Chapter 10
Count Soltis and the Emperor both objected. Artiela had expected it from the Emperor, but she never imagined even her father would oppose the idea.
With a disappointed expression, she looked at the remaining man.
“I think Father is right too.”
Bleo met his younger sister’s accusing glare with a playful wink.
“We have to protect the halo of a handsome man.”
“Brother, I think you’d better keep your mouth shut.”
Why did he even come here?
When even Yusiel fixed him with a terrifying stare, Bleo obediently sat back down. Even so, he couldn’t hide the grin tugging at his lips.
“And why are the two of you against it?”
Yusiel asked the Emperor and the Count on Artiela’s behalf.
Honestly, she couldn’t understand why this was even being opposed. At the moment, Artiela’s proposal was the simplest solution.
“Isn’t the Captain of the Holy Knights already busy enough? He has to protect the Saintess and uphold justice. If you burden someone like that with the care of an imperial noble as well, his workload will become excessive.”
“I never knew Your Majesty cared so much about Edelion’s knights.”
Yusiel’s reply carried a faint trace of sarcasm.
As always, Peter smiled like a sly old serpent.
“Artiela is someone who has contributed to the peace of the Empire. It’s only natural that I take an interest in her.”
He stood and gently patted Purcell’s shoulder, all while wearing the mask of a benevolent ruler.
“If all the Duke needs is someone to teach him aura, I’ll leave him to Purcell. The House of Rupel is one of the Empire’s most distinguished noble families, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the previous Duke. As Emperor, it’s only right that I look after him.”
He’s talking too much.
People always became long-winded when they were hiding something. Suppressing the urge to scratch her ear in annoyance, Artiela took a deep breath.
“Is that all?”
“No, that’s not all. Before the Duke fully masters aura, another accident could occur. Therefore, wouldn’t it be better for everyone if he trained in a safe, isolated location? The Imperial Knights have many excellent instructors. The Imperial Palace is the safest place.”
Artiela found Peter’s anxious expression strangely fascinating.
Duke Rupel was timid, born out of wedlock, and had little political influence. He had few noble allies in the capital. He wasn’t someone who needed to be kept in check.
Then why?
Why is the Emperor so desperate to take Kirien away?
“I saw it with my own eyes.”
If the Emperor were the kind of despicable man who would fabricate such an obvious lie, her father and brother would never have served him as their sovereign.
Who did the Emperor actually see?
She had found time to examine the documents Peter had given Yusiel. His eyewitness account was detailed and internally consistent.
Yet no matter how many times she thought about it, there was no way the person he saw could have been the Duke.
Either Peter had mistaken someone else…
Or Kirien had a secret twin brother…
Or…
That would be the worst possibility.
The final possibility sent a chill down Artiela’s spine.
But she quickly shook her head.
Even then, Bardo couldn’t possibly have missed it. Ever since God had sent him into this world, he had never made a wrong judgment.
Unless Kirien possessed some extraordinary ability capable of deceiving the Holy Sword’s Eye, it was impossible.
At that moment, Peter’s eyes met Artiela’s.
Something that looked like resentment—or perhaps dissatisfaction—briefly crossed the bridge of his nose. Maintaining a forced angelic smile, he turned toward Kirien.
“Isn’t that right, Rupel?”
“I…”
I see.
She might not know anything else, but now she understood exactly what the Emperor wanted.
The complete isolation of Duke Rupel.
It made sense.
But she couldn’t allow it.
If left alone, a man whose specialty was digging himself into emotional burrows would surely wither away.
What he needed now wasn’t isolation.
He needed encouragement.
A seed buried alone beneath the earth only sprouts and blooms after receiving sunlight and water.
Without hesitation, Artiela stepped in front of Kirien, holding Bardo.
“I’m sorry, but there’s no need for the Duke to answer.”
She pulled a sheet of parchment from her robe and unfolded it.
I can’t believe this is actually going to be useful.
Long live the genius Saintess!
Peter read the document in a flat voice.
“‘Application… for probationary admission to the Holy Knights’… A contract?”
“Yes. Duke Rupel has already joined the Holy Knights. Well, not officially, of course. It’s just a two-week trial experience.”
Peter’s face twisted.
“A Holy Knight experience program?”
Of course there was no such thing.
They simply needed a legitimate excuse to house the Duke in the Holy Knights’ quarters. While Yusiel had been scolding his sister earlier, he’d already devised every detail of the plan.
Artiela shamelessly lifted her chin.
“Duke Rupel personally requested this training program after making a donation of one hundred thousand gold per night.”
“…”
“Since the Holy Knights’ barracks were damaged because of me, I’ll also donate another one million gold.”
The Duke, whose only possessions were wealth and beauty, muttered in a tiny voice.
A remarkable patron—no, a devoted believer—who had instantly secured first place in this spring’s donation rankings.
Such an important benefactor deserved to be treated with the utmost care.
Here in Edelion.
Not in the Imperial Palace.
“For your information, this contract is guaranteed by the Sacred Tree, and the Saintess’s divine power serves as the oath’s seal.”
Artiela smiled brightly.
“So from today onward, Duke Rupel won’t be leaving Edelion for the next two weeks.”
He had become bound—
No, affiliated—
to the temple.
Still smiling innocently, Artiela pointed to the contract’s conditions before placing it firmly on the table.
Peter read it with an unpleasant expression before turning an icy glare toward Yusiel.
“The Saintess approved this? Ha… You’re just as selfish as ever.”
“I’m not sure what misunderstanding Your Majesty has…”
“So the will of God is more important to you than your own sister’s life?”
“Your Majesty? Our Saintess treasures Arti more than anyone. How could you say something like—”
A flustered Bleo stumbled over his words.
Artiela looked at the Emperor with open contempt.
So he really is this petty.
He was actually trying to manipulate her family to get what he wanted?
She had even been trying to hide his false accusation for his sake.
“Didn’t you say I might be the root of all evil, Your Majesty?”
At that moment, Kirien quietly stepped forward.
His trembling gaze was still fixed on the Emperor’s feet.
“So you overheard.”
“My ears weren’t blocked.”
You practically shouted it right in front of me.
“And yesterday, when the Captain of the Holy Knights visited my home, it was because Your Majesty requested a divine trial.”
“My innocence has been proven. But if that becomes public knowledge, my reputation will still be ruined.”
If this were used as political ammunition, even the Emperor couldn’t simply brush it aside.
Peter searched for a response.
But Kirien’s eyes turned toward Artiela instead.
“The Saintess also told me.”
“She said she dreamed that I killed Lady Artiela.”
Count Soltis staggered in shock.
Though equally stunned, Bleo quickly supported their father.
Peter looked at Kirien with a cold expression.
“Exactly. Which is why staying at the temple is out of the question. You could end up harming the very benefactor who’s trying to help you.”
“No.”
“That’s precisely why I will stay.”
It was the strongest voice Artiela had ever heard from Kirien.
For the first time, life shone in his eyes.
“If I truly am the root of all evil…”
“…then I should always be prepared to offer my neck to the owner of the Holy Sword who showed me mercy.”
He lowered himself onto one knee.
Then he gently took Artiela’s hand.
His lips touched the back of it.
Those soft, full lips she had secretly wanted to press before.
Warm… soft…
Just like his soul—
“N-No, wait!”
Artiela’s face instantly burst into flames.
Count Soltis, who had only just regained his balance with Bleo’s help, nearly collapsed again from dizziness.
Even while supporting their father, Bleo couldn’t tear his eyes away.
Peter clenched his fists so tightly they trembled.
“I entrust myself entirely to my savior.”
His low, composed voice rang out with surprising clarity, as though emerging from one of his underground burrows.
His eyes, fixed upon Artiela, were filled with absolute devotion.
Artiela secretly glanced at Yusiel.
Is this really okay?
When their eyes met, Yusiel simply nodded.
He looked thoroughly satisfied.
“Arti, from now on, never leave Duke Rupel’s side.”
“Huh? Why?”
“You can’t leave him feeling insecure. Don’t let him be lonely either. Keep him away from negative emotions like envy, jealousy, greed, and obsession. That’s the only way to save both him… and you.”
She should have realized it the moment he’d started teasing her about falling for the Duke.
He was making fun of me all along, wasn’t he?
