<Chapter 88>

‘There’s no way the brainwashing has been undone… Did he fall victim to the monster instead?’

The Pope had given Aiden two orders.

The first was to assassinate Inosensia. The second was to search for the holy relic.

Since the first order had been prioritized, if Aiden had gone after Inosensia and clashed with the monster…

‘He must be dead.’

Considering how both Temenos and Inosensia had arrived in the capital unharmed.

‘Tsk, what a waste.’

Aiden’s best trait was that his identity had been completely erased, allowing him to be used freely for covert operations.

How many years would it take to train another shadow knight like him?

Perhaps if the last guardian yet to be found was located, it might be possible. But for a newly born guardian to grow enough to fill Aiden’s shoes, it would take at least twenty years.

“The Monster Duke… If not for him.”

The Pope rubbed his temples, recalling what he knew about the “Monster Duke.”

He had never seen Temenos in person.

The only chance had been twelve years ago, when the young heir, who had just lost his parents, ascended to the ducal title. At the time, the Pope had shown no interest or concern.

As a result, he had no idea what kind of deformity Temenos was born with.

‘I should’ve seen him at least once.’

For a sinner punished by divine wrath to possess the strength to overpower a guardian born with divine power… Even a monster could have its uses.

Fortunately, he had the perfect justification to use Temenos however he wished.

As God’s representative, he had the authority to deal with a sinner punished by divine wrath.

‘And I need to confirm whether Inosensia has secured the holy relic.’

It was possible that the one who killed Aiden was Inosensia herself, now in possession of the relic…

The Pope preferred this scenario.

With divine power depleting, how could he not welcome a holy relic that had walked right into his grasp?

‘This retreat has been unusually long.’

As his divine power waned, Esther’s body began to show changes.

Staying by her side was essential, so he had refrained from appointing a saintess.

But now, with the relic from the imperial palace in his hands, he no longer needed to stay with Esther all day.

‘Even if my strength has weakened… If I gather all the holy relics that exist on this land…’

If he could combine the symbols of the miracles God had wrought into one, perhaps he could achieve the miracle he desired.

The Pope licked his dry lips and rang the silver bell.

“You summoned me, Your Holiness?”

Archbishop Simon rushed in, prostrating himself at the base of the dais.

Though he might carry himself with airs outside as an archbishop, to the Pope, he was no more than a servant.

Watching the pathetic sight, the Pope spoke slowly.

“A divine oracle has descended. Summon the saintess candidates.”

“A-an oracle, Your Holiness? And saintess candidates… C-could it be!”

“Indeed.”

Behind the veil, the Pope smiled serenely, a smile fixed upon his lips like a mask.

“The saintess will soon awaken.”

Part 8

“You can open your eyes now, Madam.”

At Monica’s words, I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the mirror before me.

“You’re so beautiful, Madam!”

“Everyone at tonight’s banquet won’t be able to take their eyes off you!”

The maids around me showered me with praise as they admired my perfectly styled appearance.

Judging by the satisfaction and pride on their faces, it didn’t seem like empty flattery.
And they had every reason to feel that way—after all, my current appearance was the result of hours of meticulous effort.

“Squeak, squeak!”

Clap clap clap!

Flurry clapped its tiny paws enthusiastically as if agreeing with the maids, and Ferry, with Flurry perched on his shoulder, joined in the applause.

I rose from my seat and spun around dramatically for all to see. The wide skirt of my dress flared out like vibrant flower petals.

“How do I look? Does it suit me?”

“Of course, Madam!”

“From the dress to the jewelry, gloves, and shoes—it’s all perfect. There’s nothing to criticize!”

“I think so too.”

“Hah, I don’t even like being the center of attention, but what if everyone keeps staring at me?”

“By the way, what should I do if someone other than my husband asks me to dance? Can I just refuse?”

“Of course, you can refuse.”

It was Blondie, more experienced in social gatherings than me, who answered.

Though Blondie’s role had been confined to the kitchen to avoid drawing attention to her background, I had specifically asked her to help with today’s preparations to get advice from someone knowledgeable about social events.

“That said, it’s also fine to accept. As you’re already married, dancing with another man once for the sake of social courtesy isn’t an issue.”

Blondie paused and then added with emphasis:

“However, slow dances where you press your body close together are absolutely off-limits. If someone who isn’t your fiancé or husband requests such a dance, they’re definitely looking for a mistress.”

“Gasp, really? I had no idea.”

Though I had no intention of dancing closely with another man, being aware of such social norms made a big difference.

“Anything else I should be careful about?”

“When you step out to the balcony to rest, always lock the door behind you. And if you’re going to the garden, make sure to go with His Grace. Never alone.”

Her advice carried the weight of personal experience, and I nodded, engraving her words into my memory.

“Why didn’t Countess Orman share such practical advice with me?”

“She probably didn’t think you’d ever come to the capital, Madam.”

“Yes. In the North, no one would dare act disrespectfully toward you in any setting.”

That was true. If Temenos was practically a king in the North, then I was essentially his queen.

Who would dare proposition or scheme against me there?

‘Not unless they had a death wish.’

Even here, while some might mock my husband behind his back, no one had the audacity to openly disrespect him to my face.

So as long as I stuck close to Temenos, I should be fine, right?

‘Hah, but if he starts thinking I’m clinging to him because I want to, that’ll be a problem.’

It’s probably time to snap him back to reality, but finding the right moment is proving difficult.

As I silently grumbled, recalling Temenos’ irritating remarks from yesterday, Blondie hesitated, glancing at me uncertainly.

“What is it? Do you have something else to say?”

“No, it’s just… well…”

Her reluctance made it clear she had something on her mind.

‘She must want to ask me for a favor.’

There was still a bit of time, so I encouraged her to speak freely.

“We’re all family now. No need to hesitate. Go ahead and say it.”

“Then… if I may, I have a rather presumptuous request.”

“There’s no need to be so formal. What is it?”

Blondie took a small, gold-toned token from the pocket of her apron. It was rectangular, with the imperial crest engraved on it—clearly not an ordinary item.

“This is an access token for the Imperial Library.”

“The Imperial Library?”

“Yes. Back when Baron Mirban was weighing potential marriage prospects for me, I often visited the imperial palace. During that time, someone helped me acquire this token, which allowed me to escape to the library.”

“I see… And now you want to return it to that person because you no longer have a reason to go there?”

“Yes. I can’t enter the palace anymore, and it feels wrong to keep something so valuable.”

The token, gleaming brilliantly in gold, even made me feel a bit burdened.

I carefully placed it into my handbag and asked Blondie, “Who should I return it to?”

“Well… actually, I don’t know their true identity. I never asked.”

The subtle nuance in her voice made it clear why.

‘The person must’ve been of high status.’
 

<To be continued>

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