Chapter 98……………………..
After hearing Cassius’s story, I became certain that it would be better to properly inform my father rather than just getting married silently.
If I reported it after the wedding, my father would be even more flustered, and instead of growing closer, we would drift further apart.
I also preferred to resolve any lingering tension rather than live without speaking to him forever.
Cassius spoke.
“It’s perfect timing to take a break. How about visiting Count Theodore’s mansion this evening?”
“Tonight, right away?”
“Yes. My evening schedule is free anyway.”
Originally, a prayer meeting was supposed to be held in the Main Temple, but it was canceled due to the appearance of the Morning Star and the death of the Tower Master.
‘Well, there’s no immediate solution right now…’
Thinking that Lloyd, who had switched bodies, might be hiding somewhere watching me, I didn’t want to just stay idle.
But no matter how much I racked my brain, there was no way to find Lloyd immediately.
It would be better for the future to rest rather than to worry myself sick.
He would come looking for me eventually.
“Alright. Should I send a letter in advance?”
“No. I will visit in my own name.”
My father would certainly oppose it, but my mother would welcome both me and Cassius.
‘Mother, please stay strong!’
No matter how reluctant he was, my father would have no choice but to permit the visit if my mother persuaded him.
But that didn’t mean everything would be resolved.
‘Will it really be okay?’
My father didn’t seem to approve of me becoming a priest or of Cassius.
Perhaps it was because Cassius was a noble of the Holy Kingdom; my father seemed even more displeased.
My father was decisive in his likes and dislikes; once he disliked someone, he openly expressed his displeasure.
Even if the person was royal, if he thought he was right, he would not bend—my father was like that.
Although he would be my future father-in-law, Cassius’s rank was far higher.
In this subtle hierarchy, it seemed difficult for either of us to maintain proper etiquette.
‘I already feel a headache coming on.’
Imagining a tense, icy confrontation made my head ache.
I decided to warn Cassius in advance just in case.
“My father doesn’t easily open his heart to others. He might upset you.”
“If it’s Sonia’s family, I don’t mind if he’s rude to me.”
“He might even speak harshly on purpose.”
Once, I had seen my father converse with a priest in complete silence, and it was terrifying.
Although it sounded refined, he essentially said things that were no better than insults.
I looked at Cassius.
Even seeing his faint smile seemed to tell me not to worry.
“I am somewhat prepared. If I had a daughter like Sonia, I don’t think I would approve of a suitor either. So I have no intention of backing down just because I might be insulted.”
“….”
“Ah, of course, I will speak politely.”
He quickly added that he had no intention of fighting with my father.
I suppressed my anxiety.
Contrary to my worry, it might go smoothly.
Even if he disliked the Holy Kingdom, my father was a good man.
For now, I decided to trust Cassius and prepare in advance for the conversation with my father.
Cassius kissed my forehead, lost in thought.
“Rest until you receive word. I will come to meet you at the appointed time.”
“Understood.”
With that, Cassius disappeared to handle the remaining matters, and I returned to the secondary palace.
That afternoon.
Thanks to my mother’s persuasive skills, my father finally gave his permission, and I was able to visit Count Theodore’s mansion with Cassius.
I was glad it had been easier than I expected.
But another problem arose.
‘What should I wear?’
All I had were priest robes.
Two kinds: the ordinary priest robe I wore as a disguise, and the one for the Holy Kingdom’s priesthood.
My father already disliked the Holy Kingdom.
How would he feel if his daughter, whom he wished had never become a priest, appeared wearing a priest robe?
‘I’m not trying to start a fight!’
It felt like I was ignoring my father’s feelings and insisting on my own way.
A formal Empire-style dress would have been appropriate for meeting him, but since I had secretly entered the Empire, I hadn’t packed anything like a dress or even regular outing clothes.
If I had known the Morning Star would act like a public display, I should have brought the dress Cassius had sent me for the ball.
‘What should I do?’
Should I go into the city right now and buy some ordinary clothes?
There was still time.
I could go to the dress shop, adjust the measurements of a pre-made outfit, and make it in time.
Just then, someone knocked on my door.
“Who is it?”
A strange woman’s voice answered.
“I am a tailor from Rosevel, sent at Your Highness’s request.”
Jürgen was stationed at my door for protection.
Since he didn’t stop them, they must really be from Rosevel.
‘Perfect timing.’
When Cassius and I had arranged to visit the mansion, I hadn’t even thought about the clothing.
But it seemed Cassius had noticed I had nothing suitable to wear and had prepared this in advance.
Thanks to the Rosevel tailors appearing just when I needed them, I felt saved.
He always takes the time to anticipate what I need and carefully prepare it.
I could feel how much he cared about me.
‘Thank you, Cassius.’
Full of gratitude, I shouted with all my heart.
“Please come in!”
The door opened, and a line of tailors entered carrying huge bags.
They seemed to have gathered everyone from the shop, as there were quite a few of them.
Fortunately, the secondary palace had enough space to accommodate them all.
They opened their bags and began arranging various items on the table.
“Excuse us, Priestess.”
Since they didn’t address me as Saint, it seemed Cassius hadn’t revealed my identity.
But some of them seemed to recognize that I was a healing priestess.
One employee, smiling faintly, made eye contact with me. She raised a tape measure with a grin.
“We brought dresses pre-made from Rosevel. We’d like to adjust them to your measurements. Could you stand here?”
They probably had many questions about the newly arisen Saint, but as professionals working with high-ranking nobles, they refrained from asking.
The Rosevel employee measured my body.
“How would you like the skirt width?”
“Make it easy to move in.”
“Understood!”
I understood why Rosevel was such a famous dress shop, known even across the Empire and the Holy Kingdom.
The tailors measured, cut, and pinned the garments in rapid succession.
Watching the dress take shape so quickly was fascinating.
“I will help you change clothes.”
Once the work was done, the tailor guided me to a mirror and assisted me in putting on the dress.
The dress had a calm tone—not flashy but with an elegant, classical feel.
‘Honestly, a ball gown would be over the top.’
The purpose was not to dance in front of many people, but to speak with my parents.
So a moderately appropriate dress was better than a lavish, unnecessary one.
Finally, the tailor tied a ribbon at my waist with a proud smile.
“It suits you perfectly, as if it was made for you from the start!”
“Really. This olive-colored fabric highlights your silver hair beautifully.”
The gathered tailors murmured in admiration.
Standing before the mirror, I lightly held the hem and looked around.
It felt neat, and it was easy to move in, which I liked very much.
A satisfied smile naturally appeared.
“Thank you. They say Rosevel is the best in the continent—it’s not an exaggeration.”
“Hoho, we’re pleased to show you Rosevel’s dresses. And this outfit was personally chosen by His Highness. He seems to have an excellent eye.”
While I rested in my room, it seemed Cassius had gone to Rosevel.
Not only did he acquire the clothes immediately from a shop that is hard to reserve, but he even sent them on delivery—his abilities seemed limitless.
The Rosevel employees also helped with my hair as the final touch.
Just as preparations were complete, Jürgen called from outside.
“His Highness has arrived.”
As the door opened, the tailors bowed politely.
Cassius wore an Empire-style suit, not the Holy Kingdom’s formal attire.
Since he usually wore priest robes, casual clothes felt unfamiliar.
In a fitted suit rather than loose robes, his body looked even more strong and sleek than usual.
Seeing him in casual clothes, which I rarely did, made my heart race.
I felt I might never fully get used to his beauty.
He smiled with his eyes at me and approached without a sound.
“It suits you even better than I imagined.”
Whispering that, he gently brushed my cheek with the back of his hand.
“Your cheeks are red.”
“…Cassius, you’re just too handsome.”
“Seeing you happy, I think you should wear casual clothes more often. Shall we go?”
I nodded, gently took his hand, and got into the carriage prepared outside the secondary palace.
