Colon had no intention of conversing at length with Aaron, a man of humble origins.

He had come personally to ensure his request couldn’t be rejected, and once that matter was settled, he would be done.

Sunlight streaming through the priest’s office window cast a yellow glow on the elderly Pope’s graying hair.

“Since you’re taking your wife to the battlefield, it will be easier for me to bring up my proposal.”

“Please speak freely.”

“You understand well what His Majesty the King hopes to achieve through this war. It’s to annihilate Mrangel, who has been rampaging like an angry colt without discretion.”

“I’m aware. Of course, His Majesty is also willing to subjugate them if they surrender.”

“That’s a matter for later, but the fact remains that we must lead this to victory without fail. Therefore, I plan to send people to this war.”

As soon as he spoke, the priest straightened his back.

Aaron and Lucilia simultaneously turned their gaze toward the priest.

“Bloodshed is inevitable, and there will be many casualties. The Papal Office has decided to perform rites of peace for the souls of fallen Caldman warriors and provide support from the rear in every way possible.”

Colon assured them that the help of priests, nuns, and volunteers would be substantial.

When Aaron didn’t respond and merely fidgeted with Lucilia’s slender knuckles, Colon stood up and walked to the window.

He made the sign of the cross as he gazed out at the land of Tudra.

“I will pray for the safe return of the Tudra soldiers departing for battle. My personal appearance will help boost morale. If this were merely a territorial conflict, I wouldn’t involve myself like this, but this is a war between nations, isn’t it?”

“Your Holiness speaks truly. No matter how well-trained the soldiers are, courage alone cannot erase fear. Given that Your Holiness has specially chosen Tudra, befitting the baron’s reputation as the ‘Black Fog,’ it will certainly uphold the young baron’s honor.”

The priest added his own words to ensure Aaron couldn’t refuse.

Aaron decided to make use of the Pope, since he was already here.

Regardless of Colon’s dark intentions, for the soldiers, this was a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

“I would be truly grateful if you would do that.”

“Don’t worry about a farewell ceremony. This is for the country—what does formality matter? The safety of our nation comes before lavish hospitality.”

Colon laughed heartily with a resonant voice while maintaining a generous smile.

* * *

As the carriage returning to the castle approached the south gate, Lucilia broke the silence.

“What could his ulterior motive be? He must know his actions would arouse suspicion, so why proceed so carelessly?”

“It can be narrowed down to three possibilities.”

Although Lucilia had already considered this, she was curious about Aaron’s analysis.

“First, to confuse us with predictable actions before striking where we least expect. Second, to execute both predictable and unpredictable attacks simultaneously. Third, he might take no action at all in this war.”

She hadn’t thought of the third reason.

‘It suggested they might exhaust our forces now and look for another opportunity later.’

That was something to worry about later, but the immediate crisis before them was truly chilling.

“Whatever method he uses, the Pope will try to tarnish your reputation.”

Her mind was so focused on her husband’s safety that it gave her a headache.

But the person in question merely snorted as if it were laughable.

Aaron let out a derisive chuckle.

“If he interferes with me, he won’t escape charges of treason.”

“But you need evidence to charge someone with treason. I’m worried that pursuing them might divide our forces.”

Aaron’s deep eyes traveled upward.

They traced along her delicate neckline, brushed her chin, followed her elegant nose, and finally rested on her meticulously shaped eyebrows.

His gaze swept the contours of her eyes like sunset over a ridge.

“Aren’t you worried about yourself?”

“Honestly, I am. I was actually going to ask you for a favor.”

“A favor?”

“Please check if Sister Mannea is on the list of companions.”

“Why?”

“She’s someone my father sent to Tudra. I’ve confirmed her token of proof and used my holy power to verify her sincerity. She said my father ordered her to become my person after she was excommunicated from the Teneri family.”

At first, Aaron seemed doubtful that the Marquis of Teneri would make such arrangements for Lucilia, but he accepted it when she said she had personally looked into the nun’s true intentions.

As Aaron’s skepticism faded, Lucilia continued.

“If we give Sister Mannea advance notice, she might be able to handle unexpected situations.”

“I’ll have someone take care of it.”

“And one more thing…”

She found it difficult to speak, suspecting he wouldn’t grant this request. But if there was even a slight chance of removing the Pope’s distrust, it was worth risking herself.

Aaron raised his eyebrows expectantly, appearing somewhat tense.

“The Pope is very suspicious. He’ll certainly try to confirm again that my holy power is gone, just like in the capital.”

“So you’re offering yourself again? Are you insane?”

His expression seemed to ask if she really thought she was a knight, now that he had agreed to bring her to the battlefield. His demeanor was that fierce.

This war was an opportunity for Lucilia just as it was for the Pope. She expressed her sincere feelings with somewhat extreme language.

“Are you going to just watch while he runs wild? I should expose myself to properly ensnare the Pope. He needs to see that I have no holy power so he’ll let his guard down.”

“Hah…”

Seeing she wouldn’t back down, he irritably rubbed the bridge of his nose.

He seemed concerned for her safety.

She couldn’t tell if it was his duty as a husband or affection for her.

Of course, it couldn’t be the latter.

Lucilia, half-doubting, couldn’t take her eyes off Aaron’s lips.

For a moment, she was immersed in the precarious atmosphere, like walking on thin ice.

“You’ve grown quite bold. You were stabbed in the capital, and yet you say such things?”

“That was just a slight cut. It healed quickly.”

When she downplayed the incident, Aaron’s expression turned frighteningly cold with alarming speed.

The force of his voice, scraping from his throat, was equally intimidating.

“Are you telling me to hide behind a woman and just watch how things unfold?”

It was indescribably fierce.

Even a wild beast wouldn’t seem as threatening. Despite cowering at his growling intensity, as if baring invisible teeth, Lucilia didn’t back down.

“You shouldn’t just watch. You should let me be somewhat exposed and then protect me.”

“You call that a plan?”

“Honestly, there’s no guarantee the Pope will make a move just because we go out. If he does act as expected, we can lower their guard, which would be advantageous. Right?”

Even Aaron, who had clenched his jaw so tightly that his jawbone protruded, couldn’t help but soften at her persistent persuasion—or rather, her desperate plea.

Aaron grumbled quietly with dissatisfaction.

“Seeing how easily you manipulate me, you might really be a witch.”

“I can hear you.”

Aaron quickly turned his head away from her amused smile.

* * *

The Pope didn’t move from the beginning.

He observed the situation and only took action when Lucilia made her fourth appearance.

First, they went to the bustling square, then to the busy commercial district lined with shops, and the last two times to the market.

When they showed their intention to gauge public sentiment and identify any shortages before departing for war, the territory’s residents unanimously expressed their gratitude to the baron.

They also showed goodwill toward Lucilia, who accompanied Aaron.

The butcher had earnestly requested they visit again, wanting to contribute jerky to the battle rations.

Although he could have sent his steward to receive it, Aaron wanted to personally thank the merchant face-to-face as the lord who had inherited the title.

And it was also necessary to expose Lucilia according to her plan.

The butcher, holding a pouch filled with silver coins, was at a loss for words. He blinked his tear-filled eyes and sniffled.

“Oh my, you only needed to accept my offering. Why give me this in return? It makes my hands feel shameful.”

“How could it compare to your concern for the soldiers?”

“Still, this is too generous. It’s worth twice what I gave you, so I don’t know what to do with it… Please just take it back.”

“Don’t refuse, please accept it. If you return it, I’ll be the one embarrassed.”

Aaron wore a smile that came from the heart.

The merchants gathered around looked at the fortunate butcher with envious eyes.

Lucilia’s gaze followed only Aaron.