A large crucifix dominated the center of the main chapel, displaying its grandeur.

The chapel, reflecting God’s greatness, was magnificent in every direction.

Ceiling paintings adorned the massive dome, and sunlight shattered into multiple rays through the colorful stained glass windows.

“Now, tell me what you wanted to say.”

Aaron’s voice echoed quietly across the high walls and ceiling.

The priest trembled slightly at the corners of his mouth, appearing somewhat tense. He carefully measured his words, remembering the Pope’s instruction to avoid creating disturbances.

Though he pretended otherwise, the mere sight of Aaron made his knees weak.

Just looking at those gloomy eyes felt like being covered by dark clouds.

And his expression—devoid of even a speck of human emotion—seemed like a concentration of death’s energy.

It was ominous and gloomy.

The priest composed his terrified mind, praying that the young baron’s frost wouldn’t strike him. After moistening his dry lips, he conveyed his request.

Sure enough, as soon as he heard it, the young baron’s eyes narrowed sharply.

Just as the priest was about to cough from the suffocating silence, a dull sound escaped from between Aaron’s teeth.

“Hmm… You’re saying you want to conduct a purification ritual?”

“Haha. It’s a bit uncomfortable to hear, isn’t it? Since you’ll be away from Tudra for a while, I thought someone should control your wife.”

The person on the chopping block was Lucilia.

A potential liability who might cause confusion with wicked tricks at any time.

While waiting with trepidation for Aaron’s response, the priest was greatly relieved when Aaron readily agreed.

“I’ve been uneasy about that very issue. If you step in at a time like this, it could solve various problems. A purification ritual would certainly help alleviate the anxiety of the estate’s people.”

“But… there’s one concern. The temple should always remain sacred, and it would be problematic to bring your wife there since she hasn’t been verified yet.”

“I understand. Then, though it’s troublesome, please come directly to the castle.”

“Would it be alright if the frequency increases depending on the need?”

“I’ll inform the butler, so please visit freely.”

“My goodness! Your understanding has instantly dispelled the worries that kept me up all night. It’s certainly something that could be unpleasant, and I was at a loss for how to bring it up.”

“How could I be displeased when it’s for the good of the estate?”

Aaron could clearly see what the priest was thinking.

Having been pondering how to approach Lucilia, the priest would be rejoicing now that Aaron had opened the door wide.

Pretending not to know, Aaron responded to the priest’s repeated thanks by saying that he was even more grateful.

As they passed through the temple’s front courtyard, escorted by the priest, Rombon burst out with complaints.

“A purification ritual? Is that really necessary? Your wife will be hurt if she finds out.”

“Do I need to worry about that too?”

“Of course you should! Don’t you know that your wife’s status rises with your recognition, young master? Oh, this is really frustrating!”

Rombon’s beard twitched.

Displeased with Aaron constantly judging the seemingly kind-hearted Lucilia as evil, he exhaled heavily through his nose.

The agitated Rombon then realized the priest was still watching and glanced back.

The unfolding situation was quite interesting. Aaron was even proud of Rombon for not deviating from his expectations.

While Rombon showed no mercy when cutting off enemy limbs, he had surprisingly innocent aspects.

He was sensitive and easily swayed by compassion due to his tender heart.

This was also why he sometimes suffered financial losses from being played by women.

To put it negatively, he was too soft.

In any case, bringing him along had been a good decision.

Rombon’s genuine pity for Lucilia had proven useful today. Having confirmed that the young baron didn’t trust his wife much, the priest would proceed as planned.

It would be quite entertaining to watch what tricks the Pope’s spy would employ.

“How about we have a pint of ale on the way? It might clear your troubled mind.”

“What? Why are you suggesting alcohol in broad daylight…”

“It does seem a bit awkward to drink during the day, doesn’t it?”

“What are you saying? What’s awkward about it! Well, drinking just one glass might be awkward. If we’re going to drink, we should have at least ten glasses to make it worthwhile.”

“If you can’t control yourself, let’s not drink at all.”

“Ah, ah, ah, alright. Just two glasses! Two glasses are fine, right?”

As they bickered and moved away, the priest shook his head regretfully.

“The seeds of curse are like weeds. No matter how many times you pull them out, they stubbornly sprout again, causing pests and diseases.”

Beyond the guards already dispatched, he had prepared additional forces for patrol.

On the morning of Aaron’s departure for Demre, Lucilia helped him change clothes.

Hoping he wouldn’t push her away, she fastened his leather belt.

She could see his chest tense up at her touch, but she pretended not to notice, fearing he would pull away if she acknowledged it.

Lucilia naturally initiated conversation.

“If you need to patrol personally, something serious must have happened, right?”

“Not at all. Discipline is maintained when I go out occasionally, so despite the inconvenience, I prefer to inspect and reinforce things myself.”

“I see.”

Living with Aaron had been uncomfortable in many ways.

She constantly had to be mindful of his reactions and stay within permitted boundaries. To avoid being branded as evil, she was always careful with her words and actions.

She had thought she would be more comfortable alone after Aaron left. But as soon as she became aware of his impending absence, a sense of emptiness washed over her.

Although it would only be about ten days, she had unknowingly come to rely on him, so the impact was significant.

Reluctant to let go, she fiddled with the embroidered decoration on his belt, and he spoke up.

“Try not to go into the village if possible.”

She hadn’t been assigned any guards, nor was she welcomed by anyone.

Knowing the dangers, she hadn’t even attempted to go outside.

She was about to reply that she had already intended to stay in, but fearing it might sound like a complaint, she simply nodded briefly.

“Yes.”

“While I’m gone, someone from the temple will visit.”

“From the temple? Why?”

“The temple requested permission to conduct a purification ritual. I also judged it would be better for you.”

Aaron dismissed her with a stiff tone and adjusted his belt once more. Her fingers, which had been touching the embroidery, naturally fell away.

Embarrassed, Lucilia fidgeted with her hands, her clear eyes shining.

No matter what anyone said, she knew she was innocent. She hadn’t been corrupted by evil energy to the extent of needing a purification ritual.

But she didn’t have time to feel hurt by Aaron’s decision. It was because this would help her achieve what she wanted.

She absolutely needed to meet the nun her father had sent. She had been looking for an opportunity, and now she had a way to make contact without arousing suspicion.

Since Aaron had given permission, the nun would surely find a way to join the visiting group.

“I’ve been feeling frustrated about not being able to go to the temple. I had imagined how nice it would be to hear the Word at home… Will the priest also deliver a sermon during the purification ritual?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll pass on your request to the temple.”

“Really? Thank you so much! I’ve felt guilty and thirsty for not being able to continue what I’ve always done. I’m so grateful that thanks to you, my guilt will be somewhat relieved.”

As she clasped her hands together in gratitude, a look of doubt crossed his face.

Although he had said it was for her benefit, it was merely a purification ritual to drive away impure spirits. Yet Lucilia didn’t mind at all.

She must have been desperately lacking a place to rely on.

“Then, while I’m gone, I hope you receive comfort and become purified.”

Anyone overhearing would think he was giving well-wishes to a complete stranger.

All she could do was ensure he departed with peace of mind, despite his indifferent attitude.

Lucilia saw Aaron off with a consistently gentle demeanor.

* * *

As they crossed the drawbridge and entered the outskirts of Tudra, Aaron gestured slightly.

Rombon tapped his horse’s belly with his foot and moved ahead.

“Yes, Commander.”

“Any signs from the temple?”

“No changes.”

Suddenly, Rombon grinned mischievously and glanced sideways.

“You seemed to be treating your wife coldly, but I see you’re still concerned about her?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You say the purification ritual is to alleviate the anxiety of the estate’s people, but it’s just a formality, isn’t it? How should I put it… the goal isn’t actually purification, but more for show. I was wondering why you would open the mansion to those temple people who might be the Pope’s pawns.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Haven’t you made thorough preparations because they might harm your wife?”