Chapter 032
Unfortunately, Emil was right.
If it wasn’t the Pope, then Alejandro needed the power of another high-ranking priest. To suppress the demons hiding within his body, he needed a power that was opposite to his own.
If he didn’t regularly inject holy power into his body, the demons would start to drive him mad. He would slowly lose his sanity.
“Tsk.”
If it weren’t for that, Alejandro would not be standing here in this place.
“Your Highness, the Pope is waiting.”
The young priest bowed politely, his hair tied back in a tight black bun. Alejandro glared at the roundhead before moving forward.
“Lead the way.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Pope Rendia wanted to always show that she had the upper hand over Alejandro. In an empire where religious and imperial powers were equal, she wanted to remind everyone that Alejandro was beneath him.
Thus, the Pope always summoned Alejandro to the chapel. A space where the Pope’s position was strongest.
“Alejandro.”
“Your Holiness.”
Pope Rendia called Alejandro in a friendly manner. Alejandro swallowed a scoff. Although he acted as if they were close, Pope Rendia was definitely not on Alejandro’s side.
The only reason he shared holy power with Alejandro was to hold his leash and manipulate him at will.
“Have you been well?”
Rendia smiled softly. Her tone was that of a haughty old woman, but her face was that of a 20-year-old lady. Alejandro’s eyes narrowed slightly.
The means by which she maintained her youth was a mystery, but the rumors surrounding her were not pleasant. It was a youth that couldn’t be sustained by her holy power alone.
“Thanks to your care, I’ve been well. And you, Your Holiness?”
Rendia nodded.
“I’ve been well, thanks to your consideration, Crown Prince Alejandro.”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
“I have regarded you as my own son all this time.”
Alejandro licked his lips. They both knew it was just pretense.
“However, it seems you don’t feel the same, and that’s upsetting.”
“How could I forget Your Holiness’s grace?”
Alejandro replied smoothly. Various emotions flickered in his softly bending red eyes.
“Then why are you ignoring my request? Crown Prince, I clearly expressed that I believe it would be best to send Lady Regnis to the temple for protection.”
What a sly woman, so different inside and out.
“However, Your Holiness.”
Alejandro raised his head and met Rendia’s gaze. Rendia frowned and tilted her head slightly, feeling discomfort at Alejandro’s bright red eyes.
Rendia covered her mouth slightly and cleared her throat.
“…I heard that you cut your hair. But surely, that will only serve to alienate you further from the nobles.”
“It’s fine. Those who matter know that this is not a sign of a curse. Besides, the reins of my demons are firmly in Your Holiness’s grasp.”
Rendia cleared her throat once more.
“That is true. I might be worrying for nothing. Ah, this isn’t the time for such discussions.”
Rendia shook her head slightly.
“In the case of Lady Regnis…”
Alejandro interjected first.
“I believe it’s best for me to take her, Your Holiness. It seems that Alvaro’s remnants are still targeting Lady Regnis.”
“Then, it would be safer for her to stay in the temple…”
“I am aware that Alvaro’s remnants are causing trouble for you, Your Holiness. I have a plan to use Lady Regnis as bait to eliminate them.”
Rendia’s lips trembled slightly.
It felt like her heart was dropping. Alejandro’s smile deepened.
“If that happens, those who oppose the temple will disappear, and the acts of sacrilege will cease. Please understand that this is all rooted in my deep devotion.”
Rendia blinked.
“Uh, hmm…”
Rendia licked her drying lips. To save Prince Adrian, she needed to secure Evelina by any means necessary, but the Crown Prince didn’t seem willing to let her go.
Moreover, the justification was clear.
Rendia bit her lip slightly.
“…I feel like I’m burdening you with a heavy responsibility, Your Highness.”
“If it’s a way to repay Your Holiness’s grace, I would gladly bear it.”
Rendia clenched her teeth.
That sly child. She was confident that he wouldn’t discover anything. The Pope and the Empress had covered it up well.
“…Do your best. I will remember your loyalty. Ah, while you’re at it, take care of some other business for me.”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
In the end, Rendia gained nothing today.
* * *
All preparations were complete.
Now only the stage remained. Rebecca, Viviana, and the other models, along with those who would help, had arrived at the Delint territory the day before and stayed overnight.
Fortunately, the Lord of Delint provided us with accommodation for the night.
“I thought you were just a greasy pig, but…”
It seemed that wasn’t the case. I felt a little of my discontent and prejudice against Count Delint fading away. After all, thanks to him, I was able to prepare for the stage with a more refreshing mood.
As I was getting ready to go out with the help of a Delint maid, the bedroom door creaked open.
“Huh?”
A small, delicate face peeked through the door.
“Miss!”
The maid exclaimed in surprise.
“You can’t do this! Your father will be so angry!”
“Uh, no. Father won’t get mad at me!”
Who on earth is this?
“Please go back to your room, Miss. I’ll be there soon to comb your hair.”
“No! This sister will comb my hair!”
The girl squeezed through the door. What is this?
“Um… Miss Evelina, she is the esteemed daughter of Count Delint.”
“Hello! I’m Aria Delint.”
Aria Delint. I’m sorry to say this on our first meeting, but I’m really glad you don’t look like your dad.
“You want me to comb your hair?”
“Yes!”
Aria nodded vigorously, holding a ribbon in her hand. She entered with sparkling eyes. Her round face and big eyes looked like pearls.
“I heard the maids talking about you. They said you’re good at styling hair and picking out clothes and that you can make people look different. Um, um.”
Aria twisted her body shyly.
The child’s cheeks were flushed.
“You want to look like a lady.”
“Yes!”
Aria twisted the ribbon around her fingers.
“There’s an older brother I like. I want to look like an adult in front of him.”
Oh, I see. That’s a typical age for having a crush.
“Alright! If that’s the case, I’ll have to work some magic.”
“Wow! Are you a magician?”
Aria’s eyes widened. This is what childlike wonder is.
“Not exactly, but I can do something similar to magic. For this kind of thing, the dress is the most important part. Do you want to go to the dress room first? I’ll finish getting ready and join you.”
Aria nodded. Her messy hair sparkled in the sunlight as she flitted out.
“…Are you sure you’ll be okay? If it’s a bother, I can manage the young lady for you.”
“I’m fine. There’s still a little time.”
“Thank you. The entire Delint family will be grateful for this kindness.”
She smiled brightly. I wonder if the Delint Lord thinks the same way.
But how did such a fairy-like daughter come from that father?
While I finished getting ready, the maid rambled on about the past. It was a story about the countess who died shortly after giving birth and the Count’s devotion to raising his only daughter.
“Is Aria coming today?”
“No.”
The maid smiled bitterly.
“Count Delint and Lady Giselle will be attending together.”
“Lady Giselle?”
“She’s a lady who has been getting close to the Count of Delint lately.”
The maid spoke in circles, but I understood what she meant. So, she’s his date?
Well, that could happen.
I was curious about what kind of woman would be dating a man like Count Delint. I didn’t ask anything more. It’s best not to intrude into other people’s personal business.
Aria was waiting for me with an excited expression, tightly holding the ribbons by color.
