Episode 89

I fell into a brief contemplation.

As the priest had said, I didn’t feel particularly pleased about this purification ritual.

A purification ritual, really.

Part of me questioned whether enduring this would yield any benefits from the temple, but I managed to regain my composure.

I couldn’t leave the temple empty-handed.

So, I needed to endure as much as possible.

“…Yes, I understand. I’ll undergo the purification ritual.”

Gabriel, the priest, nodded with a faint smile.

“Then, we shall begin the purification ritual.”

“Yes, please begin.”

I had no idea what this purification ritual entailed, but I remembered Noah, my brother, mentioning something similar when I first visited the Blighton estate.

I watched closely as Gabriel prepared for the ritual.

As he began to chant some incantation and pray, I mimicked him, pretending to pray as well.

Despite the name, I didn’t feel anything during the ritual, which didn’t surprise me.

‘Of course.’

Blighton wasn’t something that needed purification.

Lloydin and Ian weren’t dirty or evil entities requiring purification.

“It’s done. You may rise.”

“Thank you, priest.”

We finished the so-called purification ritual and left the prayer room, heading towards the main temple.

“How is Priest Noah doing?”

As we walked, Gabriel suddenly asked about my second brother.

“My brother is currently traveling away from home. So, I don’t know exactly where he is or what he’s doing.”

“I see. Everyone was shocked when he decided to leave the priesthood. His devotion was extraordinary.”

“My family and I were all saddened by it.”

“Yes, if he had remained, he would have had no trouble becoming the High Priest. It’s truly unfortunate.”

After that, I followed the priest to the main temple to offer prayers to the gods.

I felt some curious glances directed at me, but I was so used to it by now that I could easily ignore them.

After completing the formalities at the temple, we left the main temple. As we walked out, I saw a group of people approaching from the opposite side.

Among them was a beautiful woman with red hair. As she got closer, Gabriel quickly bowed deeply.

“Greetings to Princess Daina Leteus.”

The princess?

I hurriedly followed the priest’s lead and bowed to the princess.

“Greetings to Princess Daina Leteus.”

“Please rise, both of you.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

At the princess’s words, we straightened our backs and raised our heads slightly.

‘Ah, it is Princess Daina.’

Due to my illness, I hadn’t been active in social circles for a long time, so I didn’t recognize the grown-up princess at first.

But soon, I remembered meeting her once when we were younger, and I matched that memory with her current appearance.

‘I remember she was around my age.’

Since we were of similar height back then, she must be either the same age as me or just a year or two apart.

“Hmm, you must be the Duchess of Blighton, right?”

Princess Daina recognized me as well.

“Yes, I am Ayla Blighton, Your Highness.”

“Do you remember that we met before?”

“Of course, I remember.”

“I heard you were unwell. Are you feeling much better now?”

“Thanks to your concern, I’ve improved a lot.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Princess Daina smiled brightly as she said this.

‘She’s really a cheerful person.’

Not having any prior information about the princess, I had been a bit nervous, but my tension began to ease.

“By the way, what brings the Duchess of Blighton here?”

There was no hint of malice in her question. She genuinely seemed curious about why I was here.

“I came to pray for my husband’s safe return.”

“The Duke is very strong. I’m sure he’ll return safely this time as well.”

“Yes, I believe so too.”

“Your Highness, it’s time to go.”

The man beside the princess, who had been visibly anxious throughout our conversation, urged her to leave.

“Then, let’s meet again next time.”

“Yes, see you next time. Take care, Your Highness.”

Bowing, I bid her farewell as Princess Daina walked past me.

Though our conversation had been brief, a sweet floral fragrance that seemed to suit her lingered in the air.

“Let’s go as well.”

“Yes, Priest.”

Following the priest, I soon arrived at his room.

“This tea is calming. Please, have some.”

“Thank you, Priest.”

The priest offered me a cup of hot tea on the table.

I took a sip.

“The aroma is lovely. It tastes good.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

We quietly drank our tea for a moment.

As he said, the tea had a calming effect.

However, I couldn’t afford to be leisurely drinking tea right now.

Remembering the purpose of my visit, I put down my cup and looked at the priest.

Based on his attitude so far, I felt he might not answer all my questions, but he would likely provide some information.

Carefully gathering my thoughts, I cautiously began.

“May I ask you something I’m curious about?”

“Of course. Feel free to ask.”

“Thank you. The truth is, I didn’t come to the temple just to pray.”

“I had somewhat expected that.”

The priest answered, giving me a keen look.

“How… did you know?”

“I could tell by looking into your eyes.”

“My eyes?”

“Yes. I could see the determination to change something in your eyes. And I believe that determination stems from your affection for the Duke of Blighton.”

I recalled the moment he had stared at me so intently earlier.

As expected of a priest, his ability to see through people was extraordinary.

Feeling a bit amazed, I decided to take this opportunity to ask him the questions that had been on my mind.

“Since you’ve said that, I’ll get straight to the point. Do you know anything about the Blighton family?”

“What specifically are you curious about?”

“Well… I want to know why the members of the Blighton family always have to be at the forefront of the monster subjugation.”

“Hmm, you’re curious about the covenant between the empire, the temple, and the Blighton family, aren’t you?”

“Yes. What kind of oath binds the Duke to a life of constant danger? Please, if you know anything, tell me.”

I pleaded with him, my desperation evident.

The priest fell silent, seemingly deep in thought, and an uneasy silence filled the room.

I waited tensely until he finally spoke.

“Unfortunately, as a simple priest, I do not know the details.”

“Oh… I see.”

A wave of disappointment washed over me at his words.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help. But I can tell you one thing: everything started at the center of the Black Forest.”

“At the center of the Black Forest?”

The faint clue caught my full attention.

“Yes. To achieve what you desire, there are only two ways: either eliminate all monsters in the world or delve into whatever remains hidden in the Black Forest. That’s all I can tell you.”

* * *

Before leaving the temple, I thanked the priest and asked him a question that had been on my mind.

“Why did you help me?”

Gabriel, the priest, answered with a kind smile.

“Even though the temple rejects the Blighton family, not all priests and paladins share that sentiment. Many paladins, in particular, owe their lives to the Duke from the battlefield.”

Indeed, how many lives had Lloydin saved in those perilous situations?

Even beyond the battlefield, everyone in the empire—or rather, everyone suffering from monsters—should be grateful to the Blighton family if they had any conscience.

“That’s why I believe that continuing such unfair practices is wrong.”

I had no idea.

I hadn’t realized there were people in the temple with such righteous thoughts.

This gave me a glimmer of hope.

With a bit more effort, I felt I could achieve what I desired.

“Thank you so much for today. I won’t forget your kindness.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll pray that you achieve your goals as soon as possible.”

After bidding my final farewell to the priest, I climbed into the carriage.

Feeling a bit of the heaviness in my heart lift, I returned to the mansion.