“I did it for you because you desperately want this.”
Heron’s gaze was much warmer than before, but Viola couldn’t sense it.
Heron was certain, ‘She’ll be pleased.’
Viola showed a more remarkable appearance than anyone else, but she was too young. Even if she could surpass Medea, the most-favored successor candidate, it would be difficult to surpass the barrier of both the Second and Third Princes. In such unfavorable circumstances, the support of the Fifth Prince, Vichen, would be of great help to Viola.
And the duke decided to personally approve it.
“One of the things you’ve been wishing for has come true.”
To Heron, Viola was a child with great ambition and as a father, he supported her ambition.
‘You’ve completely won Vichen over to your side, and I’ve endorsed it. It’s something no one could have expected.’
Viola replied, “Thank you. Fa…ther.”
Viola wanted to cry.
‘Why?! Why are you smiling so happily?! No, you have such a smug expression, and yet you can’t understand my true feelings?! But why do you look so handsome even now?!’
It was a total mess. That deceitfully handsome appearance made the currently unrealistic situation even more unrealistic.
‘This is insane!’
In fact, Vichen’s offering to help Viola wasn’t a big problem in and of itself. Viola could be seen as sending a message of her more active participation in the succession war, but it was still difficult to see that as a significant obstacle.
The real problem lay elsewhere.
‘With him making an oath with the blood of a Black Temple Monster, I also have to hunt down that same monster!’
They had to spill the same blood. It was called the ‘Oath of the Black Temple,’ and many nobles made oaths in this way when they were important or sacred vows.
‘Since my father has endorsed it, I’m stuck.’
Viola had to go hunt down a black troll without any hesitation. This wasn’t a situation where she could say something like, ‘No, I don’t need to do that.’
Viola forced a terrible-looking smile but the Duke misinterpreted Viola’s expression.
“Are you happy?”
“Of course.”
Viola felt somewhat strange.
‘It seems like his Eye of Truth isn’t working?’
In reality, the Duke usually couldn’t sense Viola’s feelings but the Duke knew the reason as this had happened before.
‘It’s just like when I looked at Rael.’
The Duke’s Eye of Truth didn’t work well with Rael. Not even when he really wanted to know her true feelings. This had caused many frustrating times for Heron.
‘My Eye of Truth doesn’t always work with you.’
It used to be frustrating, but now it wasn’t. Instead, it felt good.
‘There’s a new wind blowing for me.’
It was a fresh mountain breeze named Viola…
***
Returning to her room, Viola asked, “Zenon, tell me about the Black Temple and the Oath of the Black Temple.”
“The Black Temple is a famous shrine created by the ancient mage Arge, who was addicted to black magic in his final years. That’s why it’s also called The Temple of the Corrupted Mage. It’s said that Halcon, a famous hero, mournfully beheaded Arge, covering the temple in his blood.”
It was a story told like a legend, and Viola knew it all too well.
“Halcon, a long-time friend of Arge, wept bitterly on the day he beheaded him, using his blood to declare war against dark magic. Heroes from all over the continent gathered there to make the oath.”
That was the beginning. Over time, specialized monsters called Black Temple Monsters were created in the Black Temple, and a ritual to swear oaths after spilling their blood emerged.
“The monster Vichen defeated was a black troll.”
Even a regular black troll was much stronger than an ordinary troll.
“It had two heads.”
How annoying Zenon looked with his smirk. Viola wanted to smack his chin.
“It won’t be a big deal for a lady like you.”
“Is that so? But Vichen almost died, didn’t he?”
“But he didn’t die.”
“I have to go alone for the sacred oath, don’t I?”
“I will accompany you to the entrance of the temple.”
To complete the oath with Vichen, Viola had to enter the Black Temple alone. However, there was one exception. Someone younger or significantly less skilled than the oath taker could be brought along, as a concept of auxiliary attendants to assist in the oath.
“I’ll send a letter to Lady Selvin.”
“Understood.”
Selvin sent a fan(?) letter to Viola once a week.
[To my beloved and respected sister Viola. I, Selvin, am sincerely following in my sister’s footsteps.]
At first, the handwriting was crooked, but the sincerity was evident. Moreover, as time passed, the handwriting became neater. Viola didn’t often reply to Selvin, but Selvin didn’t mind.
[Even if there’s no reply, it’s free to be a fan!]
***
A few days later, Selvin, receiving a letter from Viola, jumped for joy.
“Dad!!!”
She ran excitedly to the Duke of Brandia and boasted, “Viola sent me a letter!”
“What does it say?”
Known as The Destroyer for being relentlessly merciless to enemies by destroying everything, the Duke of Brandia was exceptionally kind in front of his youngest daughter.
“She wants us to go to the Black Temple. Together!”
Selvin emphasized the word ‘together.’
“The two of you.”
Selvin grinned happily.
“Just the two of us!”
The Duke of Brandia rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“Making an oath, is she? What’s the target for extermination?”
“A black troll. It has two heads!”
‘It might be a bit challenging at your current level. How about attempting it in about a year?’
He was about to say that when Selvin nestled into the Duke’s arms.
“You’ll allow it, right?”
She leaned her cheek against the Duke’s chest like a little kitten. From the Duke’s perspective, it couldn’t be more adorable.
“Of course.”
Oops! He didn’t want to agree but it was already too late.
***
Viola lay on her bed. Zenon gently covered her with a blanket and then lightly kissed her forehead in a natural manner. It was a gesture of affection and respect towards the mistress he served.
“Have a good night.”
“Make sure you rest well too, Zenon.”
The next day, as Zenon finished preparing to depart, he said somewhat regretfully, “It’s a pity we don’t have Tundra.”
“Tundra?”
“Yes. Since he’s considered a pet and not a person. Plus, the Duke acknowledges him.”
“That’s true.”
Viola suddenly felt a longing for Tundra. When they met after a long time, Tundra was always ecstatic, wagging his mana-made tail vigorously. Unexpectedly, Tundra’s face came to her mind.
‘This is something that would have naturally happened in the novel.’
In the novel, Tundra grew up in ‘the place where the snow blows.’ It just happened earlier than in the novel.
“But I’m glad Lady Selvin is going with you.”
Zenon got on the carriage.
“I’ve hired a separate coachman for this trip.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m the only one accompanying the Lady. It’s so I can provide more attentive care. I hope you understand. I don’t think you need to worry as he is an experienced coachman.”
Zenon smiled knowingly.
‘If it was Zenon’s choice, then it should be fine.’
A voice from outside the carriage was heard.
“Let’s depart.”
Somehow, the voice sounded familiar, but Viola didn’t pay much attention. Meanwhile, the coachman who began to drive Viola’s carriage hummed a tune.
‘Hehe, what a lucrative side job!’
Zenon used his own money to pay a considerable amount as compensation for his services. He spread out his senses in order to monitor their surroundings vigilantly. Traveling aristocrats always attracted flies.
‘My student is sleeping.’
Blades of grass rustled and a group of bandits lurking to attack Viola’s carriage was eradicated. His work was as stealthy and cautious as possible. Viola, who had fallen into a deep sleep, was unaware of any external circumstances.
Days passed.
‘It’s strange that there haven’t been any attacks.’
Surprisingly, despite not having knights as escorts, there were no attacks. It was normal to have a minimum of at least one or two attacks. Moreover, the carriage was very comfortable.
“The ride feels really smooth.”
“It’s because of the highly skilled coachman.”
“That’s true. Let’s officially employ this coachman.”
“Understood. I’ll request budget support from the finance department.”
Over the course of several days, Shailan gained enlightenment. This training was in sharp contrast to his normal training which usually happened during urgent situations. Now, the constant moving of gravel to fill the potholes in order to make a smooth path for the carriage caused sweat to trickle down his brow. Shailan found himself using ‘eloquence,’ the chanting of the ancient sword phrases, without even realizing it.
‘My student sure loves her sleep. A good night’s rest is crucial for her growth and health.’
For the best riding comfort, Shailan dedicated himself to training and continued to work hard.
***
It took about ten days to reach the Black Temple, which was a place where people from all over the continent gathered. Near the Black Temple, there were several villages, both large and small, which had formed. The place Viola and Selvin agreed to meet was the traveler’s village closest to the Black Temple.
“Sister!”
Selvin waved her hand vigorously from afar. Her voice was so booming that all the travelers in the vicinity turned to look at Selvin. Although it was subtle, there was a noticeable shockwave.
‘Please don’t explode a lion’s roar with your mana-laden voice!’
Selvin dashed towards Viola and hugged her tightly. Whether it was intentional or not, all eyes were now on her.
‘Wow, I thought she was a rhinoceros. If it weren’t for the weight of my ring, I would have fallen backward.’
Viola, barely maintaining her balance, glanced around.
‘Huh?’
In truth, there was a reason Viola specifically chose Selvin. Brandia’s forbidden oracle was Selvin’s guardian. This was a sacred oath and Viola thought that if Selvin came, the guardian would naturally follow her. Thus, she judged Selvin could at least provide a minimal safety net, even at the Black Temple.
‘Why isn’t he here?’
No one was in sight.
‘The Guardian! Why isn’t there a guardian? My last line of defense!’
Selvin was carrying a very large backpack as if she hadn’t brought a butler.
Viola asked calmly, “Where’s your guardian?”
“Guardian?”
Selvin’s seemed to be quieter than usual. Nestled in Viola’s arms, she gazed up at Viola with sparkling eyes, looking like a chirpy baby bird. Selvin was simply happy to be with Viola.
With a grin, she said, “Of course not. How else could I have time alone with my sister?!”
This answer was far beyond any of Viola’s expectations, who had been certain Selvin’s guardian would accompany her.
—————————————————————
Translator Note:
This chapter was translated by Bree.
If you like my work please support us in Patreon. Next post will be released on June, 20.
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