TVGS 110

Chapter 110

Even with his warm concern, I reported today’s matter.

I roughly avoided promising not to overdo things.

“I thought if the Western spies and assassins are still active in the empire, there must be a base somewhere.”

“They’d need a hiding place, especially because of their appearance.”

“Yes. The assassin who once attacked Your Majesty too. They said he wore a mask to hide his face.”

Etias’s deep gaze was fixed on me.

“A place where they can hide their face and identity while living. In the heart of the empire’s capital, there is only one such place. The Great Temple.”

Since God does not discriminate against humans, the monks of the Great Temple cut ties with their past lives, erase themselves, and devote to serving God.

By temple law, they have the right not to reveal their faces, names, or identities. Because this is the foundation of the state religion, even the High Priest would bear heavy burden if he tried to search them.

‘Still, if Kubel Hintz leads it, there would be less backlash than Etias sending imperial soldiers to search the temple.’

Kubel Hintz was terrified of death. To save his life, he would search the monks no matter what.

And if my guess was right, the assassins from the West would be hiding there.

Kubel Hintz was trash, but he was the most suitable tool to capture them.

“You’re sharp, Katrin.”

But seeing Etias not too surprised, I felt a little uneasy.

“You already knew?”

“After reading Duke Elemore’s letter, I guessed the assassins’ identity. At that time, neither the emperor’s faction nor Aglia’s group had reason to attack me. If it was an external force, it was likely tied to the West.”

Why they attacked Etias, who was then a persecuted prince, was still unknown.

But if it was proven, they would have to take responsibility.

“Of course, I hadn’t thought of using Kubel Hintz.”

Etias twisted his lips slightly and spoke in a low voice.

“Well done, Katrin.”

His praise made my heart ticklish.

Soon, Etias continued.

“If the assassins are still in the Great Temple, we can interrogate them about that day. I’ll send imperial soldiers to surround the temple just in case.”

I nodded as I looked at him.

Finding and securing the Western assassins hiding in the empire would be good for us.

After ordering this to his aide, Etias suggested we take a walk together.

We walked through the backyard, breathing the strong spring scent of flowers.

Suddenly, his voice came.

“That day, when I was sick after the attack, I dreamed you came to me.”

My fingertips flinched.

“….”

“But it wasn’t a dream.”

I hadn’t helped him to be discovered, but Etias had guessed and remembered everything I had done.

My heart pounded.

That night, when I was laid on his bed, and Etias looked down at me with burning eyes…

His bare upper body, the dangerous tension—it all came back to me.

Etias stopped, then slowly raised his hand and cupped my cheek.

His blue eyes, full of me, made my heart ache warmly.

“I’m glad.”

Etias’s voice flowed through my ears and into my heart.

Whether he meant he was glad that day was not a dream, or glad that now facing me wasn’t a dream—I didn’t know.

I smiled faintly at him with a fluttering heart.

Etias was looking at me, clear yet faint, as if we might touch.

I had liked him for a long time.

Even back when he only existed as letters in a book, very much.

I always cheered for him and wished for his happiness.

Now, inside the story, I liked him even more.

Etias shone brighter than when he was only words on paper.

But to answer his heart, I needed a little more time.

There were things I needed to confirm.

My eyes moved to the watch strapped on my wrist.

The next morning, an excited Anes came in with salad for breakfast.

“My lady, today’s the day.”

“Hm?”

“The ball.”

“Ah. Right.”

I rubbed my eyes and remembered the party to be held at the imperial palace today.

Etias had reclaimed the throne from the Rebel Emperor, and this was the first party.

It was a historic day.

Foreign guests had also been invited.

Through letters, they had learned of the current situation, and talks of forming an alliance against the West would be held.

‘And the two Western nations would come too.’

If Kubel Hintz completed his task properly a bit later…

Today would become quite an interesting day.

“What dress will you wear? Have you thought about it?”

Unlike me, full of political thoughts, Anes was simply thrilled about me dressing up beautifully for the party.

“You pick something suitable.”

“My lady, aren’t you too indifferent? But still…”

Anes looked sulky, but soon her eyebrows shot up with excitement.

“In that case, I’ll choose the outfit that suits you best. Leave it to me.”

Looking at her enthusiasm, I chuckled softly.

Through the slightly open window, the gentle sound of birds came in.

“That damned woman, her temper is as rotten as her father’s. Tch.”

Inside the Great Temple’s main hall, Kubel Hintz sat, surrounded by several solemn-faced paladins.

Grinding his teeth, he clearly hated the situation.

High priests, mid-level priests, all had come out protesting.

They accused him of going against the principles of the long-standing state religion.

But if Kubel didn’t cooperate with Katrin, he would lose his head. So he had no choice but to obey.

Ordering the paladins, he continued the interrogation with difficulty.

‘That ring, it was given by the emperor. Which means Katrin Elemore has been appointed as the future empress. Then I have no choice but to crawl.’

Recalling the noble ring on her finger, Kubel barely steadied his mind.

“I am from Deltra. My name is Meldon. Meldon Coner.”

In the main hall, groups of five monks stepped forward, lifting their robes and veils to reveal their identities.

No one yet had suspicious appearance.

‘They could have changed their faces with drugs. But I heard Westerners still stand out.’

Kubel narrowed his eyes, examining each face carefully.

For some reason, he had to catch those with Western features here.

Otherwise, that poisonous rose would kick him straight into ruin.

“Next.”

At the paladin’s command, another five monks stepped out and removed their robes.

Their pale skin, known to belong to Westerners, did not appear.

“Look at me.”

At Kubel’s words, they all slowly raised their heads.

All except one man in the fourth spot, who refused to lift his gaze.

“You there, are you ignoring the High Priest’s order?”

Kubel frowned, ordering him, but still he would not raise his eyes.

Kubel stepped down from the platform and stood before him.

He glared fiercely at the man who kept his head low.

“Do you know who I am? Just yesterday I was having tea with the future Empress—”

Then, the man slowly lifted his eyes.

When his light crimson eyes appeared, Kubel felt like his heart stopped.

“Hiiik!”

The robe covering him flew upward, and the man swung the sword he had been holding straight at Kubel.