Chapter 159

Chapter 159

It was clear that Laheansi was referring to an incident in which the mangled body of a priest was discovered in the royal forest before the hunting competition. Had it happened again during this time? It couldnt have been a coincidence.

Was another body found? Ricardis tone returned to normal. Laheansi smiled with relief and answered.

Oh! This time, the priest had his throat cut! The head hasnt been found yet! The High Priest said this with an almost unsettling cheerfulness. When Ricardis frowned, Laheansis eyes wandered around the edge of the table. Ricardis tapped his fingers on the table.

Did the priest disappear from the Great Temple?

Yeah, he disappeared just yesterday. We estimated the time of death, and it seems to match. Judging by the injuries, it seems like he was pierced and torn apart, limbs broken all over. Oh, and the head? Cant seem to find it anywhere.

Theyre covering up a series of priest murders? Whats wrong with everyone?

The founding day is just around the corner. His Majesty is in no mood to deal with rumors at this time.

Ricardis shook his head with a furrowed brow. The old man regarded that damn imperial dignity too much.

Another priest had died. Ricardis was convinced that Diech and the Black Moon were involved in the background of both priest murder cases. Why did Diech, or perhaps, what were they thinking? If it were merely vengeance, it wouldnt have stopped at just two victims. So was it out of necessity? Could something powerful disguised as the 5th Prince and the formidable force of the Black Moon achieve anything significant with just the deaths of two priests?

Crunch, crunch.

Interrupted by the audibly casual munching of a cookie, Ricardis was pulled back from his contemplation. Laheansi was chatting with Isserion, idly crunching cookies.

Did my brother apologize to Sir Rosaline first?

Correction: Laheansi was the one chatting, and Isserion was observing silently. Ricardis expression started to turn stern, prompting Laheansi to pay his attention back to him.

Hehe, Brother, I brought you good news, right?

Yeah, well, good job.

The two exchanged a few more words. Laheansi discussed how Verum was researching card games all night, plans to renovate the abandoned garden, and the young priests being restless due to a statue of a woman holding pottery being broken. He also mentioned how Prince Haqab visited the temple, looking handsome, but reassured that Ricardis was even more good-looking. About 90% of what Laheansi said was pointless chatter.

When the conversation turned to jealousy about Rosalines beautiful hair and how Ricardis could learn her secret, Ricardis raised an eyebrow slightly. He spoke with a serious face, When you treated Sir Rosaline.

Hmm?

Did you notice anything unusual?

W-what do you mean?

Im talking about magic. Did you notice anything unusual when using holy power on her?

Oh, well, it felt a bit odd, like my power was leaking. Maybe because shes a mage.

Leaning against the back of the sofa, Ricardis cocked his head slightly. Really? Because shes a mage, you say?

Laheansi felt cold sweat trickling down his back. Was his brother insane? Wasnt he keeping this hidden?

Well maybe.

It wasnt the typical dress with a puffed-up skirt. The dress followed the contours of her body, snugly coming down, and flared out broadly towards the back from below her hips. The white fabric was adorned with lace, embroidery, and sparkling gems that emitted a consistent glow.

The upper part of the dress was a form where lace was layered over opaque white fabric hugging the inside of the body. It appeared as if white flowers and plants were growing, spreading from the white fabric covering her chest. The lace generously exposed her shoulders and collarbone, finishing tightly around her arms. The exposed arms and upper chest, covered only with lace and without layered fabric, revealed Rosalines skin.

The shoes she wore were also adorned with intricate jewels on a white base. Additionally, she was wearing a pair of ornate earrings with many kinds of gems.

These earrings are incredibly heavy. I think I could use them as weapons.

Rosaline considered throwing the earrings away in a pinch. Chloe gasped and held out her hands.

Cakes!

Excuse me?

With those pairs of earrings, you could buy about 860 cakes, Sir Rosaline!

Rosalines eyes widened. W-what in the world am I wearing on my ears?

860 cakes?

Really, Sir Rosaline. Youre wearing earrings. You wouldnt want to dirty them while eating or get blood on them while fighting. Blood doesnt come off easily.

I wont eat. I wont fight!

Well, thats very kind of you.

Feeling her strong sense of determination, Chloe looked at her with a warm smile. Rosaline remained frozen, looking awkward. She seemed like a wooden doll with a dress put on. Chloe chuckled.

It looks more like formal attire than a ball gown. Perhaps because its white.

At the National Founding Festival, only those of noble blood and their partners were allowed to wear white. There were less than fifty out of hundreds of people in this category. Even though Rosaline might not be aware, it was certain that many peoples attention would be on her. It wasnt just the color of the dress; many factors were at play.

If we list a few problems

Right now, Rosaline was walking cautiously, step by step, like a newly born animal. In a little while, she seemed like she might crawl on all fours. Chloe shook her head.

Put your hips in.

Chloe pushed Rosalines hips, which were slightly sticking out.

Straighten your chest. Tuck your chin slightly downward.

Chloe continued to gently press the center of Rosalines sternum while keeping her chin fixed, maintaining the usual straight posture she had seen in Rosaline.

Well, good. You have to walk like this, understood, Sir Rosaline? Youll get scolded if your hips stick out.

Chloe lightly tapped her on the hips. Rosaline nodded.

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the door. Chloe smiled mischievously.

Oh my, so impatient. Sir Rosaline, it seems Prince Ricardis has come to escort you.