Chapter 156

She had chosen to play the part of a naive traveler, innocent and curious. In response, Khalid let out a quiet sigh before replying in a gentle tone.

“It seems you’re also looking for the cathedral in Rowendel, my lady.”  

“Yes. Since I’ve come all this way, I thought a pilgrimage might be worthwhile.”

“In that case, allow me to accompany you.”

Evelyn hesitated. She hadn’t intended to ask for so much. Although their paths overlapped anyway, she worried she might be intruding on his own business.

A brief silence fell. Then Khalid, his expression faintly crestfallen, asked softly.

“Would it not be allowed… as a friend?”

He looked like a golden retriever with its ears drooping.

‘Maybe this is what his dog, Happy, feels like?’

With Sir Gideon here as well, it should be fine to have him accompany us.

With her doubts settled, Evelyn gave a light nod.

“Then I shall be in your care!”

No matter how she looked at it, it seemed the male lead knew all too well where her weaknesses lay.  

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

When they arrived at the cathedral in Rowendel, a calm and sacred aura seemed to permeate the air. Was it not said that more than half the village residents were devoted believers? Even in the late afternoon, the place bustled with parishioners who had come to hear Mass.

“For a small town, it’s a rather grand edifice.”

“…Indeed it is.”

Evelyn murmured, nodding faintly in agreement with her subordinate’s remark.

Outwardly, it appeared to be a solemn and dignified religious institution, but in reality, it held a dual nature. By day, it was a devout cathedral, while by night, it cast off restraint, spreading its heretical doctrines without fear.

Today, she had come only to assess the situation and intended to avoid drawing attention as much as possible. In her current state, she had no means to stand openly against the heresy, and certainly not when the possibility remained that they were intricately connected to the imperial family.

‘In any case, it can’t hurt to be cautious.’

After making a modest offering, Evelyn and her companions proceeded into the cathedral’s chapel. The moment they entered, sunlight poured through the vaulted stained-glass windows, scattering a kaleidoscope of colors across the stone floor. The interior was adorned with intricate Gothic-style carvings, frescoes gracing the walls throughout.

Passing rows of parishioners seated on ancient wooden pews, she and her group found empty seats. Soon, the bishop prepared for Mass, ascending the dais as the solemn strains of sacred hymnody filled the hall.

‘That man must be one of the high-ranking clergy of the heresy.’

By day, they brandished the holy code and thundered their sermons in the chapel; by night, they gathered in the crypt below to preach the doctrines of heresy. The thought of worshiping two different gods in the same place struck her as nothing short of absurd.

What is it they are really hiding?

She was lost in such musings when a hushed conversation drifted to her ears.

“I heard the Moon Goddess will be attending tonight’s prayer meeting.”

“What? Is she really coming to the service?”

At the sound of this exchange, her expression shifted with unease.  

What in the world does that mean?

Evelyn fixed her gaze on them with a baffled expression as she strained to follow their words.

“Had she not refrained from the prayer meetings for a while, to devote herself to ascetic practice?”

“Well, she’s always been someone who moves busily for the sake of the devotees.”  

Listening to their exchange, it seemed they were indeed adherents of the heresy. Until now, she had believed that the so-called Moon Goddess referred to Diana, a mere deity of myth. But were they saying this goddess wasn’t just an abstract concept but an actual person?  

Deeply shaken, she barely managed to stifle a hollow laugh. However, since this was still just a suspicion, she knew she would need to investigate further.

‘I’ll have to speak with Marcen about this soon.’

Feeling an inexplicable sense of anxiety, she nervously fidgeted with her poor fingernails. Khalid must have noticed the shadow that crossed her face since he looked at her with concern.

“My lady, are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

However, as her pale complexion showed no sign of improving, Evelyn and her party decided to leave the chapel. They had just quickened their pace when—

“Wait a moment!”  

A voice called out urgently behind her, halting Evelyn in her tracks. Instinctively, she turned her head.