Chapter 4.1

Chapter 4.1

‘I wonder if he’s here today.’

Amelia stepped into the garden that led to the North Gate. She pretended not to look, but her gaze darted around, making her seem exactly like a kid peeking at stalls in a marketplace.

“He’s not here…”

Amelia muttered weakly after searching the garden for a long time. Her disappointment was clear, as if an item she intended to buy had sold out.

“Are you looking for something?”

The guards protecting the North Gate even asked her. Amelia quickly shook her head.

“No, I was just heading to the Prayer Room.”

She added an excuse so she wouldn’t seem suspicious. The guards accepted Amelia’s excuse naturally. As a result, Amelia had no choice but to take reluctant steps towards the Prayer Room.

“Liar…”

He had promised they would meet again next time. As the Prayer Room door closed, Amelia accused Ivan with a sigh.

“Who?”

It was then. A voice suddenly spoke from beside her, startling Amelia so much that she collapsed onto the floor.

“…!”

She realized then that when you’re too surprised, you can’t even scream. Amelia felt her heart drop, then raised her head.

“Who…”

Along the stained-glass ceiling of the dim room, colorful light fell beside the man’s face. With his mouth closed, he looked almost sacred. He resembled a masterpiece that would be impossible to obtain even for a fortune.

“Ivan.”

At Amelia’s call, Ivan tilted his head without answering. The moment several shards of light settled on his full face, a smile slowly began to spread across Ivan’s expressionless features. It was like watercolor paint dropping onto paper.

Amelia gazed at Ivan as if enchanted. He was so beautiful, like something from a dream, that she found it hard to look away.

“Please stand up.”

Ivan then reached out a hand towards Amelia, who was still sitting on the floor. Amelia cautiously raised her hand. Her small hand, resting on Ivan’s palm, trembled slightly with unmanaged emotions.

“I didn’t realize you’d be so startled.”

“What were you doing here alone?”

Ivan chuckled softly at Amelia’s question. The sound was as captivating as his voice.

“What else would an apprentice priest be doing in a Prayer Room?”

Amelia let out an ‘Ah’ sound at Ivan’s question. She realized she had asked a silly question.

“Oh, I just…”

“…”

“I didn’t even think you’d be here. I kept looking outside…”

Amelia, holding Ivan’s hand, stood up and stammered her reply.

“Because I promised.”

At that moment, Ivan said in a whisper. Amelia didn’t notice that he had naturally started using less formal speech with her. She also blinked, completely forgetting that she was still holding his hand.

“Right, you did.”

Her response was half a beat late.

“I kept waiting because I wanted to hear stories from the outside.”

Amelia’s grip tightened. Holding Ivan’s large hand, she pulled him towards the dais where the statues stood.

“Sit down and tell me.”

She sat down and pulled Ivan closer. She seemed to pay no mind that the spot might be dirty from many people’s feet. To Ivan, this was an unexpected side of her.

“You went out again?”

Ivan had just sat down beside Amelia. Amelia turned her head, her eyes sparkling. Their gazes met.

Her eyes.

“…”

Those eyes.

Aside from their color, they were simply ordinary human eyes. Yet, there was something undeniably different about them. Ivan tilted his head, meeting Amelia’s gaze, and pondered.

“Hm?”

When Ivan didn’t answer, Amelia pressed him for a reply again. Ivan nodded belatedly.

“Where did you go? To the tavern again? Did you drink alcohol too?”

“I did.”

Amelia gasped and clapped her hands. Her demeanor was truly like that of a kid.

“What does alcohol taste like?”

Indeed, Amelia was as curious as a young colt. It was as if she had never stepped beyond the temple walls in her entire life.

“It depends on the type.”

“…”

“Some are bitter in both smell and taste. Others are made from fruit, so their aroma is sweet.”

Alcohol was strictly forbidden in the temple. This was true even for a temple that was just a facade, with no real interest in the existence of gods. It was only natural. The moment they showed any indulgence, the people of Escliffe would grow suspicious.

“Does it make you feel good?”

Ivan pondered her question for a moment.

“If you drink in moderation.”

“What if you drink a lot?”

“You lose control of your body or your emotions. You might feel good, though.”