Chapter 335: White Lion (3)

Chapter 335: White Lion (3)

◈ Chapter 335 White Lion (3)

About 15 minutes before meeting Rudger.

Priestess Lemria walked through the corridors of the palace following the guide of the deputy.

"These are truly audacious individuals. How dare they treat the priestess of our nation with such disrespect."

Princess Eileen did not see them off or provide them with a guide after their meeting.

It was clear that they were unwelcome guests.

"Priestess, what would you like to do? Will you go directly to the scene where the incident occurred?"

The deputy asked in a polite tone, trying to match Lemria's mood.

Lemria shook her head.

"It doesn't seem necessary to go immediately."

"But if we go even a little late, the this unholy empire might try to eliminate the evidence."

"No matter how thickly they bury it with sand, the true form of a genuinely corrupted existence is bound to be revealed. The more they try to hide, the easier it becomes for us to find. So it's alright."

"But, still..."

"Moreover, since we have finally entered the imperial palace, it would be a shame not to admire its famous scenery, wouldn't it?"

Lemria asked with a natural smile.

No one could refute her words.

Lemria, who usually handled most of the tasks through the deputy, directly expressed her opinion.

There was no one in this position who could reject the proposal of the woman with the highest authority present.

"Since we have received permission from our homeland to stay here for a while, let's take a look around the famous Imperial Palace inside. I've been curious about it for a while."

"Yes, understood. Then let me be your guide."

Due to Lemria's whim, the Bretus delegation changed their direction.

It was an unexpected action that Eileen didn't expect.

While Lemria was wandering around the palace, fascinated by its wonders, she spotted a man approaching from the opposite side.

Having passed numerous servants and guards on her way here, Lemria had not paid much attention to them.

But this man was different.

Even for Lemria, who was indifferent to everyone except the gods, he had a captivating charm that unknowingly drew her gaze.

No, it could even be called a magical aura.

'Who is he?'

His appearance was truly that of a sculptor's masterpiece, crafted with utmost dedication, making him the epitome of a handsome man.

But beyond simply being 'good-looking,' he exuded a unique charisma and atmosphere that flowed around him.

In an instant, one could mistake him for a bloodline of the royal family.

However, his hair color was different, and there was no reason for someone from the royal family to be wandering alone like this.

That meant he was either an outsider or a servant of this place.

Just as the man noticed her presence and momentarily paused his steps.

Though it was a brief moment, Lemria couldn't help but sense something peculiar.

As the man resumed walking past her.

Lemria took the initiative and spoke up.

"Who are you?"

* * *

"You go around with your own entourage that suits you perfectly."

In that moment, the deputy couldn't understand what Rudger had said.

"W-What? What did you just say?"

Although the deputy asked, Rudger didn't even respond.

That sharp gaze was unexpected.

Frustrated by once again being ignored, the deputy clenched his fist tightly.

In Rudger's actions, the insult he had received from the First Princess a while ago seemed to overlap.

"Answer me right now!"

Shouting, Rudger finally turned to the deputy and asked.

"You're being noisy. I spoke to this woman, not you."

"What? You insolent... Look at me properly. I am the representative of the noble person present here! If you want to speak to this person, you must speak to me first!"

The deputy shouted with a voice full of pride.

his attitude showed no hint of embarrassment because he was the representative of the priestess.

However, Rudger's reaction was not only cold but even icy.

"A representative? Are you so proud just because you act and speak on behalf of others?"

The deputy's proud expression twisted into a miserable one.

"I am not an ordinary representative! How dare you babble without even knowing who this person is!"

"Should I know that?"

".....What?"

Rudger's confident question left the deputy flustered.

And she answered in a form of consent.

"P-Priestess?"

The subordinate's face turned into a pathetic expression like an abandoned puppy.

However, Lemria didn't even glance at him.

She had no interest in how surprised her closest confidant was.

"I have been overseeing him for a significant period, and there was a time when he displayed initiative and passion. However, I am unsure when he began overstepping his boundaries."

Lemria acknowledged her own negligence in allowing such behavior to persist without consequences.

Yet, no one dared to hold her accountable.

"P-Priestess. No, it's not your fault. How could I..."

As the subordinate tried to argue, the priestess stared at her subordinate beyond her snow-white tiara.

Even though her eyes couldn't be seen, the subordinate's complexion turned pale with fear.

"You've been handling my affairs for far too long and working hard. I think it's time for you to take a good rest."

She said it in a polite tone, but in reality, she was practically driving him away.

The subordinate wanted to say something more, but two paladins stepped forward and quickly dragged him away.

"Priestess! Priestess!"

With an echoing cry that felt empty, the subordinate completely disappeared.

Lemria didn't even spare a glance for the subordinate who had been with her for a long time and instead smiled at Rudger.

"Now it's quiet."

"..."

Although it was indirectly mentioned, no one expected that she would openly chase him away in front of everyone.

'Furthermore, judging by the way she speaks, she must have been overseeing him for a long time, yet she has no hesitation in letting him go. It makes one wonder if emotions even exist within her.'

Even her smile at the moment feels alien, as if she has put on a mask over a wax doll.

"So, what is your name?"

"Before asking someone else's name, I believe it is proper to introduce oneself first."

A surge of vitality emanated from the paladins in response to Rudger's words.

But Rudger didn't even blink.

As if daring them to draw their swords and swing them, he provoked the paladins with his gaze.

"Enough."

It was then that Lemria spoke up.

The paladins immediately restrained themselves.

"I must admit that I lacked manners. I apologize. I'm not very accustomed to dealing with people. Allow me to introduce myself first. My name is Lemria. I am the priestess of the Bretus Kingdom."

Priestess.

'Has one of the priestess, numbering around ten, arrived?'

Furthermore, she appeared much younger than the priestess in his memory.

During his absence, it seemed that there had been a significant change in the priestsess as well.

"Rudger Chelsea. I am currently staying here as a guest, serving as a teacher for the Seron."

"I see."

"Since it seems that your curiosity has been satisfied, I will take my leave."

Rudger concluded that he shouldn't get involved with them at all.

When Rudger, with an openly expressed attitude of no longer wanting to converse, tried to leave, Lemria naturally blocked his path.

Rudger frowned.

"What are you trying to do now?"

"Just because you heard my name, do you already think it's time to leave? We've encountered each other like this for a reason, so let's have a little conversation."

"It seems like you have something you want to talk about, but I have no interest in that. So step aside."

A firm command, not even a suggestion to make way.

Even in the face of such overt displeasure, Lemria didn't erase her smile.

"You're Rudger, right? I sense a rather peculiar energy from you."

Only speaking what she wants to say.

Rudger became annoyed by Lemria's whimsical behavior.

Seeing this, he couldn't help but wonder who the personality of the recently expelled subordinate resembled.

"And what does that matter? Are you planning to ask me if I believe in a god or something?"

"Well, can I?"

"I don't believe."

"That's a shame."

Even in such a situation where it would be appropriate to feel offended, Lemria maintained a natural smile.

"From the very beginning, I sensed an unusual energy from you. For someone who seems eager to hold on to others, you appear quite nonchalant."

"Oh, if it sounded that way to you, I apologize. But I genuinely meant what I said."

"And I genuinely responded."

"Moreover, beyond the peculiar energy, there was a sense of familiarity that I couldn't resist being curious about."

At the mention of familiarity, Rudger fell silent.

Lemria subtly asked, "Have we perhaps met somewhere before?"