Chapter 34

But now things were different. Having seen with her own eyes that the boundary between reality and the room had collapsed, Beatrice could do nothing but stare down at the floor.

Julian, who had been silently watching Beatrice, stood up from his seat. He covered the window with his coat. As the view inside was blocked, the surprised coachman knocked on the window.

“Young Master!”

“The lady is feeling uncomfortable.”

Only then did people notice Beatrice’s pale face. The women outside, watching the situation, began to scold the men, slapping their backs and raising their voices.

“Oh my! You fools! How frightened do you think a young lady must be with all this noise? Come on, someone bring a blanket!”

The women covered the carriage window with blankets for Beatrice. As those peeking inside disappeared and the thick blankets darkened the carriage, the inside became dim.

“My Lady, don’t be too scared! There are so many people here, you’ll be able to come out soon! We’ll keep watch on the window, so don’t worry!”

The kind words of the women reached her. The commotion outside continued, but just having her view blocked made Beatrice’s tense breathing gradually calm.

Meanwhile, outside, not knowing what was happening inside, even the village chief had arrived.

“Everyone, step aside! This isn’t something you solve with brute force. You need technique for this. Ahem!”

The men shook their heads, trying to stop the skinny, white-haired chief.

“Chief, you’ll hurt your back. This isn’t work for an old man.”

“Step aside! Just because you couldn’t do it doesn’t mean I can’t!”

The old man’s voice trembled with anger. Someone who had been trying to force the handle stepped aside, warning that the chief might get hurt.

As everyone focused on the chief approaching the carriage, a quiet voice called out in the darkness.

“Beatrice.”

Julian, calling her name, soon offered an apology.

‘I’m sorry.’ He did not explain, but Beatrice soon understood the reason. The familiar warmth of soft skin pressed to her lips.

It was so light it could have been described as a bird’s peck—a fleeting kiss. And at that moment, the chief’s hand touched the carriage door handle.

“It… it’s open!”

Someone spoke in a stunned voice.

With a click, the door opened and light poured in through the gap. Voices of disbelief, people asking if the young lady and gentleman were alright, and the chief’s proud advice to the young men all mixed together and echoed in Beatrice’s ears.

Then, a hand was suddenly extended before her eyes.

“It’s a relief the door opened, Beatrice. The carriage is high. Take my hand and come down.”

Julian’s face, looking back at her as if nothing had happened, wore the same fresh smile as always, as if the previous incident had been just her imagination. Not wanting her inner turmoil to be revealed, Beatrice nodded and took his hand. Yet, neither of them could truly fool themselves. They simply pretended not to notice that the writing inside the carriage had vanished.

***

“Miss, are you alright? Should I bring you a glass of cool water?”

The boy working at the inn gently set down Beatrice’s luggage and spoke to her. He had witnessed all the commotion that had just happened outside, so he knew well that Beatrice had gone through a difficult situation.

Seeing her innocent face now pale, he couldn’t help but feel sympathy. If it hadn’t been for the male guest trapped in the carriage with her, she might have collapsed right there.

At the boy’s kind question, Beatrice shook her head.

“No, but thank you. Thank you for asking.”

“Alright. Then please rest comfortably. I’ll let you know when it’s time for your meal.”

After the boy left the room and she was alone, Beatrice, sitting on the edge of the bed, let out a long sigh.

She couldn’t even remember how she’d managed to climb all the way up to this floor. Her mind was completely filled with what had happened in the carriage just moments ago.

Unconsciously, her fingers brushed her lips. The kiss itself had been so light, it could have been called a mere touch, but the result of that action was anything but trivial.

Her fingertips trembled slightly.

Unlike Julian, who acted as if nothing had happened, Beatrice’s heart was in turmoil.

Ever since she’d become aware, or more precisely, since she learned the circumstances of the orphanage, Beatrice had naturally decided her future—she would become a Priest.

She would become a high-ranking Priestess and support the orphanage. For that dream, the strict life at the seminary and the difficult study of doctrine were no problem.

The dream that had once felt so distant was now close enough to touch. After spending just over three weeks at the orphanage, all that remained was to leave for the Central Temple.

‘What should I do…….’

She had never imagined things would turn out this way. She had simply thought that, having left the Academy, she would never be trapped in the ‘room’ again.

Thinking of the letter that had arrived for her from the Central Temple a few weeks ago, Beatrice squeezed her eyes shut. The letter was from her mentor at the seminary, ‘Ulysses’.

Earlier this year, Ulysses had suddenly been promoted to High Priest and moved to the Central Temple. He had used his newly gained influence generously for Beatrice’s sake.

Without his recommendation, Beatrice—who hadn’t even graduated from the seminary yet—would never have been appointed to the vacant Priest position.

[It feels as if the Lord sent me to the seminary just to teach you.]

In the letter, her mentor described her as a precious connection he had met late in life, praised her grades in potion-making, and wrote that he looked forward to the day she would visit the Central Temple. The kind letter from her always warm-hearted Master now weighed heavy on Beatrice’s heart.

***

After the sun had fully set behind the western hills, the boy came to call Beatrice for dinner. Downstairs in the hall, many travelers were already eating.

Beatrice saw Julian sitting at a table prepared in the center of the hall. Just spotting Julian made her heart suddenly pound.

“Miss?”

“Oh, I suddenly feel dizzy……”

Beatrice staggered for a moment and grabbed the banister.

“Miss! Are you alright?”

The startled boy hurriedly supported her. Because the boy’s voice was quite loud, everyone in the hall turned their attention to Beatrice. This included Julian as well. However, he did not get up from his seat, only pausing for a moment.

No, he could not get up. As soon as their eyes met, Beatrice quickly avoided his gaze, her actions transparently revealing her inner feelings.

Because of this, Julian could do nothing but watch as Beatrice, supported by the boy, came down the stairs.

When the two were seated, the staff serving in the hall quickly began bringing out food. From appetizers to various dishes, the large table was soon filled with a feast.

“I didn’t know what you’d like, so I ordered all the inn’s signature dishes. Please eat whatever suits your taste, Beatrice.”

His gentle tone was no different from usual, but somehow his smile felt like a mask.

“The coachman wondered if it might be better to leave after lunch tomorrow, just in case. He seems worried that the door might not open again.”

“……Yes.”