Chapter 49

For now, I decided to put aside the suspicions, reply to Cesare’s letter, which was postponed due to the running away disturbance, and go to the temple to meet the archbishop.

The contents of Cesaren’s letter were as dry and to the point as usual.

The Romangnan border turmoil and the Limini march had been successfully concluded, and the family was doing well and often thought of me.

As usual, writing back was quite a difficult task.

He was a man who wouldn’t look twice at a letter, even if you wrote briefly.

I was sure he heard the whole story of my runaway incident. I also thought he would have liked it because he wouldn’t want me to be doing very well here.

Anyway, I roughly skipped that part and poured out all kinds of flattery and insincere words, including that I wanted to see him as we had a lot to talk about.

This was just my fate. I really hope he didn’t actually come.

“I’m glad to see you recover safely.”

When I arrived at the temple, the archbishop welcomed me with an ‘emotional’ expression.

If I didn’t know any better, I would have been moved.

“You don’t know how worried everyone was. All we could do is pray, so we fasted and prayed all night long during your disappearance. Fortunately, the Lord have heard the earnest cries of humble servants.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, I’m back safely.”

I was the one who knew better than anyone what a hunger strike was, but I just decided not to think about it. Well, it might be different here.

Light sunlight penetrated the stained glass ceiling.

The interior of the temple, which was like a dark labyrinth because of the nice weather, also felt soothing.

“I don’t know how you’ll take it, but I’ve heard about Lady Rudbeckia’s vulgar assumptions which have been circulating in the capital. I’m ashamed that you must have had a hard time because of that.”

The Archbishop also seemed to think that this was the cause of my neglect.

Well, in the eyes of others, I guess it does seem so. Thank you for the misunderstanding.

“You don’t have to do that. I don’t care anymore. Above all, I’m just glad Lady Furiana is safe.”

“You are the angel of Sistine. You can’t compare to her.” The archbishop, whose purple eyes shone under the torchlight, looked so reverent.

Did this man really have nothing to do with the attempt of poisoning Freya?

Even though she was a cherished niece, there were many people who could pretend to care and regard them as faithful family members.

It would be nice if this archbishop was just an ambitious ordinary priest, but I had no way of knowing. Not only the archbishop but also the countless priests and monks of this temple, with Cesare’s spy network hidden in them.

Unless they approached me first…

This was also proof that Cesare was watching me closely.

It was funny though. He was so obsessed with me, and yet, no trust in me. Obsessed to the point that he wouldn’t allow a little trust.

If I tried to get in and out of the temple like Rudbeckia in the original book, it would cause misunderstanding between my husband and others. If Cesare comes, I’d have to figure out something.

“I’m worried that Satan’s servant has re-emerged in this situation.”

Satan’s servant. He was talking about my dragon cub.

“Ah… it seemed like everyone was nervous.”

“It’s a punishment for the North, which is losing the true mindset of believers. I just hope the festival comes soon. If Cardinal Valentino comes, we’ll feel more secure than anything else.”

Yes, if Cesare, the eldest son of the Pope, comes, only the temple will rejoice. I would definitely die, though.

“I can’t wait to see him too.”

“I’m sure he’s worried for you. If he knew how much his lovely sister has been through, he would want to see you.”

“It wasn’t exactly tough.”

“That’s very generous of you to say. But you’re not the one to be treated so lightly. It would be natural for His Grace to be scolded by the Cardinal.”

He didn’t seem to be worried about what Cesare would do, but hoping he would do something.

Scolding, haha, is it possible for Cesare to scold Izek?

Rather, I was already worried that the two of them would have a fight. They were the only ones who could trap me between them.

“But the reason you invited me at that time…”

“Oh, it wasn’t a big deal. I just wanted to give you some comfort because you might be surprised and confused due to the situation. I didn’t know who did it, but he will surely not escape the punishment of the Lord.”

I really hoped so. I wished the same came from Lorenzo’s mouth.

What did he say he’d do next time he saw me?

“I’m glad to have the Archbishop’s kindness. Thank you for taking care of me. I’m not good at expressing myself, but I think I can rely on you.”

“As a servant, loyal to the Holy Father, it is natural. Please feel free to visit us. I’ll do everything I can to help you.”

Just in time, ding-dong-ding. The sound of the afternoon bell echoed.

“Time flies. Would you like to join me for lunch?”

“It’s fine. I have a prior engagement with my husband.”

It was not a prior engagement, more like a torture session under the guise of a meal. The Archbishop’s reaction was a little strange, as he smiled, “Your husband…”

At first glance, confusion flashed across the archbishop’s face, faintly omitting the rest of his words.

What was that look? What was so surprising?

“…I see. I’m glad you’re getting closer day by day.”

It sounded as sweet as it was before, but somehow, my mouth ran dry.

That was weird. Did he expect this incident to make my relationship with my husband worse? It would not have been such a dismal response if he had vaguely guessed. I didn’t want to turn him..

Damn, I’m trying to think of him as innocent, but I can’t if he keeps doing this.

“Oh, Lady Rudbeckia!”

I was seen off by the archbishop, a gloomy atmosphere covering me as I walked past the hallway to the entrance. A familiar trainee appeared and shouted brightly.

What else was left?

“Sir Andymion.”

“Good morning, Archbishop. It’s a lovely day.”

Andymion, who greeted us with a wistful smile, looked as calm as Sir Ivan. I thought he would mind me a little after the frost forest incident, but I didn’t know why everyone looked so carefree.

I thought they were doing something on purpose.

Andymion said, while I was wondering how to greet him properly, “I’m glad you’re well recovered, my lady. I’ll see you often again in the training area now, hopefully.”

“Ahaha…… Thank you. But what brings you here?….”

“Oh, Lord Izek has ordered me to bring you. You are to have lunch with him, I believe?”

I see, but how did Izek know I was here? Who’d he hear that from? Was he watching me?

Andymion’s glistening golden eyes looked so innocent.

I couldn’t even imagine the harsh tone in the conversation he had with Lorenzo the other day.

“Lord Izek must immensely care about you.”

These words were thrown by the Archbishop, who was silently watching Andymion for a while, with a meaningful smile.

Whatever you’re imagining, it’s a big misunderstanding, Archbishop.

There were other escorts, but he was mistaken since Izek sent his trainee instead.

A paladin’s trainee was a valuable assistant in an emergency, even as an apprentice.

They could not be compared to ordinary trainees or escort knights.

Usually, their relationship was quite relaxed, so it was very rare to send trainees for small tasks like picking up someone nearby.

I was sure he was trying to keep an eye on me, that cold-blooded husband of mine…