Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Here is the list of the missing persons from the Heresy Tribunal you asked for, Your Highness.

Seongjin, flipping through the documents Dasha handed him, remarked,

The number is smaller than I expected?

Yes. Considering the scale of the incident, there were almost no unidentified bodies.

Seongjin nodded his head as he reviewed the materials.

Initially, he had requested her to investigate Priest Hayes, but even after several days, the results were not as fruitful as expected.

It was said that he came to the capital with only a single letter of recommendation from a rural countryside church. And, since he was assigned to the Heresy Tribunal almost at the end of the Dark Sects purge, it was impossible to find any significant connection between him and the remnants of the Dark Sect.

Moreover, Hayes was known to be extremely taciturn. Not only did he lack personal connections, but he also hardly communicated for work purposes, being thoroughly isolated even within the Heresy Tribunal.

However, it was definitely not a feat he could have accomplished alone

Considering Jonathans case, at least four people were involved: one heresy interrogator, two guards who beat him, and one priest who was recording the statements.

Furthermore, considering that most of the prisoners in the underground dungeon were Grey Plague patients, its possible that more than one or two teams were involved.

There were undoubtedly colleagues of Hayes, or perhaps a separate group unrelated to him, existing within the Heresy Tribunal.

And now that their plan has gone awry, theyve likely already fled.

With Cardinal Benitus fervently rooting out the Dark Sect, remaining in the Heresy Tribunal was tantamount to suicide.

Seongjin focused on the list of missing persons for this reason.

Wolfgang, a junior priest, Clemens, a junior priest, Inquisitor Fabian Hmm.

After reviewing the list of nine missing persons, Seongjin picked out five and handed them to Dasha.

Lets start by looking into these individuals.

Among the missing was one Inquisitor, plus a list of four priests assigned before and after the outbreak of the Grey Plague.

Yes, Your Highness. Ill get started right away.

Ah, honestly, I wonder what good all this is

Pardon?

Ah, never mind. Just talking to myself.

In truth, his motivation for the investigation had hit rock bottom lately.

The Holy Emperor and the Twins probably knew the whole story. He even thought that Arenja, despite being a part of their group, might know their identities or at least the extent of their organization.

But when he asked Bruno, the leader of Arenja, for information about this, the response sent by Arenja was as follows:

Its not yet the time.

According to Bruno, who had a short career as Arenja, it seems theres some kind of backlash involved in revealing information that goes beyond mere manpower. And the resulting consequences could never be good.

So, they mean to say, do what you can for now, right?

No, its like digging in vain while the answer is right in front of him.

Seongjin was grumbling to himself when Dasha, who was gathering the documents and about to stand up, suddenly hesitated and turned back to Seongjin.

Your Highness, this is purely my personal curiosity, but

Yes?

Youve been wearing that outfit a lot lately. Is it your preference?

Oh, this?

Seongjin tugged at the hem of his garment.

Does it look a bit flashy to you too, Dasha?

Indeed, Seongjin was wearing the latest creation from Madame Justine. It was a splendidly colorful outfit adorned with vibrant butterfly patterns.

It may look a bit much, but its surprisingly comfortable.

Excluding the banquet clothes tailored for his birthday celebration, this was probably the most recent outfit he had tailored.

Madame Justines craftsmanship was quite exceptional, so despite the numerous elaborate decorations, it was the most comfortable and best-fitting among Seongjins clothes.

Besides, Ive been growing lately.

Regrettably, though it hadnt been long since it was made, the ankles and sleeves were already showing signs of becoming too short.

Thats why, determined to get his moneys worth, he wore it constantly within the Pearl Palace.

Why? Does it look that bad?

No, not at all. I just thought it was a very futuristic design and got curious.

Dasha backed away, dripping cold sweat.

You can be honest with me, Dasha.

Seongjin gave her a warm smile.

Like a crazy Brittanian, or a clown from Bertrand Street, or a heretic if I just add flowers to my head

Ah, no, not at all! Ill report back as soon as theres progress in the investigation! Please rest easy, Your Highness!

As Dasha hurriedly left the room, Seongjin tilted his head and examined his outfit.

Undeterred, Yi-seo went back to her sketching.

He might act like a scoundrel on the outside, but deep down, he could be someone who has carried great inner wounds since childhood. Eventually, he might be drawn to a woman who truly understands his pain.

Inner wounds?

The employees exchanged bewildered glances.

Her fabrications are getting more elaborate with every telling.

Oops! I might be causing character destruction here. Im just too chatty today.

?

Well, talking about this now is pointless.

After completing another butterfly wing in her design, she added with a confident smile.

Anyway, youll all find out after the birthday celebration ends.

* * *

Emerald Palace.

This splendid detached palace, where the Second Queen Melody resided, was a beautiful place with a lush green garden and a small glass greenhouse.

Having returned to the Imperial Palace after a long time for some rest, Sisle lay sprawled on a couch in the greenhouse, idling away the entire morning.

Hey, Sisle.

Melody, gently stroking her daughters silver hair, spoke soothingly.

Its nice to spend time with you after so long, but shouldnt you start getting ready soon? Your audience with His Majesty is approaching.

However, Sisle, with her face buried in the pillow and eyes closed, did not move an inch.

Its not just today, is it? We can postpone it.

But, dear. Youve been away from the palace for so long. Its a rare audience, and His Majesty might feel neglected.

I already paid my respects upon my return. Besides, His Majesty is busy with audiences with diplomatic delegations and such. Seeing him once should be enough.

Unable to persuade her stubborn daughter, Melody sighed softly.

Really, when did children grow up so fast? It feels like just yesterday you clung to His Majestys robes all day.

.

You know, Sisle? When you were little, you hardly wanted to walk on your own. You always insisted on being in your fathers arms. His Majesty had such a hard time separating you from him whenever he had to attend state meetings.

Lying still, receiving Melodys caresses, Sisle slowly blinked her eyes.

Her childhood memories were always similar.

Herself, toddling after the sunlit, gleaming hem of the imperial robes.

And occasionally, the Holy Emperor turning back to check on her.

If only she could return to those times.

Your Majesty, Your Highness.

t that moment, a servant approached swiftly, bowed, and said,

A letter from the southern front.

He then respectfully presented a small tray with a white envelope to Sisle.

Melody, visibly excited, asked,

Oh my, is it from Prince Owen again?

Yes, its a letter personally addressed to the Princess.

Sisle sat up on the couch and, with a slightly eager heart, unfolded the letter.

+++

To Sisle.

I heard you embarked on a long journey. With the birthday celebration approaching, you must have returned to the Imperial Palace by now.

Regrettably, I wont be able to return for the celebration this time. The situation in the southern front is stable, but the atmosphere here is still a bit too tense for me to leave.

Weve just started interacting with the Volanta tribe.1 Chieftain Chikutaruku seems quite dignified and wise, and I believe we can maintain a good relationship with them.

However, the response from other tribal leaders around us is not so friendly, and theres always a risk of conflict reigniting.

Its not much of a consolation, but Ill send a gift to father and you soon.

P.S. Always take care of yourself. If anything happens, dont forget to consult with Imperial Father.

+++

Melody, who had been reading the letter alongside, smiled gently.

How thoughtful of him to care for you so deeply. Its truly heartwarming.

However, Sisles expression darkened as she finished reading the letter.

Owen-orabeoni, did you know this?

Sometimes Im terribly afraid of His Majesty.

First mentioned in Chapter64[]