Chapter 110

Just before departing for the Papal States, the cardinal’s unilateral announcement was unbearably cruel.

Julia froze, unable to respond to the shocking news. When Benny tried to question the cardinal on her behalf, her wrist was gently held back.

“……”

Turning around, she saw Costance shaking his head slightly, his expression firm.

“I’ve heard about your father.”

The cardinal began.

Julia’s eyes widened as she looked at him.

“He’s still detained in Toramde.”

“……”

“If you come with us to the Papal States, it will make defending your father even more difficult.”

That possibility hadn’t crossed her mind.

The sound of waves crashing filled the silence. The newly risen sunlight bathed the ocean’s surface and everyone present.

A solemn atmosphere enveloped them. Rahie stepped closer to Julia.

“That’s why we’ll help you, Julia.”

“……”

“If you allow it, I’ll introduce you to an acquaintance of Cardinal Lidams nearby. Stay with them for now. If your presence jeopardizes your father’s situation, we’ll step in to assist.”

Julia’s face slowly began to twist. It wasn’t a conflicted expression—it was one of relief.

That the emotions visible in her furrowed brow were relief made her complicated feelings all the more palpable.

“The choice is yours, Julia.”

The cardinal waited for her answer.

“I… I didn’t like my father very much, but I don’t want to abandon him either.”

Even in her soft voice, Julia’s words carried clearly over the sound of the waves.

“Thank you for helping me, Your Holiness.”

“Don’t forget that your gun saved the lives of two priests.”

She nodded tearfully. Benny, who had been watching from a step away, approached Julia and embraced her.

“Julia.”

“Benny.”

Now… it was truly time to part ways with her. Julia hugged Benny tightly, her tears soaking into her clothes.

Their bond was a strange one. If it could be called a bond, it was one forged under unfortunate circumstances.

When they worked together at the Canary National Library, Julia and Benny had been nothing more than colleagues. Neither could have imagined escaping Toramde together and fleeing to another country.

The thought of parting from Julia genuinely saddened Benny. Even when they had suddenly been separated in Canary Village, it hadn’t felt like this… But now, it was different.

“I don’t want to think of today as the last time I’ll see you, Julia.”

This sentiment was sincere.

“I’m truly sorry… and truly grateful.”

“Well, it’s unlikely, but if I ever visit the Canary National Library…”

“……”

“I’ll tell everyone that Vivi Ferren has found herself an amazing fiancé.”

***

The waves had calmed. Though it was just past noon, the sky was dim, as though covered in ash.

Before boarding the fishing boat, Benny hugged Julia one last time.

“If I ever get the chance… I’ll come visit you in the Papal States.”

Afterward, Julia met Alres’s gaze.

“Alres. Being together with you brought me some comfort.”

“…Me too.”

Considering the tender comfort they had shared in the submersible, their exchange was surprisingly dry. Alres turned and boarded the fishing boat.

The area around the coast was utterly barren.

Once aboard, all Benny could see was the tranquil sea merging with the horizon. The red sunlight, peeking through the clouds, added a vivid hue to the somber sky.

“Are you nervous, Benny?”

Costance, who had remained by her side, spoke in a gentle tone.

“And you?”

“Of course, I’m nervous. That’s how much I care.”

“Me too.”

This time… they would reach the Papal States.

“Take this.”

He handed her a small pouch. Benny pressed it with her hand, trying to guess its contents.

“…It’s Irini’s fur.”

They must have passed it on to Costance.

“Irini will protect you.”

“I have something for you too.”

Benny removed the bracelet from her right wrist. The blue bracelet, which she had first given him as a gift, no longer shone as brightly, worn down by their shared hardships.

She carefully fastened the bracelet around Costance’s wrist. Her cautious movements, as though afraid it might snap, were accompanied by the sound of his slow breathing above her.

The bracelet settled on his wrist. As expected, it looked far better on Costance than it ever had on her.

“I should have given this to you earlier… Hmm.”

As she raised her head in satisfaction, he captured her lips. Holding her tightly, he kissed her, and she closed her eyes.

Even during the kiss, his hand never let go of hers. His fingers intertwined with hers, sending a flutter through her stomach.

“My beloved Benny.”

His lips parted gently.

“Yes.”

“I know… I’ve been foolish. I kept wanting to protect you on my own, even though I couldn’t…”

With his forehead resting against hers, he confessed.

For a moment, Benny wondered if he was still beating himself up over his inability to drive, and she felt a pang of embarrassment.

“My beloved Costance.”

“Yes, Benny.”

He answered earnestly.

“You’re right. You were foolish. So let’s face everything together from now on. And never forget that I love you.”

She placed her hand on his chest.

“My love is here. I’m here, loving you.”

“May I kiss you once more?”

“Save it for when we reach the Papal States. But you can hold me all day long.”

“…Don’t forget those words.”

The fishing boat began to move.

In the distance, Julia waved her arms enthusiastically. Benny waved back just as vigorously, ensuring Julia could see.

Light poured through the thin layers of clouds. The diagonal rays illuminated their path forward.

The sea sparkled like a magnificent jewel.

***

“Report from 22-3: Benny Galinne appears to have fled to the Pinse Republic. It’s presumed she’s using this route to reach the Papal States. Over.”

– This is headquarters. The order to fire on Benny Galinne has been issued. Her life or death is irrelevant. Over.

“Report from 22-3: Cardinal Rahie may intervene. Over.”

– This is headquarters. Do not kill Cardinal Rahie; capture him alive. The top priority remains the elimination or capture of Benny Galinne. Over.

“22-3, understood. Over.”

– This is headquarters. 22-1, are you stationed in the Papal States? Report the current situation. Over.

“Report from 22-1: Currently undercover in the Papal States. No abnormalities to report. Over.”

– This is headquarters. Maintain communication with 22-3. Continue to wait. Over.

“22-1, understood. Over.”

The prolonged radio transmission ended.

The agent who had stepped out of the small room approached another agent seated at a table.

“What did headquarters say?”

“They told us to wait.”

“Got it.”

The other agent nodded. Having been undercover in the Papal States since before the Conclave, they were accustomed to waiting.

Ding-dong.

The doorbell rang sharply in their quarters. It couldn’t be the landlord, as they had already paid the rent a few days ago.

“……”

“……”

Exchanging glances, one agent grabbed a concealed gun and pressed themselves against the wall.

‘I’ll open it.’

‘Okay.’

One agent, hiding the gun behind their body, approached the door.

Knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

The agent masked their expression and opened the door.

“Hello. My name is Anna.”

The voice drew their gaze downward. Standing there was a girl who appeared to be about seven years old.

“Hello, Anna. What brings you here?”

The agent immediately smiled at the sight of the small girl.

“Is Mr. Painter here?”

“Sorry, but there’s no one by that name here.”

“Oh, then do you know where Mr. Painter’s house is? He dropped something, and I wanted to return it, but I don’t know the address. I’m sure it’s nearby.”

“Painter’s house, you say? I’m not sure, either.”

The agent looked flustered.

“Then could I take a quick look at your address book? We don’t have one at the orphanage. Oh, and I’d love a glass of water while I’m here.”

“Alright. Sorry, but I can’t let you inside since I’m working. Could you wait here for a moment?”

When Anna nodded, the agent went back inside.

Left alone, Anna quickly scanned the interior of the house. She could hear faint whispers from behind the wall.

Before long, the agent returned with a bottle of water.

“Here’s some water. According to the address book, Mr. Painter’s house is likely in the building next door.”

“Oh, I see! I must have made a mistake. Sorry about that.”

“It’s getting dark; be careful on your way.”

“Of course. Thank you, kind sir.”

Anna hugged the water bottle to her chest and turned away.

Bang. The sound of the door closing echoed behind her.

Anna’s steps didn’t falter as she descended the stairs. Once outside, she rounded the corner to the building the agent had pointed out.

Inside, she climbed the stairs without hesitation. Mr. Painter’s house. The door opened without warning, as if anticipating her arrival.

“Oh! You startled me!”

“So, how did it go, Anna?”

Eugene asked. Beyond the door, Seth could be seen conversing with an elderly man.

“He seemed like a kind man.”

“He’s a resident not listed in the address book. He hasn’t attended any mass at the local cathedral all week.”

Eugene spoke with frustration.

“I don’t know. He was kind. He even told me where to go right away and gave me a bottle of water.”

Anna took a sip.

“…Wait a minute. He told you the address?”

“He seemed to have an address book.”

“An address book? For someone supposedly just visiting the Papal States?”

Eugene’s words made Anna frown as well.

“Come to think of it, I tried to enter the house, but he stopped me.”

“…Suspicious, don’t you think, Seth?”

Eugene’s excited expression turned to Seth, who sighed. Unlike Eugene, Seth’s face was filled with concern and worry.

“Surveillance is fine, Eugene. But what happens next? If they really are spies sent to capture her, we won’t be able to do anything.”

Seth recalled the chaos aboard the passenger ship.

“I know.”

“……”

“That’s why we’ll report it. The Papal States are strict with adults who trouble children, and they impose very harsh punishments.”

Eugene’s expression twisted mischievously.