Episode 46

“That man must be exhausted. Just to endure you.”

“Look at you. Picking a fight again.”

“I’m impressed. How broad-minded he must be to handle such a fickle person.”

“Kyle isn’t like you. He’s kind. And he likes me.”

Rosanna crossed her legs and spoke with the arrogance of a master.

“He’ll end up serving me. Whatever I do, he’ll accept it.”

“That’s arrogance. The poor man doesn’t even realize the rosary you gave him is a leash. If he cherishes it as a token of affection, I almost feel sorry for him.”

“I don’t care what you think.”

“I only offered advice. You’re the one ignoring it.”

Raymond pulled on his tattered coat once more. There was no rush, but as soon as his first-aid treatment was done, he was preparing to leave. Outside, it was still the dim hours of dawn before sunrise.

“If you’re going, then go. Don’t come crying if your wound opens up.”

“This isn’t enough to kill me.”

“I’m not worried. It’s just that bloodstains on the streets ruin the scenery.”

Raymond covered his mouth, then chuckled. The way he stifled his laughter made him seem half-mad. Gripping his side as if the pain flared up, he finally stifled his amusement and opened the terrace door.

“Be careful. Try not to provoke me.”

Before Rosanna could blink, Raymond had vanished. A wave of warm summer air drifted in through the open door.

Rude bastard. You didn’t say thank you either…

* * *

On a drizzly afternoon, Kyle felt like he was sitting on a bed of thorns. He had no idea why he had to sit here, facing the elders of the parish in such a cramped space.

Tracing back the chain of events, it had all begun with Bishop Johann’s summons. When he had stepped outside in response, a carriage had been waiting, and the bishop had simply ordered him to accompany him. Any attempt to ask what was going on had died on his lips the moment he saw the Archbishop already seated inside.

And so, the carriage departed with the three of them inside. The only one who seemed at ease was the Archbishop.

“You’re in your final year, and we’ve taken up your personal time.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

“Basilio, I remember you. You receive nothing but praise. It may be early to say, but you will make an excellent clergyman.”

The Archbishop finished his words of encouragement with a question. “Don’t you think so?” Johann, the bishop, immediately agreed.

Kyle, despite being the subject of the conversation, could only offer a grateful smile.

“Ah, I nearly forgot. My mind is slipping. I haven’t even told you where we’re headed.”

The very question Kyle had been wondering about but hadn’t dared to ask had finally come up. He leaned in slightly, listening more attentively.

“We’re on our way to the opera. It’s the premiere of a renowned troupe from the land of art, France. The play tells the story of a man who renounces his faith, only to encounter God and pledge eternal devotion. The Viscountess of Dacia extended the invitation.”

Once again, Rosanna had pulled strings to drag Kyle into the secular world.

While a shadow darkened Bishop Johann’s expression, Kyle struggled to suppress his excitement. The sheer extent of Rosanna’s influence was astounding—she had moved high-ranking clergy members just to see him. In the past, such audacity would have left him flustered, but now, anticipation surged within him. Even in an uncomfortable setting, his emotions were becoming more transparent.

“They say people grow to resemble those they like.”

Meeting Rosanna had influenced him—her boldness had rubbed off on him. There was no other explanation.

“Then… will we sit together and watch the opera?”

A ticklish feeling stirred in his stomach, along with a hint of concern. Rosanna would undoubtedly ignore their surroundings and attempt some sort of physical contact. Holding his hand in secret, brushing him lightly with her foot—things like that. He had to steel himself to make sure he didn’t react and draw attention.

With that firm resolve, he absentmindedly let the Archbishop and Bishop’s conversation wash over him. Before he realized it, the carriage had arrived at the National Opera House.

An attendant was already waiting outside, ready to escort them. They would likely be led straight to Rosanna’s side.

Feeling both out of place in his simple attire and thrilled beyond measure, Kyle swallowed hard and followed.

As Kyle stepped into the theater, he was greeted by an opulent and grand interior. The red carpet stretched over the marble floor, leading into a vast hall with towering ceilings. Gentlemen and ladies ascended the staircase to the second floor, while vertical banners advertising the performance lined one side of the wall. The ceiling was adorned with intricate frescoes, and the pillars were engraved with vine patterns, gilded in gold. Famous paintings placed throughout the venue made it feel almost like an art museum.

He darted his eyes around, unsure of where to focus, when a kind hand patted him on the back.

“It’s overwhelming the first time, isn’t it?”

“…It’s a truly breathtaking place.”

“Then let’s go.”

He hadn’t realized he had stopped to take it all in. Feeling embarrassed at his absentmindedness in front of the esteemed clergymen, Kyle quickly followed after them.

Upon reaching the second floor, he saw a gathering of elegantly dressed people, each striving to outshine the other. The suits, though of similar designs, each carried distinct touches of individuality. However, the true competition lay among the ladies, vying to showcase the most extravagant dress.

Among them, one woman stood out above the rest—leaning against the railing and gazing down at the floor below.

‘Another blue outfit today… She must really like that color.’

Her dress, adorned with lace and pearl embellishments, highlighted her pale complexion, while the sparkle of a gemstone brooch complemented her striking features. The white gloves that extended nearly to her elbows resembled the elegance of a lily.

Kyle took a deep breath and stepped forward. With each step, a light flickered beneath his feet—visible only to him. It was as though a guiding lantern was illuminating the righteous path before him.

He felt the same solemnity as when he carried a censer in a liturgical procession. Every step forward felt almost sacred.

Yet, even with Rosanna right before his eyes, he neither greeted her nor spoke. He was always meant to stand behind.

“You’ve arrived early, Viscountess Dacia. We meet at last.”

“It would be unthinkable to be late on such an honorable occasion as meeting the Archbishop. Was your journey pleasant?”

“Yes, thanks to your arrangements.”

As Rosanna exchanged pleasantries with the Archbishop, she acknowledged Bishop Johann and Kyle with a brief glance.

“Thank you for inviting us.”

“Think nothing of it. It’s a fitting performance for esteemed members of the parish. The story’s sacred theme should be especially meaningful to a theology student.”

Noticing Rosanna’s lingering gaze on Kyle, Bishop Johann quickly interjected.

“How thoughtful of you to include Basilio in the invitation.”

“He’s been a great help. And he will continue to be. This much is only natural.”

Rosanna smiled proudly, as if making a point. Just then, the orchestra began playing, signaling that the performance was about to start.

“An attendant will escort you to the balcony seats. Please enjoy the show.”

Rosanna and the staff parted ways. Caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, Kyle hesitated for a moment before hurrying after the others. He had assumed they would all watch the opera together. Was he wrong? Had she really invited him just to enjoy the performance?

‘I was being foolish… How disgraceful.’

She had arranged for him to experience high culture, knowing he had never had such an opportunity before. And instead of appreciating her generosity, he had let his greed get the better of him.

Kyle silently rebuked himself as he stepped through the door the attendant had opened. The private balcony seats were designed to hold three or four people at most.

Seated next to Bishop Johann, Kyle immediately noticed Rosanna sitting diagonally across from him. Had she deliberately chosen a seat within his line of sight? If it was a coincidence, it was a pleasant one; if intentional, it was overwhelming. It felt as if he was witnessing her unspoken desire—to be together, even in this small way. It was as if she was confirming that they shared the same longing.

As the theater dimmed and the curtain rose, Kyle finally turned his attention to the stage.

* * *

Throughout the entire first act, Rosanna watched Kyle. She could have enhanced her vision to observe him more closely, but to blend in with her surroundings, she used an opera glass instead.

The way he immersed himself in the performance was captivating. He never once took his eyes off the stage, utterly engrossed. She could only see the side of his face, but that alone didn’t bore her. Watching the subtle shifts in his expressions made the time fly by. This was a performance more valuable than the opera itself—a private show for Rosanna alone.

Satisfied with her viewing, she reached for the service bell mounted on the wall. Shortly after, there was a knock, and an attendant entered.

“You called for me, ma’am?”

“Do you see the theology student over there? Bring him to me as soon as the first act ends.”

“Understood.”

The attendant bowed respectfully and exited.

Intermission arrived swiftly. Rosanna drew the curtain overlooking the stage in preparation for Kyle’s arrival. The only light in the room came from the oil lamps mounted on the walls, casting a warm glow.

A private space—where no one could interrupt—was now perfectly set. At last, the man she had been waiting for appeared.

“I was told you called for me.”

Rosanna greeted him with a smile and gestured for him to step inside.

“Did you enjoy the opera? You seemed completely absorbed in it.”

“It was my first time watching one… It was fascinating. The way they sang, their voices resonated deep inside me.”

Kyle paused briefly upon noticing the long sofa in this balcony, different from the other seating areas. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, he sat beside Rosanna.

“How was sitting on the second floor?”

“The view of the stage was excellent. Even if I had been seated in the general section, I would have been grateful. But I keep feeling like I’m indebting myself to you… I don’t know how to repay it.”

A mixture of gratitude and guilt flickered across Kyle’s face.

“It’s not a debt. It’s an investment. An investment just to see your expression right now.”

The lingering emotions from the performance still colored his face, but unlike the flush of physical excitement, this was something different—something worth admiring. The faint redness on the tips of his ears made her think of ripe fruit, ready to burst with sweet nectar if she bit down.

That was how Rosanna imagined the taste of his blood in human terms. Of course, she couldn’t actually taste fruit, but if she could, it might be something like that.

Recalling the scent of Kyle’s blood from the first time she encountered it, she felt saliva pooling in her mouth.