Hans had been so adamant that Lucilia felt foolish for having believed Aaron’s words at face value.

But no matter how she thought about it, Hans’s claim seemed unrealistic.

She understood that Aaron might be more robust than others, but she couldn’t comprehend how someone with a human body could “absolutely” never fall ill.

She had already questioned Hans about it.

“How could anyone live their entire life without catching even one cold? Surely he must truly be unwell this time.”

“I’m telling you, he’s not. I can swear on my position as butler.”

Though still doubtful, she couldn’t dismiss the words of a butler who had served Aaron closely for years.

It seemed somewhat presumptuous for her, who had only recently arrived in Tudra, to argue about it.

Hans had suggested it was probably because of the heat.

Apparently, Aaron’s body was thoroughly conditioned to the bitter winter cold…

That’s why he rarely went to the southern regions in summer. Even the king knew this and refrained from summoning him to the capital during hot seasons.

She had been skeptical, but upon closer observation, Hans’s words seemed correct.

Aaron’s expression didn’t look like that of a sick person at all. If anything, he appeared refreshed, as if feeling cool.

It seemed obvious that he had removed his clothes because of the heat.

Should she just ask him directly?

Because she had mentioned feeling cold in bed, an awkward situation had arisen where the poor man was enduring the heat.

If she continued to pretend not to know, Aaron might develop a fever that wasn’t there before.

That wouldn’t be right by human decency.

Lucilia lowered the blanket slightly and looked to the side.

At that very moment, he swiftly slipped his arm into his sleeve.

Pretending not to notice his chest visible through the unfastened parts of his clothing, Lucilia spoke up.

“A-are you awake?”

Aaron, acting as if he hadn’t been flustered at all, responded indifferently.

“You’re up early, it’s not even dawn yet.”

In that brief moment, Lucilia’s small mind worked busily.

What was the point of asking directly? If she asked whether he had been enduring the heat for her sake, given his personality, he would definitely deny it.

How embarrassing would it be if his feigned illness was exposed? He might refuse to speak to her again, claiming she had humiliated him.

With the outcome so predictable, it seemed better for her to defuse the awkward situation herself.

Lucilia fanned her face with her hand.

“I think I’ve gotten used to the cool air. It was so hot that I couldn’t sleep properly.”

Aaron inadvertently glanced at Lucilia but quickly looked away before their eyes could meet.

“You woke up because it was hot?”

“Yes. I don’t think we should put in as much firewood as last night. Ah… but since you’re sick, we should keep it warm for a while.”

“No need. I feel much better after a good night’s sleep. Please do as you prefer.”

“Really? Still, please let me know if the temperature doesn’t suit you. I don’t mind either way.”

“I will.”

Aaron nodded and extended his long legs out of the bed.

Apparently thirsty from the night, he sat on the sofa and gulped down water.

Seeing this, Lucilia’s lips curved elegantly. She felt relieved to have been of some help after always being on the receiving end.

Strictly speaking, she had merely resolved an unexpected situation that she herself had created.

Still, she was glad she hadn’t made things difficult for Aaron.

When she dwelled on the reality that she had nowhere to go, despair accumulated like sediment, but by changing her perspective, she could hold onto the hope that she still had a place to stay.

She could consider this place her home and start anew.

Thinking that Tudra’s vast land would support her feet and prevent her from falling, she felt motivated.

Lucilia approached him with courage.

“I’m thirsty too.”

When she extended her hand, Aaron poured water into the cup he had been drinking from.

She gulped it down like someone desperate to quench her thirst, then wiped the moisture from her lips with the back of her hand.

“Wow! I think water is the most delicious thing in the world.”

She smiled brightly, unaware that his gray eyes were lingering on her chest.

Aaron’s heart skipped a beat at her pure, innocent smile.

He had already visually devoured the mounds of her br*asts and the protruding n*pples visible beneath the thin chemise.

If only he could destroy his head filled with such l*stful thoughts, he would, but pretending otherwise was incredibly awkward.

For a very brief moment, he considered taking her body, invoking their marital duties.

Satisfying his carnal desires without giving her affection.

Just providing adequate protection and showing moderate contempt would be enough to deceive the Pope’s eyes.

It would be quite plausible to not respect her as a wife but make her a slave to his l*st every night.

He only needed to maintain his hostility toward Lucilia to lure the Pope’s spy.

His greed, once tainted by filth, was becoming increasingly darker.

And of all times, Lucilia chose this moment to bend over.

“Phew, now I feel better.”

As she leaned forward to put down the cup, her chemise drooped, and her small, hidden br*asts suddenly dominated his view.

Though they weren’t exposed, the mere act of peeking caused his body to respond.

Aaron crossed his legs to hide his rapidly engorging center.

He needed to leave for Demre soon, or he might actually end up bedding this woman.

* * *

Was it God’s mercy, taking pity on Aaron’s nightly suffering?

After a week, the schedule for the trip to Demre was confirmed.

Aaron headed to the temple, accompanied by Rombon.

Traveling to Demre meant leaving the estate vacant for over ten days. He had predicted that the Pope would target this period, and it was almost laughable how quickly things were moving.

When the priest sent a message asking him to come to the temple, he couldn’t help but chuckle. He was very curious about what scheme was afoot.

Riding along the newly renovated entrance path, which had been refurbished last year to showcase the temple’s status, Aaron sneered.

“Even in this remote place, the temple is quite magnificent.”

“Doesn’t that reflect Tudra’s high standing? It’s the preeminent city in the northern region, after all.”

“I’m criticizing the temple’s extravagance. Can’t you grasp the meaning correctly?”

“Oh dear… I’ve been tactless again. I’ll correct myself.”

After giving him a lesson in manners disguised as sword training this morning, Rombon immediately adopted a submissive attitude. It was worth taking preemptive measures, anticipating his irritating behavior throughout their journey together.

Aaron spurred his horse’s flank and galloped down the main road.

Upon arriving at the temple, an apprentice priest guided the two to the priest’s office.

As if announcing that he had been waiting eagerly, a cheerful voice burst forth the moment the door to the priest’s office opened.

“Welcome! Haha! How have you been?”

Priest Michael was perhaps only about ten years older than Aaron. Yet he displayed a benevolent smile every time they met, as if he were old enough to be his parent.

Repulsed by this artificial expression, Aaron responded without looking at the greeting priest, fixing his gaze somewhere on the wall.

“I’ve been well.”

In response to this lukewarm reaction, it was Rombon who made a fuss.

He seemed to believe that one shouldn’t treat the person responsible for Tudra’s parish so dismissively.

Rombon extended his hand, as large as an iron pan, offering a handshake.

“Have you been well, Father?”

“Ah, yes. I’ve been enjoying peaceful days, thanks to you. Aah!”

The priest groaned, unable to free his hand from Rombon’s grip, though Rombon hadn’t even squeezed it forcefully.

Startled, Rombon quickly released his hand and scratched his head vigorously.

“Oh my, I apologize. I must have failed to control my strength. Should I make confession right now to ask for forgiveness…?”

“No, no. I have business with the young baron today, so it would be better to postpone that.”

“Ah, right! That’s true!”

Aaron subdued the boisterous Rombon with a single glance.

The priest, glancing at the deputy commander who promptly composed himself, moved closer to Aaron and lowered his voice significantly.

“I’d like to speak with you in a quieter place.”

So he wants a private audience.

Aaron nodded respectfully.

“I’ll follow you, please lead the way.”