Chapter 5.2

Originally, Conrad Arpel Draig was assigned to become the paladin’s commander.

Through an oracle, Lord Tyr had appointed Conrad as the successor of the title. According to the doctrine, he should have lost his status as a royal. But that oracle made the emperor lock the castle’s gates. The emperor tried to confront all the pleading believers, declaring to kick them out of the empire if they tried something.

It was burdensome that the imperial family was on the opposite side because the church could not ignore them. On that worrisome moment, Ian Cypris resisted fate for the first time and became both forces’ ideal savior.

Ian bowed his head in front of the statue, praying that he would devote himself into becoming the commander instead of the crown prince. Surprisingly, it is said that Lord Tyr accepted Ian’s earnest request and granted another oracle.

To be honest, the emperor who refused to give up his son, Conrad, cleverly distorted the two fractions by creating an oracle about Ian being chosen. Since Sir Nessian was originally a commoner, there were no complaints and the situation slowly died down.

‘Good Lord, look at it. The head of the holy knights was is a failure. How can he return after losing his saint on top of ruining his hands? I’m different from Ian. Even if you didn’t choose me, I’m the only one who would perfectly revive the Tyr church! Watch me become all that!’

Duke Cesha was impatient when Nessian’s eyes fumbled far away.

“Leader! I’m not going to stop just because of this.”

“What would you like me to do?” Nessian asked calmly.

It was not strange for the Duke to meet with the Marquis of Cypris which Ian belonged to. The duke’s family that devotes themselves to the imperial family and was often the Queens’ birth family. Therefore there was a reason to welcome the duke, whose daughter already became the queen of a foreign country.

Nessian knew well what Duke Cesha wanted without saying. The first daughter was chosen to become queen of the rich Leewayn Kingdom, and his youngest son, Halock, is already revered as a small craftsman. Then, isn’t he trying to solidify power by making the remaining second daughter the fiancée of the next emperor?

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Of course, the Duke did not acknowledge Conrad as the next emperor by showing objections on his administration. As such, the Duke’s desires were easy to see.

“Of course, I have to protest. If we stay still like this, the entire state of affairs will fall under the hands of his highness. Do you know the future king’s ability? He is far too young and energetic…… I’m worried that he’ll make a big mistake.”

The Duke was resentful and revealed his glorious innermost thoughts, he then hesitated to see if he was mistaken at the end of his speech.

“Stay still for now. The Duke once opposed his highness, so it’s not a good thing to show disagreement again.”

“…Is there a trick that we can use?”

When Duke Cesha asked secretly, the Nessian’s eyes bent to express his agreement.

“I’m going to start with the person who will suffer most due to Ian Cypris’ return.”

* * *

A few days later, a small celebration took place at the Marquis of Cypris’ residence.

It was an open banquet because they could not turn a blind eye to those who asked for another visit to celebrate Ian’s return. It was a simple party, but in Elsia’s eyes, it was uncomfortable because it was grand. She came out to the terrace in a light poplin dress thanks to the recommendation of the marquis’ wife.

“Whoo.”

She didn’t want to go back to a banquet hall full of various canapés, colorful sugar snacks, and fruit liquor. Even though she liked delicious food, she lost her appetite and was just frustrated.

The marquis wife was still kind to Elsia and the servants were respectful to her.

Nevertheless, Elsia was strangely uncomfortable.

Honestly, she missed the time when she was in Ian in Eusley Castle.

“It’s good that Ian returned to the capital, why am I like this?… No, that person is!”

Elsia, who was standing blankly on the rear terrace of the mansion, was surprised. Someone appeared in the Topiary. But it wasn’t anyone else but Sir Nessian!

“Hmm.”

He sighed briefly and began to stumble on the road to the banquet hall. Elsia leaned down hurriedly and poked her head out, hoping that she wouldn’t be caught.

‘Is he here because of me?’

Elsia couldn’t even guess why Nessian came here. First of all, he clearly won’t welcome Ian. Perhaps it was discovered that she was entrusting herself to the marquis of Cypris?

Is there no choice but to jump into the tiger’s den?

She bit her lips and bravely returned to the banquet hall.

“Elsia, where have you been?””

Ian found Elsia from the terrace. Standing among the people, he smiled softly and handed over a chocolate drink in his hand. Chocolate was very expensive in the empire. He made special preparations for Elsia, whom he invited for the first time.

Elsia couldn’t smile comfortably even while holding a cup of delicious chocolate drink. There was no time to feel warm from the drink Ian held.

“Ian, did they find out?”

“Why? Is it too sweet? Should I ask them to redo it again?”

“No, I haven’t tried it yet.”

Her eyes turned to the ladies and gentlemen glancing from behind Ian. In their unfamiliar eyes, it was painful to see inner intentions about her identity.

Ian muttered softly.

“…… As expected, would you rather officially announce that you’ve healed my hands?”

After contemplating, Elsia decided to hide the fact that she treated Ian’s hands using white bunny. Rather than completely hiding, she just wanted to reveal that she helped him with the healing process. Her doll’s ability being exposed was too risky.

Conrad and Ian, who were worried about Nessian’s obsession with her healing dolls, also agreed. So instead, Conrad appointed Elsia as Ian’s temporary partner to increase the justification for protection. Ian was very unhappy that it was because of Sir Nessian, but he was forced to accept it.

Funny enough, the Cold War between Elsia and Ian was resolved a while after that.

“No. I, more than that. Ian……? Sir Nersian is here.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Ian answered immediately and deliberately softened his expression. His gentleness seemed like he was soothing a child in fear. Elsia was upset and spoke sternly.

“I don’t understand why I’m here even though I didn’t even get an invitation.”

“I sent you one.”

“What? Why?”

Ian smiled confidently.

“Wait and see what will happen to him who entered the tiger den on his own. Don’t you feel better if we gave him a taste of his own medicine?”

It was then.

“Here comes Sir Nessian, the leader of the Tyr Temple’s holy knights!”

A servant who identified Nersian vigorously announced his appearance. Elsia was so nervous that she grabbed Ian’s arm without realizing.

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Ian did not resist. As he watched quietly, Nessian, who entered the banquet hall, raised his hand with a full smile. It was a leisure greeting.

After greeting the people around him, he found Ian. Of course, He would have seen Elsia next to him. As Nessian’s lips slowly went up, Elsia was so disgusted and hated him that she wanted to throw away a cup of chocolate in her hand. Ian, who noticed a hint of her resentment, whispered softly.

“As expected, that chocolate is tasteless, right? You can trust me and pour it over his head. How would you like gray hair being dyed dark?”

“Oh, my. Ian! No matter how much you hate people, how can you ask me to do that?”

Elsia’s heart was discovered, she heated up nicely. Nessian, who saw them whispering, walked threateningly. He spoke without losing his conscious smile.

“I didn’t expect to see you again, Sir Ian Cypris.”

“Long time no see, Sir Nessian. It’s been so long, since the ceremony I guess? I’m happy to finally be able to say hello to you for quite some time.”

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“Sigh…”

Nessian’s expression wrinkled when Ian showed no greed over the commander’s position. Ian didn’t stop there as he continued his words.

“People say that Lord Nessian appears more often in the capital than in the temple, so I guess that’s true.”

“I’m not a high priest but I believe that our priests will be good at protecting the temple. More than that….”

Nessian’s eyes slowly rolled to Elsia, who held Ian’s arm. Honestly, from Elsia’s point of view, Nessian was too scary. When he was around, the evil giants that the lord warned of were not scary at all. She tried to look at Nessian in her own way by giving strength to her hazel-colored eyes.

Nessian smiled despondently, watching Elsia and set up a trivial thorn.

“Ha, that’s it. I should go and say hello to other people. Sir Ian Cypris? Please take good care of your body and mental health in the future so that you don’t make the same mishaps as before.”

As Nessian stepped down too quietly than expected. Elsia lost all her strength. When she was stayed in the temple, he came to Elsia’s room and asked about White Bunny, on top of that, he tried to drag her to the temple when they met downtown.

He was making an innocent expression that could conceal his malice.

Surprised, Ian helped her.

“Elsia, are you okay?”

“Yes. You don’t have to worry.”

“It’s not okay! Could it be that you strained your body? If you’re suffocating, lets hurry up and rest in your room.”

She was told that a corset was essential to wear a dress beautifully, forcing her to wear it, she just had trouble moving. Ian’s fingers quickly swept her chest as if to find the corset underneath the silk.

It was a very intimate area! Surprised, Elsia shook her shoulders and pushed him away.

She had to hide it.

That she felt the dizzying excitement when his fingers touched her delicate skin.

“I’m really fine!”

“I think you’d better take a break now. Come here.”

Ian glanced at Nessian’s distant back while escorting Elsia. The latter tried to refuse, but thought it would be better to stay quiet until Nessian left.

When the two disappeared, several nobles who saw her at Nibes Hall and were not officially introduced couldn’t help but gossip.

“Who was that girl in the green poplin dress? It seems that the Marquis views her favorably.”

“Hmm… I don’t know. Would it be better to ask the marquis? Is she a member of the military? Maybe a distant relative? She’s young but her debut seems late.”

“Count Cypris pays special attention, she may be the fallen noble who lived near Eusley Castle. Does anyone know her name?”

“I don’t know. Her appearance is good and somehow elegant. Hmm, who could it be?…. I’m curious.”

Nessian’s mouth twisted as he was listening to their conversation. Division is an easy factor to manipulate because conflict can occur anywhere. One minimum requirement has just emerged to achieve what he wants.

An arrow pointed at Elsia. Perhaps she herself does not know, but Elsia’s uneasy position will always be a good weapon to use against Ian.

To add, there was a separate reason why Nersian came here today. Taking advantage of Ian’s retreat, he approached Altheon. Unlike Ian, who is a knight but had a cold personality, the energetic Altheon was blatantly reluctant to Nessian.

“Hello, Sir Altheon.”

“I don’t think we’re in a relationship where we can exchange greetings.”

Even though Altheon’s eyes were weary, Nessian calmly spoke.

“Oh, that can’t be true.”

“I feel uncomfortable so tell me what it is that you desire from me.”

Altheon changed his expression to avoid suffering from Nersian’s sluggish scheme. When informal speech came out openly, Nessian also boldly revealed himself.

“Isn’t it unfair?”

“What?”

The paladin, who had been corrupted mentally, flashed his eyes.

“You protected your family for three years after the eldest son had disappeared. However, he, who committed a crime returned without any punishment. This is unfair! That’s what I’m saying. You’re born as the second son of a good family. You’re not going to end your life in vain as a knight, won’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

Altheon snorted and squeezed Nessian’s right shoulder. Suddenly, the latter’s expression, surprised by the knight’s aggressiveness, was distorted.

As expected, he dislikes the men of Cypris’ family, both sons and the marquis!

“I can’t let go of this!”

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“Listen carefully, oh noble Holy Knights Commander. I want to live my whole life as an imperial knight, and my brother is very happy to leave the temple. So your dirty trick won’t work! You go back to the temple and continue being their leader.”

Altheon’s thick fingers tightened the wriggling muscles under the robes. Nessian had no choice but to stare at him with a pale face. Here, he couldn’t make a mess by using divine power, and it was difficult to beat Altheon with that alone.

“You…!!”

“If you understand, I hope you don’t get close to my family in the future. Unlike my brother, I have a quick temper, so if I don’t like it, I won’t hesitate to ask for a fight. It would be difficult to manifest divine powers because of pride, but people would fall behind in strength if they don’t use it.”

Saying those words, Altheon let go of his shoulders as if pushing Nessian. He was so angry, but he was miserable seeing his plan failed. From Altheon’s point of view, it was ridiculous how Ian’s return was not recognized when the empire suffered the loss of a great talent.

It was easier to borrow Duke Cesha’s power to provoke the Marquis. However, Nessian, who returned to the temple, thought over and over again.

“The Cesha Duchy…. No. After he becomes the emperor’s outlaw, he will try to swallow the entire empire. The future of our empire should be dedicated to the Lord Tyr, not fall into the hands of such a greedy man. Anxiety factors can only be used by tearing them apart and dividing them into several pieces. We can’t let each fraction clump together!”

He hates Ian to death but it was foolish to allow the Duke’s power to take over. Because of his immediate greed, he had no choice but to be troubled later if he bowed down to the Duke. Nessian kneaded his throbbing shoulders and decided to watch while panning his next steps.

* * *

With Ian’s return, the tumultuous spring in the capital has passed and early summer has come.

The crown prince chose only tasks that were not too difficult for Ian and as a result, Elsia had no chance to come along. No one had noticed, but she came to the quiet Ceylon House, not the Marquis’ residence with the excuse of making a new doll.

When she was here, the day went by very slowly. Just because she was at the Marquis’ residence, didn’t mean she could see Ian every day, so she felt comfortable. It was her joy these days to sit blankly and think about Ian.

He would come to Ceylon House about twice a week and ask how Elsia was doing.

“If I say I’m happy or satisfied with this, I’ll be called a fool, right?”

Elsia smiled quietly and consoled herself. Woody, who was in the corner, did not respond, but if White Bunny, who went to make a rabbit grass flower crown in the backyard heard her, he would have nagged his mouth and cursed.

But Elsia was happy enough with the status quo. Ian’s daily life of not forgetting her, giving her sweets and hairpins, saying they were gifts every time he came was so precious. Sometimes, after Ian returned from meeting her, she would bury her face in a pillow and burst into tears of joy.

She knew it.

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The fact that she may have to let go of the happiness she had until yesterday.

Even so, Elsia didn’t want to fall into despair.

END OF EPISODE 17

TL notes: Its been raining for a whole week almost nonstop in my place. I have several hours of no wifi and data signal. Sometimes, we experience several power outage in a day as well. I’m really sorry to make you wait like this but my wordpress isn’t loading at all :’}

I hope everyone is doing okay and is eating their meals well.