Chapter 53
Investigation of the Truth (1)
Personal business with Hürrem, huh? Hmm… this sounds ominous.
What could she be calling me for this time…?
In my opinion, Hürrem was one of those unpredictable people—like a rubber ball that could bounce off in any direction.
After meeting her several times, I learned that she wasn’t exactly a bad person, but she wasn’t someone you could feel entirely at ease around either.
Sensing my unease, Aziz gave a small chuckle and said,
“You don’t have to be so nervous. I think she just wants to ask about your cat’s treatment and maybe pass along a few words.”
“So it’s nothing serious, then?”
“Yes. Though I can’t say for sure what’s going on in that woman’s head, it doesn’t seem like anything grave.”
Relieved by the words of the person who probably understood Hürrem best, I let out a small sigh.
Even Süleyman, her own son, often shook his head and said, “I’ll never understand my mother.” So it wasn’t strange that I felt this way.
“Alright, I’ll go see her.”
“Yes, I’ll escort you. Let’s go.”
After my class ended, I met up with Arin, and together we headed toward the Sultan’s garden.
The garden, where I had first met Hürrem, was still lush and vibrant.
Despite being deep inside the palace grounds, the sound of birds chirping and water trickling filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere.
Breathing in the refreshing scent of grass, I walked along cheerfully until I could see Hürrem seated in a pavilion in the distance.
Aziz and Arin stopped walking when we were about twenty meters away from her.
“We’ll wait here. Please, go ahead.”
Realizing they’d stopped far enough that our conversation wouldn’t be overheard, I silently nodded.
As I approached the pavilion, adorned with intricate mosaics and marble, a waiting servant hurried forward to guide me.
“You’re here. Sit wherever you like,” Hürrem said leisurely, stroking the cat resting on her lap.
After bowing politely, I sat across from her and gazed at the cat.
What an unusual pattern.
The feline, whose fur pattern resembled that of a leopard, was curled up and purring contentedly.
Despite its wild appearance, the way it dozed happily on its mistress’s lap was quite endearing.
Without realizing it, the corners of my mouth lifted as I spoke softly.
“What a beautiful cat. How old is it?”
“Hehe, thank you. This little one is already over fifteen years old. That’s quite old for a cat.”
Hmm, that’s impressive—even for a cat.
Nodding, I broached what I suspected was the main topic.
“Aziz mentioned there’s a sick cat here… is it this one?”
“If you already heard, then that saves me some explaining. I got this cat when I was pregnant with Süleyman. It’s been with me almost my whole life in this palace, so it’s very dear to me.”
Hürrem looked down at the elderly cat sleeping on her lap, her expression shadowed with worry.
“But lately, it can’t seem to move its hind legs well. Now it can’t even walk.”
“Oh no…”
“And it seems to be in pain too—it whimpers at night. It only sleeps when I hold it like this.”
Having once lived as a cat owner myself in my previous life, I felt a pang of sympathy.
“Let me see what I can do.”
Standing up, I approached and carefully examined the leopard-patterned cat.
When I touched its hind legs, they were stiff—almost like stone.
“What do you think? Can you help?”
“Hmm… I’ll give it a try.”
I closed my eyes and began to concentrate, channeling my energy calmly as I had done before.
Thanks to the abundance of natural energy in the area, my sacred power flowed even more smoothly than usual.
With a paah! sound, radiant light scattered like shards of glass across the ground.
And then—
“Meooow!”
The cat jumped off Hürrem’s lap, stretched gracefully, and began darting energetically around the pavilion.
“Looks like it worked. Thank goodness.”
The weak, sleepy cat from moments ago was now full of life.
“I’d only heard stories, but seeing it with my own eyes… it truly is amazing.”
Hürrem’s quiet murmur carried a hint of disbelief, making me scratch my cheek awkwardly.
Smiling fondly, she reached down to pet the lively cat, clearly overjoyed.
“It makes me happy to see this one walking again. Thank you, Ishtar.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. If there are any more sick cats, feel free to call me anytime. I’m not far away.”
“I appreciate that, but actually, there’s something else I wanted to ask of you.”
Curious, I tilted my head slightly.
Hürrem straightened up, her expression turning serious.
“You may have heard from Süleyman—recently there have been troubling incidents in the capital. Assaults, fights in the alleys, growing unrest. It’s getting serious enough that some are whispering about riots.”
My eyes widened in surprise.
Riots? This is the first I’ve heard of that…
If things were that bad, the situation must be quite dire.
But Süleyman had always avoided telling me anything that might worry me.
Just when I thought we’d become close enough to share deeper thoughts, he’d kept something like this from me.
Feeling a little disappointed, I looked down.
Hürrem noticed my reaction and continued gently,
“As things worsen, the number of injured civilians grows too. Unfortunately, our kingdom doesn’t yet have enough facilities to care for the people.”
“So, what you want to ask me is…”
“That’s right. I’d like you to go out sometimes and heal the citizens. Of course, I don’t expect you to work for free. You’ll be properly rewarded.”
At the mention of “reward,” my gloomy eyes instantly brightened, which made Hürrem chuckle softly.
“You once said you’d like to live outside the palace someday. I’ll gift you a large house in the capital. You could stay there whenever you need a break from Süleyman’s… antics.”
Hmm, this feels… oddly like a rich mother-in-law trying to win me over with money.
After a brief moment of thought, I concluded that it wasn’t a bad deal at all.
I can get out of this stifling palace, gain some real experience, and get a house too. Triple win!
And considering who was offering, it surely wouldn’t be a shabby house.
Then I remembered promising Arin, “I’ll buy you a house in the capital someday.”
Well, I guess I’ll just consider this her early retirement bonus.
Thinking of poor Arin—who’d worked tirelessly under a boss that turned into a cat without warning—I felt a twinge of guilt.
So, I nodded in agreement.
“Alright. The offer’s too good to refuse. I’ll do it.”
“Hehe, I like how honest you are. I’ll give the order to prepare the house within a month.”
Hürrem signaled to a nearby servant, who bowed and hurried away.
Wow, she really moves fast.
As I marveled inwardly, Hürrem spoke again,
“Oh, and your official affiliation will soon be moved to the temple. Your rank will be that of a senior priest, with a corresponding salary.”
“Huh…? A priest? Me?”
In this kingdom, the title of “priest” wasn’t divided by gender—anyone with sufficient sacred power was called one and held in great esteem.
But me? A priest? That felt… strange.
“I’m fine as I am now… is that really necessary?”
“I’ve heard people’s perception of you has changed since you started healing them. I’m sure you’ve noticed it too.”
I nodded slightly.
It was true—those who could wield divine or magical power were rare across the continent. I stood out, no question.
“Ishtar, once you begin helping people outside the palace, there will be talk—rumors, attention. If you’re officially tied to the temple, it’ll give you protection and freedom to act.”
So that’s it. She’s thought this all through.
Come to think of it, encouraging me to do public healing might also help strengthen Süleyman’s standing.
As expected, not someone to underestimate.
As I gave her a thoughtful look, Hürrem picked up her cat again, cradling it in her arms.
“By the way, how are things with my son? He’s not giving you too much trouble, is he?”
“Uh… n-no, not really…”
Well, he’s been trying to give me a different kind of trouble lately, I thought bitterly but kept my mouth shut.
“My son may look handsome, but he’s a bit of a dullard. If he ever disappoints you, don’t hesitate to kick him to the curb.”
“E-Excuse me? Disappoint me how?”
“Oh my, don’t tell me you two haven’t yet?”
I practically yelled, “We’re not like that!” loud enough to echo through the garden.
Hürrem just looked at my flustered face with amusement before rising gracefully to leave.
Completely drained, I trudged back to my room with slumped shoulders.
