IHDOE Ch 61

[Satina] "You call me by my name now."

[Serpens] "Because I know now that you are Miss Stella and Satina Bersabet."

His demeanor had changed markedly from when they last met.

She offered a soft smile.

[Satina] "...Shall we move somewhere else?"

The two headed toward a quiet, secluded clearing behind the fortress.

Gazing awkwardly at an unkempt flowerbed, she spoke first.

[Satina] "I didn't expect to see you here, Lord Serpens. I hadn't heard of anyone coming from the Temple. What brings you here?"

[Serpens] "The Temple didn't send me. In fact, they tried to stop me from coming."

He offered a bitter smile.

When he had mentioned traveling to the western fortress, the Temple was thoroughly displeased. Having returned to the capital only recently, they wished for him to focus on guiding believers there instead.

[Serpens] "I came here because of you."

Satina finally turned her gaze to him. Though her vibrant golden hair felt unfamiliar compared to her former raven locks, the tranquil magenta eyes gazing at him were instantly recognizable.

Yes, he had yearned to see this face.

When he announced his departure for the western fortress, the Temple exerted immense effort to change his mind.

[Priest] "Lord Serpens, you agreed to preside over the prayer meeting at the Marchioness' estate next week."

[Priest] "And tomorrow you must instruct the believers on scripture. If you persist like this, the High Priest might become furious."

Rationally, he should have waited until Satina returned to the capital. Yet he couldn't bring himself to wait.

[Serpens] "I came solely to meet you."

She smiled bitterly.

[Satina] "You must harbor deep resentment toward me for deceiving you. Even if you hadn't come all this way, I would be returning to the capital soon..."

[Serpens] "No, not at all, Miss Satina. I didn't come to discuss that matter."

[Satina] "Then why? Why did you come all this way to see me?"

He parted his lips as if to speak immediately, only to bite his lip once more.

[Serpens] "...I don't know."

No, did he truly not know? Serpens knew. He was lying.

Riding his horse alone toward the western fortress, he had thought of nothing but her, like a man possessed. During that journey, he had painfully realized the true nature of his feelings.

A priest was bound to love all human beings equally. That was the doctrine of the Temple, spreading divine love and mercy. Worldly love and affection were strictly forbidden to a priest.

Unless he abandoned the Temple, his emotions were a sin, unpardonable in the eyes of the divine. So, instead of confessing his love, he resolved to feign ignorance.

[Serpens] "I don't know either. Why I come all this way just to see you."

[Satina] "..."

[Serpens] "I... didn't want to leave you alone."

[Satina] "Yet, I deceived you, Lord Serpens."

[Serpens] "None of that matters anymore. I understand why you did it. I... I believe you had no choice."

He knew now. The prejudice surrounding Satina would never accept her good intentions at face value.

[Noble] "Did you hear? Satina headed to the western fortress. Supposedly to help people."

[Noble] "Nonsense. That woman? She must have an ulterior motive."

[Noble] "I just hope she doesn't get in the way out there."

Had Satina revealed her identity while volunteering at the orphanage, she would have faced identical vitriol.

Serpens took her hand in his.

[Serpens] "I will stand by your side and protect you."

He vowed firmly that he would never release this pitiful woman's hand again, no matter what transpired.

[Satina] "...Thank you, Lord Serpens."

She raised her gaze, looking past his face to the affection window floated by the system.

[Serpens: Affection 50]

A thrill rushed through her at the glowing letters. It was the first step toward the Normal Ending.

Now, she merely needed to maintain her relationship with him and preserve this affection score. Thus, she would escape every bad ending surrounding her and finally claim her freedom.

Serpens offered a gentle smile.

[Serpens] "By the way, you are impressive. Your reputation in this fortress is exceedingly high."

[Satina] "Ah, well..."

[Serpens] "Stepping forward to treat the sick patients and even discovering the cause of the illness... Was it not exhausting?"

[Satina] "I am fine. Enduring hardship myself is far better than watching people die of disease."

[Serpens] "I heard you are searching for ingredients for the cure..."

[Satina] "Yes, I plan to send the knights tomorrow to gather them."

[Serpens] "Shall I accompany them? If my assistance is needed, please speak at any time. It is embarrassing to say, but I have picked up a bit of medical knowledge over time."

[Satina] "In that case, Lord Serpens, there is something I would like to consult you about."

[Serpens] "What is it? Please feel free to speak without burden."

His face brightened at her request.

[Satina] "If there is a contaminated area nearby, could it cause the magical beasts to become ferocious?"

Sitting on the windowsill, Katan looked down at the two conversing below.

[Katan] "Pathetic fool."

Did the priest realize what expression he wore while speaking to her? Though he tried to conceal it, Katan clearly saw how Serpens practically swooned with delight whenever he spoke to her.

An inexplicable wave of nausea surged within him.

---

That night, Serpens headed toward Satina's room carrying warm tea. Assuming her mind was restless after encountering beasts up close today, he intended to deliver tea that possessed a soothing effect on mind and body.

Turning a corner toward her room, he ran directly into Katan.

This slave... The one Lady Satina keeps as a guard...

Though he had seen him from afar, this was his first time facing him so closely.

His actions differed little from any other slave, yet his silent, stoic demeanor imparted an insolent edge. Whenever his gaze met those pitch-black eyes—dark as a moonless night—a chill crept up his spine like a slithering snake.

I know she is kind-hearted by nature, but there is no need to keep such an unsettling slave by her side.

Though he had heard of the slave's remarkable swordsmanship, he was still merely a slave. In House Bersabet, far superior knights were plentiful.

As Serpens attempted to walk past, Katan spoke.

[Katan] "Are you heading to my master?"

[Serpens] "I am, but what concern is it of yours?"

Though he typically treated everyone with warmth regardless of rank, his tone with this slave was strangely harsh.

Perhaps it is because he is a man standing beside her.

To guard her by her side, for a slave, was that not far too grand a privilege?

[Katan] "My master is sleeping now. It would be better to visit her tomorrow morning."

[Serpens] "That is none of your concern."

As he attempted to pass, Katan extended an arm, blocking his path.

[Katan] "She had a busy day and is likely exhausted."

Katan's gaze drifted to the tea in his hands.

[Katan] "Or does the priest wish to awaken my sleeping master?"

[Serpens] "That is not what I want."

He sought Satina's rest, not to disturb her peace.

[Serpens] "...You are loyal."

[Katan] "Thank you."

[Serpens] "However, you would do well not to act like this toward others. I understand your devotion to your master, but not everyone will be as forgiving as I am."

[Katan] "It doesn't matter. I am merely a slave guarding my master. My sole priority is her well-being."

The more they spoke, the more an inexplicable chill crept over Serpens.

Though rationally impossible, the freshly brewed tea seemed to emanate a cold draft. Unwilling to remain entangled with this slave any longer, he decided to end the conversation quickly.

[Serpens] "Then I shall visit her tomorrow."

[Katan] "Yes. Have a peaceful night."

Katan bowed respectfully as Serpens departed. Watching him fade into the distance, he slowly raised his head.

As expected of a priest, he is sharp. I had better avoid conversing with him for the time being.

Seeing how repulsed the priest was by him, Katan understood why he was the Temple's favored darling.

Still, I am glad he backed off quietly.

He had no desire to watch that man entangle himself any further with Satina.

---

Retracing his steps, Katan headed straight for Satina's room. From within, he could hear her rustling about, preparing for sleep.

At his knock, the door opened almost immediately.

Wearing light nightwear, she looked at him with a puzzled expression.

[Satina] "Katan? What brings you here so late?"

Her face betrayed complete ignorance that Serpens had come to see her and had been turned away.

He responded meekly, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

[Katan] "You said so, My Lady. That if I handled this task well, you would reward me."

[Satina] "Yes, I did."

[Katan] "I annihilated the beasts today and executed your plan flawlessly."

[Satina] "So you came in the middle of the night just to seek praise?"

[Katan] "Yes."

Slithering into her room like a snake, he fixed his gaze on her hand.

[Katan] "Give me my reward, My Lady."

A sharp click echoed as the door closed behind him.

---

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