CH 39

It has been three days since Eleni was given her task.

In the late-night study, Thanasios leaned back deeply in his chair, staring at the body of the candle flame amplified by the crystal lamp on his desk. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts, so he had sent his secretary Ioel away.

He meets Eleni every day. They have meals together in the morning and evening, and although they now take separate baths, it’s not a big deal. It’s better to think that he no longer needs to take care of a young girl like her forever. Besides, even if he’s okay with it, Eleni might actually hate it. He had completely forgotten, but consideration for ladies is also taught by the main god, Styx. Therefore, he should stop it soon.

He thought so, but now he was starting to worry in reverse.

In Thanasios’ mind, the image of Eleni, a thin and underdeveloped girl, came to mind when he first saw her. Her poor diet, which barely sustained her, living conditions better than a slave but still terrible, and the tunic that looked like it was meant for an adult but was in tatters, all of these things made him reluctantly accept that this was the result of ten years of living like this. If someone were to say that this would improve in just a few weeks, it would still be a long way off. Nevertheless, he decided to entrust the reconstruction of the Temple of Lethe to her, thinking that it would be better to give her some work than to leave her idle. He was worried, but he didn’t want to cage her like a bird, so he believed it was the right choice.

But what did she want to do? What did she not want to do, and what does she want?

It would be normal to think that she wanted a normal life, the treatment befitting a princess. Despite being a nun, she was originally a princess, a woman of noble birth. It was only natural for her to have such desires, and Thanasios thought so too, but…

“…I can’t imagine Eleni wanting anything.”

Thanasios had been observing Eleni for the past few weeks and had come to realize that she hardly ever asked for anything. She was even timid when it came to receiving things, as evidenced by her insistence on wanting to eat guiropita at the tavern in the town (which ultimately made her sick).

Suddenly, Thanasios remembered one thing that Eleni clearly desired.

“Revenge, is it?”

That was the one thing that Eleni clung to, so much so that she prayed to the gods for it.

Thanasios couldn’t understand why she wanted it so badly. He had never experienced such mistreatment in his life, as he was a privileged prince who had always had everything go his way.

But the revenge was already decided by the main god, Styx. As a follower of the main god Styx, Thanasios accepted that decision without question. The Uranos Principality had already fallen into ruin, and news of the death of the Duke of Uranos had been received in secret. So, what else was there to do?

Perhaps the revenge was not yet over?

Although it cannot be answered with certainty what would make Eleni happy, he doesn’t think she has yet grasped the essence of it.

What will happen from now on? And is that something Eleni wants to know?

Perhaps it is up to him to determine that.

If Eleni wants to know about the ugly events of this world, there is no reason to stop her. However, Thanasios will protect Eleni from the wicked people who come like natural disasters and the atrocities of injustice.

——Oh, great god Styx. That is the role I am meant to fulfill.

There is no answer even if he asks. Thanasios is not a priest and cannot hear the voice of the gods.

However, there is no doubt in his faith.

Thanasios extinguished the candle flame and left the office.

He strongly felt that he wanted to do something for Eleni. It was not just about emotions such as love and goodwill, but it was right——Thanasios was convinced of that.

However, if he were to add a little selfishness to it.

Thanasios’ footsteps stopped as he walked down the marble corridor illuminated by the waxing moon.

After hesitating for a few moments, Thanasios decided to head to a different destination instead of his own bedroom.