Kinesien Holy Church Cathedral, Office of the Second Cardinal.
Lesia, unable to bear the boredom, brought several books. They were all related to the Kinesien Holy Church, but even a cursory glance failed to pique her interest. However, it was better than sitting idly, so she reluctantly skimmed through them to pass the time.
'This is so dull. Why do people study this stuff?'
Lesia closed the book she was reading and picked up another. The titles included "The Birth and Sacrifice of the Kinesien Goddess," "Basic Principles of Sacred Law," and "The Significance and Origins of Doctrine." Even the titles seemed tedious, and the contents appeared even more monotonous.
'...I can't tell if they're enduring this or enjoying it.'
Lesia slowly turned her head to glance at Enrite sitting at the desk. As always, his expression was stern as he perused documents.
'He doesn't seem to dislike me as much anymore.'
Of course, things had improved compared to the past. He scolded her less frequently and seemed to avoid arguments with her. While it might mean he had acknowledged her a bit, it didn't mean he had completely erased his doubts. Perhaps he became more cautious after Lesia acquired the Dragon's Magic Sword, Duran Calgonis.
'Couldn't he at least give me some praise?'
Lesia had only received criticisms and reprimands from Enrite so far. While she couldn't deny having made mistakes, there were times when she had been helpful too. Wouldn't it have been nice if he had occasionally shown appreciation or encouragement?
'I detected the arrival of Ocean King and even attacked Demon God…'
Lesia unknowingly displayed a surly expression as she glared at Enrite. She didn't expect him to say she did well or thank her. She would be content if he could be more amicable and considerate of her position.
'What more do I need to do to earn his approval?'
Lesia almost vented her frustration but managed to suppress it and tilted her head. Starting another conversation now would only lead to another argument. They both harbored grievances, and any approach would result in conflict.
'I'm so sick of being cooped up here.'
Enrite had a limited range of activities. Most of his time was spent at the cathedral, with occasional trips to the inn in Belgron, the palace, and the city. He spent the majority of his time at the cathedral, venturing out only occasionally. If she could stay at Duke Adelaira's mansion, at least she could enjoy some good meals and snacks.
'It would be bearable if someone offered me something while talking…'
Someone broke the silence and entered the cardinal's office. It was Seran, carrying a basket and a box, approaching the table.
“Whew…”
Seran placed them on the table and took a moment to catch his breath. Enrite observed briefly before turning back to his documents.
“What’s all this?”
Lesia asked, puzzled, as she looked at the basket and box. They were filled with cookies, pies, cakes, tarts, sandwiches, and other pastries and treats.
“It’s all for you.”
“…For me?”
“Don’t you like this kind of stuff?”
“I do, but… why are you giving it to me all of a sudden?”
“Um…”
Seran cautiously turned his back and secretly pointed at Enrite. Lesia quietly observed this and then shook her head.
“That can’t be right…”
Lesia glanced sideways at Enrite while slowly reaching out. Enrite still showed no reaction.
“I’m going to eat it, okay?”
“…Do as you please.”
“Hoho…”
Lesia laughed happily and began stuffing her mouth with treats. Seran, sensing the atmosphere, quietly took a seat.
“Crunch… Munch…”
The sound of Lesia eating filled the cardinal's office. Enrite glanced sideways at her while checking his documents.
“Make sure you clean up after you’re done.”
“…I will.”
Lesia answered while chewing diligently. Seeing this, Enrite sighed and put down his pen.
‘Is it really that delicious?’
Enrite watched Lesia quietly. She was continuously eating the pastries with a happy smile. Could something as simple as tasting good bring such joy?
‘…It must be because she’s human.’
Enrite finally acknowledged this fact. Lesia’s emotions were diverse, and her way of expressing them was unique. Compared to himself, she seemed even more human.
‘It doesn’t seem like she’s lying.’
Lesia had been given numerous opportunities to betray them. Despite that, she had never run away and had often cooperated. If Exceed Rain had truly harbored ill will, she wouldn’t have endured for so long.
‘However… she shouldn’t be left unsupervised. She still has that Magic Sword.’
If the situation were different, they might have discussed it with Zion and allowed her some freedom. But now, she possessed an artificial Magic Sword and had gained immense power. Considering Demon God’s presence, destroying the sword was essential, but since Lesia had managed to suppress Demon God’s magic, he decided to think about it differently, at least temporarily.
‘She is definitely a dragon.’
Lesia was aware of this as well. The horns and scales were clear signs of a dragon. The artificial Magic Sword must have been made from something related to dragons.
‘So, Demon God’s and dragon’s magic merged?’
If that were the case, it made sense why she could inflict significant damage on Demon God. Both had once ravaged the continent of Karonbelaz, posing a significant threat to humanity. They were so powerful that only they could counter each other. The combination of their rival powers must have negated Demon God’s immortality.
‘Lesia is indispensable.’
For now, only Lesia could wield that artificial Magic Sword. While Demon God might be able to use it, he couldn’t take it from her. He had tried to use the artificial Magic Sword to his advantage, but it revealed his location, leading to an attack and his subsequent escape.
‘Zion Laird can face Demon God alone.’
Zion had cut through Demon God’s darkness with Exceed Rain. Knowing this, Demon God wouldn’t dare confront Zion again. Thus, keeping Zion and Lesia together could neutralize Demon God’s threat.
‘With Hanette Adelaira as well… they won’t lose.’
Enrite felt a sense of relief and relaxed his shoulders. Until now, he had always tried to foresee the future, often swayed by worries and anxieties. Perhaps it was time to take a breath and soothe his restless heart.
‘No one will die. Once Demon God and the dragons are destroyed…’
“Ah, I almost forgot to ask. Why don’t you come and have some?”
Lesia, finally swallowing the contents in her mouth, looked at Enrite. He seemed to ponder for a moment before getting up from his seat.
“Are you planning to substitute that for lunch?”
“I should save some for dinner too.”
“…You don’t need to. I’ll buy more later.”
Enrite took out a handkerchief from his pocket and approached Lesia. She momentarily flinched but then just looked up at him.
“Eat slowly. It looks better if you don’t get crumbs all over your face.”
Enrite wiped Lesia’s mouth and sat beside her. Lesia remained silent, unable to comprehend his actions.
“……?”
Seran, also slightly surprised, couldn’t take his eyes off Enrite. Normally, he wouldn’t even think of taking out a handkerchief, let alone scold her for eating sloppily. Moreover, Enrite wasn’t the type to buy pastries, but he had merely followed orders.
“You said you’ll buy more later?”
“That depends on your behavior. Are you starting to think you should follow my words now?”
“Then will you let me leave here?”
“Is this place uncomfortable for you?”
“It’s not uncomfortable… it just feels a bit like being imprisoned.”
“I’ll consider it. I’ll make things more comfortable for you, so try to endure a bit longer.”
“Uh… I’ll try.”
Lesia responded almost instinctively, her expression uncertain. His tone was much softer than before, and there was warmth in his eyes. His sudden kindness made her feel uneasy.
‘What… what is this? Did I do something wrong?’
Lesia tensed up, frequently glancing at Enrite. He looked around the basket and box, picked up a cookie, and took a bite. After tasting it briefly, he frowned.
“…Too sweet.”
“Aren’t pastries supposed to be sweet?”
“I don’t like sweet things. That’s why I don’t usually eat this stuff.”
“…….”
Lesia finally understood the situation. Enrite didn’t like pastries and wouldn’t have brought them here unless necessary. This meant he had bought them for her sake.
‘He was thinking of me.’
Lesia felt his consideration as she looked at the basket and box. As they grew closer, he must have wanted to offer her something. Maybe her sincerity had finally reached Enrite.
‘…I should listen to him more.’
**Royal Palace, Third Princess’s Palace.**
Zion and Hanette had officially received an invitation from the third princess and visited the palace. Barhen also joined the meal, and they shared light opinions about the Lychness Knights. After the meal, they naturally moved on to tea and more personal conversations.
“So… do you always stay close to Miss Hanette, Black Knight?”
“I try to.”
“Don’t you sometimes want to be alone? Being together all the time might be a bit uncomfortable.”
“Whether my sister feels that way or not, I have never found it uncomfortable.”
“I feel the same. At first, it was awkward, but now I’m very comfortable.”
Yuter, surprised by their answers, raised her teacup. Even if they were engaged, there must have been times when they wanted to be alone. But both said they preferred being together, making her wonder if it was mere courtesy.
“You seem deeply attached to each other. If my questions were uncomfortable, I apologize.”
“Not at all. It’s natural to be curious about such things.”
“You both seem so fond of each other. I wanted to hear it from you directly. Do you think being together makes you fall in love?”
Zion and Hanette couldn’t answer. They had grown close and affectionate but weren’t sure if they were in love. Although they sensed the atmosphere, it was still a vague assumption.
“Hmm… It might be inappropriate, but I have a question I must ask. May I?”
“Please go ahead.”
“When are you planning to get married? You had your engagement ceremony before us. Why haven’t you married yet?”