Chapter 112
---------------
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
---------------
I'll purchase divine power with money.
Chapter 112
"Still together, I see. Have you two grown closer?"
"Still? I changed clothes and came back. High Priestess, why do you show me so little interest?"
Lute grumbled, gesturing at her changed outfit.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"The Holy Knight Commander rushed me into my room so quickly that I didn't have a chance to see the Duke's attire."
But why was Lute dressed so elaborately?
Unlike usual, her hair was neatly combed and tied back with a black ribbon, and without her glasses, her handsome face was fully revealed.
A perfectly fitted black suit with gold and silver accents adorning her frame.
The contrast with me was striking.
"Have you decided to become a peacock? You look absolutely dazzling."
"Just say I look ordinarily handsome—that's enough."
Lute smiled softly and extended her hand to me...
What? Why are you suddenly smiling so gently? That's not like you at all.
"Come, let's go. I'll escort you."
The petty Count Kiris had invited only Lute and me to the banquet.
Seth, the Holy Knight Commander, naturally deserved to attend, yet the Count ignored him.
In truth, it was no different from disrespecting the Sun God's Temple itself.
Before taking Lute's hand, I glanced back at Seth.
"I hope you have a pleasant evening, High Priestess."
Sensing my concern, Seth smiled warmly and bowed his head.
Part of me wanted to ignore the Count and bring Seth instead...
But I couldn't force him to endure that repugnant face during dinner.
It would only spoil the meal.
"I should return the Holy Knight Commander's outer robe..."
Since I'd borrowed his coat, he remained in just his shirt.
But wasn't that shirt a bit—no, considerably too small?
The shoulders were tight, and more importantly, his ch-chest... It looked like at least three buttons were about to pop off any moment.
Yet while the shoulders and chest were so snug, why was there excess fabric at the waist?
Was that even possible? Really?
"You may return it after dinner. Please don't concern yourself."
No, I really should be concerned.
All the women in this mansion would be captivated—no, distracted by it.
"High Priestess. I'm your escort partner, yet how much longer will you stare at another man?"
I snapped back to attention from gazing blankly at the wrinkled shirt.
Lute still had her hand extended, regarding me with a reproachful gaze.
This might actually be quite the spectacle.
"Then I'll return it after we come back."
"Have a pleasant evening."
Don't bow your head, don't bow your head.
If you do, I think I'll actually burst.
With troubled eyes, I glanced repeatedly at Seth's shirt, squeezed Lute's hand, and rose from my seat.
Seth wouldn't deliberately dress like that.
He probably just kept wearing the same shirt because he didn't have money to buy a new one, even though it had shrunk.
I've earned quite a bit of money this time, so when I return, I should replace all the Holy Knights' clothes.
Before rumors spread that the Sun God's Temple was promoting indecency.
"Our High Priestess. I was wondering why my seduction didn't work on you...."
I was nodding my head, thinking I should buy at least ten loose-fitting shirts, when Lute muttered beside me.
"You're more interested in physique than a handsome face."
"What are you talking about?"
Pushing me into a corner like this.
"Don't say such ridiculous things."
"Ridiculous? I just saw you couldn't take your eyes off the Holy Knight Commander's upper body."
"Of course. Both are important. How could I choose between face and physique?"
"My goodness...."
At my honest answer, Lute's mouth fell open.
"High Priestess, I didn't know you were so full of desire."
"Not greedy, but full of desire?"
"Yes. Being full of desire is truly admirable. I'm so glad you're true to your desires, High Priestess."
Just moments ago she was pouting and complaining, but suddenly she seemed to feel better and smiled softly.
"I'm also someone whose face and physique are second to none. I'm quite shy, but for you, High Priestess, I'd gladly undress."
What nonsense is she spouting?
Does covering my flushed cheeks with my hand solve it? She doesn't even look that shy.
"That's fine. I don't really want to see that much. I'll have to decline."
"Can't you decide after seeing once?"
"No. I think it'll be fine without that."
After all, I've seen him in a robe many times when drinking with Lute at night, so I've grown accustomed to it.
I didn't need to see anything more.
"It's really hard to match the High Priestess's taste. But what can we do? The one at a disadvantage should adapt better."
Lute let out a deep sigh.
As we exchanged nonsense, we had arrived at the Dining Hall.
"Well, we're here. Are you ready?"
"Ready for what? Ready to endure eating while looking at a face that makes my appetite disappear just by seeing it?"
"You've prepared very thoroughly. I don't need to worry then. Let's go in."
Lute nodded and gestured to the Servant waiting in front of the Dining Hall.
The Servant called out.
"Duke Sheary and the High Priestess have arrived!"
We entered the open Dining Hall.
The four members of the Kiris Family who were already there stood from their seats.
"Welcome. Thank you for accepting our dinner invitation."
Count Kiris greeted us with an awkward, forced smile.
Ugh, what is this? Why is he smiling like that? His blank expression already irritates me, but that smile makes it worse....
I gave a casual bow in greeting.
But something about the seating arrangement bothered me.
Based on the seat of honor at the center of the table—presumably Lute's place—the Count and Countess Kiris sat to the right, along with their son.
Which meant my seat would naturally be the empty spot to the left of the seat of honor....
The problem was that Yoanna Kiris sat next to it.
I was already losing my appetite facing the Count across the table, and now Yoanna was beside me too.
This was the most uncomfortable meal I'd ever had—even worse than that company dinner with the Police Commissioner.
"Please, be seated. High Priestess."
But suddenly the seating arrangement changed.
Lute had placed me in the seat of honor.
Even if a High Priestess held a position equivalent to a great noble in the Empire, a Duke was still a Duke.
And Lute was someone with formidable power besides, so it was natural for him to take the seat of honor.
Yet he yielded it to me? And with the Kiris family watching with wide eyes?
"I'm quite looking forward to what dishes will be served."
After seating me in the place of honor, Lute promptly took my original seat without giving anyone a chance to object.
"...."
"...."
I could clearly see the bewildered expressions on the faces of Count Kiris and Countess Kiris, who were still standing.
Lloyd Kiris, their eldest son seated beside them, was equally shocked....
And I, now at the center of it all, let out an internal exclamation of admiration.
This seat is perfect. I can't see the faces I hate from the front, but I can see all their expressions—I absolutely love it.
But the people satisfied with the seating arrangement weren't just Lute and me.
Yoanna too was blushing, glancing sideways at Lute.
It seemed she was pleased that Lute, not I, was sitting beside her.
"What's the matter, Count? Is there some problem?"
Lute tilted his head, looking at the Count who was still standing in a daze.
"Well, that is...."
The Count glanced at me.
His cold gaze suggested he wanted me to step forward and switch seats....
Why should I? I love this seat.
I gave him a bright smile.
"...No, it's fine. Let us begin the dinner."
The Count, gritting his teeth, gestured with his hand.
As maids carrying food brought out the appetizers, the formal dinner began in earnest.
* * *
"...."
Even after Ordel left with Lute's escort, Seth stood quietly in that spot for a while.
Since the Count harbored no goodwill toward Ordel, I found myself worrying on multiple fronts.
Though he surely wouldn't do anything untoward with Lute present, I couldn't help but feel anxious given how harshly the Count treated Ordel.
"Ah, Holy Knight Commander. You're still here."
Victoria emerged from tidying the room, and an unfamiliar face stood behind her.
"And who might that be?"
"A lady's maid sent by Duke Sheary for the High Priestess."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Karen Boreo. I shall serve the High Priestess with utmost dedication."
Karen bowed with impeccable courtesy.
The way she observed etiquette with such precision made it abundantly clear she was far removed from an ordinary maid.
"I entrust the High Priestess to your care."
I placed a hand over my heart and returned the greeting.
"Now that I think of it, Holy Knight Commander, your attire...."
Victoria's eyes widened as she belatedly noticed my shirt, which was stretched to its limits.
"The jacket that was in the High Priestess's room must have been yours. I'll fetch it at once."
"No, it's quite all right."
I shook my head immediately.
"Leave it as is."
Victoria wore a puzzled expression, but I truly didn't mind.
I wanted to receive that garment directly from Ordel.
I could only hope she would return safely from the banquet.
---------------
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
---------------