It was like a gamble. Louella has no idea if the priests really delivered her letter. She could see how the letter was delivered in accordance with the answer she would get as a reply.

The pressure of this temple would be applied to their family, or finally, according to Leander’s action. No matter how naive the priest looked, she just couldn’t trust that priest. The Crown Prince looked like that as well. She didn’t know if that priest would run to the Crown Prince with the letter she wrote.

The fact that she had even written the letter that could actually stimulate both sides of the parties’ interests.

“I’ll deliver it safely.” The priest, who nodded loudly with a tearful face, made a promise to her several times and left the room.

The priest, who was left alone to monitor her, left the door slightly open and stood with an expressionless face. It was the face one would usually have if he had the will to talk to her.

“Why are you obedient to the Crown Prince?”

“The temple shares its destiny with the Imperial Family. It is the law to follow the orders of the Emperor and the Crown Prince as much as possible. The Imperial Family was chosen by White Uroboros. The priests can’t disobey. It is the believers who follow the word of God, so I can’t help but follow it.”

“So it’s not the will of the priests?” The girl’s anxious face was seen through the door.

The priest who met Louella’s eyes said. “Apart from that, I know what’s going on out there right now. You can’t ignore the power of the aristocrats. I know what was going to happen when you suddenly got taken into custody for nothing. They’ll question how it was even possible for someone with great nobility to become like this, and they’ll never be able to avoid this. A misfortune.”

“You’ve got it right. Even if it wasn’t for me to be trapped, or if it was just the love of the Crown Prince, the nobles certainly wouldn’t stay still and let it slide. It’s not because I’m such an important figure of the noble family. The aristocracy has a separate power from the Imperial Family and they hate being controlled resulting in more problems arising.”

The aristocracy’s sense of privilege, the arrogance that they have.  No matter how great the Imperial Family is, they will not be able to touch nobles carelessly. They consist of a greater amount of the population. Now, this is a great cause that would shake the whole world.

“I can’t completely guarantee what will happen either. But, my lord. If you help me, I promise you that there will never be much damage to the priests.” There has been no return of an answer since she said that.

It was just that the face of the priest, who looked deeply troubled and anxious, was reflected through the sparsely open gap of the door.

It was dinner time when the reply came back. The new officer who carried her letter was already back. The priest held out a letter to Louella with a pale face.

“You have to write your reply, lady!”

“Thank you.” Louella split the envelope with a paper-knife.

The letter fell on the desk with a snap. She sent the priest out and read the letter to herself.

[Glad to hear that you’re safe, Louella. I’m so glad to hear that. You’re not hurt? Where does it hurt? I don’t know what’s going on here. I’m going to take care here as you suggested. You’ll be able to get out of there soon. I promise. May my daughter, someone’s protection be with you. You should be doing well there, too.] Louella couldn’t tell anything from the letter.

She didn’t know what would happen to the letter, so she seemed to hide her words as much as she could. Then, the only thing she could do was wait for the results.

* * *

Gerald went down the abyss, holding his stomach. He also felt worried as his parents stood behind Gerald’s back waiting for him to return to the mansion. But he headed to the basement without saying anything.

But now he doesn’t care about anyone or anything anymore. I lost it again. I’ll never lose it again. I’ll protect you no matter what. The promises that he had made living his life three times fell into the ground broken and scattered.

Gerald missed out on Louella again this time. He could not tolerate this situation. The Black Uroboros greeted Gerald, who stumbled down.

[Right. Didn’t I say you shouldn’t go to the temple?!] Shouting sharply, the Black Uroboros came up to Gerald and helped him.

The black snake sighed, energizing Gerald. [You’re a foolish and brave person]