Chapter 13 Part 1
Twilight had already settled outside the window, bathing everything in a dusky glow.
I’d planned to visit the Grand Temple late at night when the divine revelation was supposed to come, but…
“Might as well head out now…”
I’d finished my preparations long ago. According to my research, the High Cardinal would be praying with the faithful to Renesia at this hour. If I left now, I could naturally blend in with the crowd and get close to him.
The magic that allowed me to peer into others’ minds was inherently dangerous. I’d need to be exceptionally careful to ensure my physical body wouldn’t collapse while my consciousness explored his thoughts.
Given the risk, if I grew too greedy and kept probing someone’s mind for too long, my body might give out.
…Having experienced that once before, I was determined not to pass out this time. I’d get in, see only what I needed, and get out quickly.
As I’d thought before, collapsing anywhere was bad enough, but collapsing in the Grand Temple was absolutely out of the question.
I’d rather faint in the middle of the town square.
The mere thought of the High Cardinal or priests coming to my aid if I collapsed made me shudder.
Unfortunately, with so many eyes watching, taking the Laté family carriage to the temple wasn’t an option.
So I used a simple spell to transport myself near the temple, as I usually did.
Perhaps because it was a new moon, tonight seemed darker than usual.
Even so, the temple vicinity was certainly brighter than other areas.
“It’s still blindingly white, even at night.”
I muttered with distaste, gazing at the temple’s exterior before making my way to the entrance.
Despite having visited several times, I still couldn’t get used to this place.
Not because I was a Laté, but because it simply repulsed me.
Perhaps it was because I knew those inside weren’t as pure as they pretended to be.
People who didn’t know about the High Cardinal’s ambitions might happily go pray, but…
“The moon is dark tonight.”
As I was about to enter the temple, lost in my thoughts, an unfamiliar soft voice drifted to my ears from not far away.
There shouldn’t be any worshippers wandering around the temple entrance at this hour… and the priests should be on break, so who could it be?
Puzzled, I turned my head and saw—
“…The masked man?”
Incredibly, the very man I’d been desperately searching for was standing there.
After all that searching, he just appears like this?
His purple hair glistened in the moonlight. Wearing his silver mask, he still exuded that mysterious aura.
Everything was exactly the same as that day long ago when he had prophesied to me.
“You…!”
Startled, I instinctively stepped back while reaching toward him.
Finding myself suddenly pointing at him, I stared intently, forgetting my surroundings.
The man, who had been looking into space with closed lips, slowly turned to me at my reaction.
I couldn’t see his eyes behind the mask, but somehow he gave off an unpleasantly familiar feeling—a strange man indeed.
“You know me, don’t you?”
At my question, the corner of his mouth moved slightly.
It was an odd movement that looked like both a smile and a grimace.
“Eternity never lingers beside you.”
Opening his mouth with these incomprehensible words, he continued in an almost singing voice:
“Moments of memory will become your life.”
What’s this? Is he prophesying again?
I couldn’t make sense of his talk about moments and whatnot…
“Bearing everything alone isn’t good for you.”
His final words seemed to smoothly penetrate my thoughts.
Of course I had to handle all this alone—it was my problem. But he said that wasn’t good?
A hairline crack appeared in my conviction.
In that moment, as the wind blew and I blinked once, the man had vanished.
What…! I was about to ask what he meant, but he just says what he wants and disappears?!
I haven’t asked anything yet!
I needed to ask if this life was truly my last, and how I could escape this damned book…!
“You’re as willful now as you were then. Just wait until I see you next time!”
My tone sharpened with rising irritation.
Though I still hadn’t discovered his identity, I was determined not to let him off easily when I finally did.
If he wanted to help, he should do it properly—not with these half-baked so-called “insights” that only stirred up my emotions!
Barely containing my anger, I pulled the black robe I’d brought tightly around me and slipped into the inner cathedral where prayers were being offered.
Successfully blending in with the crowd of worshippers, I moved to the farthest seat where I’d be least visible.
Looking up, I saw Xenoph leading the prayers at the altar.
Dressed in the High Cardinal’s white robes, he was praying devoutly with closed eyes and hands clasped together.
The timing was perfect for using my magic.
Secretly raising my hand to gather magical energy, I swallowed dryly.
This time, I’ll just see what I need to and get out. Without collapsing.
Then, skillfully casting my spell, I once again invaded the High Cardinal’s memories.
Perhaps because I’d done it once before, I was definitely more adept this time, accessing his memories more skillfully and discreetly.
Familiar fragments of memory glowed blue, swirling all around me.
They refused to stay still, moving as if challenging me to catch them, leaving my mind in disarray.
“…I need to find the rest of the oracle that the High Cardinal didn’t reveal.”
Since Hyle had confirmed it existed, it must be somewhere.
After frantically searching through the chaotic stream of passing memories, I was fortunate enough to touch a fragment tucked away in a corner.
“‘A light close to the Holy Maiden will illuminate the deep darkness.’ Well then, there is exactly one suitable person. Fortunate or not, I cannot say.”
I soon saw the High Cardinal muttering to himself.
I’d expected the Pope to be with him as before, but this time Xenoph was alone.
After speaking, Xenoph remained lost in thought for a while, his expression profoundly contemplative.
He seemed to be deeply pondering something, looking quite philosophical.
“I should meet with him in person.”
Having apparently reached a decision, Xenoph rose with a notably more relaxed demeanor, wearing an enigmatic smile.
The memory fragment faded just as Xenoph appeared to be about to contact someone.
…Huh? Is that all?
True, I’d found what I was looking for—the hidden part of the oracle—but…
A small fragment connected to the memory I’d just seen caught my attention.
Almost as if begging to be viewed.
“…I’ll look at that one more thing before leaving.”
Wasn’t it worth checking who Xenoph intended to meet? This was relevant information, after all.
Having rationalized my decision, I immediately reached for that fragment.
The memory fragment touched by my fingertips sparkled with blue light.
When I opened my eyes within the memory, I found myself in a familiar, opulently decorated place.
“Your Majesty.”
Your Majesty? …So this is the Imperial Palace? Why would Xenoph be at the palace…?
Somehow, I felt I already knew the answer.
Please, not what I was dreading…
But before I could finish that thought, a face I knew all too well came into view.
With snow-white hair and deep violet eyes like pansies—the only man of the Empire.
Abel de Lascio, the male protagonist of this world.
“Develop a close relationship with Lady Laté. When the Lady is purified and becomes the Holy Maiden, Your Majesty will become an almighty Emperor backed by the power of God.”
Then I heard a string of absurd nonsense.
What is this insane Cardinal saying?
Despite being the male protagonist, Abel isn’t stupid, so he wouldn’t fall for such…
“Rosiel as the Holy Maiden… That’s nonsense. But if it’s the goddess’s will, I’ll gladly participate in your plan. After all, it serves the greater cause, doesn’t it?”
…He fell for it. Completely.
Well, that explains his obsession with me.
Blinded by power, he’s lost his mind.
He wasn’t originally this kind of character…
Perhaps he changed that day when I tried to break off our engagement? Perhaps he felt his power slipping and decided to build his strength so he could maintain his position even if I left him…
