CHAPTER 41.
“Greetings to the representative of the god Enes, the guardian of the sun and moon.”
Adele knelt according to etiquette, having finally met the true master of San Fidelio.
Though she had come all this way to meet him, it was only now, as she was about to leave, that she offered her greeting.
“Ah, the famed young lady of the Sergio family. Please, rise.”
“…My apologies.”
Just as she remembered from the last ceremony, the Archbishop seemed the very embodiment of benevolence.
Even his white beard matched his silver robe in sacred grandeur.
Just looking up at him evoked reverence—proof that not just anyone could attain such a position.
“Fate works in mysterious ways. To think we’d meet like this.”
“It must all be the will of God Enes.”
Having spent some time in the temple, Adele knew well how to say things that pleased her elders.
Still, no matter how kind the Archbishop appeared, Adele did not forget what her father had once told her.
Back then, he had sat beside her in the guest seats, looking at the Archbishop with a meaningful gaze.
“Never underestimate the rulers of the temple. Money may move people, but it’s faith that moves their hearts.”
“But he seems so kind! The Archbishop of San Fidelio, I mean.”
“Even killing ten thousand wouldn’t be enough to ascend to that position. And this is San Fidelio. My daughter is still too naive.”
At the time, she had taken offense and stayed silent. But now, seeing the man up close, she understood what her father had meant.
Just his smile was enough to make her review all her actions.
The Archbishop seemed like someone who could read minds.
‘And he’s also my father-in-law.’
Even if not by blood, as long as she was under the temple’s care, she couldn’t defy the Archbishop’s will.
He was a father figure to all priests and knights alike—Killian included.
“To hear there’s good news between you and our commander—it’s quite the surprise.”
“Ah… yes.”
His endlessly gentle smile pricked Adele’s conscience.
For someone to entrust their representative to a man so young—it was clear how much the Archbishop cherished Killian.
According to what Reynald had said, Killian had even saved the Archbishop’s life.
People joked they wanted to adopt every cute child they saw; of course, he’d treat Killian like a son.
“They say one can never predict affairs of the heart, but to progress so quickly…”
“…That’s…”
‘It’s all that man’s fault.’
Adele shot a side glance at Killian, but as always, she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
He should have explained things step-by-step, but instead, he knelt the moment they entered the inner sanctum.
“We seek your permission to marry, Your Grace, as the representative of God Enes.”
“…Commander, what are you—”
“I won’t rise until you grant your blessing.”
He really was impatient.
And now, holding her hand like it was his all along, it was no wonder they’d be misunderstood.
Sure, Adele might sell everything but her own body—but she wouldn’t go so far as to sell her conscience inside the sanctum.
Before the misunderstanding deepened, it was best to clarify.
“Forgive me, but I don’t believe this is the kind of marriage you think it is, Your Grace. This all stems from my situation…”
As she began to speak, not only did the Archbishop’s expression shift slightly, but Killian’s calm demeanor also changed.
He didn’t stop her, but his face showed discomfort.
Adele glanced at him and offered a brief explanation.
“…I see. I did think things seemed rather hasty.”
“It was an urgent situation.”
“Now that I think of it, it’s about time the Sergio family officially announced its successor.”
He didn’t seem surprised. Perhaps he had guessed before she said a word.
After all, no one here knew Killian better than the Archbishop. A flimsy excuse like “love at first sight” wouldn’t fool a man like him.
Trying to deceive him with shallow tricks might truly invite divine wrath.
Adele might survive such a curse on her own, but as the heir of the Yuden trading company, she could not afford it.
‘Well, it’s not like I forced this marriage on him.’
Killian had come to fetch her—it was his initiative.
All she had to do was stand quietly and nod as if in agreement.
“Lady Adele, do you have something to say?”
“Huh?”
Caught peeking at Killian, Adele blushed.
His gaze lingered on her faintly flushed cheeks, though she quickly looked away.
“No, just… I should be thanking you for permitting such a difficult matter.”
“Oh, think nothing of it. What could an old man like me say about a decision the two of you have already made?”
“…”
“However, I would like to ask just one thing.”
Of course.
No elder in power would let something end that easily.
He didn’t object, but Adele grew nervous. She had to remember that this marriage was a contract with clear terms.
“Please go ahead, Your Grace. If it’s your wish, I’ll do my utmost.”
“My dear, there’s no need for effort. This is a sacred union. What else would I wish for?”
“…Then?”
“Do not go back on your decision.”
His previously kind voice now carried unexpected weight.
What did he mean?
Adele bowed deeply, flustered.
After all the dishes she’d scrubbed and sacks of potatoes she’d boiled to get to this point, there was no way she could backtrack.
“Of course. I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“I trust that the young mistress of the Sergio family understands the weight of a promise. Marriage is no different.”
“Yes.”
Wait… is this like one of those “no refunds after opening” policies?
The more she realized the Archbishop’s intent, the more uneasy Adele felt.
It was like he was saying, “Don’t you dare erase your name from my son’s family register,” though she couldn’t understand why he stressed it so much.
“Once you’ve made a decision that only comes once in a lifetime, you must see it through—no matter what hardship or unexpected truths may come later.”
“Unexpected truths?”
“Everyone encounters disappointment or misunderstandings in life. Perhaps truths not yet known.”
Is there some flaw?
Without meaning to, Adele glanced at Killian.
From his moonlight hair to his jewel-like blue eyes, then further down… as her gaze drifted toward his strong legs, she quickly turned away.
‘I must be garbage.’
This was a holy place. And yet, she couldn’t think of any other possible flaws.
She’d heard his family was minor nobility, and she had verified his rank and character herself.
He was not only presentable—he was dazzling. Trying to find fault in him now, that one thing was the only possibility.
Honestly, hadn’t that been her biggest regret coming to San Fidelio?
She had convinced herself it was fine… but now, why did the emptiness feel so profound?
“Lady Adelaide.”
“Yes. There’s no need to worry about that.”
“Truly?”
“…”
Ah, is it that serious?
Seeing how brightly the Archbishop reacted, Adele forced her twitching lips into a smile.
She was emotionally drained over something that might not even be true.
With demure eyes perfect for gaining the elders’ trust, she nodded.
“Don’t worry. I’ve never turned away from my own decisions.”
“No matter what they may be?”
“…Of course.”
Wait a minute—how bad is it really?
Rising to her feet, Adele avoided looking at Killian.
She would carry this man with her as best she could—but more than anything, she wanted to leave this room.
‘This is no time to waste.’
Her father might already be home. If she wanted to arrive before Kayden and Noella returned, she was already running late.
“You have a long journey ahead. You should depart soon.”
“Thank you for your concern. Then, we’ll take our leave—”
“Before that, I’d like to ask for a simple oath.”
So thorough.
Behind that kind face was an unrelenting will. Adele clicked her tongue in awe.
Had he entered her line of business, they would’ve been formidable rivals.
Still, she wasn’t one to back down from sharp words behind a smile.
She had to tread carefully. If this were about marriage conditions, she’d comply—but this didn’t seem like that.
“I wonder if an oath is really necessary… Wouldn’t it be a waste of Your Grace’s time?”
“Nonsense. A mere old man like me has little else to offer. Let me at least do this small favor.”
“…Ha-ha.”
No matter how experienced she was, Adele couldn’t win against someone decades older.
Knowing this well, the Archbishop smiled and opened his arms.
“I won’t be able to attend your engagement ceremony since I can’t leave the sanctum. Ah, and I suppose this may feel lacking for someone like the Lady of Sergio.”
“Not at all. It’s an honor for someone like me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re to be the wife of our Commander.”
Each of his words wrapped around Adele like shackles.
Tension filled the air like it might ignite.
Then came the sound of footsteps.
Tap, tap.
Adele, weary, turned her head in relief.
Here, she thought, ready to ask for help—but Killian was already standing in front of the divine altar, head bowed, ready for the oath.
“…”
When did he get over there?
What had she been doing all this time?
While Adele stared in stunned silence, the Archbishop’s smile deepened.
“Come, let us begin. The commander is waiting.”
“…Yes, indeed.”
Unable to do otherwise, Adele walked over to Killian.
Despite trying to be cautious in front of the Archbishop, she now fully realized: this man was really going to be her husband.
“Let’s get married.”
From their first meeting until now, a short but long journey flickered like a dream.
The Archbishop placed his hands on their heads.
“O great God Enes, grant light to the future of these two souls.”
Like standing in sunlight, warmth spread from the Archbishop’s hands.
Golden light enveloped her, making Adele flinch.
‘Why does this feel so serious!’
She had thought it was just a blessing—but the more the light flowed, the more she felt crushed.
But Killian stood perfectly still, so maybe this was routine for the Archbishop.
Adele closed her eyes to follow suit.
“May the power of the god bind these two as one…”
Honestly, it wasn’t unbearable.
Receiving the Archbishop’s blessing wasn’t something that happened often, and it was an honor Adele would never have had without Killian.
She calmed herself, thinking of the business opportunities that would follow.
“And should either turn their back on this sacred union…”
“I shall atone with my life.”
…Huh?
Adele’s eyes snapped open.
Who agreed to that?!
She nearly choked, but Killian was swift and solemn.
“With this lowly life, I shall repay the sin of betraying divine faith.”
Wait—do I have to say that too?
Sweat gathered on her nose. She wiped it with her sleeve.
Who knew a contractual marriage would require betting her life?
She hadn’t even unwrapped the man yet.
Desperately, she looked to the Archbishop—but he merged their light into one, as if to say:
No returns.
The message was clear.
“Hoho, with your vows, this old man can now step back in peace.”
He said “your vows,” but those sharp eyes were fixed only on her.
Though it felt like the man was being forced upon her, Killian said not a word.
Was he always this obedient?
Adele glared, feeling duped.
“Oh, Lady Adelaide, you agree as well, don’t you?”
“Ah…”
The Archbishop clearly wasn’t going to let her go without a response. And Killian, of course, wasn’t going to save her.
What are you doing?
His urging gaze was as intense as the Archbishop’s.
Taking a breath, Adele met his heavy stare and began:
“O representative of the great god Enes, I, Adelaide Sergio, vow that this noble Commander beside me shall, for the rest of his life…”
She looked up at the Archbishop.
As heir to the Sergio family, she never made promises lightly.
Whether or not the gods would bless them, she knew one thing for certain:
“He will have everything he desires… and I won’t let a drop of water touch his fingertips.”
This man had just become the husband of the wealthiest woman in the South.
