* * *
In front of the fortress gates at the border of the Duchy of Soznian, crowds and carriages gathered, waiting for inspection.
The principality, known for its vast grain fields, sold a limited amount of grain-based liquor annually around this time.
Although the quantity was small, its quality was guaranteed, so prominent merchants and nobles would line up to send people to acquire it.
“The priests of the Erdian Order, I see. I heard there’s a large prayer meeting in a few days—will you be staying until then?”
“We plan to return immediately after the prayer meeting if nothing else arises.”
“Understood. Apologies for taking up the time of such esteemed guests. You may proceed.”
“Not at all, thank you.”
Inside the carriage that was allowed entry without inspection after showing the Temple Order’s identification, former thief and current porter Marvin let out a sigh of relief.
‘If it weren’t for the priests’ carriage, I’d be caught and detained at the inspection point.’
Had he been caught at the checkpoint, he’d likely have been transported straight to the dungeon and hanged.
But, true to their word of giving him a chance to repent, the temple group showed no sign of handing him over to the guards just yet.
When the prince was attacked again, a knight had separated from the group to stay with Marvin, whether to guard or to monitor him wasn’t clear, though the official purpose was definitely as a guard.
‘If Woohyun comes to his senses, he’ll certainly take action. Justin, go with him to the principality and return to the temple afterward.’
‘I understand, Lord Erdian.’
Now, with the captain of the temple knights driving the carriage, this was the perfect chance to escape.
They were already within the principality, and only a frail priest and an assistant he could easily overpower shared the carriage with him.
Yet, Marvin chose to stay quietly inside.
Remembering what had happened on the mountainside, the thought of escape no longer appealed to him.
The ruthless ambush by assassins targeting the prince, the swordsmanship of the temple knight captain as he wordlessly cut down the attackers, and the revelation of the priest’s true identity—all had shocked Marvin beyond words.
‘While they’re sparing me, I’d better behave. I could end up like that man who got minced alive.’
The man who usually taunted him with a sly smile had only blinked, and in the next instant, a human being was torn to shreds.
When Marvin witnessed it, he was so paralyzed with fear he didn’t even notice he’d soiled himself.
‘I thought I was exaggerating, calling him inhuman, but it was true?’
It was still hard to believe.
Who would think that a god could walk among humans?
It wasn’t just any common god but the elusive Erdian himself.
“Karo, don’t you think the mood was a bit off today?”
Fin, the assistant who had been fiddling with his green ponytail, cautiously broached the subject.
He’d been preoccupied all day, distracted from his usual task of making extra treats for the young hatchlings.
“The mood?”
“It felt like things were a little tense between you two….”
“After yesterday’s ordeal, that’s understandable. Ciel must have been deeply shaken; he even fainted in the middle of it.”
“Yes, I suppose. Even Malrang is down…he only had one bowl of food at the inn, when he usually eats two.”
“He’s young, so he must be traumatized. Unlike Ciel, Malrang saw everything with his own eyes.”
“…Are you okay, Karo?”
“Whether I’m okay or not, I still have to do what’s necessary. Those who died deserved it anyway.”
“That’s true.”
“If I dwell on it, it’ll only stick in my mind longer. Once we reach the temple, there won’t be time for such thoughts. We’ll need to stay sharp.”
“Oh, right, I forgot—there’s an audit coming up…”
Fin nodded.
Although only an assistant at the temple, he was often included in audits, earning trust by helping with small tasks.
Despite lacking divine sensitivity, his sincere devotion to Erdian and lack of selfish motives were well-known.
As Fin put away the treat bags and tidied up the carriage, Priest Caro glanced at Marvin with a warning look.
“You should abandon any ideas of escape.”
Although Caro was devout and quiet around Erdian and the saint, he wasn’t necessarily kind to everyone.
“Knowing who he is, how could I even think of escaping? I wouldn’t dare—especially after that strange curse High Priest Giselle cast on me.”
After revealing his true identity on the mountainside, Erdian left with Habios, who promised to stay silent about everything.
Marvin, however, was in a different situation.
The High Priest Giselle had joined the group, telling Marvin he’d lose his tongue if he spoke of what he saw or heard to anyone else.
His cold, factual tone had chilled him even more than a threat would.
“He placed a divine seal on you. It’s not a curse. Curses are what the priests of the Maha Order use.”
“Well, I don’t know much about it…but I understand how important my life is. I don’t want my tongue cut out either.”
Whether Marvin’s sincerity reached him or not, Priest Caro didn’t respond further.
Through the window, they could see the principality’s temple slowly coming into view as the carriage came to a stop.
The High Priest affiliated with the principality, holding a permit for the holy relics, stepped out to greet them.
Raullett, who had been driving, got down from the coach seat, removing his hood to reveal his short red hair blowing in the wind.
Recognizing him, the High Priest bowed his head.
“I hadn’t expected the knight captain himself to come. The letter only mentioned sending someone trustworthy… Thank you for making the journey.”
“No trouble at all. Could you first show us to a resting place?”
The saint was in worse shape than anticipated.
Although Erdian had shielded his eyes, sparing him from seeing the horrific scene directly, he’d been withdrawn and unusually quiet since regaining consciousness.
Even his behavior toward Erdian had changed—he now kept his distance, sticking close to Malrang.
At first, it seemed like he was comforting the child after witnessing something so awful, but a closer look suggested otherwise.
‘The saint appears to be avoiding Lord Erdian. Did something shift in his feelings in just one day?’
Priests from the principality’s temple bustled around, arranging personal rooms for each member of the party.
However, Malrang insisted on staying with Seo Woohyun, tearfully asking not to be separated, so they ended up sharing a room.
“Ciel, if anything happens, please call for me.”
Raullett earnestly urged Seo Woohyun, who was seated on the bed, looking pale.
“I understand. I’ll behave, so feel free to attend to your business.”
“Very well.”
Before leaving, Raullett took another look at the saint, who had once been eager to learn everything but now seemed only minimally polite, devoid of any enthusiasm.
The shock must have been severe. Silently, he left the room.
“Captain, this is Justin. Reporting back.”
“Did you see to his needs?”
“Yes.”
The subject’s identity remained unspoken.
This was the Duchy, and the Prince had distanced himself from the group.
Raullett checked the pouch holding the holy artifact tucked safely inside his robe.
Inside lay the ring that Erdian had worn when he resolved to become a god himself.
The ring gleamed radiantly, untouched by the passage of a thousand years.
The High Priest of the Duchy, who was probably anxiously awaiting its arrival, was likely reeling from Giselle’s unexpected visit by now.
And not only any official but one from the Special Division, even one marked as the next head of the High Priest, had arrived for this irregular inspection.
The emotional pressure must be unbearable.
Reflecting the mood, raindrops began falling one by one, soon building into a downpour.
“Let’s go. The sooner we finish, the better.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Raullett walked down the temple hallway. He hoped that the Saint would regain his strength before they returned to the Holy City.
Quickening his steps, he focused on this modest hope.
The High Priest of the Duchy of Soznian wore a distinctly uncomfortable expression, clearly unprepared for an irregular inspection.
Yet, though some documents were incomplete, there was no embezzlement or violation of doctrines, so the inspection concluded faster than anticipated.
“Aside from delays due to the absence of dispatched personnel, everything is in order.”
Giselle glanced at the visibly relieved priest with a satisfied smile.
“With this level of management, I think Lord Erdian would also find the temple’s operations commendable.”
“Oh, that’s a relief to hear. I doubt Lord Erdian himself is watching over us, though.”
“Haha…”
Giselle briefly thought of Erdian, who was currently disguised as the priest “El” and blending in with the group.
Amidst the unceasing rain, Giselle could feel a faint trace of Erdian’s presence.
It was the same feeling he had experienced when divine yellow petals had drifted down as Seo Woohyun first opened his eyes upon the altar.
‘This rain… it must be Erdian. But what happened with the Saint for him to feel this way?’
While Giselle worried, Erdian sat alone in his room, chin propped on his hand, eyes closed, his expression visibly menacing, as if to confirm his foul mood.
The reason was simple.
‘I was rejected by Woohyun.’
He was steeped in the pain of heartbreak.
* * *
this makes my heart heart </3
erdian u better work hard to get woohyun’s forgiveness and make him realise that u like him separately from ciel
This is the result of seeking the true. So bad for both of them.
This is so bad my poor children
Haha