“The moment you’re discovered, you’ll be driven out of the monastery, and there are many wild beasts out there. Perfect for being eaten.”

“That’s a terrifying story. I definitely don’t want to be driven out like that.”

Although I already knew this, I pretended to be scared. Vilau then patted my head, seemingly assured that I wouldn’t leave the room.

“If you help satisfy my curiosity, I’ll keep you hidden.”

“That’s very helpful.”

I smiled gratefully and greeted him. Vilau then left, telling me to rest well.

After counting to 180 in my head, I gently opened the door. Good, it opens.

I pretended to be obedient in case the priest might lock the door if he thought I might leave.

It was easy to deceive the priest with my acting skills, honed from my experience with Dietrich and in front of Seth.

From the schedule Vilau wrote for me, I could see that they have two meals a day in the temple and three large masses.

During these times, even Vilau can’t come to the room. And he had so many duties that he could barely spend time in the room.

Thanks to this, I could get opportunities to wander outside.

“I need to get out of here.”

Although nothing happened last night, who knows what might happen in the future.

What if he wants to see every part of my body? Is that all?

Yesterday, I was too shocked to think straight, but the Vilau I know from the novel is the type to ask questions like ‘I’m curious about the process until childbirth’ and suggest experiencing that process firsthand.

All while smiling with a face that seems completely devoid of any ulterior motives.

“The door…”

Where could it be? The entrance to the door.

The place where the door to another world exists isn’t somewhere you can reach after traveling a certain distance by carriage. It requires a special method of passing through a barrier, like in this temple.

“They said you could get there by crossing the thicket and passing the tower that marks the end of the world.”

…So where exactly is that place?

The vaguely written passage, assuming the female protagonist would figure it out on her own, is seriously troubling me. Vilau might know, but I don’t want to ask him.

After wandering around, I found that the temple’s structure consists of the main building and an annex where the priests’ rooms are located. There are three other buildings, one of which is a library.

As for the others…

“Unbelievable.”

…It was a storehouse.

It was filled with oak barrels, and the sweet yet sharp smell of alcohol made it clear that this was where they aged wine.

I wanted to drink, but I couldn’t just touch the barrels carelessly, so I just swallowed my saliva.

“Should I drink at least one bottle of that?”

I saw some wine that seemed to be the finished product, stored in crude glass bottles, but I quickly shook my head. If it went missing and they searched the temple, it would be troublesome.

There was plenty of alcohol at Milan’s place too, but I couldn’t drink there.

Did I think I’d do something to Seth if I drank?

Reluctantly, I sucked on my finger and headed towards another place that looked like a storehouse. It was full of miscellaneous items that I didn’t need.

I sighed and went outside.

Dong. Dong.

The solemn sound of bells marking the time was ringing out.

When I turned my head towards the sound, I could see a watchtower. The tall tower, which I hadn’t noticed while wandering around in a daze, had the sun right above it, making it difficult to see properly.

“This isn’t the time for this.”

Vilau might return. I hurriedly headed back to the room, and fortunately, it was empty.

When evening came, Vilau returned and gave me food, and then observed me again.

Allowing him to touch one part of my body each day, or doing whatever he requested.

This was my duty in exchange for the room and board I was receiving.

Compared to the first day, the following days were more manageable.

“May I look at your hands?”

“Yes.”

I spread out all ten fingers, and Vilau began to draw my hands. Every line on my palms and fingers.

It feels strange, as if I’m having an enormous amount of personal information extracted…?

“Your hands are really small.”

Vilau narrowed his eyes and spread out his large hand. Then he tried to place it against my palm.

It seems he wants to measure the size difference between our hands.

“Ah-ah, touching is not allowed.”

I hastily pulled my hand back.

Vilau blinked, like he didn’t understand.

“If you want to measure the length, be careful not to let our hands touch.”

“Hahaha!”

Vilau laughed out loud as if he understood what I meant. After laughing for a while, seemingly amused, he soon composed himself and smiled politely.

“I understand. I’ll be mindful of that.”

Then he put his hand down.

“Touching your hand, we’ll save that for tomorrow.”

Although I got the answer I wanted, seeing Vilau giving me a mischievous smile, I had a feeling that something had gone wrong.

And quite seriously at that.

“Phew.”

The next day, I escaped from the room again. Not only was the room stuffy, but I also remembered the role of the temple.

The temple is a repository of knowledge!