HIFH | Chapter 23

Episode 23

What exactly is a holy relic?

It is an artifact gifted by the Primordial God to the first pope.

Only the high priests of the Holy Kingdom know what abilities the relic possesses or what form it takes.

‘That makes it even harder to find.’

It was as elusive as a mirage.

Some questioned whether it was worth the effort to search for something whose appearance and abilities were completely unknown.

But from the Holy Kingdom’s perspective, finding the relic was imperative.

It was the proof that God had chosen the Holy Kingdom.

‘And the Empire wants to destroy that honor.’

In this context, the relic had to exist.

If it didn’t, the Empire and the Holy Kingdom wouldn’t both be so determined to find it.

“No, the relic definitely exists.”

Lu questioned me.

“How can you be so sure?”

“The Empire stole the relic.”

I answered firmly.

“That’s why the Holy Kingdom and the Empire are still in conflict.”

The carriage jolted, causing me to shift slightly. I grabbed the window frame and adjusted my posture.

“If the relic didn’t exist, then this entire conflict would be fake too. And that wouldn’t make sense, would it?”

“Well, that is true.”

Lu seemed somewhat convinced but still didn’t fully agree with me.

So I pressed the point further.

“No matter what form it takes, the relic exists.”

“But if we don’t know what it looks like, how can we find it?”

“They said we’d recognize it when we saw it.”

Both Catacle and the Guardian had said the same thing.

That the moment we laid eyes on the relic, we would know it was the relic.

That was why I said it, but instead of replying, Lu just stared at me.

I had no idea what he was thinking.

But at the very least, I could tell he wasn’t completely on board with my words.

Seriously, he was so stubborn.

I shook my head.

“Fine. There’s no real answer to this anyway.”

“There is an answer.”

“Sure, sure. Charles is always right, after all.”

He sounded like he was teasing me.

I narrowed my eyes and glared at him.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I meant it.”

“I just don’t feel like you did.”

“Oh dear. It’s a little sad that you don’t understand my sincerity.”

“Put some conviction into your words first.”

Lu furrowed his brow but laughed.

His smile was so bright that I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle myself.

As we laughed, the carriage gradually came to a stop. We had arrived at the Lockwood estate.

“Well then, shall we get to work?”

Lu stood up lightly and extended his hand to me.

“To track down the whereabouts of the relic.”

Our individual goals might have been different, but our objective was the same.

So I had no choice but to take his hand.

The outdoor garden was illuminated by dazzling lights and the soft glow of candlelight.

Crystal glasses filled with luxurious wine shimmered elegantly, while at the center, a sommelier—recruited from the royal family of a duchy—was carefully selecting and pouring wine.

Nobles leisurely enjoyed the rare wines, savoring their flavors as they reveled in the party.

“Well then, I’ll go and greet some people.”

Lu said.

“Alright. Do well.”

“I’ll see you later.”

Lu lightly kissed the back of my hand before walking away.

I knew he did it to maintain the appearance of a romantic relationship, but it still made my hand tingle, and my shoulder twitched involuntarily.

Ahem.

Clearing my throat, I glanced around.

‘How should I create a scandal big enough to make headlines?’

My goal here was to stir up trouble and get kicked out along with Lu.

That way, he wouldn’t be able to gather any information, and the Lockwood family would develop a negative impression of us, ensuring that any future discussions about the relic wouldn’t reach him.

‘Hmm.’

I observed the people gathered in small groups or seated at round tables.

There were hundreds of ways to cause a scene.

But I needed to choose a method that wouldn’t make Lu suspicious.

‘What would be best?’

I was deep in thought when—

“Lady Charles!”

A familiar voice called out. I turned around to see Everlyn Floria running toward me.

“What if you trip while running like that? Be careful!”

I quickly grabbed Everlyn’s arm to support her.

“It would be a shame to get hurt on such a wonderful night.”

Everlyn blinked several times.

“I—I don’t need you to worry about me, okay? Besides, you look more delicate than I do!”

That couldn’t be true.

Out of everyone here, I was probably the second strongest.

The first was Lu, of course.

“Anyway, come with me. I’ve saved a seat for you.”

My eyes widened.

I had assumed that Lu would leave me alone once we arrived at the party, and I’d be stuck like a spare wheel.

But she had actually prepared a seat for me.

That would make causing trouble even easier!

How thoughtful of her.

Smiling genuinely, I thanked Everlyn.

“Thank you for being so considerate.”

Everlyn’s expression stiffened slightly. She hastily opened her fan and covered her face.

“I just didn’t want to leave someone invited by Agatha wandering around! Don’t misunderstand!”

“Alright, alright. I won’t.”

“I don’t like you! I just find you adorable!”

Isn’t that basically the same thing?

Her blunt words contrasted with her kindness, making her seem rather cute.

I chuckled as I followed Everlyn.

“Here! Have a seat!”

I looked at the table she led me to.

It was a round table that could seat up to eight people. Seated there were Agatha Lockwood—the one who had invited me—and Catherine Winslow, whom I had met during the giant hornet tea party incident.

And…

“The Countess?”

A woman who exuded the aura of the lady of the house sat there.

Wait—why would she seat me at the Countess’s table?!

But…

‘Actually, this might be perfect.’

If I caused a scene right in front of the Countess, we’d surely be thrown out immediately.

My eyes sparkled.

“Good evening, Countess. My name is Charles Courtney. I’d like to express my gratitude for being invited to such a prestigious gathering. Thank you very much.”

I figured I should at least be polite, so I smiled and bowed.

But the Countess’s reaction was… strange.

“……”

Even though I had greeted her up close, she didn’t even glance at me.

Uh… okay.

I scratched my cheek.

I knew this attitude all too well.

I had encountered it plenty of times in Catacle.

‘She doesn’t like me.’

Well, that made sense. It would be odd if she did like me, given that we had never met before.

And…

‘Maybe she just doesn’t want a country girl like me attending such an aristocratic event.’

The Lockwood family was one of the most prestigious in the kingdom, practically founding nobility.

They were paragons of grace and tradition, so it was only natural that someone of my lowly status wouldn’t be welcomed.

‘Actually, this works out even better for me.’

So I simply smiled and took the empty seat beside the Countess.

At that, she subtly turned her gaze toward me.

“You must have had such a hard time getting here. You’re probably not even used to riding in carriages.”

She let out a small, dry chuckle.

“Drink plenty of wine. You’ve probably never had the chance to taste anything this fine in your life.”