Chapter 48

Asla’s lips parted before she realized it.

Seeing him waiting for her answer with a tense expression made it feel like someone was tickling her ears and heart with a feather.

It truly felt like they were finally a newlywed couple.

She smiled brightly and nodded without hesitation.

“Alright.”

Enoch relaxed his stiff lips and returned her smile warmly.

“I’ve cleared my schedule for tomorrow. The construction’s not entirely done yet, but I really wanted to show you.”

Asla’s heart began to flutter at the thought of seeing the house they would start anew in together.

If she could just get through today—facing Lisette and settling things with the Pope—then tomorrow, she could begin her new life with a light and clear heart.

‘Just get through today.’

Asla waved to Enoch as he walked away.

“Take care, Enoch.”

At her words, Enoch turned around, his black eyes holding a strange heat.

Striding quickly back with his long legs, he took her hand, bent down, and kissed the back of it.

Surprised by the warmth and softness of his lips, Asla’s eyes widened, and Enoch spoke seriously.

“Tomorrow. Let’s talk in that house. About my illness… and the secrets you’ve kept hidden. Let’s share everything.”

“…Alright.”

Enoch gave her a charming smile and pulled her into a light embrace.

Then, finally pulling himself away, he left for work with the waiting staff.

Even after he left, Asla couldn’t shake the image of Enoch’s smile lingering before her eyes.

He haunted her thoughts, making it hard to calm down.

That line—“You’re the only one.”—and his smile stirred her heart.

Even if he didn’t return her feelings, Asla wanted to clear up the deep misunderstanding within him.

I don’t dislike you.

I’m not afraid of you.

If anything… Enoch Ventus, I’ve loved you.

So much that I’m afraid I’ll become someone else if I fall any deeper.

She watched until Enoch was no longer visible as he left the hotel, then turned with a firm resolve.

It was time for Asla to act.

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Even before she arrived, a delivery wagon carrying gifts Enoch had sent was already at Gloria’s home.

From various rare herbs to precious fabrics and hard-to-find jewels, he had prepared everything meticulously.

As Asla glanced at the gift boxes while walking to the drawing room with Gloria, Gloria cleared her throat.

“Hmph. Priest Loite was flustered but pleased. I must write a thank-you letter.”

As they reached the drawing room, Asla spoke.

“You look well.”

“Yes. To be honest, I feel more comfortable and prosperous than I did in the Kingdom of Sherita.”

Gloria smiled faintly across from her.

Asla found herself agreeing with her mother’s words—it was all thanks to Enoch.

Besides, the royalty of the Holy Kingdom, who valued asceticism as the highest virtue, were not allowed to live in luxury.

But the Tulia Empire’s High Temple was different.

Funded by noble sponsors and devout donations, it was lavishly adorned, and the Pope’s residence was grand.

Having spent two years at the High Temple and witnessed that hypocrisy firsthand, Asla couldn’t tolerate Pope Brittas’s plans.

He would likely found a new Holy Kingdom, gather even more donations, live extravagantly, and exercise immense religious authority.

“Asla. After what you said last time, I looked into Lisette Grosset.”

“…You sought her out?”

“No, not exactly. Lisette Grosset is at the High Temple. She’s working as an honorary deputy minister, assisting the Pope.”

Honorary deputy minister.

Asla said nothing, deep in thought. Gloria asked anxiously, “What happened? She was your nanny. I trusted her deeply too. Couldn’t there be some misunderstanding?”

“No, Mother.”

Asla cut in firmly, and Gloria fell silent.

“I need to ask her something. I came here today because I want to go with you to the High Temple and meet her directly.”

“To the High Temple? You’re not going to submit a new divorce petition but to see Deputy minister Grosset?”

Gloria asked, puzzled.

Asla’s mouth was dry, her throat stinging. She forced a smile and steadied her voice.

“I’m not going to divorce him.”

“…You’ve changed your mind? I knew you were thinking a lot.”

“I misunderstood a lot of things.”

Though she didn’t explain further, Asla smiled reassuringly so she could put her mother at ease.

“I see. But if you ever change your mind, do it anytime. I still look forward to the day you’ll live with me again.”

Gloria’s gentle words soothed some of the hurt Asla had carried.

“There’s something you’re misunderstanding, Mother. I… I don’t dislike him.”

“Hm?”

“My nanny must have told you otherwise.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. I’ve never feared or hated Duke Enoch Ventus.”

“But…”

“Please believe me, Mother.”

Asla’s short response silenced Gloria.

She could understand her mother’s confusion—after all, Gloria had trusted Lisette deeply, just as Asla once had.

She didn’t want Gloria to feel the same betrayal she had.

It would be better to confess everything once it was all over and resolved.

Asla raised her voice a bit deliberately and said,

“Today, I’m going to see my nanny. Let’s say we’re going to the High Temple together to pray.”

“Why must I go too? Could it be… the Duke doesn’t want you going alone?”

Gloria asked sharply, and Asla replied honestly.

“He’s never been religious. He doesn’t like being connected to it.”

“Faith is a personal choice. I understand.”

Gloria’s acceptance made Asla realize just how different her mother was from the Pope and the priests of the High Temple, who imposed faith on others.

As Gloria went to prepare for their visit to the Temple, Asla headed down the stairs to wait at the entrance.

There, she found Ian speaking with Priest Ralta Loite.

Hm.

Asla approached slowly as Ian, seeing her, bowed deeply.

“You seem to visit often.”

“I had urgent business to discuss with Priest Loite today.”

“Discussing matters with a retired priest managing my mother’s household?”

Asla looked curious, prompting Ralta to click his tongue and explain first.

“This time, the Temple sent Priest Hertha, asking me to return as deputy minister. I’ve refused several times, but I don’t understand why they keep insisting.”

Both Ian and Asla’s expressions hardened at his words.

From Ian’s reaction, Asla realized he too knew of the Pope’s new plans.

As I thought. Ian already knows.

After a brief moment of thought, she looked toward Gloria, who was coming down the stairs, ready to leave.

“Ian Hertha, you’re heading back to the High Temple as well. Let’s go together.”

“Of course.”

Gloria, who trusted Ian deeply, nodded warmly.

Asla approached the guards who had followed from the hotel and waited outside.

“I’ll be accompanying my mother to the High Temple to pray.”

“But, Madam, the chairman instructed us not to let you come into contact with Temple members—”

“I’ll be with people from the former Sherita Kingdom. There’s no danger, so don’t worry.”

To reassure and calm them, Asla smiled with her unique mixture of grace and command.

The guards, recognizing the former Holy Kingdom’s princess’s imposing presence, nodded.

Gloria then rode in the large Ventus family carriage for comfort, while Ian joined Asla in her mother’s carriage.

As the carriage departed, Asla’s face hardened, and she asked bluntly, “When did you learn about the Pope’s plan?”

“So that’s why you got in my carriage. Did the Duke tell you?”

“Yes.”

“Then… you’re not just going to pray, but to meet the Pope and Deputy Minister Grosset? It’s dangerous.”

“I’ll be fine, Ian Hertha.”  Asla spoke resolutely.

Ian looked troubled—she was clearly different now, more confident than before.

“They can’t touch me. I won’t divorce, and as Duchess Ventus, they can’t lay a finger on me or imprison me.”

“You’re not going to divorce?”

“That’s right.”

Surprised, Ian stared.

Asla, feeling slightly embarrassed about changing her mind, avoided his gaze.

“I’ll make it clear—under no circumstances will I help establish a new Holy Kingdom.”

Ian, frowning, glanced at Gloria’s carriage ahead of them.

“Does Her Majesty know?”

“She’s not the Queen. She’s Madam Sherita.”

“…Yes, Lady Asla.”

Realizing she had deliberately corrected his address, Ian quickly apologized.

“My mother doesn’t know. Let’s keep it between us. I don’t want to burden her with more sorrow.”

“Then take me with you when you confront them. I’ll protect you, just in case.”

Asla knew she couldn’t take guards to meet the Pope.

But a priest like Ian could accompany her—it was perfect.

She nodded shortly and fell silent.

Ian also sank into deep thought, and silence filled the carriage.

It rolled on and on, finally nearing the High Temple.

Asla stared coldly out the window at the massive sanctuary now coming into view.