Chapter 63
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I'll purchase divine power with money.
Chapter 63
"You're not wearing your glasses?"
Seeing him in casual attire for the first time, I belatedly realized his bare face—unadorned by spectacles.
"Do you prefer it when I wear them? Then I'll put them on."
Though he'd thrown them on carelessly, when he wore the glasses, he exuded an intellectual atmosphere befitting a duke.
Without them now, he radiated something far more untamed—a wild, liberated energy.
Was it because his hair, half-bound unlike usual, cascaded like a lion's mane in the breeze?
"Either way works fine."
"Both look good, don't they?"
"The raw edge isn't unappealing."
"Raw edge? What's that?"
Ah, they don't have that word here? What's a similar expression?
I studied Lute Sheary quietly. Each time the wind stirred, the loosely bound hair and carelessly draped gown billowed in a way that was...
"...like a street thug?"
"..."
I was genuinely sorry, but the moment the image came to mind, it tumbled from my lips before I could stop it—such a perfect fit.
Lute Sheary's face hardened instantly.
"A street thug who extorted money from me calls me a street thug? How could you?"
"That was a fair transaction."
"Then my face isn't fair?"
Lute Sheary touched her face with a serious expression.
I hadn't meant it as a genuine insult, but clearly my words had misfired, so I apologized quickly.
"I'm sorry. My apologies. I didn't mean it negatively at all."
As I stepped closer to Lute Sheary, her face became clearer in the moonlight.
She'd been flawless in bright sunlight, but somehow the moonlight suited her even better.
"You look even more beautiful up close."
I simply couldn't think of a better phrase than "raw edge."
To be frank, it conveyed an untamed, primal quality...
But it was too embarrassing to say aloud, so I'd keep it to myself.
"Hmm. I was planning to drink alone, nursing this profound wound to my heart... But since you've apologized, I'll share this specially with the High Priestess."
Lute Sheary retrieved something from behind her back and set it on the railing.
Glimmering brilliantly under the moonlight, it was none other than wine.
"The Sun God's doctrine contains no prohibition on drinking, so I brought this. Do you like it?"
"Of course!"
I hadn't had a single drink since possessing this body, and here was such a thoughtful person!
I immediately retrieved two glasses from my room.
"Ahhh. The aroma is absolutely exquisite."
The moment the cork popped, a fragrant bouquet bloomed through the air. My mouth was already watering...
Wait. Now that I think about it, what's Ordel Kiris's alcohol tolerance?
"Your Grace, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"If I become intoxicated and cause a disturbance, please tie me up and throw me onto the bed."
I spoke without jest—this was earnest.
In my previous life, I had a strong constitution for alcohol and no troublesome drinking habits.
Ju Hyun-jin, who could outdrink me, was so well-behaved that she would never abandon a drunk me.
But this body is not mine.
I know nothing of Ordel Kiris's alcohol tolerance, much less her drinking habits!
I was terrified, uncertain whether my own habits would surface or hers would emerge instead.
Yet refusing such fine wine was unthinkable. What choice did I have but to take precautions and drink anyway?
"If I laid an improper hand on the High Priestess, the Temple of the Sun God's people would never forgive me."
"What? No, there's no one like that. In fact, if you tied me up while I was causing trouble, they'd probably thank you for it."
Of course they would. How many people in this place had suffered at Ordel Kiris's hands?
"...Very well. If that's what you wish, I'll do as you ask."
Lute Sheary looked at me with profound pity.
Yes, my reputation at the Temple of the Sun God was already ruined.
I lifted my glass with a melancholy expression.
The moment the wine touched my tongue, my sadness evaporated entirely. The rich grape wine, infused with sweet floral notes, was truly exquisite.
Ah, I was right not to give up and drink it. It's genuinely delicious.
"How is it?"
"Perfect. I apologize for calling you a ruffian. I won't utter such nonsense again."
"You can drink it all."
Lute Sheary set down the entire bottle of wine with a satisfied expression.
Indeed, a man must have such generosity.
"I've had such a tiring day, and thanks to you, I'm relieving the stress like this. You're the best, Your Grace."
"Would you like to try something else?"
After I lavished such praise upon him, Lute Sheary broke into a broad smile and produced yet another wine.
Does he carry a portable wine cellar? Where does he keep pulling these from?
I envied him. I wanted one too.
"Ah, right. Before things get busier, let me recharge your blessings now."
While Lute Sheary sipped one glass, I had already consumed four, and a sudden thought prompted me to extend my hand.
It seemed better to do it before I became any more intoxicated.
"Ah, but the distance..."
To cast a blessing, I needed to hold the sacred object in my hand, yet we stood on separate balconies.
Though we could reach far enough to exchange items or pour wine, grasping the necklace around my neck was impossible.
And I couldn't ask him to remove it, for that would cause me immediate pain.
"May I come over?"
That was when Lute Sheary asked.
A man who had rarely sought permission from anyone waited for my answer.
"Yes. Come over."
I took a step back without resistance.
With a graceful movement, Lute Sheary climbed onto the railing and vaulted over to where I stood in one fluid motion.
Then, rather than approaching further, she leaned against the railing.
Her long fingers deftly unfastened the buttons of the garment worn beneath her gown.
Between the parted fabric, the divine artifact rested demurely in view.
"It's here."
Lute Sheary lowered her hands as if to signal her readiness.
Her relaxed posture was utterly defenseless.
"I think we'll need to find another method for bestowing blessings next time."
As I approached her and spoke with a sigh, Lute Sheary tilted her head.
"Why?"
"Exposing all your vital points like this—wouldn't that be rather dangerous?"
Your neck, your heart, and even the divine artifact that is your lifeline—all laid bare. What if someone were to exploit that opening?
"Hmm. But I can't exactly remove the necklace either."
"Precisely. So I should give some thought to finding a better method. Besides, I have some good news for the Duke as well."
I carefully grasped the divine artifact hanging around her neck.
Since she wore it constantly, the artifact was warm to the touch.
"Good news?"
At Lute Sheary's soft voice from above, I nodded and channeled my power into it.
"It seems I'll be able to bestow blessings lasting two months from now on."
This time, I couldn't do it before the consecration ceremony since I needed to recharge, but after the ceremony concludes, the blessing will be considerably stronger.
With a donation of 1.5 billion, my power will increase by 15%, so the blessing's limit should at least double from what it is now.
"You must have found it tedious coming all the way here every month. Fortunately, that won't be necessary anymore, yes?"
Just as I was about to withdraw after completing the blessing charge.
A rough yet surprisingly warm hand enveloped mine.
My eyes widened.
"For a High Priestess to tell her faithful not to visit often—that's rather disheartening to hear."
Lute Sheary's face, closer than ever before, was filled with petulance. It was the same sulky expression I'd seen this morning.
"So you enjoy coming all the way out to this remote corner every month?"
"Does the Sun God not mind when the High Priestess makes irreverent remarks?"
I don't, actually. Since I'm the only one keeping her alive, this level of complaint is perfectly acceptable.
"There's no reason to dislike it. Coming here puts my mind at ease, my body at ease, and most of all, I have a conversation partner who is rarely so well-matched."
"...."
"This place is the only one where I can lower my guard and truly rest. Especially when I'm alone with the High Priestess like this."
Because I'm certain you won't harm me.
At that gentle whisper, like a spring breeze, my heart tickled with warmth.
It meant he trusted me completely.
Of course, I had no intention of harming him, but the fact that he believed in me without a shred of doubt held a meaning all its own.
Honestly, I was happy.
"W-well then. Whenever you wish to visit, regardless of the blessing, please come anytime. The Temple of the Sun God will always be open to the Duke."
At those words, Lute Sheary broke into a radiant smile.
"Since the High Priestess has given her permission, I'll make sure to visit without hesitation. I wouldn't want to be a bother."
"You're not."
Feeling an embarrassing warmth creeping up on me, I tried to slip my hand free and retreat, but she held firm.
"But High Priestess."
Rather than releasing me, Lute Sheary pulled me closer, closing the distance between us.
Just as I was about to press my nose against her chest, I managed to hold my ground when she whispered.
"There's a presence lurking within the ceiling of the Temple of the Sun God, following you around. Did you know?"
Caught completely off guard by her words, I went rigid.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org