<Chapter 89>

Not all nobles are created equal. There was always an air about certain individuals that could be felt just from their presence. Moreover, someone who casually hands out a pass to the Imperial Library couldn’t possibly be a low-ranking noble.

“How do we return this if we don’t know who it belongs to?”

“Just tell the Imperial attendants that you found it lying in the garden and hand it over. They’ll return it to the library for you, right?”

“Ah, that works! And it won’t reveal your identity either. I’ll do that.”

“Yes, thank you so much.”

Blondie bowed deeply to me. I waved it off as if it was nothing.

“Were you close to the owner? If there’s anything you’d like me to pass on, let me know. If I happen to run into them, I’ll deliver your message.”

“Ah, that…”

Blondie hesitated briefly, as if unsure whether to relay a message. But at that moment, Monica cleared her throat softly and interjected.

“It’s time for you to leave, Madam.”

“Alright, got it.”

I nodded and turned to Blondie, who seemed to have made up her mind and shook her head decisively.

“You don’t have to go that far. If my actions were to be exposed, it might trouble you as well, Madam.”

“Does the owner know your identity?”

“I’ve never introduced myself directly. But back then, there were lots of people betting on who my husband would be. So, they might have guessed from my appearance.”

Ugh, those wagers again.

“The social world really has too many idle people. Alright, I’ll make sure this gets to the Imperial attendants.”

“Thank you so much, Madam.”

“It’s no big deal.”

I carefully secured my handbag and descended to the first-floor lobby. There, waiting with his arms crossed, was Temenos.

‘Oh… he’s all wrapped up.’

It was like we’d gone back to our wedding day. That felt like a distant past, though it had only been two months ago.

‘No wonder his appearance feels unfamiliar.’

Lately, Temenos hadn’t been wearing his mask or gloves around me. Especially since coming to the capital, his attire had become noticeably more relaxed, with lightweight clothing and at least two or three buttons always left undone. But now, he was completely covered from head to toe. Even his mask had a left-eye cover, making him look like he was fully armored despite not wearing a suit of armor or a helmet.

I understood why he’d chosen such a conservative outfit. Still…

“Hmmm… For someone all bundled up, isn’t the outfit a bit too flashy?”

“What…”

Temenos started to say something but paused. Though his left eye was hidden behind the mask, his right eye darted quickly, scanning me from head to toe.

‘Right? You think I look stunning too, don’t you?’

I twirled dramatically in front of him, but the realization hit me belatedly. I was circling Temenos, who was still silent, inspecting his attire.

“Are you trying to avoid attention or draw it? Just who were you trying to seduce by dressing up like this?”

His meticulous concealment of his scales made it impossible for anyone to associate the word ‘monster’ with him based on appearance alone. Sure, the half-mask covering his left side was noticeable, but his exposed right side was too strikingly handsome to be overshadowed.

In the past, his mask had felt artificial, giving off an unnatural vibe. Now, it simply looked like an accessory worn by a stage actor.

“Strange. Why does he look even more handsome?”

Of course, I’d thought he was handsome during our wedding, but now he seemed even more so. Is it just my imagination?

“Did you put on makeup? Your skin looks paler and smoother than usual. Your hair has a glossy shine, and… are your lips rosier than normal?”

“Ahem!”

Temenos cut me off with a loud cough. He glanced around, signaling me to be mindful of our surroundings. It was then I noticed the servants discreetly averting their eyes in every direction.

The only one openly smiling at me was Ferry.

Clap clap clap!

Ferry began clapping at Temenos, much like he had clapped for me earlier. It seemed he was praising Temenos’ outfit this time…

“Sir Ferry! Don’t tease the Madam!”

Alice whispered in a low voice, but the quiet atmosphere made her words clearly audible. That’s when it dawned on me—to everyone else, my words had come across as gushing over Temenos.

‘No, that’s not it! I was genuinely concerned!’

But I couldn’t deny it this time. My remarks were ripe for misunderstanding.

‘Still… still…!’

Just as one can’t call an unattractive face beautiful, it’s equally impossible to call a handsome face ugly. My eyes were perfectly functional!

“I’ll say this again: don’t act like this outside, Madam.”

“Hmph, don’t worry. I’ll put on the perfect act of a haughty noblewoman outside.”

Out of sheer pride, I was determined to do it. Gritting my teeth, I linked my arm with Temenos’ and let him escort me to the carriage. As we walked, I leaned in to whisper in his ear.

“Just so you know, in case you didn’t, there’s one important thing you must remember.”

“And what might that be?”

“Married or not, under no circumstances should you accept a dance request from another woman.”

“…Is that so?”

“You didn’t know? I figured as much. You’re already married! Fast dances or slow ones, you must uphold fidelity and never dance with another woman.”

Temenos nodded without hesitation, fully trusting my words.

“So, if a married person dances with someone other than their spouse, they’re failing to uphold fidelity?”

“Exactly! Keep that in mind, alright?”

Just before boarding the carriage, I grabbed Temenos’ hand and reiterated my plea with earnestness. Temenos chuckled softly and nodded.

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

“I’ll be watching you closely. Just try breaking your vow of fidelity.”

“And what happens if I do?”

“What do you think? You’ll be exiled! Separate rooms for sure!”

I pumped my fist threateningly, and Temenos smiled, nodding again.

“You’re laughing? Is this funny to you? I’m being serious here!”

“As I said before, you’re the only one who’s ever been interested in me.”

“You may not be interested in them, but someone might fall for your face or body.”

“That someone is only you.”

“Once we get there, things might be different.”

From what I’d observed, the fear and wariness people used to show towards Temenos were long gone.

‘The staff didn’t seem uneasy around him just now either.’

The northern servants, in particular, had grown accustomed to seeing Temenos by my side. Monica, Alice, and the holy knights especially seemed at ease.

‘The capital’s people could adapt too, couldn’t they?’

“I might overlook other things, but I can’t tolerate infidelity. That would mean divorce.”

“You worry about the strangest things.”

Temenos knocked on the carriage wall, prompting the coachman to set the horses into motion.

“Whether it’s strange or not remains to be seen. Either way, remember my warning. I’m serious about this.”

After firmly warning Temenos, I turned forward and summoned the divine message screen.

◆ Ultimate Objective: Save the World

◇ Current Objective: Raise Northern Faith to 10,000 | Confessions 9/10 | Holy Relics 0/3 | Raise Capital’s Faith to 1,000

 

*Northern Faith: 8,449

*Capital’s Faith: 178

*Familiar: Flurry (Hamster)

*Key Items in Possession: 3 Divine Oracle Tokens, Oracle Tablet

 

▼ Replay Divine Oracle

And then I placed the Oracle Tablet on my lap.

“Why are you taking that out?”

“What do you think? To consult the divine oracle, of course.”

“…At this timing?”

“It’s precisely because of the timing that I have to check. To see whether you’ll maintain your fidelity at the palace later or not.”

Temenos shot me a look of disbelief.

“Does the divine oracle even reveal something like that?”

“Of course! That’s one of the most critical matters.”

Naturally, I was joking.

After all, where were we headed? To the imperial palace. And the reason for going was because we had received an invitation from the Emperor himself.

‘It’s not exactly a tiger’s den… but maybe a wolf’s lair?’

There was no telling what kind of traps the Emperor might have set for us. So consulting the divine oracle was absolutely necessary.

‘It’s unfortunate that I can only consult it once.’

BEST
RevealedAfterChapter72

Show Spoilers

Due to the enigmatic nature of the oracle, I could only receive a single divine oracle.

‘Please, let this one be incredibly crucial!’

Would you like to use a divine oracle token?

Yes / No

I fervently pressed the “Yes” button.
 

<To be continued>

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