Chapter 28

“It’s not like that. I’m…”

“What do you mean not like that?” His giant palm moved forward to slap my forehead.

…Well, he didn’t hit me, he just pressed his palm against it. Was he checking the temperature? He did the same last time.

“That’s weird. Why are you sweating so much when you don’t have a fever?”

“She was playing in the garden earlier… I think she spent too much time in the cold wind. She seems to be sick,” said Freya, who was quick to help, but somehow, her words made sense.

Izek immediately glared at me with a frustrated expression.

Just save my life.

“I don’t know if I’m married or if I’m taking care of a child…”

Hey, you cold-blooded b*stard! Yes, I’m a child! An innocent, idiotic, immature southern princess whose only friends are six-year-old princess’ of the same level of maturity! Please think that way all the time.

“I’m not going to get in trouble. I was so excited that I didn’t sleep well…”

“What was so exciting?”

I was going to say ‘Sleeping with you?’ but I changed my mind because I thought it was too much to say in front of young ones.

“I really want to open your head to take a look into it.” At the same time as these terrifying words came out, my feet lifted in the air.

Oh, no, no, you son of a b*tch! I’m being treated as a chick again!

“Haa?”

“Tell him to apologize next time. I don’t have much time today.”

My husband was consistently arrogant to everyone. What a know-it-all he was. I felt like I was slipping, so I had no choice but to wrap my arms around his neck.

Ha, what’s wrong with you after showing me your naked body? I want to whack the bouquet of flowers on your head, but I’ll put up with it.

“I’m heavy, so you can let me down.”

“And then you’ll bleed out again.”

No words. Oh, the same shame. The bloody nose from that time is a real shame.

I tried to argue that it was because I was sick, but I held it back because he might throw me away. I hate being thrown. It didn’t hurt much physically, but it’s still a kind of trauma.

Since we kept doing this, should I start working on getting his affection? The plan failed first, so now, one step at a time…

“I’m so happy to be in your arms like this.”

“……”

“You know, I thought you were… “

“What song did Lorenzo sing to you?”

What? W-Why are you asking me that all of a sudden? Don’t you know that?

“I don’t remember…”

“I heard it was a song that made fun of your curly hair. Is that right?”

Aha, so that’s what you knew. I… I can’t believe it. Besides, I don’t have curly hair. It’s naturally wavy!

Well, I didn’t want to tell him the lyrics of that horrible song. He shouldn’t start paying attention to those rumors. I hated them. I didn’t want to look fickle.

“That’s right. I think so.”

“That’s a quick answer, I thought you didn’t remember.”

“Well, I heard you’re going to have lunch with me in the future, is it true?”

“What’s the real deal… yes. Why? You don’t want to?”

No, I don’t. I don’t need a new torture! I thought I was going to die throwing up what I ate this morning, you carnivore!

“No way. I just can’t believe it. Are you serious?”

“I think I already said it’s true.”

“I’m so happy!”

I should move a bit faster to gain his affection. As my black heart burned, I quickly pressed my soft lips on his jaw.

Phew, I’m sure that’ll get you…

“Sir…?”

Yes?

I turned my head, blinking. Only then did the surrounding scene come into view. A magnificent library-like place where the statues of saints loomed over solemnly. And the embarrassed faces of priests.

Come on, don’t tell me… even if I’m the Pope’s daughter… In this holy place, did I just commit a sin by kissing my husband’s cheek in front of these people? Even though I was the one being hugged by my monstrous husband?!

Hey, hubby! You can’t bring me all the way here!

“Lady Rudbeckia, welcome. I’ve been waiting for your visit.”

The pale blonde archbishop greeted me politely, pushing back his embarrassment.

Was that Freya’s uncle? He looked younger than I thought.

I looked at Izek, asking him to drop me. My haughty husband was staring at me, having stopped walking.

His red ruby-like eyes looked blank for some reason. What was wrong with him?

“Cardinal Valentino has sent a message to make sure that we take good care of his sister.”

Couldn’t we just put Cesare aside? I felt uneasy in my husband’s arms. I wished he’d let me walk on my own.

“This temple has long been a place of special recognition of faith by the Holy Father. Lady Rudbeckia, please consider this place your home and feel free to visit.”

“Thank you.”

The archbishop, who was walking a few steps ahead, stopped in front of the entrance where the vineyard was visible and looked back at us. His face was of kindness itself.

“In fact, I was worried that you two weren’t here yet, but I think it was an unnecessary concern.”

Don’t mention that, please!

In the original book, I tried to recall what kind of person Archbishop Lee was, but no matter how hard I tried to think, I couldn’t remember. Rudbeckia was in and out of here, but it didn’t mention who she usually talked to and what she did.

This was the disadvantage of being the supporting role. That there was no detailed description of their whereabouts…

“I’m not the type to be tied to old traditions. As you know.”

Huh? I unknowingly widened my eyes and looked at my husband. Not only I but also the Archbishop seemed a little confused by this sentence, out of the blue.

“Hehe…It’s even more reassuring to hear Sir saying that, but wouldn’t it be right for My Lady to follow the customs even if it’s bothersome as she is the maiden of His Holiness? To prevent any misunderstanding that may appear… “

“I was just joking. My wife has been refraining from going out because she hasn’t been feeling well. I’ll visit you again soon on that issue.”

He’s being polite, but why did he sound sarcastic?

The archbishop had been responding with a caring smile, but he seemed uncomfortable now.

What was this atmosphere? A sudden realization occurred. It was obvious that Izek didn’t like the archbishop.

The Archbishop seemed to know it as well. Apparently, not just him, but also the other priests around us had a similar look.

As if they were watching the beasts who broke into the vineyard of the peaceful Lord…… being a good paladin did not necessarily mean that they would be on good terms with other priests. Besides, this guy’s personality had to be a son-of-a-b*tch class. The only thing I don’t understand was why and for what purpose did he bring me here?

What the hell is he up to? What are we doing? What are you plotting, hubby?

The archbishop, who coughed and glanced at Izek, smiled warmly at me again, “Lady Rudbeckia, I believe you will have no disruption in your religious activities while you are here. It just so happens that the temple will host a charity event on the upcoming St. Agnes’ Day. I’m sure you’d be happy to attend.”

“Oh..” I was now a symbol of all sorts of things. I smiled half-heartedly and peeked at my husband. My cold husband opened his mouth with his eyes fixed on the archbishop, “Is it possible for us to attend as a couple?”

“…of course. It’s even more welcome if you come with her. I guess you don’t want to be separated even for a moment because you’re newlyweds. Haha.”

Drive those words away from your mind, Archbishop. This arrogant guy must be planning on setting me up, throwing me in a trap and watching me flail. That’s exactly what this guy brought me here today! It’s just to show off to my father’s spy network!

He was watching over me like a chick, so don’t even think about hitting Omerta on their back…

Ah, this man!

Maybe he had something else in mind for me? For example, using the fact that I was the Pope’s daughter for the better.

After all, I was a fool who was looking forward to building a new position by interacting with the priests of the North.

Haa, yes, I was foolish to expect such a twist. Well, I was not the type to have ridiculous expectations. So, why did he do that all of a sudden? It felt a bit awkward. My eyes glistened passionately, swallowing the urge to tighten my arms around his neck.

“Really?”

“…….”

“Can I really attend? With you?”

“Can’t you just react normally once?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t believe my ears.”

“I didn’t see you like that, but you’re always too suspicious.”

What did this mean? If he didn’t act sarcastic for a while, would something pop in his mouth?

“Then, I understand that you two are going to attend together. This event will be bigger than expected.”

Finally, we left the temple after meeting up with the archbishop, who had a lunch appointment with his nephew and niece. My husband seemed more excited than usual, perhaps because things had gone his way. An unlucky day.

But what did he mean by bigger than expected?

It wasn’t until the day of St. Agnes’ birthday, a few days later, I finally understood what the Archbishop meant.

I knew that charity events hosted by the parish here were no different from charity events in my previous life. In particular, in a world where religion is such a big backbone of power, even for a brief moment, the most powerful people would visit to show their faces.

Even so, I thought it would not be as grand as Papal States of Romagna. This was a place where battles for survival were more important than religious ceremonies, after all.

“Oh, my lady, you’re here!”

“I wished that my lady would attend but, why are you dressed like that?”

“Ahaha, nice to meet you too.”

Of course, my prediction was wrong again. It was hard to tell whether this was a charity event or a banquet.

—