Chapter 115

“Here it is.”

Cardinal Rahie guided them to an apartment not far from the Holy Nation.

The apartment provided by the Holy Nation had two rooms.

One was for her and Costance to stay in, and the other was for Alres and Dr. Rydier.

The cardinal warned that they wouldn’t be able to use the apartment for long and advised them to find jobs within a year so they could pay rent.

The door opened.

“Wow!”

Eugene, who entered the house first, looked around excitedly.

“This is amazing!”

The living room had a small television, a kitchen, a bedroom large enough to fit a king-sized bed, and a bathroom with a tub spacious enough for two people.

Through the window, one could see a large lake and a walking trail. Eugene, who seemed to like the house even more than her, bounced around energetically.

“Eugene, you’re going to alarm the neighbors downstairs.”

Costance grabbed Eugene by the waist to stop him. Meanwhile, Anna fidgeted nearby.

“How’s the orphanage?”

Benny spoke to Seth, who was sitting quietly. The boy flinched but nodded.

“It’s fine. Everyone is kind.”

“I should visit sometime. There’s a nun I know there.”

“…Yes.”

“Feel free to come visit with Eugene and Anna anytime, okay?”

Seth hesitated but eventually nodded again, albeit slightly.

Knock knock.

At the sound of a knock, they turned to see Cardinal Rahie entering through the door.

“How is it? The rooms.”

“They’re great, and the view is beautiful.”

The cardinal smiled as if satisfied with her response.

“The doctors seem to like it too. There are plenty of places to explore nearby, so take a look around. But don’t forget that you’ll have guards until things settle down.”

So they couldn’t avoid being guarded after all.

“They won’t follow you openly. They’ll monitor from a distance. Once the guards are no longer needed, I’ll let you know immediately.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

She smiled as she noticed Anna and Eugene clinging to Costance.

“And Eugene.”

The cardinal also noticed and called out to Eugene.

“Yes?”

“I don’t think your orphanage classes are over yet.”

At the cardinal’s words, the children froze. They had clearly skipped class. Their guilty expressions made her stifle a laugh.

“…Could you let it slide just for today, Your Holiness?”

“No. Nathan would be disappointed in you.”

“Ugh.”

Was Nathan a figure of fear for the children? 

Strangely enough, the mention of his name worked on Eugene. The children exchanged glances before letting go of Costance.

“We’ll come back tomorrow!”

“Me too!” 

Anna chimed in.

Eugene and Anna cheerfully said their goodbyes and left. Seth, after a small bow, followed the other children back to the orphanage.

The house quickly became quiet.

“I’ll leave the keys here.”

The cardinal placed two keys on the table and smiled warmly.

“You must be tired. Rest well.”

The door, which had been wide open, closed.

Now, only she and Costance were left in the house.

Her legs gave out beneath her. It wasn’t just her legs—her whole body felt drained, and her mind went blank. Without the energy to remain standing, she headed to the bedroom, where sunlight streamed through the window and spread across the bed.

When she sat on the bed, she found it softer than expected, making her want to lie down immediately.

“Benny.”

Costance approached her.

As she leaned against his chest, Costance held her and laid her down on the bed.

The soft mattress enveloped both of their bodies.

“This outfit is uncomfortable.”

“Where is it uncomfortable?”

“The waist. It’s subtly tight.”

Costance looked down at the tightly fitted waistline and began to touch her back.

He first untied the string at her neck, then carefully unfastened the buttons on the back of her dress, one by one.

She unconsciously held her breath.

“Hah.”

With each button undone, the cool air touched her back.

Her back now fully exposed, she felt a chill. Costance didn’t stop there; he loosened the belt around her waist as well.

Breathing suddenly became much easier. Having completed his task, he pulled her back into his embrace. His bare hand gently stroked her back.

“It’s warm.”

Costance whispered.

“It is.”

“Is that so?”

“Costance, do you regret leaving everything behind and coming here?”

At her question, he smiled.

“Not at all.”

“…”

“I didn’t abandon anything. If anything, I reclaimed it.”

His sweet words made her laugh. In response, he hugged her even tighter.

“Ah.”

“If it’s suffocating, let me know.”

“Will you let go then?”

“Maybe after about ten minutes.”

“So I just have to endure until then?”

“If I don’t hold you like this right now, I feel like I might suffocate.”

His calm voice sounded like a lullaby. She moved slightly, then wrapped her arms around his back.

His body flinched.

“Does this make you feel suffocated?”

“No.”

“…I don’t regret it either. Coming here with you.”

She spoke calmly.

“I’m just looking forward to it now. To what we’ll do tomorrow. I want to explore the Papal State with you, hand in hand. I want to attend mass with you too.”

“…”

“You said long hair can be inconvenient, right? I’ll cut it for you. Just a little at a time. But don’t trust my skills too much.”

The arms holding her loosened. She pulled away from his chest and took in the refreshing air.

His hand combed through her hair. Whether it was his gentle touch or the sunlight, drowsiness began to wash over her.

“We’ll need to visit the bank tomorrow.”

“The bank?”

“Yes. I’m no longer the eldest son of the Orsi family, but my grandfather left me something. If the Marquis hasn’t tampered with it, there should be assets in the International Central Bank.”

“…I see.”

“Are you sleepy?”

“A little.”

At her honest response, Costance gazed at her intently. His eyes crinkled in a gentle smile.

“Sleep well.”

“…”

“My dear Benny. Rest deeply.”

His lips brushed her forehead. As she drifted off, he stroked her back repeatedly. Like soothing a child, his tender touch lulled her into a deep sleep.

She didn’t dream of anything. Perhaps a fleeting moment of bright sunlight appeared in her mind.

Costance and Benny fell into a peaceful slumber like that.

***

The morning in the Papal State was crisp and radiant.

After finishing an early meal, she and Costance headed to the lake just in front of the apartment.

In one hand, she held a sprig of rosemary with purple blossoms. In the other, she held Costance’s hand. When they arrived at the lake, Alres and Dr. Rydier were already there, waiting.

“Little Miss.”

Alres approached her.

Today, they planned to hold a memorial for those who had passed. There was no proper grave or belongings left behind, but they wanted to bid a belated farewell.

They walked further in and reached the lake, where they placed the rosemary they had brought on the ground.

Five sprigs of rosemary lay side by side.

“…”

Finally, she placed a tuft of Irini’s fur beside them.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a sacred glow. The lake shimmered as if sprinkled with glittering powder.

In contrast, the surrounding air was still. The rosemary and cat fur rested before the beautiful lake nestled among the large trees.

“…”

The bells from a nearby cathedral rang. A faint hymn could be heard.

“I’m sorry I’m late, Father.”

She broke the silence. A gentle breeze blew.

“I’ll let you go now. I’ll live happily, just as you wished.”

“…”

“I’ll keep living.”

She gazed at the rosemary she had placed.

“I hope you’ll be happy too, wherever you are.”

Rene, Tiago, and Sien—please don’t be too harsh on them. And show respect to Professor Kandor too.

“I can’t send Mother my regards. Please do it for me, Father.”

She wiped away her flowing tears. Her chest ached terribly, but she tried her best to suppress it.

“And… please take care of Olive and Irini too. They’re mischievous, so look after them well.”

That was all she had to say.

When she turned around, Alres and Dr. Rydier were silently weeping. They didn’t step forward, as if they had nothing else to add.

Time passed slowly. Just as they were about to leave, a breeze blew once more.

The rosemary and Irini’s fur, placed by the lake, were carried into the air by the wind.

She froze as the items disappeared from sight. Her gaze lingered on the spot where the flowers and fur had been, now empty.

They’re watching over us.

“…”

To my beloved Father.

To my beloved Rene, Tiago, and Sien.

To my beloved Professor Kandor.

To my beloved Irini.

Goodbye.

“Goodbye…”

***

[Breaking News: In the aftermath of the NOK phenomenon, the leaders of Toramde and the Kingdom of Rando held a summit this afternoon. The two leaders discussed the NOK phenomenon and signed the “Weapons of Mass Destruction Prohibition Act” as well as the “NOK Energy Operation Limit Regulations” to prepare for future scenarios. They also deliberated on fostering reconciliation for international peace. More details… (OMITTED)]