CH 27

He took the torch he’d gotten with Enoch’s help and went inside.

As he walked through the dearness, a rusty iron door appeared at the end of the cave.

It was unlocked and he went right in.

It was a room covered in dust, long untouched by humans.

He used the torch to illuminate various parts of the room.

He then found a lantern hanging on the wall and lit it.

The room brightened up in an instant.

“This…”

He couldn’t help but let his mouth gape at the appearance of the room that gradually became visible.

It was full of horrific and strange things.

At first glance, it resembled a laboratory.

One place was filled with beakers of liquid, the other was piled full of skulls.

There was also a very large sculpture that gave off a glare of light hanging on the wall.

In the center, it had a sphere with spikes and a large cross whose arms stretched out on all sides.

It was a statue that was literally expressed as a metaphor for an explosion of light.

Usually, these statues were common in temples dedicated to Luz but this one was a bit different.

Originally, the lower part would be especially long, so it was easy to distinguish the top and bottom of the statue.

However, this one had a long upper part.

The color was also different; it was black.

It looked like an overturned, tainted flash.

“What the hell are these things?”

There were so many things in the room that, because of his father’s sudden passing, he was unable to properly inherit them.

Regarding his father, “…There are so many things you never told me.”

Rosenta Estella doesn’t appear often in the book If a Saint Falls From the Sky.

When he did appear, it was only when he was at the heroine’s side.

Most of the sentences about him described his short conversations with her, as well as his affection for her.

Because of this, the things he didn’t know about himself in relation to the story were inexhaustible.

He would have to figure it out himself.

‘I shouldn’t have too much to worry about anyway…’

“Because he played a supporting role that didn’t have a particularly large impact.”

‘There won’t be any special secrets related to me. These abilities are probably the extent of it.’

Having come to that conclusion, he looked around more carefully.

A bookshelf covered in cobwebs and gray dust caught his eye.

There were plenty of books that would be of help.

While reading the book titles, he found one of the largest and most unusual-looking tomes.

He took it without hesitation.

“Chains?”

It was bound by chains and Rosenta was unable to open it.

It was bound very tightly, as though it would not allow anyone to access it.

He tried to loosen the chain, but it didn’t loosen at all. Rather, it felt as though the grip tightened.

In the end, he placed it back on the bookshelf.

He glanced sideways with regret and glanced at the other books.

The book at the bottom corner caught his eye next.

“The Undead?”

It was a book bound in black leather that smelled old.

‘Found something.’

It seemed that he had finally found something worthy of someone with abilities inherited from their ancestor the Necromancer.   

If using the undead, one could make their own army but, in the eyes of others, they would look like a devil.

Rosenta was overcome with a strange feeling, a mixture of joy and worry, but he tried hard to ignore that feeling.

‘Okay. It’s an ability so you can use it without being detected by others.’

He tried to organize his thoughts and opened the book.

But he quickly closed it again.

It was because his hearing, which had heightened his senses, caught some sort of sound.

He heard the sound of someone walking outside the door.

“Duke.”

It was Enoch’s voice.

He approached cautiously.

Rosenta shouted at Enoch with a sharp voice.

“I thought I told you not to come in!”

Rosenta placed the book on the table near the door.

He gently opened the door, blocking the table with his body.

Enoch appeared out of the darkness.

Enoch stood there in the dark, without any light, not even a torch. It looked very familiar.

Looking into the pale green eyes floating in the darkness, Rosenta asked, “Why are you here?”

If he didn’t give a good reason, Rosenta wouldn’t let him off easily.

He made sure to wear a fierce expression so that his intentions could be well understood.

Enoch wasn’t easily discouraged. Rather, he looked at him with a deep smile.

“The attendant, apparently, intended to bring you something so I brought it instead.”

At the same time, he gently waved envelopes as if fanning himself with them.

They were ordinary letters. They had seals that would identify the sender.

“I’ll get better.”

Rosenta didn’t respond.

Instead, he held out his hand toward Enoch, asking for the letters.

“Hurry and give them to me.”

Enoch, who had been about to hand them over, stopped moving and stared at him.

He then pulled the corners of his red lips up into a very satisfied smile.

“Informal language.”

“Has there ever been a noble who used formal language with a butler?”

He pointed this truth out with irritation.

In the beginning, he’d insisted on honorifics in order to maintain a sense of distance.

But now that Enoch had become a butler of his own accord, it would be laughable to use respectful language towards him.

A master deferring to his butler.

“Why? Does it upset you?”

Enoch shrugged his shoulder without erasing his deep smile.

“Not at all. It just reminds me of my childhood memories, and I feel renewed.”

Rosenta took the three letters Enoch was holding out as if he was whisking it away.

He examined them.

As soon as he checked the names of the senders, he knew it was time for him to leave the small room.

He had been standing with half of his body through the doorway and proceeded to return to the room.

“Wait there.”

Unfortunately, he would have to leave the book on the table.

Carrying a book with such a title would make it easy for misunderstandings to occur.

Instead, he randomly pointed to one of the books lying around.

It was titled Curse Theory. It was probably a book his father had left unattended.

‘It’s about curses and, well, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t know that it’s our family’s ability. It would be fine if I took this much with me.’

He grabbed the book and went out the door.

“Enoch.”

He warned Enoch.

“You are never allowed to come here without permission even if you’re curious.”

“Understood.”

It was a very quick and appropriate answer, but Rosenta ignored him.

He didn’t believe him, so he carefully locked the door. After confirming that it was secure, he came out of the tunnel-like hallway.

He heard the steady sound of Enoch’s footsteps as he followed him.

Outside, there were still rocks messily strewn about.

Every time Rosenta walked, stones of various sizes would topple over on top of his feet. This caused sounds to come from the bottom of his shoes as they struck the floor.

‘I’ll have to clean up these stones, but what should I do about this hole?’

‘If I leave it like this, someone might go in. It’s such a mysterious-looking hole.’

“Duke.”

Rosenta glanced in the direction where he was called.

Enoch’s long black hair began to blow back in the wind. Soon, his pale green eyes closed.

“Since the existing magic spell has been broken, new magic can be added in its place.”

Every time Enoch’s hand stirred the air, the wind blew hard.

The stones started to move with the wind. It was as if they were dancing in the breeze.

When the dance concluded, the wall had returned to its original form.

It had been surprisingly quick.

Those who specialized in magic were not common. If someone knew how to wield even basic magic, a small kingdom would be anxious to recruit them.

‘Is this the power of a person gifted enough with enough magical talent to allow them to go on to become the owner of the Mage Tower in the future?’

Once again, admiration flowed forth.

“Now what shall we do?”

Enoch’s question was short-lived. Soon, he raised the corner of his mouth lightly as though he’d remembered something.

He proceeded to tell Rosenta his name.

“Enoch.”

“What?”

“If you say my name, this stone wall will open. It will also remind you of me every time.”

As though it were no large matter, a calm ripple began to appear in the pale green eyes that had been cloudy.

***

Back in his office, Rosenta dismissed everyone so that he could read the letter quietly.

He took another look at the senders of the letters.

Vivian Marigold, Theodore Royal Helios, Nike Cardia.

Putting aside Vivian and Theodore’s letters….

“Duke Nike Cardia.”

Nike Cardia.

Rosenta had met her once before with his father.

She had a very thorough personality and was able to control plants.

It was an ability that matched the land, named Silva, that she ruled.

Silva was a tropical area where it looked like nighttime because the high sky is blocked by thick vegetation.

The plants there are very fast growing and will continue to grow roots if not well managed.

“Hmmm.”

He looked down at the envelope of the letter from Duke Cardia and pushed it back.

“I’d better read Vivian’s first.”

Since Duke Cardia’s letter must be related to official business, Rosenta felt it would be better to read it last.

He gently opened the pink envelope that closely resembled the color of Vivian’s hair.

A sweet scent, as though it was sprinkled on the stationery, gently rose.

‘Rosen. Did you get the invitation today? As soon as I got the invitation, I almost tore it up, but I held back. A banquet to celebrate the saint? It’s a place where other important nobles will gather, but…I really hate the idea of going. I don’t understand why he abandoned our friendship and shouted at me just because of that saint.

I really don’t want to go but…My parents and older brother are also attending, and I can’t get out of going. Of course, you’ll be attending, right? If you go…I guess, I have to go then. I can’t skip seeing you just because I don’t like the saint.

Hm…Of course, My Lord…That’s the case!’

Reading that letter, told Rosenta what Theodore might have sent.

With a sharp-edged letter opener, he carefully broke the wax seal.

The wax, engraved with the sun of the imperial palace, broke at once.

As expected, there was an invitation, but along with it was a personal letter from Theodore.

‘I would like to meet with you privately before the banquet. I want you to listen to what I couldn’t say then…’

It was a simple note. However, Rosenta could feel how much agony went into this letter.

‘Mm.’

He looked at the dirty, slightly worn paper.

He stared at it blankly and placed it on the desk.

He would not reply separately. After all, Theodore would know his answer.

Of course, he’s going to Theodore.

He alternated between the date written on the invitation and the calendar.

“Not long.”

The story was progressing.

Of course, Yura the main character, would attend the banquet. As would Vivian and Theodore.

It was an opportunity for Rosenta to dig in and resolve the questions that had been bothering him.

‘If I’m lucky, I’ll learn the role I’ll have to take.’

It’s best to choose the easiest way.

He smiled bitterly and opened the top drawer on the left side of the desk.

Inside was a bunch of pink and white envelopes. These were the letters Theodore and Vivian had sent him.

He also added the letter he’d received that day in chronological order.

“Now there’s only one left.”

He pressed his eyes tightly.

To relieve his fatigued eyes, he stared out of the window.

He could see a thick branch sticking out through the window.

He glanced at the branch.

“Come to think of it, I first saw Theodore in a branch like that.”

He broke into a faint smile.

***

It was a very primitive, yet splendid procession.

A large parasol is draped over a chair, flanked by men fanning it with fans made of leaves.

Many people were walking with the chair on their shoulders.

And that wasn’t all.

Around that chair, many people followed in front and behind.

A woman with orange hair and eyes, glowing sunset red, rested her chin on an armrest.

And while sitting in the highest position, on a chair, she was looking down at those who followed her.

“Wyatt.”

“Yes, Duke Cardia.”

A man who was fanning answered the call of Duke Nike Cardia and knelt.

“Did you send the letter to Duke Estella as I ordered?”

“Yes, I did as you commanded.”

Like petting a puppy, Nike brushed the man, Wyatt’s, curly chestnut hair.

Wyatt closed his eyes and accepted Nike’s hand.

Nike, who was looking at Wyatt with cute eyes, cautiously opened her mouth.

Her hand was still on the man’s head, but her orange eyes were looking elsewhere.

It was a vague gaze, as if remembering something.

“I wonder what he would be like now.”

Then, little by little, Nike leaned against the back of the chair.

She slowly closed both eyes.

“If you had been born into our Cardia family, you would have been able to live your life as yourself but……”