* * *
Preventing Belges from falling into heresy had left me utterly drained.
During the carriage ride to the capital, I slept the entire time.
If Jerome hadn’t woken me, I probably would’ve slept through the whole day.
By the time we reached the capital after several days of travel, my inexplicable drowsiness had finally vanished. I yawned as I stretched.
“Seriously, those slackers. They work me to the bone and don’t even let me rest. Now they’re ordering me to the temple the moment I return to the capital.”
I trudged down the temple corridors, rubbing my eyes.
My body still ached from exhaustion, and I had just spent half a day being briefed on the procedure for the conferment ceremony.
Stumbling with my eyes half-closed, I stopped abruptly when Jerome’s hand pressed against my forehead.
Opening my eyes, I saw the massive stone pillar I was about to walk into.
If Jerome hadn’t stopped me, I’d have smacked right into it.
Chirp, chirp.
Our eyes met, his hand still on my forehead.
The silence stretched.
My heart raced, my breathing grew self-conscious, and I didn’t know where to look.
In the stillness, even the sparrows’ chirping sounded louder.
Jerome finally broke the awkwardness with his calm voice.
“They must think it’s not yet time to rest.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Do you know about the World Tree that connects the dimensions?”
Jerome’s words jogged my memory.
The World Tree, a massive ancient tree guarded by the sacred beast Oberon, was said to be the link between the human realm, the Netherworld, and the Otherworld.
As I pieced the lore together, realization dawned.
‘Ah, so this is the start of the Eastern arc.’
The oppressive humidity, frequent squalls, and the Eastern province’s distinct culture stood out vividly in my mind.
Known for its indigenous faith rather than Maya worship, the province was home to beastfolk—humanoids with animal traits—and 90% of its land was dense jungle.
Even the rabbit siblings from Luna Guild hailed from there. Feigning ignorance, I widened my eyes and asked,
“I know. Why?”
“Apparently, the fairies guarding the World Tree have gone mad from the heat.”
“…Gone mad from the heat?”
“Fairies, though classified as monsters, don’t usually attack humans. Yet, reports of fairy attacks on humans have been flooding in recently.”
As Jerome spoke, apprentice priests, laughing and chatting, froze upon seeing us and quickly bowed, pressing themselves against the wall.
Walking past them, I listened quietly to Jerome’s explanation.
He turned around with a faint hum and a bright smile.
“Oberon, the Fairy King, is the mother of all fairies. As the guardian of the World Tree and the sacred beast of Maya, she’s uniquely revered in the East, even over Maya herself.”
“……”
“But now, not only are the fairies acting strangely, but Oberon has been unresponsive during rituals. Something feels off.”
Jerome’s expression darkened as he paused.
The brief glimmer of madness in his usually warm eyes sent a shiver down my spine.
“This might be our final battle.”
His face, devoid of any kindness, was like that of a hunting dog.
An inexplicable unease gripped me, and before I realized it, I had grabbed his wrist.
Jerome glanced at me, puzzled.
After hesitating, I spoke.
“Go to the infirmary first. You haven’t treated your injuries from the Kraken’s attack.”
“What? It’s fine. A little wound like that is nothing a man can’t handle with grit.”
“Not a man, just a fool. You’re my best card, and if you get hurt or sick, it’s not just your loss—it’s mine too.”
I glared at him, but my voice betrayed my concern.
Jerome watched me silently for a moment before giving a sly smile and leaning in close.
“You know, that almost sounds like you’re asking for a hug.”
“Just go already!”
I shoved him away, raising my voice in exasperation.
Jerome laughed heartily, his clear, genuine laughter stirring something in me.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, the unease in my chest refused to subside.
“Wait in the audience chamber. I’ll finish up quickly and send you home. Oh, and…”
Jerome hesitated, as if to say something, but then closed his mouth.
“Never mind. I’ll tell you later.”
Releasing my waist, he turned and walked away.
Watching his retreating back, I clenched my fists.
There was no time to dwell on my anxiety.
I had to find the remaining crystals and perform the miracle, no matter what.
As I stepped into the audience chamber, a familiar face greeted me.
Luke, seated with a book in hand, looked up with a bored expression and spoke.
“Why are you standing there like an idiot? Close the door and come in.”
Why are you here?
✽ ✽ ✽
Luke snapped his book shut, stood up, and walked toward the bookshelf.
His expression, as he carefully chose his next read, was surprisingly serious.
Come to think of it, when I created this story, I gave Luke the character trait of loving books.
After much deliberation, Luke finally picked a book and began reading it while still standing.
But this moment of leisure wouldn’t last long—I had every intention of using the favor I earned from winning our bet.
As soon as I opened my mouth to speak, Luke raised one hand, gesturing for silence.
It was a clear shut up.
“I already know what you’re going to ask me.”
“……”
“So just wait quietly.”
I may have won the bet, but judging by the atmosphere, it felt like Luke was the real victor.
Since disturbing someone while they’re reading is practically a crime, I resigned myself to sitting quietly in the chair, waiting.
Luke, seated on the sofa across from me, flipped a page in his book and spoke in a detached tone.
“I’ll testify to Revulin’s corruption as you wish. I’ve also gathered evidence that Revulin purchased Sacre slaves. His position will likely be revoked soon.”
The accuracy of his insight startled me, and my expression stiffened.
Luke smirked at my reaction and continued.
“As I thought, my guess was correct. I’m curious about one thing, though. Why are you so determined to prove Madame Quaintrell’s innocence? Do you have a personal connection to her?”
Luke looked genuinely curious, as if he couldn’t fathom why I was so fixated on helping Madame Quaintrell. His question made a familiar face flash through my mind—my father’s face.
The world is rife with unjust deaths, and most people seem to accept that to some degree.
But I couldn’t.
Whenever I encountered someone facing such injustice, I would think of my father.
Clenching the fists resting on my knees, I spoke resolutely.
“Because no one should die unjustly.”
“……”
“Unjust deaths shouldn’t exist.”
A flicker of surprise passed through Luke’s eyes as he looked at me.
He stood and approached me, suddenly extending the book he’d been reading.
Startled, I took it, blinking in confusion.
With an unreadable expression, Luke explained.
“It’s a book with excellent explanations about herbs. Since your magical abilities are pathetic, you should use your downtime to expand your knowledge in other areas.”
For a moment, my brain short-circuited.
What?
Was he mocking my lack of magical talent?
Or was this a veiled threat—next time he’d poison me without an antidote?
Unlike me, who stood frozen, Luke seemed oddly at ease.
His next words made me grip the book tightly.
“I’ve always despised Sacre people, but perhaps I’ve known all along. Just as I don’t represent all Aileenians, you don’t represent all Sacres.”
“……”
“If you had been there when my parents were killed… I believe you would have done everything to prevent their unjust deaths. That much, I acknowledge.”
His words left my lips slightly parted.
It was as if Luke was begrudgingly admitting something about me.
After a moment of contemplation, he raised his head.
His calm green eyes showed no trace of wavering.
“But I have something I must protect. That’s why I don’t want you to gain Lord Carlisle’s approval. No matter what it takes, I will win him back.”
“……”
“I still have no intention of forming an alliance with you. The stronger the Sacres become, the weaker the Aileenians’ position will be. I will fight for my survival. So, you too…”
Was it just my imagination?
Luke’s expression remained impassive, yet I felt as though he was faintly smiling.
I understood his heart.
Someone as upright and just as Luke couldn’t possibly feel at ease crushing a weaker opponent like Jeanne.
He must have decided that the only way he could fight me without guilt was when I stood on equal footing with him.
When he could crush me without any reservations.
Suddenly, Luke grabbed my hand and placed a brief kiss on the back of it.
The mix of emotions in that kiss made me shudder involuntarily.
His beautiful green eyes glimmered with a spark of competitiveness as he curled one corner of his mouth upward.
“Do your best to survive.”
It sounded like concern, but it was actually a declaration of war—one where he could attack me without remorse.
I unconsciously pulled my hand back as Luke’s firm grip tightened around my wrist.
His face returned to its usual detached expression as he gave me a small nod.
“Then, I’ll see you in the East.”
With that, Luke exited the room.
My hand, where he had kissed it, trembled slightly with fear.
* * *
Me do not understand why fear?
🗿
Luke genuinely pisses me off