Chapter 61

The new year arrived.

It was my first day at 21.

[T/N: In Korea, you’re considered a year older at New Year, not your birthday.]

‘What was I doing when I was 21 in my previous life?’

Early in the morning on the first day of the new year, as I stood in front of the mirror and looked at my clothes, I suddenly thought of that.

‘Come to think of it. I was 21 or 22 when I went hunting for Krusech.’

Hmmm, my memory is vague. That was over 500 years ago.

“It’s done, my lady.”

While I was in my thoughts, Bessie finished organizing my clothes. I turned around in front of the mirror to check my appearance again.

“By the way, would you be okay with this outfit?”

Bessie stood by and asked me in a careful voice.

“Huh? What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s the first event of the new year. There are much prettier and more colorful clothes.”

The dress I chose today was a dress with a modest style that did not have many decorations.

The skirt was also short, so my ankles were slightly exposed.

“It’s fine.”

“Still…” Bessie sighed with a look of regret.

To be honest, I wasn’t one with a great fashion sense, and I didn’t mind wearing anything as long as it could be worn.

But today, I had to be agile, so I picked modest and less cumbersome clothes.

‘… But I can’t tell Bessie that.’

If I told her I was going to sneak into the Cathedral’s basement to find a body, she might faint.

“I want you to look prettier.”

“Isn’t this pretty enough?”

“But especially today. Since Young Lady Brande will also attend…”

Ah, come to think of it. That’s true.

After the engagement announcement, Yulika seemed to enter the imperial palace in earnest and receive her bridal lessons.

I ran into her several times whenever I went to or from the Order of the Imperial Knights, and each time she would lift her chin and look down at me with a smug look. But she would always avoid my gaze.

The subtle gap was funny and insignificant, so I had nothing to say.

“It’s a holy ceremony in the Cathedral. If I dress too fancy, people will talk badly.”

In the end, I came up with an excuse to persuade Bessie.

Fortunately, Bessie nodded as if she had fallen for my words.

“Anyway, I was so thrilled when you first offered to participate in the New Year’s ceremony,” Bessie said, dabbing tears at the end of her sleeve.

“Bad things happened last year, making the atmosphere in the mansion heavy. I should go and pray hard.”

“Yes, I’m sure this year will be full of good things!”

I really hope so.

I followed Bessie, who clenched her fists while shouting, ‘Cheer up!’

***

When I entered the Cathedral, the seats were already half full.

In general, New Year’s ceremonies had low participation rates for nobles. Even the emperor only kept to his seat and dozed off throughout the ceremony.

Considering that, the participation rate in this ceremony was quite high.

‘Perhaps it’s because the venue this time is the Cathedral. Everyone participates because they’re curious. It’s usually a tricky place to get in.’

Standing at the entrance, I looked around and thought.

‘Well, it’s good for me. If there are many people, it won’t be noticeable even if I sneak out.’

Now, where should I sit to make it easier to get out in the middle?

As I was thinking about the best position…

“Here you are, Instructor.”

I heard Dalton’s voice behind my back.

Looking back, Dalton, dressed in a neat uniform, was grinning at me.

His beard was still there, but the button fastened to the end of his neck made a laugh.

“Wow, I didn’t expect to see you dressed so neatly.”

“I mean, I do it when I’m working.”

My slight teasing amused Dalton.

“The deputy commander must be in the front row of the temple. Would you like to go and meet him?”

“No, thanks.”

“I see. Well, if it’s about the seating… I’d recommend the seat on the left over there.” Dalton said, pointing to the middle of the temple.

The seat he recommended was the shortest distance to the entrance to the basement. I smiled and whispered to Dalton, “Sir, it’s enough to overlook my work.”

“Huh? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Dalton smirked and smiled mischievously.

“Come on. I’ll escort you to your seat.”

“Thank you. I’ll be glad to receive it.”

It wasn’t a party, but I moved forward under Dalton’s guidance.

Walking across the centre of the Cathedral, I could feel everyone’s eyes on me.

‘Everyone’s eyes are not pleasant.’

That’s Princess Peresca. It must be embarrassing for her to come out here. Murmur and more murmur.

I can hear everything even when I’m not trying. It tickles my ears. Ugh.

At that time, there was a different commotion.

“…?”

Dalton and I felt the strange change of atmosphere, too. The people who glanced at me were looking behind me.

“… What is it?” 

I unconsciously stopped and looked back.

And I came across the cause of this bustle.

Caesar, who escorted Yulika, was walking right behind me.

“Your Highness.”

Dalton quickly bowed his head to show courtesy.

The nobles who were sitting got up all at once and greeted Caesar.

But I.

I was so surprised that I couldn’t even say a greeting. I couldn’t help but stare blankly at Caesar.

Caesar… is in front of me.

“Long time no see.”

Wow, that’s Caesar’s voice.

His eyes gleamed with water. A slightly sad smile spread across his lips.

What am I supposed to do?

I’m going crazy wanting to hug you right now.

“Princess.”

Yulika’s voice calling me finally woke me up.

I bent down quickly and showed courtesy.

“Have you been well, Your Highness?”

“Yes. Thank you for your concern.”

“Happy New Year, Young Lady Brande.”

“Congratulations, Princess. I hope something good will happen to you this year,” Yulika said when I greeted her. “I’m sure you’ll meet a good sir this year.”

She smirked and provoked me. I, who found composure in her spat, responded with a smile, “Of course. I pray that you’ll be loved this year.”

Yulika’s expression hardened as if she were choked up, but she smiled again as if nothing had happened.

Oh, you’re pretty quick to find your composure now.

“I must work hard to fulfil your prayer. Well, there’s plenty of time, isn’t it, Your Highness?”

“Sir Dalton, there will be no disruption to the escort service.”

“Of course, Your Highness. I have prepared thoroughly, so rest assured.”

“Oh, dear. Did you have something to say to me, Young Lady Brande?” Caesar looked at Yulika with a firm expression as he spoke. Even his tone was hard as if he was reading a textbook, to the point of embarrassment to the listener.

Despite burning at the tips of her ears, Yulika tried to remain calm and replied to Caesar, “Oh, never mind, Your Highness. It was nothing.”

“Well, all right, then.”

Caesar calmly looked away from Yulika without asking twice.

“Then, Princess, I’ll see you next time.”

“Yes. Be strong, Your Highness.”

“Sure… You too.”

Even though he was speaking with as little emotion as possible, his voice towards me was filled with affection.

There’s no way that Yulika couldn’t have felt it either. She wasn’t that stupid.

Caesar and Yulika started walking again, and Dalton and I stepped aside.

“…?”

Caesar slowly brushed past me and grabbed my little finger.

If I hadn’t felt my finger pressed, I would’ve brushed it off as being accidentally touched while he was passing by. The moment was so short.

He walked forward without looking back. And I didn’t look back at him either.

“Let’s go, too.”

I was nailed to the spot until Dalton called me back.

It was disappointing that there was no trace of warmth left.

“Yes. Let’s go, Sir Dalton.”

After taking a deep breath, I smiled and lifted my head.

***

The ceremony was boring, as expected.

The Holy Father’s sermon was long, but his tone was consistent, and by the time the sermon passed 30 minutes, half of those seated were annihilated.

I laughed as I looked at the people in front of me, who were all bowing their heads in unison like autumn rice.

‘I’m the winner because I’ve never participated in a New Year’s ceremony.’

500 years ago, New Year’s ceremonies were simpler than this. Why is it that as the years go by, only the pretentiousness increase?

‘How long has it been?’

I thought with a small yawn.

‘I must leave in time when Leonard patrols the cellar entrance.’

Inside the Cathedral, of course, there was no clock. It was impossible to set a time to move.

Then, as if responding to my wish, a person belonging to the Red Knights appeared from the opposite door.

It was Hawk, a trainee of the Red Knights, who had also participated in the subjugation of monsters.

Hawk awkwardly fiddled with his nose as our eyes met. What is that clumsy act? I didn’t say we should give each other a signal.

Well, anyway.

‘When Hawk started patrolling the inside of the temple, Leonard moved towards the underground entrance.’

I recalled the patrol information that Leonard had obtained in advance. It was time to get up.

Since I was sitting outside, it was easy to get out. Everyone was dozing off, and even if there were witnesses, they would think I was going out to get some air because I was sleepy.

“It was this way, I’m sure.”

The door leading to the basement was said to be at the eastern end of the temple.

I moved at a brisk pace, careful to move stealthily.

“Helena, this way.”

Luckily, Leonard found me before I lost my way.

I approached Leonard, who was standing in front of the door, waiting for me.

“Brother.”

“You only have about 30 minutes.”

“Yes. That is enough.”

“Okay, be careful.”

Leonard smoothened my hair and smiled. That affectionate expression alone filled me with courage.

“I’ll be back.”

After a brief goodbye to Leonard, I opened the door leading down to the basement and went inside.

Inside the door was a narrow staircase that turned round and round.

There wasn’t even a lamp, so I went down the stairs, careful not to slip.

“I don’t have a watch, but I’ll be back in 30 minutes. I’m only going to check on my body.”

With sweaty tension in my palm, I mumbled to myself for no reason.

After going down for a while, I finally reached the basement floor.

The unique smell of the basement and the cool air wafted in. I lit the candlestick at the entrance.

And, I was perplexed.

“Huh, what is this?”

The inside of the basement was wider than I expected.

Moreover, there were not one or two presumed coffins. At first glance, there seemed to be more than ten.

It’s a disaster.

“Well, there’s no way that only my corpse alone is here…”

Can I find it in 30 minutes?

I became nervous. Gulp.

“Phew, it’s okay. You can do it, Helena. Let’s look everywhere,” I muttered, trembling lightly in the eerie energy.

At that moment, someone grabbed my shoulder and spoke in a low voice, “Wait for a moment.”

“…!”

Nonsense!

Did I get caught already?

I looked back, barely holding back a scream.

[T/N: By the time I realized the Cathedral might not be a cathedral, it was too late to change everything. So… I believe you guys can still understand the context… There isn’t an exact English translation of the Korean word. That’s why it keeps changing from temple to cathedral to great shrine in MTL.]