I Sought Out the Tragedy's Scheming Mastermind

“It’s an ancient word that means, ‘I will abandon my people.’”

“…!” 

“I mean, it’s been a long time since Algiers abandoned this land. So there’s no reason to be wary of him.”

“That…”

“Only I know of this, of course. This is not something you may speak of recklessly.”

“But you just told me.”

“Yes, I know. It’s my first time having someone I can talk to.”

Rube muttered under his breath, “I’m surprised myself.”

That made it sound like it was impossible for him to even speak to others.

Eliana couldn’t say anything in response.

Rube’s face was very calm.

It seemed unbelievable that he was the one who spoke of the revelation as if it were a curse.

He became Priest after receiving his revelation, but that revelation was a curse.

What was Algiers thinking when he gave him his revelation?

For some reason, Rube’s expression looked a little cold.

“I don’t know what Algiers was thinking.”

“It’ll probably take a lifetime’s effort to understand what he meant. I’ll just have to try to understand him one step further.” 

His voice was unusually dry.

Silence ensued.

Eliana hesitated, opening and closing her mouth before she spoke first. “Rube, I appreciate your help, but I can’t leave the palace at the moment.”

It wasn’t clear whether she could tell him at this time, but it was definitely something she had to do.

“Because of His Majesty?”

Eliana nodded quietly.

Just because Rube prevented the ‘fate of death’ once does not guarantee he will continue.

Besides, he was acting slightly differently today, so she was scared.

It would be terrifying if he suddenly changed after helping her without asking for anything in return.

That said, it was not something she could control.

On the other hand, Verkley was in a different situation than Rube.

He needed her power.

So, they will try to maintain a friendly relationship until his use for her runs out.

This means that even if he changes his mind and wants to kill her, he can’t.

She wanted to avoid leaving the palace with Rube because it was too risky.

Eliana spoke with determination, “So I need your help. Please postpone the engagement with a reasonable excuse. And when I leave the palace as well.”

“…Alright.” Rube agreed in a rather dry voice.

Then, someone knocked on the door and urged that the ceremony needed to be held.

Eliana got up with her belongings.

Rube walked to the door first, touched the doorknob, and looked over his shoulder.

“Can I ask you just one question?”

“Go ahead.” Eliana stared up at him.

He moved his lips slightly. His mouth parted for a moment before he closed it, and Rube shook his head.

“It’s nothing.”

“What?” Eliana began, but Rube had already pulled open the door.

The priest who was waiting on the other side greeted them.

Eliana headed to the prayer room, having no idea what he wanted to say.

* * * 

Mary’s 2nd revelation ceremony was simple.

Here, it was cold, very unlike the ceremony at the Summer Palace, which was held grandly.

As this was a secret ceremony, nobody knew that the princess was going to the temple.

When Mary arrived at the Hosios Temple, she watched from afar, staring at those who had visited the temple with their own desires.

“This way.”

The priest beside Mary then dragged her to the prayer room where the ceremony would take place.

Mary followed the priest with a bright expression.

Mary’s head drooped in the mood of sinning in the presence of God.

Eliana and Rube were already waiting in the prayer room.

Mary’s gaze landed on the two, and she took a deep breath.

We can overlook this; just this once for Mother.

Lying wouldn’t hurt anybody anyway.

This situation will pass soon enough.

Mary ruled herself by repeating those words.

That’s when Eliana filled Mary’s vision, and she waved her hand.

Mary stepped into the prayer room with a light smile on her face.

The prayer room was very quiet.

The candle, which only barely lit the room, flickered dangerously.

As Mary knelt into position, Rube lifted his hand.

After a brief prayer, Rube held a handkerchief with a blue hawk and brought it to the candle.

The blue hawk caught a blaze.

The three of them watched the scene in silence.

The blue feathers did not fly, nor did the blue bird sing a roaring song.

There was only breathtaking silence.

Mary lowered her head.

As expected, her powers could not manifest.

Eliana, who was standing next to Mary, took her hand and squeezed.

Mary looked up at Eliana and smiled, gently holding her hand.

It was as if she were telling her there was nothing to worry about.

Mary turned away from Eliana, moved by the gesture.

Mary pressed her lips together, even as they slightly trembled.

Breaking the silence, Rube handed her a small box. “Make sure you always have this on you.”

“Thank you, Priest.” Mary thanked him without even confirming what was inside.

Eliana, who stood next to her, didn’t even question what it was. She already knew.

Mary quietly took out the object from the box.

It was a thin platinum bracelet.

The bracelet looked like a vine wrapping around her arm and molded to fit her size when she slid it on.

Then, it naturally sank into the back of her arm, leaving a white scar like a tattoo.

At that next moment, the clear sounds of birds chirping filled the prayer room.

The priests waiting outside must have heard them.

“Huu…” Mary breathed a deep sigh of relief.

‘With this, we’ve passed the hardest part.’

Mary touched the scar on her arm. The pattern on her skin was unfamiliar.

Eliana struggled to look at Mary’s bright smile.

In the end, Mary was recognized for her divine power, unlike in the novel.

Although the power belonged to Rube, few people knew.

There was no telling what kind of stir this would cause in the future.

She just hoped that Mary didn’t have to suffer anymore.

Eliana celebrated, plastering on a bright face. “Congratulations, Princess.”

“Thank you.” Mary was still smiling. But it looked somewhat bitter.

After a while, the scar on her arm disappeared.

Rube had been silently staring at it until he said, “You should hide your wrist as much as possible when using magic.”

“Yes.” 

On that day, it was announced to the Imperial City that Mary’s divine power had manifested.

Mary used her divine power in front of many as if she were the main actor of a professionally-planned scheme.

All while wearing a dress that snuggly covered her wrist.

 * * * 

Verkley stared out the window.

After Mary’s second ceremony, the atmosphere of the palace turned dreary.

It was as quiet as the eve of a storm, and in that silence, some people moved busily in search of their share. 

Verkley’s smile was suspicious.

A mockery of someone.

It was entertaining to see the clear urgency on Hera’s face while she pretended to be calm.

Verkley watched Mary from afar as she used her divine powers in front of everyone.

He knew he had stolen her power away, but after hearing how her power suddenly manifested, he had to see for himself.

And as soon as Mary used her divine powers, Verkley touched his stomach, holding back his laughter.

He’d been hoping this situation would play out in his wishes, and now that it had, all he felt for Mary was pity.

Verkley once sympathized with Hera and Mary.

At that time, it was hard to watch a mother and daughter arrive at the palace and be criticized by everyone.

However, thanks to Verkley and his mother’s firm actions, nobody dared to gossip in the palace.

They also managed to prevent the stories circulating outside the palace from entering the palace as much as they could.

Above all, his mother took care of the two with her entire heart.

Nor was she the one who prejudiced them just because they were strangers.

Rather, she sympathized with Hera’s unfortunate life.

His mother did not think badly of her, even when she lived in a hierarchical society and tried to overcome life with clearly set limits.

‘This is a snack I used to eat outside the palace. Its taste may be lowly for the empress.’

‘Nonsense. Don’t say that, Your Majesty.’

‘I told you it was lowly. How can you say that?’

‘You are now the queen consort. No one shall call you ‘lowly’ anymore.’

‘Truly? The Empress is a very kind person.’

Even when Hera pretended to belittle herself and tried to point out the empress’s hypocrisy, his mother only smiled.

‘I love the freedom Your Majesty has. The stories you tell of the world are pleasant.’

‘The Empress must envy me, as you were raised to be a prospective empress from a young age. I’ll tell you all about the world whenever I can.’

‘Yes, you’re right.’

His mother respected Hera’s life itself.

Without a doubt, there certainly are similarities in life with different textures.

She treated Hera and Mary without impunity and showed generous kindness to the best of her abilities.

She also defended Mary when she was harshly disciplined by Hera and often suffered even though she knew Hera’s insidious intent.

But what was it that she received in return?

T/N: Long time no see. (o´ω`o)ﾉ

I’d like to apologize for the lack of updates. I’m very stressed/busy with school, and updates will continue to be slow for a while, but please bear with me. Hopefully, I can get more chapters up soon.

Hope this chapter made your day. (°◡°♡)