The blood was somehow handled with a blood-stopper and bandages but Rietta¡¯s face was flushed and cold sweat was flowing.


    ¡°Rietta, do you feel pain?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°When was the last time you took painkillers?¡±


    ¡°I swallowed one more tablet about an hour ago.¡±


    Giselle bit her lips.


    ¡°¡­This won¡¯t do. The only painkiller that has a better effect than that is aluccino painkiller, I will at least prepare that for you.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Killian wriggled his eyebrows. Only then did Killian realize that the clothes Rietta was wearing looked like the ritual clothes he saw when he first met her. The clothes she wore on her way to be buried alive in Casarius¡¯ grave.


    Just before Rietta opened her mouth, Killian¡¯s answer came out first.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it.¡±


    Seeing Killian who immediately refused, Rietta mumbled and replied to Giselle.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s difficult. If I drink aluccino, it¡¯s hard to keep up with the ceremony with a clear mind.¡±


    Killian looked at Rietta with a look of anger. An unexpected word popped out of his mouth.


    ¡°I will stop the ceremony.¡±


    Rietta was surprised and looked at him.


    ¡°The ceremony has already begun. There¡¯s no way the temple would accept it.¡±


    ¡°Then, I will ask them to change the chief priest. This is a temple, there are priests all over the place. I can just let other people be in charge of it.¡±


    Rietta shook her head. She calmly faced him and refuted him.


    ¡°Is there anyone we can trust and the temple can accept?¡±


    Obviously, there was no one like that. Rietta was a blessing caster¨Csomeone who did not usually have a chance to be a chief priest. The reason why the temple accepted someone like Rietta was purely because of the recommendation Lectus Justin made, who is also the Emperor¡¯s deputy. And both Rietta and Killian also knew about that.


    ¡°I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s prepared, it will be difficult if we let people know that there¡¯s something wrong with my body. And above all, perhaps Her Imperial Majesty has already prepared another person to replace the chief priest from the beginning.¡±


    She was annoyingly correct.


    Slam!


    Killian could not control his anger, he kicked the table and turned around. Rietta flinched and bowed her head.


    ¡°My apologies, I¡­ I will get used to it soon. It takes time for my body to adjust¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry!¡±


    Killian shouted. Giselle looked at Killian and Rietta alternately without understanding why he was angry. However, Rietta also looked like she did not know the reason why Killian acted like that. Giselle carefully opened her mouth.


    ¡°Aluccino painkiller is different from just aluccino. I can prepare it without making it interfere with the mind, while still having an analgesic effect. As long as the current painkillers don¡¯t work, I think this is the only way.¡±


    Killian frowned and stared at Rietta, and then went out. Giselle sighed.


    ¡°That¡¯s his permission. But why is he so angry?¡±


    Even Rietta could not know.

 CH 23

    Translator: Wawaa


    Editor: WilsonWilson


    ????????????????????¡ã???¡ã?????????????????????


    Fortunately, Giselle¡¯s painkiller worked and Rietta¡¯s body was in a state that could manage to move. The full moon raised its head from behind the clouds and was caught at the fingertips of the Goddess statue that faced the end of the sky. It was not until the time to move to the square when Killian returned.


    Killian still had a stiff face after he returned. When he saw Rietta¡¯s condition improve, he silently reached out his hand to her. Wearing sky blue ritual clothes, she put her hands on his hand.


    ¡°Tell me if it¡¯s difficult.¡±


    ¡°Yes, milord.¡±


    It was time for the grand blessing ceremony to begin.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    A spacious square spread out at the highest point of the temple. The high bell tower could be seen anywhere in the grand temple, and in front of it was a T-shaped altar about waist-high and an empty podium. In the center of the altar, there was a statue of the Goddess who had her right hand raised high towards the sky, serving as a huge fountain pouring holy water from a pitcher held in her left hand.


    In front of the statue, there was a red carpet adorned with gold thread with sixty priests each wearing priestly hooded robes. They lined up in two rows on the left and right, holding candles in their hands and praying. Behind them, a crowd of people surrounded the square. When the vigorous trumpet blared, the priests and the crowd became quiet.


    Rietta, wearing a hood, stood in front of Killian and walked up to the altar, holding in her arms a khakkhara1, which was the sacred relic of the grand temple. Killian followed suit, unarmed and also wearing ritual clothes.


    The Archbishop climbed the podium in front of the bell tower. The applause of the crowd welcomed him. In place of the opening speech, the Archbishop¡¯s greetings began.


    ¡°Many thanks to the Goddess and Her Imperial Majesty, the Queen, for preparing this event with a difficult decision. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the temple¡¯s family members and all the believers who gathered here. I hope this time will be as blessed as the full moonlight.¡±


    The Archbishop looked at a mother in the crown who was humoring her crying child and smiled at her.


    ¡°You have come a long way to this square, at the highest peak of this mountain. I hope your journey will be worth it as much as your legs hurt.¡±


    His eyes were directed to the sky, drawing a gloomy look.


    ¡°It was expected to be the brightest moon in years, but now that we¡¯re trying to start, the sky is dark. Perhaps the Goddess is looking over us as it seems that it¡¯s going to rain. I wonder which fool is it who set this day as an auspicious day?¡±


    The crowd laughed at the Archbishop¡¯s joke.


    ¡°Nevertheless, we have to forgive. We have to forgive the foolish Archbishop who set up a rainy day as an auspicious day and we have to forgive our ancestors who built this temple in such a high place.¡±


    The Archbishop raised his hand and recited verses from the scriptures.


    ¡°You all come into this world to eat, breathe, get dressed, and every other little thing in the blood, sweat, and life of other creatures. When you hate, loathe, and resent others, think of the sins you have committed.¡±


    Following his recital, the priests recited the following verse.


    ¡°To love, sympathize, and bless others is the only way to pay for the sin of being born into this world by causing your mother to suffer, and to pay for the sin of putting your life into the world by using the death of others as a stepping stone. You shall not sacrifice on my altar the blood of another.¡±


    The next verse was recited by the Archbishop and the crowd.


    ¡°The offering more valuable than any sacrifice is forgiveness; just put it on my altar and make me happy.¡±


    The Archbishop crossed himself and opened his eyes slowly. Thin raindrops began to fall one by one. The crowd raised their hands above their heads to block the raindrops. To prevent the candles in their hands from extinguishing, the priests raised their palms to cover the candles. Looking down at them, the Archbishop calmly opened his mouth.


    ¡°Today, this grand blessing ceremony came from the intention of a mother to forgive the one who took the lives of the apples of her eyes.¡±


    The crowd became abuzz with commotion at the unexpectedly piercing remarks that could be disrespectful to the Queen and Killian. The Archbishop looked around the crowd slowly with benevolent eyes and said with strength.


    ¡°It¡¯s a noble forgiveness.¡±


    It started to rain. The crowd looked at Queen Aversati, who sat quietly in a seat a little further away from the Archbishop. Many were watching her, wondering if the Queen really wanted to forgive Killian.


    ¡°Everyone gathered here will know the story of the ancient Prince who first proved the existence of the Goddess Havitus.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Silence passed among the crowd. The Archbishop continued.


    ¡°The Prince had lived solely for revenge on the woman who destroyed his kingdom, took away his family, and ruined his life. He overcame 38 hardships for 38 years just for revenge. And finally, he met his enemy.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°However, the Prince eventually realized that the woman, too, was someone¡¯s devoted mother. Faced with the enemy he had been searching for so much, the Prince finally gave up on his revenge and forgave the woman with tears of blood. At that very moment, he met the Goddess Havitus, who has incarnated in the woman¡¯s body.¡±


    People held their breath as they heard the myth of Goddess Havitus told by the Archbishop. People¡¯s attention turned to the Queen and the Archduke of Axias who was kneeling on the altar. The Archbishop¡¯s words began to gain strength.


    ¡°And so this bell tower was born. This land was testified by the Goddess of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. I think that Her Imperial Majesty Queen Aversati and His Grace the Archduke of Axias are the most suitable person to stand on this land today.¡±


    The Archbishop¡¯s words were imbued with enormous divine power and spread with heavy reverberation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pray for Her Imperial Majesty Queen Aversati, who has embraced the most painful hatred born out of familial love, as a family love hitherto and has chosen the most difficult forgiveness.¡±


    To the crowd¡¯s surprise, Queen Aversati, who had been sitting without any expression, was shedding tears. A look of surprise appeared on the faces of those who realized it.


    There were even people who cried right along with her. The Archbishop raised his arms and wet his hands in the raindrops falling from above.


    ¡°May the many tears of blood from those decades be washed away with the tears of the Goddess today. May you be blessed with holy power. May the blessings of the Goddess be with this land. Lucielli2.¡±


    Hearing the Archbishop¡¯s words, the people put their hands together in prayer.


    ¡°Lesiel3.¡±


    The ceremony began as the crowd watched. 120 priests bowed their heads and began to pray.


    Killian, who was silently looking at the Queen, went to the front of the Goddess statue and knelt down on one knee. Rietta, who was standing next to him, held up with two hands the khakkhara that was giving out silver light. She pointed over his shoulders and then over his head.


    Rietta went to the fountain and filled a glass with holy water flowing from the Goddess statue. A transparent light dazzled across Rietta¡¯s body and the water in the glass glowed with a soft light. After dipping her hand in holy water from her glass, Rietta turned her body and placed her hand on Killian¡¯s forehead. The moment the two of them touched, dazzling light was softly scattered between them.


    Killian placed his hand in front of his chest and showed courtesy, then grabbed her hand and kissed the back of her hand.


    Rietta placed her hand on his shoulder and then blessed Killian by kissing him on his forehead.


    The people held their breath at the blessing of the beautiful chief priest. It was a ceremony that was seen for the first time in Havitus. What Rietta thought was the ceremony of Havitus was initiated and proposed by the priests who were impressed with her actions. The blessing of a woman chief priest, which was rare in a huge blessing ceremony, felt unfamiliar, sacred, and impressive to the crowd and priests.


    Rietta took the khakkhara from the priest again and proceeded to the front of the Archbishop on the altar. She climbed up to the altar at the end of the stairs and knelt in front of the Archbishop, then handed Archbishop the khakkhara with both hands.


    The Archbishop took the khakkhara and pointed it over the Queen¡¯s shoulders and head. Then, as Rietta had done, he blessed the Queen with holy water containing blessing. The intense light of the blessing swirled around the Archbishop and the Queen. The Queen¡¯s soft hand in white gloves rested on top of the Archbishop¡¯s hand. Now it was the Archbishop¡¯s and the Queen¡¯s turn to climb the bell tower.


    The crowd prepared their prayer and waited for them to enter the bell tower. But instead, the Archbishop knelt down on his knees, kissed the back of her hand, and once again stood on the podium.


    The Archbishop closed his eyes and stretched out his hand, spreading his overflowing divine power. The falling rainwater was tinged with brilliant silver color. The crowd, who unexpectedly got to take a shower with holy water, looked at the silver rain with surprise.


    Some people stretched out their arms and soaked themselves in holy water. Meanwhile, the mother, who was humoring her child, lifted her child and let the child bathe in holy water. The Archbishop finished off and crossed himself as a sign of courtesy.


    ¡°I once again give this honor to enrich the Goddess¡¯ altar. May the Goddess be with the Imperial family of Lilfaeum and the Dimpel Empire. Lucielli.¡±


    ¡°Lesiel!¡±


    The people shouted loudly. Thunderous applause erupted. Leaving behind the applause of the crowd, the Queen took a lamp and disappeared into the bell tower under the guidance of the Archbishop.


    Rietta returned to Killian¡¯s back and stayed in her seat. While the Queen and the Archbishop climbed the long, 38-story bell tower, people circled the Goddess statue or knelt and began to offer their prayers freely. The ceremony was moving towards its climax.


    With the prayers of the crowd, a powerful divine power was concentrated in the square, and Rietta felt a sense of spiritual fulfillment that she had never experienced in her life. Enormous power gathered and crushed Rietta, and her own power was rising so much that she felt no limit.


    The bell rang after the long prayer. The concentrated divine power became a powerful blessing and spread into the air. With a majestic sound, a huge blessing from God fell on the heads of the crowd together with raindrops.


    Rietta lifted the khakkhara. The full power in the air gathered and overflowed in the khakkhara and Rietta¡¯s body. A huge divine magic circle appeared under Killian¡¯s body and began to shine brightly.


    Rietta closed her eyes and began to pray for Killian. The condensed divine power in Rietta¡¯s body pounded as if it was about to explode. It was difficult for her to breathe. Time slowed down endlessly. She looked at the priests and the crowd in a hazy sense as if she had fallen into another dimension.


    Rietta could feel the faithful 120 priests praying one by one. Her now sensitive senses made it all known.


    However, she also noticed a few strange things in that short time. Some of the priests were not praying. Those who did not have sincere faith, those with dangerous intentions, and non-priests were among the priests.


    ¡ã??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??¡ã


    ¡°You have worked hard, Your Imperial Majesty. You can take a rest before going down.¡±


    As she climbed the 38-story stone pagoda, the Queen, drenched in sweat, sat down on the stairs. Only after a while of gasping for breaths did she start answering.


    ¡°It was such a moving speech, Archbishop.¡±


    The Archbishop grinned.


    ¡°It¡¯s easier said than done. Your forgiveness was even more touching, everyone who gathered here must think so.¡±


    ¡°Forgiveness¡­¡±


    The Queen let out a burst of weak laughter.


    ¡°Would the Prince¡¯s dead family¡­have forgiven him for choosing to forgive?¡±


    ¡°A family who loved him would not have wanted the Prince to plunge into a painful path of vengeance for them in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Archbishop.¡±


    The Queen raised her head. Her gray eyes subsided quietly and turned towards the Archbishop.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t drink the tea I gave you. Don¡¯t you believe me?¡±


    It was a sudden question. Then, the lamp went out.


    ¡°Your Imperial Majesty? Please turn on the light. I can¡¯t see you.¡±


    The Archbishop¡¯s bewildered voice echoed in the darkness.


    ¡°Archbishop¡­ Is it dark?¡±


    The Queen¡¯s voice continued as if sobbing.


    ¡°I have gone through the darkness for way too long¡­ After letting William and Sal¨¦rion go thirteen years ago, I have been wandering in the dark all along.¡±


    Heavy raindrops swept through the wind and smashed through the window of the bell tower.


    ¡°The only thing that has been a light to me all this time is the faces of my children who sometimes appear in my dreams and call me¡­¡±


    The Queen struck the flint to burn the tinder and light the lamp. She looked at the flaming tinder with hazy eyes.


    ¡°When William calls me, fantastic thoughts come to my mind, like a revelation. Even though it always ends up splattered with blood-stained memories¡­ Mother, you did not forget us, did you? You haven¡¯t forgotten us, have you?¡±


    The Queen smiled and lit the lamp.


    ¡°Then, I will answer. How could I forget¡­¡±


    She bowed her head and shook her body, as if crying.


    ¡°Archbishop¡­ I¡¯m in a dark, long tunnel, and my heart stops. My heart only beats when I run for revenge¡­ It seems that only then can light be seen.¡±


    The Queen raised her head and smiled softly.


    ¡°Archbishop¡­ Give me light. Even if it¡¯s a momentary light, it does not matter.¡±


    Blood was dripping down the stairs. The body of the Archbishop wiggled as it slumped and became cold.


    ¡°I heard that the more powerful a spiritual being gets corrupted, the more powerful darkness it will become.¡±


    The Archbishop¡¯s body creaked bizarrely and slowly stood up. The Queen looked at him and flashed a sweet smile, brimming with admiration.


    ¡°I look forward to your darkness, with which that will lead me out of the tunnel¡­¡±

 CH 24

    Rietta slowly turned her head. Killian sat at the altar, kneeling on one knee and bowing his head. She tried calling out to him, but her voice did not come out. Her body was not moving well either. Rietta slowly moved her feet, it was as though she was in a dream, trying hard to force her body to move.


    As if not realizing Rietta was approaching, Killian was still lowering his head. Rietta barely approached behind him by moving her unfamiliarly heavy body. Her hands that extended toward him did not seem to belong to her. She barely touched Killian¡¯s shoulder.


    One, two, three, four. Her fingertips touched one after another. As her palm touched Killian¡¯s shoulder, Rietta slowly swept it down. However, whether he did not realize what she was trying to say or whether the sense of holding his shoulder itself was fake, Killian did not look back on her.


    ¡®There is someone who is not a priest.¡¯


    Her voice did not come out. Her words did not seem to reach him. Rietta became nervous.


    Along with the huge magic circle spread out on the floor of the square, the magic circle shining under Killian¡¯s feet brightened glaringly and was absorbed into his body. As a result, Killian¡¯s body shone with a silver afterimage. As the wind rose, the hem of his clothes fluttered and sank shortly after.


    The great blessing had been cast. Rietta got dizzy as she felt the divine power escaping from her body. Her frayed nerves suddenly loosened up and the feeling of pressure on her body subsided. Rietta tried to open her mouth again but there was no voice at all.


    ¡®Milord¡­ Milord!¡¯


    ¡¸If any among them doesn¡¯t seem to be priests, put your hand on my shoulder. And if you see plague demons or something dangerous, hug my neck.¡¹


    Rietta collapsed as if falling behind Killian¡¯s back and hugged him by his neck in the time that seemed to flow slowly.


    ¡®I can see demons.¡¯


    Time went by so slowly. Killian turned his head slowly and grabbed her arm.


    Creak¡­


    The Archbishop appeared with his khakkhara after opening the door of the bell tower. He laughed horrifically, no longer being the same person as the one who climbed the bell tower. Covered in blood, the Archbishop lifted the khakkhara high and opened his eyes wide. That moment was as long as a thousand years.


    ¡°!¡±


    Time came back to normal. Killian pulled Rietta from his back and lowered her body.


    Boom!


    The next moment, a black object dreadfully passed by above them and exploded.


    ¡°Argh! Archbishop!¡±


    Screaming was heard everywhere.


    ¡°Put your head down!¡±


    A priest shouted. An instant later, he lost his neck. Dozens of the priests who were praying suddenly took swords out of their clothes and began to slash the other priests around them.


    Both of the Archbishop¡¯s eyes looked in different directions, he smiled horrifically and swung the khakkhara. The darkness shot out from the khakkhara penetrated people¡¯s bodies like arrows. The crowd pushed each other and began to scream and run away.


    Pandemonium unfolded in an instant. The next moment, the Archbishop turned his head at a strange angle. He smiled and rushed to Killian. After noticing that he was the target of the attack, Killian pushed Rietta to the side and narrowly lowered his body to avoid the attack.


    The spot where Killian got away was crushed and darkened. Killian reached into the air and shouted.


    ¡°Sword!¡±


    In the midst of people, a sword thrown by someone flew toward him. Killian snatched the sword from the air and ran. The khakkhara wielded by the Archbishop once again broke the stone floor where he was at.


    The Archbishop, whose attack came to nothing again, made a grumbling sound and glowed out of his eyes. The demon who dominated the Archbishop¡¯s body raised the khakkhara in the air. A dark yellow energy spread in all directions as if it were a dust cloud.


    A black light came out of the bodies of the slashed priests. They became undead and creaked up. An undead rushed toward Rietta while she was sitting on the altar. As soon as Killian tried to rush with curse words on his mouth, the Archbishop ran toward him


    Clash!


    The khakkhara and sword collided.


    ¡°Giselle!¡±


    Killian shouted, clenching his teeth.


    ¡°Protect Rietta!¡±


    One of the priests with a sword jumped in like lightning and blocked Rietta. The white light of the blade staggered and spit the undead¡¯s body vertically. As it was a silver-plated blade, the slashed body of the undead burned and blackened.


    Rietta was astonished and covered her mouth. She looked at the back of the priest who blocked her. A woman in a priest¡¯s robe rashly took off her hood. Brown hair tied into a ponytail and an attractive mole under the eye were revealed under the moonlight.


    ¡°Lana! Cover His Grace!¡±


    At the next moment, undeads rushed from all sides. Giselle quickly turned around and took a leap with Rietta. In an instant, the ground became distant. Rietta looked down with an incredulous look.


    A few men in priest¡¯s robes were the first to take out their swords and wielded them to stop the fake priests. Rietta recognized that many of the sword-swinging people wearing priest¡¯s robes were Killian¡¯s knights. The knights that were mixed in the crowd joined the paladins who were flustered and could not get a hold of themselves.


    ¡°Seira! The Emperor¡¯s deputy!¡±


    Seira, who was mixed in between the priests, was already running without a priest¡¯s robe. She swung a halberd to the ground and somersault up to the altar.


    Lectus Justin and his guards were dealing with the undeads with swords, but they were in a hurry to defend and could not fight properly.


    As soon as her feet touched the ground, Seira turned full circle like dancing. She swung the heavy polearm held in both hands horizontally. At once, the backs of the undeads broke and three undead flew away. Seira put the halberd on the floor again and turned into a somersault. The polearm went around vertically from a distant height. When it fell and stuck its ax blade down into the ground, the body of a huge undead running from behind Lexus Justin collapsed, splitting from the top of his head to the pelvis.


    There was no time to appreciate her flashy ax dance. Undeads in priest¡¯s robes flocked to where Giselle and Rietta fell. Giselle pressed Rietta¡¯s shoulder to lower her posture. She wielded her sword above her and slashed those who rushed towards them before jumping back up. The undeads, who were rushing from both sides toward them, clawed at each other and tumbled down.


    Shot from the khakkhara the Archbishop wielded, the spear of darkness was attacking and knocking down the fleeing crowd. The bodies of the people who fell after being directly hit by the spear creaked and began to attack indiscriminately, grabbing the ankles of the people who had been running away with them until just recently.


    The bodies of the dead priests rose as bigger and more powerful undead at the call of the demon who ruled over the Archbishop¡¯s body. The undeads of the high-ranking priests had grown enormously with the corrupted divine power, they were becoming a monster beyond human form.


    They moved stronger and finer than the general undead. They were intensively rushing to Rietta and the other priests, who were emitting powerful divine power, to create stronger comrades.


    Killian was the Archbishop¡¯s target, he too was not free. Killian¡¯s knights, who had secured the retreat of the fleeing crown and ran backward through the crown, joined the battle.


    Lana snapped her fingers. In the rainy darkness, where it was difficult to identify the people on their side, the bodies of the humans dominated by demons were caught in a blue fire. The undeads slowed down their movements and suffered from being wrapped around the blue fire.


    Killian¡¯s knights slashed the bodies of the undead marked by Lana without hesitation and began to protect and evacuate people. The bewildered and confused paladins soon followed them to either cut down the marked enemies or help secure the people¡¯s retreat.


    The demon who dominated the Archbishop¡¯s body endlessly swung the khakkhara to create more undeads. Some of them rushed to Killian and some rushed to the knights who were protecting the surviving priests.


    Giselle put down Rietta and quickly looked around. The undeads in the vicinity rushed in after finding out that Rietta was a human with an appetizing divine power. In an instant, Giselle pulled another sword from her waist and began slaughtering the undeads who rushed toward them with swords in both hands. Rietta watched with incredulous eyes as the woman she was close to struck down the undeads¡¯ necks with a calm face and trampled on them.


    ¡°Elise! Destroy them!¡±


    A tall woman in a priest¡¯s robe was already dancing in the middle of the battle.


    After spinning around a huge two-handed sword that looked as tall as her with both hands, her hood slipped back, revealing blonde bobbed hair and an intelligent and elegant face.


    Giselle freely moved the swords in both hands and was slaughtering several enemies at the same time. She moved so fast that it was hard to chase her with bare eyes. It all happened with only a single breath that Rietta took.


    ¡°Please evacuate this way!¡±


    The paladin Niston shouted loudly. The Order of Paladins stood in a row and built shields to create barriers, securing a way for people to evacuate. Giselle kicked an undead¡¯s back and pulled her sword out of him. She turned in the air and separated the upper and lower bodies of the undeads chasing after her.


    At the next moment, Giselle¡¯s speed slowed down as if she suddenly stopped. A blue light hoisted up from her body.


    Her cold downcasted eyes suddenly opened up. A blue light burned from both Giselle¡¯s swords. At the next moment, Giselle disappeared like a flash after lowering her posture. It was only a moment later that the bodies of the undeads were separated and collapsed as if time had stopped.


    Even though a considerable number of undeads were gathering near Rietta, there were no undeads able to move around after Giselle disappeared for a while and returned.


    Giselle crossed her two swords. She scratched them, and the blood on the blade gathered at the tip of the swords and fell into the rain.


    When the undeads near Rietta were cleaned up, Giselle took off the cumbersome priest¡¯s robe and threw it away. Giselle and Rietta¡¯s eyes met. Giselle smiled brightly and put her index finger in front of her lips.


    ¡®Shh.¡¯


    Giselle leaped back into the air and jumped into the midst of priests in the right row of the altar where the knights were struggling to protect the surviving priests. Now that she was free, Giselle moved as if she was flying around. Saying that she did not have time to feel cruel was a lie. Rietta was mesmerized and followed her with her eyes.


    ¡°Over there! Run behind the barrier!¡±


    With the help of the paladins, the surviving crowd fled behind their shields. In the opposite row, Elise was holding and swinging a sword as huge as her body with both hands. She cut through the air with her blade, aiming at an aggressive priest. The priest tumbled back, barely missing Elise¡¯s gigantic sword.


    Elise pulled close the blade that had gone to her back by inertia as if dancing and embraced it. Pushing the body of the sword with the other hand, she twisted her body slightly and pierced under her side. Her blade unexpectedly protruded from an oblique angle and broke the arm of the undead who was rushing from behind. After lowering her body and tripping up the undead, Elise put her sword in front of her as an axis. She turned around while indifferently trampling on the undead¡¯s back.


    As if the great sword was her dancing partner, the nape of the undead was ripped apart with her elegant movements. Using centrifugal force, Elise lifted her sword at an angle and set it in front of her nose. She extended the blade horizontally and went around one more time. The blue-edged sword drew a huge circle.


    An approaching fake priest that was armed with a dagger collapsed and stepped down due to the powerful wind from her sword. The undeads, who did not have enough intelligence to read the whole situation, approached Elise and ended up with broken skulls and flew into the rain.


    While she was free for a moment, Elise closed her eyes and took a short breath. A blue aura was lifted up from her body. Elise leaned back the sword, gracefully lifted one knee, and swung it with both hands. The overwhelming blue energy broke the floor and flew straight to blow away the faltering fake priests.


    Elise turned around again and put the sword in front of her chest. Her eyes found her next subject. Even the undead with an ego felt an instinctive threat in front of the sword¡¯s tremendous attack radius and extreme presence. The undead slowed itself down and distanced itself from her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t come closer!¡±


    The paladins who were about to join the battle stepped back after hearing the firm voice that stopped them. Elise intentionally moved to a place without allies within the range of the attack. She crushed the fake priests and undeads with elegant movements like dancing.


    Her movement of swinging a large and heavy sword was not as fast and sleek as Giselle, who wielded a double sword, but the long, great sword¡¯s tremendous attack radius was offsetting whatever speed limit she had.


    The surviving fake priests on both sides of the altar faltered and stepped back after witnessing the unimaginable sharp sword dance from the women. They began to run away. Giselle¡¯s sharp voice dropped in the air.


    ¡°Rachel! Don¡¯t let anyone escape alive!¡±


    Rachel neither showed up nor answered. However, a sharp sound was heard cutting through the wind. The humans that were running away were bleeding on their heads or necks and collapsed.