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TRANSLATOR: HARU HONEYSHIKIPROOFREADER: ROYALSQUALITY CHECKER: HARU HONEYSHIKI next
The Vatican was my old wound.
The Arles family was a family of saints who had been loyal to the Pope and the Vatican for generations. This meant I had been deeply involved with the Vatican since birth. After my parents' deaths, we were bound by the Vatican to pay back my family's 5 million Marcas debt. Just as God was not merciful, the Vatican was the same.
They were somewhat generous, I supposed. Having lost our parents at a young age, they didn't demand the debts be immediately repaid. However, they also didn't write off nor reduce the debts either. Luckily, I've somehow managed to pay off the interest by working. After all, I don't know when the Vatican would change their mind.
Normally, if a debtor failed to pay their debts, the Vatican could sell their bonds to others. The sold bonds would then be passed through several places, before eventually flowing to private lenders in the underworld. If that happened to us, our lives were doomed. I constantly trembled, fearing the Vatican would hand over the bonds if I couldn't pay the interest. I wandered everywhere in search of money, and before running to pay off the interest the next day. But now I was free from the debt, so why…
Zahid raised his eyebrows when he saw my inability to even touch the letter. He picked up a letter knife in my stead, deftly tore open the envelope, and read the contents out loud.
"'I hope you could visit the Vatican'. It's just an invitation."
After hearing his words, I was finally able to accept and read the letter for myself. The Pope's handwritten letter was literally just an invitation. The only thing it contained was 'I hope you will visit me soon.'
There were several cases where important people were invited to the Vatican. But I was only the Duchess of Carnor, and I've yet to perform any of the official duties as befitting of my title. It was unusual to invite me just like that. I recalled reading about the Pope, Saint Zenosius, in the novel, and how much he loathed magic. Magic powers, which originated from nature, was a direct contrast to divine powers because their users did not worship God. For Zenosius, who considered divine powers to be blessed and pure, those who practised magic powers were nothing more than savage heathens.
He was the final villain the main character needed to defeat, but because I didn't read that far along, I did not know how it truly ended. Well, since Zahid was the main character, he must have soundly defeated him. However, the Pope was quite problematic. As far as I could remember, he was the final villain, as insane as the protagonist, and has now suddenly appeared before me. I was already struggling enough while trying to deal with Zahid, and the Pope wants to join the party too? The original Ertha died at the beginning of the novel, so she never had the chance to cross paths with the Pope; this was an entirely brand new development. I haven't the faintest idea what he's going to do.
"Are you afraid?"
I looked at Zahid, clutching the letter in my hand.
"You don't have to go, Ertha."
He spoke as if it was an uncomplicated matter. I noticed Dimon's face darkening. There wasn't any good in visiting the Vatican, I was already so uncomfortable discussing the topic at hand, but I think I ought to go and visit them. Even if I refuse this time, I would be called on to meet up with at a later date in the future anyhow whenever he pleased. It's better to follow his requests and visit him now. I also wondered what the Pope wanted to see me for. However, due to my overwhelming fear, the words didn't make their way past my lips. Zahid's eyes narrowed slightly when I hesitated in replying.
"Or maybe I can come with you."
I froze for a split second. Is it truly prudent to join hands with a lion and venture into a tiger's den together? Of course, there's always a chance you'd be eaten by the lion before you even reach the tiger. Perhaps if I'm lucky, the two of them can go head to head and I can pull through.
Touched, I voiced my gratitude.
"Thank you, Zahid."
"I was wondering what would happen if you said you don't want to go with me."
He drawled lazily. His tone was very relaxed, but it was as clear as day without the need to spell out anything. Zahid only has two answers; not going at all or going with him. If I hadn't voluntarily chosen between the two, he would have manoeuvred in the direction he desired. He must be thinking of ripping the pope's hair out.
"Ertha."
He rapped his finger on the desk. I looked up at him.
"Why don't we have lunch together?"
"… Lunch?"
Bracing his hands on the desk, he leaned up towards me, his hair hanging over his forehead to narrowly brush my face, his face wreathed in smiles.
"I need to get to know my siblings-in-law quickly."
***
Dimon Sheikh has been the majordomo for the Duke of Carnor for a very long time and serving Zahid since the latter was a boy. Therefore, Dimon knew Zahid was different from others. It wasn't about his frighteningly sharp brains, nor his incredible physical talents and mastery in swordsmanship nor his monstrous scope of power, nor his arresting visuals.
Zahid El Carnor wasn't a human being, simply put. To be precise, his thoughts and emotions differed greatly from the ordinary person. He considered everything as a kind of game; he relished the thrill of the fight extremely and was more than delighted to beat a person to a pulp. He doesn't try to justify whatever wicked acts he commits in the process; he felt not an ounce of guilt whatsoever. If push came to shove, he could shed as many crocodile tears as possible, and often bewitched others by deploying his charms.
Taking advantage of all that came his way like the knight on a chessboard, Zahid rapaciously amassed wealth and fortified his power. His captors used to praise him, oblivious they were being exploited. One would express guilt or remorse over this, but Zahid took it for granted. Indeed, the term 'monster' was befitting of this inhuman character. Yet, despite knowing full well of Zahid's personality, Dimon chose to serve him. He had no choice but to do so; Zahid was exactly the sort of person capable of reviving the fallen House of Carnor.
When Carnor's name had been dragged through the mud, Dimon had been willing to sign a pact with the devil to protect the old Duke. And it was Zahid then who materialised in front of Dimon. He may have a terrible temper, but everything was for the sake of this Dukedom. Dimon intended to follow Zahid come hell or high water. However, recently Dimon held a certain doubt about him, especially after Zahid had paid a debt amounting to 5 billion Marcas.
"Fix up the gardens in the annex according to Ertha's taste. Has the silk from the East arrived yet?"
"Yes, I've contacted the people in charge. As soon as we receive it, we'll inform the boutique to make a new dress immediately."
"Alright. Bring me a list of all the famous bakeries in the capital, I'm thinking of purchasing a few of them."
Zahid chuckled, murmuring under his breath,
"Ertha likes sweets."
Dimon couldn't help but silently wonder about it, although he had noted the orders. Zahid was a prominent man who easily had access to all sorts of bounties and beauties. In spite of trying his best not to create a fuss over the matter, Dimon couldn't stand it any longer. Even when the lady looked a little worn out, Zahid kept on clinging to her regardless. The lady was decently pretty, but rumours of her being quite the illustrious beauty were spreading like wildfire among the nobles.
He wondered what on earth had possessed his master. Just the other day, he had vaguely probed about Ertha but was given an equally vague response.
– Someone I absolutely need.
Did he even know how to love? It's incomprehensible, but Zahid appeared as if he did recently.
"Oh, and…"
Nestling deeper into the upholstered armchair, Zahid said nonchalantly,
"We shall be paying the Pope a visit tomorrow."
"I'll make arrangements at once."
"Yes, the sooner, the better. I haven't seen him in a long time."
As he drummed his fingers on the armrest, he burst into chortles suddenly and smiled wryly even as he laughed.
"Isn't he arrogant?"
Dimon, who was organizing the documents after checking them, paused. Zahid muttered in a very unpleasant tone,
"How dare you covet someone else's wife."
Zahid looked murderous this time around. Dimon silently immersed himself in organizing the documents to avoid provoking him further. But on the other hand, he couldn't help being deeply worried. It seemed that the master had already decided to overturn the Vatican.
***
I thought the Duke of Carnor was a very busy man, but he appeared to be so relaxed and carefree whenever we are together. In all honesty, I wanted to prevent the meeting between Zahid and my siblings from taking place. However, he seemed to have cottoned on to my thoughts and began to approach my siblings. I could almost feel the shackles clicking close one by one, holding me captive. Zahid's goodwill towards my siblings will dissipate the moment they're revealed to be wizards. From that point onwards, he won't be treating them as family, rather as competition. Just another competitor seeking to snag the purifier.
I know how Zahid handles the obstacles that stand in his way. I may have sold myself to him because I couldn't bear to live under the weight of debts, but I must flee for my siblings' sake. I need to prepare myself and take the necessary steps to run away from in 5 years. I need to fulfil my duties as a duchess resolutely so that I won't be eaten up alive by him. I trudged to the annex, brooding over my plans. Charles and Ethan will begin their education today, under the tutelage of the most prestigious teachers in the capital that Zahid had personally invited; something I couldn't have done for them.
"Charles, Ethan!"
They were doing homework given by the tutor in the study room of the annex, heads bowed over the desk as they diligently wrote with their quill pens and lifted their heads as I neared. I smiled, watching them scramble out hastily of their seats.
"Sister!"
"Sis-Sister!"
I helped them off the chair one after the other. Both were dressed were to the teeth, giving off the air of a jaunty noble. I felt pride swell up in me as I took in their state.
"The Duke asked us to have lunch together."
"Him?"
"Ugh, that man?"
I issued a sharp warning to them to refrain from addressing him like that. The twins, however, puffed out their cheeks in defiance. Trying to coax them, I herded them into the dining hall of the annex, and while we headed there, walking side by side, Charles briefed me on her day.
"The tutor treats us like idiots! He doesn't do it openly, but it feels as if he's looking down his nose at us! I was so angry I made up my mind to study real hard with Ethan just to rub it in his face."
Generally, children of aristocrats received education from an early age, and by the age of ten they would have achieved a considerably high level of education and talent; of course, the twins couldn't have caught the interest of a tutor who was used to teaching those noble children. Nonetheless, it's a very sensible method of getting revenge on him, so all was fine and dandy. I asked them whether the tutor was rude or made unsavoury remarks to them.
"How about you, Ethan?"
"It's hard, but it's no-not bad…"
Ethan fell quiet suddenly after his soft mumble, and Charles gripped my hand firmly. The twins' gazes fixated ahead, their faces taut with tension as if meeting their enemies on a bridge. And there an enemy stood— Zahid.
"I came to pick you up because I thought you were late, Ertha."
My siblings squeezed my hand tighter. Anyone could tell they were leery of Zahid, and hostile towards him too although he remained unfazed by their apparent show of dislike. He approached us and knelt before us with a smile.
"Hello."
His beauty attack was as powerful as ever, it goes without saying, and even Charles who has freshly witnessed his massacre shivered. His gaze locked on the twins, he asked warmly,
"You're Charles and Ethan, hm?"
They nodded. Zahid beckoned his aides standing behind him, and they passed a small box to Charles and Ethan each.
"I don't know what kids like these days, so I'll give suitable presents for both you first."
It was a pair of jewel brooches, one matched Charles' red eyes and the other, Ethan's green ones. Swimming in so much wealth, it was obvious he was launching an offensive attack with money. He even pinned the brooches himself onto the twins' clothes. Carrying a couple more gifts in hand, he led us to the dining room. The table setting was laid out simply for the children who have yet to master table manners. Zahid pulled out a chair for me and took his seat at the head of the table while I sat to his right and my siblings on his left. The meal began, and a heavy silence blanketed the room as expected. I felt awkward, but Zahid appeared to be at ease and happy. He broke the silence first, and spoke to the twins,
"You must have a ton of questions, feel free to ask anything."
I was hoping for a quiet meal, but Charles shot him a question as if she'd been waiting for the right timing.
"What made you marry my sister?"
I kicked her under the table. But Charles nimbly dodged me and quipped,
"I wonder what attracted you to her."
Zahid burst into laughter.
"My bad, we got married in such haste."
He moistened his lips with a sip of wine and continued,
"But I didn't want Ertha to be taken away from me."
I'm serious here. I fell in love at first sight. Zahid's loving words made Charles and Ethan solemn at that instant. It was technically a contract marriage but he seemed as if he really cherished me.
"And I fell in love with Ertha because…"
His eyes swung toward me. Suddenly my throat felt sore and I gulped down the water in front of me. His reply was loud; clear and resonant.
"Her bold personality?"
"…"
I almost spat out the water but managed to hold it in. Zahid twinkled, watching me at a loss for words.
“I just want her to love me a wee bit more."
Zahid successfully passed the short interrogation, as smooth as silk, then proceeded to ask Any more questions? I noticed Charles elbowing Ethan in the ribs. That damned girl…! I made a note to myself to give her a smacking later. Ethan clasped the fork and knife in his hands and opened his mouth,
"Big sis… B-Big sister… likes us the most."
It was an extremely flawed yet effective attack. However, ten-year-olds didn't have an upper hand on Zahid, who had prepared thoroughly for this battle since the beginning.
He acknowledged it calmly,
"Of course she is."
He then propped his chin on one hand, and drawled with a slow grin,