Chapter 193: Louise's mistake

"Is this really all you wanted?"

"Uh... Yes" she replied, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Currently, the two of us stood within the grand cathedral.

I anticipated that she would request something more significant than a mere attendance in this sacred place.

She could have asked for any favor, considering I would've accompanied her regardless.

Reflecting on Louise's evident admiration for Elena, I had assumed her to be quite religious. However, the extent of her devotion became more apparent now.

It just goes to show that you can't truly know everything about a person without spending time with them.

As the cardinal led the prayer, his voice resonating through the majestic cathedral, Louise sang along with the choir, it seems that she had memorized the lyrics.

The day had been filled with rituals and ceremonies, all centered around the goddess that Louise held in such high regard.

I don't really like doing something that might praise that bitch but....

'Well, whatever, as long as she's happy, I'll happily oblige with all of her requests today'

As the mass concluded, we made our way back to my room, Louise wearing a satisfied smile that was evident to anyone who looked at her.

It was then that she approached me with a hint of apology in her tone, "Uhm, I'm sorry Adrian..."

"Hm? What for?"

"For taking you there. I know you have no interest in all that stuff, but I just really wanted to experience what it was like to have a prayer in the grand cathedral."

"Don't be. Besides, I also enjoyed myself here and there."

Louise chuckled, "Hehe, you don't have to lie, you know. You were basically half-asleep half of the time."

"..."

"W-well, that was... Sorry" Caught in my own words, I stumbled

Her laughter continued as she observed my awkwardness.

"But is it really alright for you to not be devoted like that? Aren't you the hero?"

"I don't think so... Considering I became one without even praying to the goddess once"

"Hmm that's interesting...."

'Your tone doesn't scream interest though?'

Tuck...!

Tuck...!

Our steps echoed throughout the halls we passed by.

Looking at the bizarre sceneries here and there. We continued to talk about nonchalant stuff but as our topics ran out.

"...."

"...."

An awkward silence settled between Louise and me.

Even though I felt this urge to spark a conversation, there was this weird vibe that talking would only make things more awkward.

Louise seemed a bit fidgety, lost in her thoughts, and I could tell she had something on her mind.

Our walk back to my room was filled with this uncomfortable tension, and when we got there, Louise looked like she wanted to say something but kept holding back.

"Uhm Adrian?"

"Yes?"

Her dress was pretty? Sure, if you compared it to other nun outfits out there.

Why did he not compliment her or make a slight comment about her?

That was probably just because Adrian was too nervous to say anything or simply because he couldn't find anything good to compliment her with.

And awkward? That was her all along.

Her nervousness got to her from the beginning all the way to the end.

I mean, what kind of person would enjoy their date in a cathedral singing along in a mass like that? Anyone would be bored.

Honestly, she knew this couldn't even be considered a date to begin with. For Adrian, it was probably just some weird outing that she invited him to.

"Ma-master?" Cecilia was shocked by Louise crying even more. She hesitated for a moment before approaching, concern etched across her face.

Louise sniffled and looked up; her eyes red from the tears. "Cecilia.... Don't talk to me..."

"M-master!?"

After that night Louise didn't talk to Cecilia.... As she realized she would only get her heart even more broken.

....

The next morning, Louise found herself standing once again in front of Adrian's room. Knocking twice, she could hear Adrian approaching.

"Good morning, Louise," he said, looking at her somewhat awkwardly.

"Good morning" Louise responded, fighting the urge to run away in embarrassment. She knew she needed to set matters straight.

Moreover, she had to up her game.

Back at Estelle Academy, she realized a dark aspect of herself was about to awaken, and she loathed the idea of that emerging in front of her beloved friends.

The growing envy inside her intensified day by day, especially with the way Adrian treated all the other girls.

Although he treated her nicely, that was the extent of it – niceness, not intimacy. And she wanted that!

Louise was well aware that she was lagging far behind the other girls when it came to Adrian. But today, she decided, would be different.

"Adrian, can I ask you another favor?" she inquired with determination.

"...ok" Adrian responded, his curiosity piqued.

This time, Louise was determined to make the best of her chances.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself to express what had been on her mind for quite some time.

But a maiden's heart was quite frail and could lead you to decisions you never anticipated.

The cloudiness of the mind sometimes blocked your vision, hindered your judgment, and ultimately made you say things you didn't truly mean at the moment.

Her eyes locked on his lips.

"Can I kiss you?"

???

"....."

"....."

She then saw Elena's head pop out just behind Adrian.

Silence hung in the air, the weight of those words echoing in the air.

Louise's heart raced, her face turning blushing red.

This time she truly meant it.

She wanted to die...!