TVWRL Chapter 55

TVWRL Chapter 55

“Thank you.”

Suddenly, this thought crossed my mind. Despite having set foot in the Kinstaria Empire and living here, I had always felt uneasy.

Is this place from a novel or is it reality?

If so, have I become a character in it?

What is my existence?

I felt like a drifting being, existing somewhere on the boundary between the novel and reality, belonging to neither.

Outwardly, I told myself it was okay, that I just needed to live my life diligently, yet in a corner of my heart, I was lost and wandering.

However, thanks to the people around me today, I realized something. My world is “The Conditions of a Perfect Saint.”

‘These people recognize me and genuinely care for me. If I were truly a being from another world, I wouldn’t be able to feel this warmth.’

My heart became more resolute than before.

Although I, the villain, have no protagonist buff.

‘From now on, I will change the ending. Just as I desire.’

After all, it was a story that hadn’t reached its conclusion. Therefore, changing the ending seemed possible.

Changing the ending is a difficult and challenging task.

‘I will give it a try.’

 

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

 

Divine power and magic were completely different forces, but their operating principles were similar. So, I made sure to visit the magic tower once a week.

On the outside, it was business, but in reality, it was time for training.

Today was the last class before the wedding. Since we were heading into enemy territory, I had to learn a lot before the marriage.

The only fortunate thing was that classes with Paulian were always enjoyable.

I realized after experiencing it that he was not just any future magic tower master. He was a truly excellent teacher who understood the principles of power and explained them well for easy learning.

Moreover, his magical abilities were remarkably impressive.

I used divine power. Primarily, I focused on training to conceal my strength, and sometimes I improved my healing abilities by healing injured beasts.

Recently, I was also studying the long-taboo fusion of divine power and magic with Paul.

The magic tower was a new world where I learned things I had never tried before. That’s why I really liked it there.

Today was the day to test my ability to draw out divine power as much as I wanted.

“Adeline, you’ve gotten used to controlling your power now. Very good.”

“Thank you. It’s all thanks to my excellent teacher.”

“No, it’s because my student is outstanding and follows along well.”

We both laughed at each other. Paul was a cheerful and bright person, so being with him felt good.

“Using divine power in various ways, such as in combat or healing, is something only the Pope can do within the order. That’s why the cardinals focus on their respective specialties. It’s a matter of maximizing capabilities in feasible areas since it’s unlikely to achieve everything. I suspect, however, that Adeline’s power could be utilized in multiple ways.”

“Really? Does that mean my power is at the Pope’s level?”

“Hahaha. I can’t guarantee that. In fact, I haven’t seen the Pope’s power directly, so I can’t say for sure how strong it is. But anyway, it’s a position held by someone with the greatest divine power of the time, so it must be impressive, right?”

“Could it be that I can manifest multiple abilities even with less power than the Pope?”

“Right now, abilities like Adeline’s are very rare. That’s why there’s not much known about them. In fact, the Pope’s power is also managed secretly in the temple, so there isn’t much information available. We’ve even sent someone abroad to gather information about powers, as there are limits to what we can find domestically.”

Since the order controlled the information, it was difficult to find out anything in the empire.

The situation of religion varies from country to country, so Paulian had sent both people and money.

“Is there anything I can do here?”

“There might be old materials in the library at the temple or the library in the palace. Since they are public, they won’t be exactly what we want, but even a single line from a history book can be important right now, so I think it’s worth studying.”

“I’ll look for it when I get into the palace.”

“Sounds good. Since you passed the test, let’s move on to the next stage.”

Using power freely was harder than I expected. I had to concentrate as much as possible to follow the class without making mistakes, so I refocused.

After two hours of class, Paulian served handmade cookies and tea from the magic tower.

It was a physically demanding task, and I desperately needed some energy. I ate deliciously without worrying about appearances, just like usual.

“Adeline, it’s a bit late, but congratulations on your wedding.”

“Thank you. Paul, I want to continue the classes even after the wedding.”

“Of course.”

“The palace is dangerous, so I’ll come to the magic tower. I think my schedule will be a bit flexible, so I’m asking for your understanding in advance.”

“But…”

For someone as straightforward as Paulian, he hesitated, so I stopped eating and looked at him.

“Are you really okay with this?”

It was a question with complex implications, but I nodded vigorously and smiled brightly without any hesitation.

“Of course. I’m confident I can live happily. Rather than worrying, please support me. Pau.”

As I received congratulations from many people, the day before the wedding arrived.

Today, I closed the shop and lay side by side with Madam Hyacinth in the salon, receiving a full-body massage.

“Adeline, it makes me sad to think that we won’t be able to see each other as often as we do now.”

“I’ll invite you to the palace often. And since I’ll continue to work after the wedding, it won’t be difficult to see each other.”

“What did you say?”

Madam Hyacinth suddenly sat up during the massage, surprising both me and the two masseuses, and she quickly apologized.

“I’m sorry.”

Lying back down, Madam Hyacinth spoke urgently.

“Did the royal family allow that?”

“Not right away, but they said I could work once I’ve learned the etiquette to some extent. The prince had a hard time getting permission for me. I’ll quickly master the palace etiquette and come out.”

“Most people would think it’s impossible, but I believe you’ll accomplish it quickly, Adeline.”

“Thinking that way makes my shoulders heavy, but it also makes me happy, as if I’ve become an extraordinary person.”

“You are extraordinary. No matter what anyone says, Adeline is extraordinary. I will always believe in you.”

Madam Hyacinth’s words filled me with courage, making me feel like I could do anything.

 

☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓

 

My last meal before the wedding was with Sarah.

In the palace, it was said that sitting across from each other while eating was impossible, so I had dinner at a favorite restaurant with Sarah.

As we chatted happily, the moment I arrived home, my expression suddenly froze. An unexpected person was waiting for me.

“Lady Adeline.”

It was Christian.

After discovering Christian’s true identity, I spent several sleepless nights. Some days I was so angry that I felt like I could explode, and other days I was hurt and resented him.

Christian’s face looked noticeably haggard. Seeing his obviously troubled face made me feel pity first.

So, this is what everyone was talking about.

‘Filth is the truth.’

I felt a strange mix of emotions towards Christian—affection and hatred. These two feelings swirled violently within me.

But I decided to follow the conclusion I reached as rationally and calmly as possible. It was the result of several days of contemplation.

After all, Christian was the one who helped me when I was at my lowest after leaving the temple. I wanted to hear his side of the story one last time.

This was partly a human reason, but it was also a result of weighing the pros and cons for my future. There was no reason to have a feud with a cardinal who was a candidate for pope.

I maintained a neutral expression and spoke in a businesslike manner.

“Please come in, Cardinal Burzel.”

Christian looked surprised at my words and then showed a desperate expression. Of course, I ignored his pitiful feelings and entered the room first.

We went inside and sat facing each other in the reception room. Sarah served tea and then left the room.

I deliberately said nothing at first to gauge his reaction to why he had come. It was Christian who broke the cold silence that enveloped the reception room.

“First, I apologize for deceiving you all this time, Miss Adeline.”

Christian lowered his head. It wasn’t something easily forgivable, and I didn’t want to hide my tangled feelings.

“Well, to be honest, I can’t tell if that apology is sincere or false right now. I can no longer trust your words, Cardinal.”

“It’s all my fault. And my apology now is very sincere. If I could show you my heart, I would.”

He gazed at me with a desperate look in his eyes.

“I wanted to tell you sooner, but things got out of hand, and as the lies piled up, I was afraid you would distance yourself from me, so I couldn’t say anything.”

“Even if you were afraid, you should have spoken up before things got worse. I can’t shake off the feeling of betrayal and being tricked, something I can’t express in words. Above all, what should I do about my heart that is hurt from losing a trusted friend? I’m angry and don’t want to see you again, but I’m too sad and hurt to feel that way.”

Christian lowered his head, his face more wounded than mine.

“I’m sorry. I truly apologize, Miss Adeline.”

“I’ll be reminded of this bitter feeling every time I see Cardinal Burzel. Why did you do this?”

“I wanted to become close to you, Miss Adeline. But when you had negative feelings towards the temple, I couldn’t approach you honestly. Whatever the reason, it’s all my fault. I have no intention of denying that.”

“Don’t you think you deceived me for too long for that reason? You’re quite selfish, to the very end.”

“I’ll apologize sincerely every day until you’re no longer angry, Miss Adeline. I’m selfish to the end, but I want to continue our friendship.”

Christian looked at me as if pleading.

“No. That seems difficult. Because I won’t be able to trust Cardinal Burzel in the future. I will continue to doubt you. This cannot be called friendship. Just carry a debt of gratitude to me, Cardinal Burzel. You can forget about it as time passes. It’s okay if you forget quickly. You’ll be a stranger to me by then.”

I thought it would be disadvantageous to fall out with someone of his stature, so I aimed to settle the debt.

“I am now a member of the royal family, so I do not want to have any relationship with the church. I just want to live quietly and normally with my husband.”