Translator: Nox
Chapter 32
At noon, the rain began to pour down in torrents.
The soldiers, who had been busily packing their belongings, scrambled to cover the wagons with pitch-coated cloth and hurried the horses back into the stables.
Watching the scene from inside her carriage, Aila looked up and stared at the blackened sky.
Flashes of light flickered between the dark ink-colored clouds that spilled heavy raindrops, followed by a low, growling rumble of thunder. At a glance, it didn’t seem as though the rain would let up anytime soon.
“It appears we will have to stay at the monastery for one more day.”
The royal guard, who had been sequestered in the knights’ quarters for some time, finally approached the carriage, presumably having decided to postpone their departure. He slid a waterproof robe through the gap in the door.
Aila took it and let out a small sigh. She was displeased by the incremental delays in their schedule. After all, was this journey not already fraught with enough uncertainty?
She pulled on the raincoat, glancing repeatedly out the window.
“Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?”
“His Highness has gone to the Abbot’s private residence.”
Aila, who was pulling the hood over her head, furrowed her brow and looked back at him.
“Is he planning to stay there today as well?”
“It would seem so.”
The knight lowered his gaze, his voice trailing off noncommittally.
Aila looked at the gathered monks with a dissatisfied eye.
As the Abbot, standing under the roof of the cloister, gave a series of instructions, the monks dispersed in an orderly fashion. She observed the sight intently.
Quite unlike the way he treated Gares, the Abbot appeared cold and solemn. That, she presumed, was the priest’s true face.
Aila narrowed her eyes. Originally, the imperial pilgrimage was a ritual intended to garner support from local citizens and influential figures. Considering the purpose of this journey, it wasn’t a bad thing for Gares to build rapport with local powers. However, the Abbot’s background weighed on her mind.
‘To rise to the position of Abbot despite the weakness of being a half-breed… he must either possess great political acumen… or have a formidable backer.’
Though they had only spoken briefly, Aila could tell immediately that the Abbot was no ordinary man. While he maintained a polite demeanor on the surface, she had glimpsed a cold, calculating look in the priest’s eyes as he observed Gares. It occurred to her that he might be an appointee planted by the Empress.
Had the Taren family not collaborated closely with demi-humans for generations since the Era of Warring States? It could hardly be a mere coincidence that a quarter-elf had risen to a high-ranking priestly position managing a massive monastery like Mordawin.
Perhaps they had begun building a faction within the Church to support the Second Prince….
“Your Highness?”
Lost in thought, Aila snapped her head up. Her personal guard was looking at her with concerned eyes, standing in the pouring rain.
Aila gave an awkward smile and straightened herself.
“I’ve kept you standing in the rain for too long. Come, let us go to the quarters.”
The knight took her hand and helped her down from the carriage.
Aila stepped carefully onto the muddy path.
Heavy raindrops pelted her crown and shoulders. The downpour seemed to have grown even more intense in that short time.
Pulling her hood tight, Aila hurried across the wide courtyard, which was now shrouded in a white veil of rain, and entered the cloister surrounding the garden. She then approached the priests as if by chance.
“Princess.”
The demi-human priest, who had been speaking with the Vice-Abbot, spotted her and quickly bowed.
Aila wore the gentle smile that had become a habit and spoke softly.
“As it happens, we shall be imposing on you for another day.”
“It is nothing but an honor to host such distinguished guests.”
The priest replied politely, without even thinking of straightening his hunched back.
“Please let us know if you require anything. If it is within the monastery’s power to provide, we shall prepare it immediately.”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
Aila paused for a moment before continuing cautiously.
“Then, may I ask one favor?”
“Please, say the word.”
“Tomorrow, I would like to hold a separate ceremony for Talia. Would you bestow a blessing upon that child as well before we depart?”
The Abbot’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected request.
Aila watched his reaction closely. It lasted only a split second, but she saw a flicker of wariness pass over his pale violet eyes before it vanished.
The priest asked in a measured tone.
“Are you saying you wish to hold a blessing ritual for the Second Princess?”
“Who else is there?”
Aila added smoothly, a thin smile playing on her lips.
“We’re staying another day anyway. Wouldn’t it be better for her to undergo the ritual as well while we’re here?”
“I didn’t realize Your Highness cared for the Second Princess to such an extent.”
Aila turned her head at the sudden voice.
Barkas, who had walked silently through the rainy garden, pushed back his dripping hood and fixed her with a dry gaze.
Aila, who was about to greet him with a welcome smile, felt her expression dim. His face, wet with rain, looked colder than usual. Seeing that frigid, hardened expression made her nerves prickle.
She knew well that his sharp reactions regarding Talia stemmed from negative emotions accumulated over many years. Her half-sister’s atrocities had been so great that even this stoic man couldn’t help but be repulsed.
Since he had been forced to endure that behavior by her side for seven long years, it was no wonder he felt such loathing.
She understood all of this intellectually. However, it was occasionally unbearable to her how this utterly indifferent man only showed such a sharp reaction when it came to that girl.
Forgetting her intention to test the Abbot, Aila responded emotionally.
“I am worried about you, not her. His Majesty personally entrusted her to you. If he finds out the ritual was held without Talia, you might face unnecessary reproach.”
“That doesn’t mean I can drag someone who refuses to go before the altar, does it?”
Aila’s face hardened at his sarcastic tone.
She was used to him acting cold enough to make her heart chill at times. But she could not tolerate him being disrespectful to her because of Talia Roem Guirta.
Aila lifted her chin stiffly.
“First, we should check Talia’s intentions. She is a fickle child; who knows if she might change her mind by tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow, we leave at daybreak. I have no intention of changing the schedule based on the Second Princess’s whims.”
Barkas cut her off flatly.
Aila, who had never experienced having her opinion dismissed in such a manner, flushed with anger. She wanted to rebuke his rudeness right then and there, but she did not wish to undermine his authority in front of everyone.
Aila struggled to hide her displeasure.
“If that is your wish, Sir Knight, then there is nothing to be done.”
As she conceded, Barkas turned his gaze toward the Abbot.
The priest, who had been watching the confrontation between the two with interest, quickly lowered his eyes. Barkas looked down at him with a chilling gaze and issued a low warning.
“I would prefer tonight to be as quiet as possible. If we are to leave at dawn, the Crown Prince must surely need his rest.”
It was a clear message not to hold any banquets or dinner parties this evening. The Abbot nodded with a stiff face.
As if there was nothing more to say, Barkas turned and held out a hand to Aila.
“Let us go. I will escort you to your quarters.”
Aila swallowed a sigh and took his hand.
