Chapter 14
Sylvia watched Julia’s figure as she walked away, then turned her gaze to the Duke of Werner.
“Did Lady Julia go to the temple today?”
“Yes, she did.”
“Was it because of her Saint duties?”
After speaking, Sylvia took a sip of wine.
“Something like that. To be exact, she went there for you.”
“For me?”
Sylvia blinked in surprise at the unexpected answer.
“Yes. The temple must be informed that you have returned. Julia went there herself to do that.”
“Oh, I see. Then… when should I go to the temple?”
“You can go when you feel ready.”
“Is that really okay?”
“Yes. If you still feel uncomfortable, I can ask the temple to delay it.”
“No. I want to go even tomorrow.”
Sylvia spoke firmly.
If she had to face it anyway, she thought it would be better to face it sooner.
Once she went to the temple, they would determine whether she was truly a Saint or not.
And that would also reveal whether she was really Vivian.
She could take more time, but she didn’t want to drag this on any longer.
“Vivian, if that is what you want, there is no need to wait. Then go tomorrow with Julia.”
“Yes.”
* * *
After finishing her meal, Sylvia headed to the central garden before returning to her room.
She wanted to clear her mind after everything that had happened today.
“…Oh.”
When she arrived, someone was already there.
A woman with water-colored hair, dancing as if she had become one with glowing, transparent fairies.
It was Julia.
Forgetting that it might be rude, Sylvia stood still, completely captivated.
It was as if Julia had become one with the fairies.
The fairies followed her fingertips, scattering and gathering again.
Each time, their light brightened and dimmed the surroundings.
It felt like something out of a dream.
After some time, Julia’s dance finally stopped.
Sylvia, who had been watching in a daze, instinctively raised her hands and clapped.
Only then did Julia notice her presence.
Frowning, she looked at Sylvia with displeasure.
“Were you spying on me?”
Startled by her irritated tone, Sylvia waved her hands quickly.
“No! I just came out for some fresh air and… I couldn’t leave because it was so beautiful.”
“….”
“If that was rude, I’m truly sorry, Lady Julia.”
Sylvia lowered her shoulders, feeling guilty.
Julia watched her quietly, then let out a small sigh.
“It’s fine. Next time, let me know you’re there.”
“Yes, I’ll remember that.”
Sylvia’s face brightened immediately.
Julia looked at her for a moment, then clicked her tongue slightly and walked past her.
“Lady Julia!”
Sylvia quickly called out to her.
“What?”
Julia replied shortly and coldly.
After hesitating, Sylvia spoke,
“Tomorrow… when you go to the temple, may I go with you?”
“….”
Even though she had already spoken with the Duke, Sylvia still wanted to confirm Julia’s opinion.
After a moment of silence, Julia slowly nodded.
“Do as you wish.”
“What time will you go?”
“Around ten in the morning.”
“I’ll be ready by then.”
Sylvia smiled brightly.
Julia stared at her, one eyebrow slightly raised, as if she didn’t understand.
“Aren’t you worried?”
In the end, Julia asked.
Sylvia tilted her head, not fully understanding.
“About what?”
“You might not be Vivian.”
Julia crossed her arms and slowly walked closer.
“Once we go to the temple, they will determine whether you truly have the qualities of a Saint.”
She stopped right in front of Sylvia.
Looking into her blue eyes, Sylvia gave a bitter smile.
“Actually… that’s exactly why I want to go as soon as possible.”
“What?”
Julia looked surprised.
From her perspective, this was unexpected.
If Sylvia was proven not to be Vivian, she would lose everything she had now.
And since she wasn’t even sure herself, it should be frightening.
Normally, someone would delay such a test as much as possible.
But Sylvia was different.
Even though she was worried, she wanted to confirm the truth as soon as she could.
Julia found that strange.
“What if it turns out you’re not Vivian?”
Julia asked, frowning.
“Well… then it can’t be helped.”
“I still have that written agreement.”
“An agreement? Ah…!”
Julia finally remembered.
The agreement the Duke had written, stating that Sylvia would not be held responsible even if she wasn’t Vivian.
Only then did Julia nod in understanding.
“So you won’t suffer any disadvantage.”
“Hehe, that too… but more than anything, I don’t want to keep feeling anxious.”
Sylvia smiled softly.
Julia also showed a faint smile.
“Alright. Then let’s go to the temple together tomorrow. They’ve been eager to see you anyway.”
“Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After hearing her, Julia turned away without hesitation and left the garden.
Watching her back, Sylvia let out a quiet sigh.
It was hard to understand Julia.
Does she dislike me?
Her cold tone and blunt attitude could make it seem that way.
But at times, she was unexpectedly kind.
Then what is it?
After thinking for a while, Sylvia held her head in confusion.
Soon, she shook off her thoughts and returned to her room.
* * *
The next day, at ten in the morning,
Sylvia, fully prepared, waited in the mansion lobby.
Soon, Julia appeared, also ready.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No, I just came down too.”
“I see.”
Julia stepped outside first, and Sylvia followed.
The carriage was already prepared.
As soon as they got in, it began to move.
Unlike the Duke, Julia remained silent during the ride, quietly reading a book.
Not wanting to disturb her, Sylvia gently closed her eyes.
* * *
“We’ve arrived.”
After a long ride, the coachman announced.
Sylvia opened her eyes and looked at Julia.
Julia had already put her book aside and was ready to get down.
The door opened.
Julia stepped out first, followed by Sylvia.
In front of them stood a group of people.
All of them were wearing priest robes.
Julia approached them naturally and greeted the one at the front.
“Hello, Priest Raiden.”
“Greetings, Lady Julia. You’ve arrived early.”
“Vivian wanted to be checked as soon as possible.”
After speaking, Julia looked at Sylvia.
Everyone else followed her gaze.
“Ah… so this is…!”
“Yes. She is the one believed to be Vivian Werner.”
Unlike the Duke, Julia did not state it as a certainty.
She only spoke of the possibility.
