Chapter 60

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Special Treatment
-----------------------------------------------------------------

“Connections? Who?”

“You'll be able to meet them this time. I invited them to the Consecration Ceremony as well. They're coming from far away, so they'll arrive a little late.”

At my words, Lute's expression soured even more.

“These new connections... by any chance, are they wealthy?”

He’s already rich, so why is he curious about that?

I was taken aback, but I answered anyway.

“They are quite wealthy, yes.”

They own the granary region, so of course they’re rich. Though probably not as rich as Lute.

But for some reason, Lute's face grew even darker.

What in the world is wrong with him?

Hoping for an answer, I glanced over at Yuri and June...

The two of them were sighing and shaking their heads.

Seeing their expressions, like parents dealing with a troublesome son, I figured it wasn't a major issue.

I decided to let it go.

“We've also redecorated the guest rooms for the Consecration Ceremony. I'm sure everyone will be pleased.”

We didn't have enough time to renovate all of them, but the rooms where our guests will be staying have been perfectly refurbished.

I can't just give my cherished guests shoddy treatment.

Especially Lute.

“For your information, Your Grace's room is the very best. It gets wonderful sunlight and has a magnificent view.”

At my words, his full, pouting lips slowly receded.

The number of lines creasing his brow also lessened slightly.

“...Is that so?”

“Of course. You are the first and most precious follower of our Sun God's Grand Temple.”

Thanks to him, I was able to revive the Grand Temple with great ease.

Without him, everyone at the Grand Temple would still be starving, sighing over the barren gardens, and we wouldn't have even been able to attempt the potion business.

Even if I make many more connections in the future, there will be no one as special as Lute.

“So, you're saying I'm your top priority.”

Lute's expression instantly brightened.

What? So he wasn't angry, just sulking?

But why was he sulking?

“Absolutely. You can look forward to the room, too. It's right next to my own bedchamber.”

Where would the best place in the Grand Temple be?

Naturally, it's my room, the Saintess with the highest position.

Therefore, the room next to mine was also quite excellent. I gladly prepared it for Lute.

“...Where did you say it was?”

“The room next to mine.”

Lute's face went blank. He seemed moved by this truly special treatment.

“Monica, please show Count Polten and the Vice-Captain to their rooms.”

“Yes. This way, please.”

Monica answered politely and led the two away. I had also put a lot of thought into choosing their rooms, so they should be pleased.

“Your Grace, please follow me.”

“...Alright.”

Lute, who had been standing there blankly, nodded his head.

I thought he would puff out his chest at receiving special treatment befitting his top-priority status, but he looks so surprised.

Seeing him this expectant made me want to show him the room I'd prepared as soon as possible.

“Saintess. Someone is approaching from the Grand Temple's main gate.”

But Victoria's words stopped me in my tracks.

Just as she said, two or three people were walking up the path.

Who is it? They aren't the Holy Knights guarding the gate, and the only people who can enter without permission are those invited to the Consecration Ceremony...

Count and Countess Hindel couldn't have arrived already.

“Count Kiris?”

The one who identified him was none other than Lute.

“I believe you are correct.”

Victoria nodded as well.

I was puzzled.

It wasn't strange that Count Kiris had come.

After all, I was the one who had sent him an invitation, going against Airic, who had expressed his concern right up until the moment I sent it.

But he came this early? It was as if he'd departed the moment he received the invitation, almost like Lute...

But why would the Count do that?

“...Your Grace, Duke Ciel.”

The Count, having reached us, stared at Lute with a surprised expression.

The way his mustache twitched, it seemed to be a rather displeased sort of surprise, though I didn't know why.

“It's surprising to see you in such an unexpected place. It has been a while.”

“I'm the one who's surprised to see you, Count. Did the Saintess invite you as well?”

“An invitation? Then, Your Grace also...?”

The two men's gazes turned to me simultaneously.

I nodded.

“Yes, I invited you both.”

Both of their faces twisted at the same time. Lute's was far more ferocious, though.

I see. The pouting from before was just him sulking. This is what his face looks like when he's truly angry.

“But there are still five days until the Consecration Ceremony. Why have you come so early, Count?”

Lute came early to get a recharge before the ceremony, but what about the Count?

“...I heard that the Sun God's Grand Temple has changed a great deal recently. As a patron, I came to take a look around. So, let us speak for a moment.”

His unexpectedly greasy tone sent shivers down my spine.

It seems he's trying to act friendly because Lute is here, but it's so out of character and just plain unpleasant. I wish he'd stop.

I'd rather he just cursed at me.

“Sir Victoria, please guide the Count to the reception room.”

The reception room and the special guest chamber where Lute and I were headed were in the same general area, but I had no desire to walk alongside that Count.

Sorry, but I have no choice but to let Victoria handle him.

“Understood. What should I do with the others?”

Thankfully, Victoria agreed without another word.

I looked at the people Count Kiris had brought with him.

I didn't recognize the knight in armor, but the other person was a familiar face.

Baron Gale.

The very same bastard Count and Countess Hindel were grinding their teeth over for slapping Monica.

“Give them a spare room.”

There are no clean guest rooms left, but whatever. Let them figure it out.

Even if there were, I wouldn't have given them one.

“Understood. This way, please.”

Victoria led the way.

Count Kiris's eyebrows twitched violently, expressing his displeasure, but I ignored him.

As long as Lute was here, he wouldn't be able to say anything anyway.

Just as I expected, he left silently with his vassals.

“Why did you invite him?”

Once everyone had left and it was just the two of us, Lute asked as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“I heard you two don't get along.”

I never told him that. How does he know? Did he investigate me?

Well, it saves me the trouble of explaining.

“That's why I invited him.”

“What are you planning to do?”

What am I planning?

Instead of answering, I just grinned. Lute let out a dry laugh.

Quick-witted as he was, he didn't ask the same question again.

“Now, since the unpleasant sights are gone, let's get going. At this rate, we'll be up all night.”

As I started toward the bedchambers, Lute fell into step beside me.

“Didn't you want to be alone with me so we could spend the whole night together?”

His displeasure having completely vanished, he spoke with his usual smooth charm.

“I was getting excited for a moment, thinking I'd have the Saintess all to myself tonight. What a shame.”

“And what would you do if you had me all to yourself?”

“We would have spent a meaningful time having many conversations. Lately, there's no one who's as satisfying a conversational partner as you, Saintess.”

“I suppose I am a rather decent conversationalist. Since I'm in the next room, call for me if you get bored. You're a special guest, so I'll give you special treatment.”

“Is that a promise? If I knock on your door and you ignore me, I'll cry outside all night. I'll wail about how you could possibly sleep after spurning me.”

That's... a bit too horrific. Someone passing by in the middle of the night might faint.

I'd probably have nightmares all night, too.

“You can come, but only before midnight. I'll be going to sleep then.”

“Alright. I won't disturb your sleep.”

As we exchanged lighthearted banter, we soon arrived in front of the bedchamber I had prepared for him.

He's sure to like it.

With both hands, I flung the large doors open.

The neatly tied white curtains billowed dramatically in the breeze. Gray shadows resembling the sparkle of sunlight on water danced all around.

Each time the curtains swayed, golden sunlight from beyond the wide, floor-to-ceiling window poured in and vanished again.

The silent yet tumultuous scene was beautiful beyond words.

“...It's magnificent.”

Lute, who had witnessed the entire scene from behind me, murmured absently.

Hearing the awe-struck wonder in his voice made me feel proud.

“Isn't it? I see this view every morning, and I never get tired of it. I often find myself lost in thought just looking at it.”

The room, accented with tones of blue, could not be called ornate or extravagant, not even as an empty compliment.

But that was precisely why it suited the Sun God's Grand Temple so perfectly.

It gave one the feeling of being submerged in a blue sky filled with white, fluffy clouds.

That was why I had chosen this room for Lute without hesitation.

For him, who was in pain, a room this serene and peaceful would be better.