CHAPTER 35
According to priestess Yoran, Rafael’s pure holy power continues to stimulate her own, helping it heal. But if it grows unchecked, it could overwhelm her body.
“This won’t do. You need to learn how to control your holy energy.”
Yoran spoke decisively—no room for compromise.
It made sense: every time she encountered demonic energy, her power automatically cleansed it. Yoran meant well, but Luisa agreed more out of fear that her abilities might reveal themselves. So far, luck had held, but if the cleansing kept triggering unexpectedly, hiding her gift would be impossible.
She just wanted to heal quietly—but it seemed fate had other plans. If her holy power grows, she’ll have to learn to wield it, and then openly using it might expose her secret. The thought made her uneasy.
“Because of Rafael… and now this, I’ll have to visit the temple regularly. Ugh, it’s already such a chore.”
She closed her eyes, leaning back. The temple plan became more tangled when Yoran added a condition:
“You must spend as much time as possible with Rafael.”
The logic was that being near him stabilizes her power and protects her body—but that sounded impossible.
“Sigh… life.”
She hated to move but the world wouldn’t let her be. She stood, heading back to her room—sleep seemed the best escape.
Just then, a knock came.
“…Come in.”
“Milady, a letter arrived!”
A letter? She wondered as Lady Meri handed it to her.
“Hm?”
“Is something wrong, milady?”
“Oh, no. Just go about your day.” She waved Meri away and sat down, surprised at the quick reply. She hadn’t expected the Countess of Dario to respond so soon.
Could this be compensation sent by fate?
The countess hadn’t only offered help sourcing glue—she’d also shown interest in wine.
A new wine? If Luisa was intrigued, the countess suggested, she’d like a detailed briefing. In a merchant family, that signaled interest in distribution.
Without hesitation, Luisa drafted a reply: have the manufacturer send samples, taste them, and if satisfactory, discuss a distribution agreement. Albero Roje oversaw production and management, but handling exports required a partner—the Dario house could fill that.
Luisa smiled, “This is the taste of life… Hardly peaceful, but if I’m going to live anyway, I might as well live well—sitting on money.”
Meri collected the letter and she strolled into the garden, determined to plant the two purified relics from Yoran into her secret greenhouse.
“Haha, what lovely weather today!”
She grinned widely at the clearing skies.
Later, lounging on her bed under a crimson sunset, she heard a servant call:
“Father says he wants to invite you to dinner.”
“Hm… I see.”
Just that morning, the Templar Duke had visited with dinner plans. Although family meals were normal, inviting her now felt unexpected—especially since the Duke rarely left his watch duties. But perhaps that was why this felt special.
“Will it be a feast since he’s back?”
She yawned and got up. Turning the corner, she collided with a trembling servant who immediately fell into tears:
“I’m so sorry… Please, don’t hurt me!”
Luisa snorted in disbelief—this poor servant seemed convinced Luisa had intended harm.
“Are you okay?” she asked coolly.
“I’m s-sorry! P-please bless my hands!” the woman cried.
Luisa stopped mid-step.
“No,” she said, halting the girl’s panic.
Then, gently:
“You hurt your hand. Go find some medicine.”
“Hic… …Okay!”
The servant sobbed in surprise as Luisa walked away. Watching her go, the girl’s eyes glistened with confusion at this kindness.
Dinner was delicious. The table was piled with dishes, and even a taste or two was filling. The atmosphere was relaxed—soft clinks of cutlery, no need for idle chatter.
“Rafael must still be on guard duty,” she mused, glancing at his empty place.
By dessert, Duke Blake finally spoke:
“Are you feeling well?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
His violet eyes flickered with something deep—a ripple none noticed.
“Soon, results will come from the East. Stay strong.”
“Ah…”
Luisa nodded slowly. The reminder sparked a flicker of concern. Sure, holy water had helped—but if treatments from the East arrived, how would she handle them? What if the unknown had risks?
“Do not worry. Nothing is impossible for us.”
“Yes, Luisa. Why do you always seem doubtful?”
The Duke misread her hesitation—she wasn’t losing hope, just bracing herself for complications ahead.
“When did I…? I am fine. And Father, I really am improving! The holy water works, right?”
“Luisa…”
“If it puts your mind at ease, fetch more holy water. We must also focus on potential treatments.”
“Well… if more holy water will help…”
“…Then that’s decided. I’ll instruct Brown.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled inwardly—staying near Rafael might be impossible, but at least filling up on holy water for emergencies felt wise.
It’s like I’m reading a synopsis and not an actual chapter. Sigh.