ILOIML 17

Chapter 17 

“What? I’ll pay. I don’t want it for free,” I said.

The old lady slowly bent over and walked to a chair, sitting down with a hunched back.

“How much will you pay? You don’t have any money. Living off someone else and saying nonsense—get out now, or I’ll take that bell.”

How did she know? Do I really look that poor?

Maybe she was just saying it, but I felt guilty anyway. I held the bell tightly and quickly left the shop. Her sharp eyes made it feel like she really might snatch it from me.

Once I stepped outside, I looked at the bell that had strangely stopped glowing.

“Bell-bell!”

I heard Leon calling me, so I looked up and waved happily. He came running over to me.

“What’s that?”

“It was cute, so I bought it.”

“What? You paid for that? Bell-bell, it looks like trash, haha.”

He seemed like he was angry, but when he laughed, I laughed too and shook the bell playfully.

Was it just me, or was Leon trembling a little?

Since it had glowed before, I was sure it wasn’t a normal item. What if it really was a holy relic?

No one ever apologized for me suddenly ending up in this world, but maybe this bell was a kind of reward? Maybe this was finally my chance!

“Kyaaa!”

I let out a little scream of joy as I smiled, lost in happy thoughts.

“You like it that much, Bell-bell? You like trash? When we get back, I’ll give you all the castle’s trash…”

“Anyway, should we head back to the hotel now?”

I ignored him and cheerfully led the way.

* * *

After returning to the hotel, we packed our things and headed back to Aster.

Unfortunately, the bell never glowed again after we left the shop. I shook it many times, tried different things, but it was just an old bell now.

“I was sure I felt something back then…”

Thinking I had imagined it, I gently placed it in a desk drawer and slowly forgot about it.

A few days later, the Emperor’s royal guards arrived at Aster, led by Count Kandelsman.

They stayed in the Grand Duke’s castle and trained with Aster’s soldiers before heading to the northern border where the monsters had appeared.

Since their arrival, Leon had been in a low mood. Being watched by the Emperor’s men must feel uncomfortable. He even had to eat and drink tea with Count Kandelsman sometimes.

I understood his feelings, so I worked hard every day to cheer him up. He barely left the castle, and I stayed in my room more and more too.

Amy and the maids kept asking when I’d sleep in the same room with Leon again, but I had no intention of going through another one of those strange, awkward nights.

“Is our baby growing well?”

Sometimes, Leon would reach toward my belly but stop short, asking gently. We both knew there was nothing inside but food.

Then today, something totally unexpected happened.

“Madam! A letter with the seal of Rianus Temple in the capital!”

Amy came in, unusually excited, holding a letter with the temple’s seal. She was thrilled to receive a letter from such an important place.

Why would it be from there? Rianus Temple in the capital belonged to the High Priestess Cassia.

There was no reason for Cassia and Aster to be connected… was there?

“Are you sure it’s for me? Maybe it’s for Leon…”

I checked the envelope. It clearly said “To the Grand Duchess of Aster.” And the sender? Cassia herself.

My mouth went dry and my hands started shaking. My heart was pounding like crazy.

“Madam, your hands are shaking. Are you cold?”

I didn’t even have the energy to answer Mary. I just stared at the envelope, then slowly opened it with trembling hands.

[Letter from Cassia]

To Her Grace, the Grand Duchess of Aster,
I’m very sorry to greet you suddenly through a letter.
I urgently request to visit Aster Castle this afternoon to meet you personally.
I hope you will kindly allow it.
May the blessings of Rianus be with you.
—From Cassia

Why does Cassia want to meet me?

If she comes here, she’ll meet Leon too.

I wasn’t ready. My nose stung, and I held back tears. Slowly, I folded the letter and placed it on my desk, staring at it.

“The messenger is waiting for a reply,” Amy said gently. Her voice was calm now.

Should I say no?

I really didn’t want to meet her. But someone like me couldn’t stop the flow of things.

In the original story, did Bella and Cassia ever meet? If they did, maybe Leon wasn’t there? That would be a bit of relief… but could I trust my memory?

“Madam.”

“Huh?”

Amy called me again.

If it became known that I refused a visit from the temple, Leon might be angry later. I sighed and gave a bitter smile.

“The High Priestess wants to visit the castle.”

“Kyaa!!”

Mary and the other maids screamed in excitement. Amy didn’t scream, but her face lit up too.

What does it feel like to be loved by everyone like that?

Leon will probably react the same when Cassia arrives. Maybe they’ll fall in love at first sight…

That thought hit me hard. My head felt dizzy and my chest tight.

“Bring me paper.”

In the end, I sat down at the desk, ignoring the excited stares, and wrote a short but polite reply.

“Get ready to welcome our guest.”

I told the maids to inform the head servant, and told Amy to let Leon know about the visit.

The whole castle went into chaos after hearing that Cassia would visit. Even servants who were on vacation rushed back.

I hoped Leon would be too busy to meet her—but sadly, his schedule was empty.

So, I had no choice but to wait with him in the parlor.

He kept making silly comments, not knowing how nervous I was.

‘Why does he look even more handsome today?’

“Master, the High Priestess has just arrived.”

We went out to greet her. The castle entrance was packed with servants, Count Kandelsman, and royal guards.

Then she appeared—Cassia, the High Priestess.

She was petite, with shiny silver hair, golden eyes that sparkled, and a kind smile on her beautiful face. She looked like someone who had never frowned in her life.

Anyone would fall in love with her just by seeing her.

Without thinking, I looked at Leon. He was staring at Cassia, completely dazed.

I bit my lip. Then he turned to look at me.

“Bell-bell, that’s really the High Priestess.”

“Yes, I know. She’s truly beautiful.”

“You’re prettier.”

He said it quietly, but I heard it. I smiled faintly, but my heart was racing like crazy.

Even if it was a lie… I was thankful.

“I greet the Grand Duke and Duchess of Aster. I am Cassia, servant of the god Rianus.”

She came closer and greeted us gracefully. From head to toe, she looked like pure holiness.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

“High Priestess!!”

Leon replied cheerfully to her greeting.