“Ahhhhh!”
I wanted more medicine. I screamed at the pain that hit my entire body. The sound of scraping my throat with iron was horrifying.
I wanted someone to hold me. I wanted warmth. I needed my savior.
I needed Lyna. I wanted to hold Lyna. I wanted to follow Lyna’s orders as always.
But she is rejecting me.
Why?
Is it because I only rely on you? Because I’m a beast trapped in a cage with nowhere to go? Have you grown tired of me?
Please, tell me the reason. Instead of turning your back on me silently, punish me instead.
“Sniff….”
A tear fell down my cheek as the pain surged through my body.
The cabin should be warm from the fireplace, but strangely, I shivered from the biting cold that seemed to pierce my bones.
*** *** *** *** ***
“Have you arrived, Illyana?”
“Yes, Priest Owen will be reciting the prayer today.”
“That is correct.”
The man in the white priest’s robe was Owen.
He was the one who first accepted my application as a devotee and also seemed to be the one managing the temple’s finances.
Attending services without fail for the past week, I got to know many priests.
Of course, donating a gold bar every few days during my visits helped.
“Thanks to your generous donations, Illyana, the temple has increased its offerings to the deity. And we’ve been able to help more struggling devotees. Haha.”
The man’s hair was half white, indicating he was entering his senior years.
I just smiled silently. The only thing I do at the temple is clasp my hands and pretend to pray during the recitations.
I don’t know what others think, but I have no thoughts myself.
Except for cursing the author who sent me here.
“Illyana, please take your seat.”
“Sure.”
I nodded obediently and sat in the designated seat.
Seats were assigned during the prayer. Devotees sat in the front rows, while worshippers sat in the back.
The hall was vast, and as prayer time approached, it filled with people.
There seemed to be hundreds.
‘I always think this, but there are so many people.’
The number of people gathering is incredible. Owen, standing on the platform, opens the prayer book.
People simultaneously clasp their hands, slightly bow their heads, and close their eyes. I followed a beat later, clasping my hands and closing my eyes.
Owen began reciting the prayer.
‘It’s about an hour, so I should just make it back to the mansion on time.’
I think I’ll have about ten minutes to spare. As long as I return within that time, there should be no problem.
It might be better not to go to Magnus.
‘It’s hard to come to one’s senses if there’s someone who brainwashes them, right?’
I wanted Magnus to realize that he could live without Illyana Glaine.
I promised to go next week, so I have no choice… but after that, it would be better to cut ties.
‘He’s smart, so he’ll find his way soon enough.’
It seemed best to stay apart for now.
I could just have the mercenaries supervise Carl’s checkup without unnecessary conversations.
‘Once Carl is somewhat better, let’s disband the mercenaries.’
That should do it. Everything would end smoothly that way.
Within three months, Magnus will run away, and I will order the mercenaries to burn the house down on the day he escapes, ending everything.
And he will live his life, and I will live mine. When he becomes emperor, I can visit briefly to see if I can return.
‘If I can’t return…’
What should I do then? I never considered that possibility.
I blinked slowly, swallowing. Just thinking about it made my stomach churn.
‘For now, let’s avoid contact with Magnus.’
It seemed best not to face Magnus anymore. It would only worsen the brainwashing.
Illyana Glaine had clearly done something she shouldn’t have.
‘I heard there’s a villa.’
I overheard the servants talking after coming here, and it seems the Glaine family has several villas.
I should go to the villa furthest from the capital.
‘Isn’t there some sort of devout training program for devotees?’
A training program to become a more devout devotee. If such a thing existed, it would be a good excuse to leave the capital.
To say I left for training.
‘I should ask Priest Owen.’
It seemed like a prayer, but I couldn’t understand a word. I just let it go in one ear and out the other.
Eventually, the surroundings quieted down.
“That concludes today’s prayer.”
At the voice, I slowly lifted my head and unclasped my hands. Doing this for an hour daily requires considerable dedication.
Though it’s a job for priests, many devotees and worshippers likely make time to come regularly despite their busy schedules.
Everyone stood up and placed their donations in the donation box as they left the hall.
I also put the pouch of gold coins I brought into the donation box and headed straight to Owen, who was organizing the prayer book.
“Illyana.”
Priest Owen greeted me warmly. I pretended not to notice him glancing at the donation box as I put in my donation.
“Thank you for your hard work, Priest Owen.”
I offered a polite greeting and raised my eyes slowly.
“I was wondering if there is a place for devout training at the temple. I want to train at a quiet temple run by this place, not the capital’s temple.”
“Oh, that’s a wonderful idea. However, there isn’t a specific training program for devotees. But there is a training program for becoming a priest. It involves living together for about two years.”
Two years. It seemed appropriate. I was lucky.
Participating would give me a valid reason to leave and avoid mingling with the social circles that had become close to Illyana Glaine.
As with any world, people tend to forget if they don’t see each other often.
Even friends feel awkward if they don’t stay in touch or see each other for two years. So, how would business relationships in social circles fare?
‘Naturally, Magnus and I will drift apart.’
Thinking that far made me feel wise.
“Can I participate in the priest training?”
“Any devotee can participate with a priest’s recommendation. However, to become a priest, you must pass the final exam.”
I didn’t intend to become a priest. Participating in the training for two years would suffice. Failing the final exam wouldn’t be a problem.
“Could you help me participate in the training, Priest Owen?”
I could provide Illyana Glaine’s money, but I hadn’t determined if Priest Owen preferred bribes.
Giving money to someone who dislikes it would only backfire.
“Do you wish to become a priest?”
Priest Owen asked seriously. I had no intention, but I needed to answer correctly to get his help.
“I just want to get closer to the deity.”
My heart raced. I felt so nervous that my ears rang. I swallowed and waited for Priest Owen’s response.
Priest Owen’s stern expression softened into a smile.
“I am pleased that the deity has brought someone like Illyana to us.”
“I am grateful to receive guidance, even belatedly.”
“Haha, I had no one to recommend for the training. If you wish, I will recommend you for the priest training, Illyana.”
I got the answer I wanted. I wanted to jump for joy. Achieving something as planned reassured me.
At least I was on the right path.
“However, today is the last day to apply for the priest training. It’s not difficult to submit the paperwork, but the preparation period is only two weeks. Are you okay with that? The next training is in two years.”
“I am fine with it.”
The timing was perfect. It felt like someone had paved the way. Two weeks was shorter than I expected, but it wasn’t bad.
“I’ll submit your application today. Come back tomorrow for more details.”
“Thank you, Priest Owen.”
“Adding a new priest is always a joy.”
“Then, I have another appointment, so I’ll take my leave.”
“May the blessings of Legneva be with you.”
I placed my hand on my chest and bowed, following Owen’s gesture.
“Goodbye.”
I offered a brief farewell and turned away. My next task was clear. I headed straight to the carriage waiting outside the temple.
“To the mansion, as quickly as possible.”
I answered before the coachman could ask.
“Yes, understood.”
Sensing my urgency, the coachman climbed to his seat and started the carriage. I finally relaxed, leaning against the seat.
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