Chapter 10
Startled, Cassie stiffened for a moment, then let out an incredulous breath and tilted her head at Headwin with a sideways glare.
“How have you managed to endure until now?”
“I thought I had to endure it. Born with vast potential but without any ties to the great, I believed that no matter how much those of noble blood disliked me, I had no choice but to bear it.”
If I didn’t, I would be expelled from the temple and sent back to the gutter of life. They all had backing from influential priests or hailed from noble families that had produced skilled clergy for generations. But I had no bloodline, no connections, nothing.
‘Yes, I even thought about quitting because it was dirty and unfair.’
But just before leaving, Coco’s cold words changed my mind. Not only that, but thanks to Coco giving a tip to the priests, I even had a chance to meet with the Pope.
The Pope came from a distinguished noble family that had historically produced competent priests. For someone like that, he was surprisingly straightforward, though when I first met him, I was shocked at his harsh face, more reminiscent of a mercenary than a priest.
Moreover, he spoke boldly. Seeing Headwin being bullied, he said to him in a hearty laugh:
“So you’re finally here? I thought you’d have run away in fear.”
At that moment, Headwin thought of both the gruff old man and Coco. Even the comments about running away were annoyingly similar.
Anyway, the Pope said this to Headwin:
“Why shrink back? No matter how important bloodline is, the only person who will sit here is the one who proves their outstanding talent and skill.”
Then pointing at Headwin, he added:
“You, with talent that may even surpass me someday, are likely the most promising. And you seem reasonably smart, too.”
It was essentially the Pope naming Headwin as the next potential high priest. After meeting the Pope, Headwin thought long and hard and came to a conclusion.
If, thanks to Coco’s words, he had the determination not to quit, there was no need to hide and endure passively.
He realized just how foolish he had been until now.
Even with such talent and skill, he had been living in fear. He could never relinquish his potential in the temple. Knowing this, Headwin decided not to merely suffer anymore.
Normally, he would have ignored Cassie’s teasing with a polite smile, but this time it was different.
Even if he were about to become a priest soon, the Pope had a strong personality but was kind to the people. There were countless ways to conceal a gentle side while remaining firm. Headwin ultimately learned to smile pleasantly while mocking.
He was quick to learn the cruel ways.
‘Endurance isn’t everything. If I have legitimate skill, there’s no reason to bow.’
Headwin began to gradually become a terror in speech. He had always disliked human contact and avoided it.
“Ha, so? Even after realizing all this, do you feel like putting on airs?”
Cassie mocked.
“You can’t exactly use the kind of curses you yelled at fools outside, can you?”
But the sharp curse that slipped out instantly left Cassie flustered. Unlike the aristocratic Cassie, Headwin had grown up on the dirt floor, so his cursing was naturally better—but his gentle, radiant smile contrasted sharply with the savage words, leaving Cassie visibly stunned.
“Speak kindly and get along. I don’t want to cause unnecessary trouble.”
The voice was so gentle that Cassie briefly confused the meaning of “trouble,” wondering if it really referred to an accident.
When Cassie didn’t move, Headwin closed the distance and looked down coldly. The pressure made Cassie gasp.
“Go.”
Hesitating, Cassie rubbed her neck, then bolted away in fear.
“You need to show your temper for them to understand.”
Clicking his tongue, Headwin turned, locking eyes with Coco peeking out from behind a pillar.
“….”
“….”
Just like the previous encounter, a strange silence settled over the room.
Why did he always end up seeing this man’s true nature inadvertently? Coco wondered.
After meeting Headwin, she had gotten lost thinking about the story, only to find him engaged in a tense conversation with another seminarians.
It seemed he completely blocked the path, making it difficult to pass unnoticed.
Not wanting to get involved, Coco preemptively said:
“I didn’t see anything.”
Hearing that, Headwin looked momentarily surprised, then shrugged as if it didn’t matter. There was no need to hide himself anymore.
He could now openly mock Coco without worrying about consequences.
“Did anyone say anything?”
“No. I just preemptively spoke to prevent complaints.”
Headwin’s face darkened frighteningly. He spat out sharply:
“Don’t ever do that again.”
Annoyed at the calm expression, Coco turned and ran, leaving Headwin dumbfounded, his mouth hanging open. Sighing, he headed to the prayer room.
Since deciding not to bow down, he’d never experienced this before. Why did he keep losing his words to that girl?
“Coco, come on in.”
Seeing Venus greet her brightly, Coco’s anxious heart relaxed slightly. The warmth of her gaze and smile was always a little embarrassing but never unwelcome.
“Venus, you look quite well today.”
“Yes, I’m feeling better. That’s a relief.”
Even as she spoke, Venus couldn’t hide a trace of bitterness. Her face looked like someone who had just sipped bitter tea, but she quickly composed herself and gestured for Coco to sit beside her.
Coco perched on the bed, facing Venus. Venus seemed to have something on her mind. Hesitating to speak, Coco prompted her.
“If you have something to say, feel free. I’ll answer as much as I can.”
Understanding she had free rein to ask difficult questions, Venus began.
“Coco, how did you find me in the Cursed Forest?”
Should I tell her, or keep it hidden?
Seeing Coco hesitate, Venus lightly tapped her cheek to ease the tension.
“If it’s a difficult question, you can skip it.”
Coco thought a bit more. Since Oried had found her, Venus was trustworthy. Even if not, Coco wanted to believe in her. Thanks to being introduced to Bay, Coco’s plans were progressing.
Venus had never questioned how Coco located the land, or her motives, or her plans—until now.
Maybe she was asking because Coco had opened up a little.
Should I tell her?
Honestly, I wanted to. Until now, aside from Oried, Coco hadn’t confided in anyone, especially an adult.
‘Just this once, I’ll be foolish.’
Feeling reassured by Venus’ words, Coco explained how she had been scouting the land through Oried. Venus listened quietly without interrupting, and when Coco finished, Venus held her hand tightly.
“Thank you for trusting me.”
That made Coco smile softly without realizing.
“They’re spirits, you know. Quite unusual. They rarely reveal themselves.”
Venus, after a moment of thought, then said firmly:
“You should study spirits. Wouldn’t you like to make better use of that talent? I can provide information.”
Coco stared, and Venus lightly flicked her nose.
“How about a guardian? I’ll watch over you until you reach your goal. It’s my repayment for saving my life.”
“But…”
Seeing Coco hesitate, Venus absentmindedly fiddled with the necklace around her neck.
“Life can’t be bought with anything else.”
Her firm gaze suggested that accepting this was the reasonable choice. Coco nodded, almost hypnotized.
“Then visit more often. Now you must study too, of course. Though, honestly, I just want to see you.”
Coco, feeling a little embarrassed, looked away. It was the first real conversation she’d had with someone aside from Oried.
“By the way, shouldn’t you ask about something, Coco?”
What should I ask? Coco tilted her head cluelessly, and Venus answered instead.
“I mean, why I was in that forest.”
Before, Coco had avoided Venus to stay out of trouble, so she hadn’t asked. Maybe Venus used an alias to avoid forming deep relationships.
“Are you uncomfortable with questions?”
“Hmm, then I’ll say the same as you, Coco. Ask, and I’ll answer as much as I can.”
Rather than question, Coco just stared. She sensed that she wouldn’t get all the details anyway.
Venus, expecting Coco to remain silent, showed her the necklace around her neck.
“It’s my most precious necklace. I can’t ever take it off—so important it’s like a weakness.”
Venus’ voice trembled slightly, holding back strong sorrow. The usually composed Venus looked fragile for the first time.
“This is why I got hurt when I went to find it.”
But in an instant, Venus erased that expression and returned to her usual demeanor.
“This story ends here.”
Did she have an unspoken past like mine? Coco reminded herself she hadn’t lost memories, she’d simply forgotten.
“Still, it feels good to open up a little, Coco.”
“Me too.”
“If you took this necklace as leverage and threatened me, I wouldn’t move an inch.”
Venus joked, and Coco nodded in agreement.
“I might try that sometimes.”
Knowing Coco wouldn’t really do it, Venus laughed joyfully—until she suddenly began coughing violently.
“Ven-Venus?”
“Cough!”
Her body quickly became drenched in cold sweat.
“Wait! I’ll get the priest!”
Startled, Coco dashed out and found Ali nearby. Seeing Coco run, Ali quickly came forward.
“Is Venus…?”
“Yes!”
Apparently accustomed to such situations, Ali headed straight for Venus’ room without asking for details. Coco, lagging behind due to poor stamina, arrived a moment later and closed the door. Ali began channeling energy into Venus, but her necklace seemed to interfere.
“Maybe take that off for a moment…”
“Absolutely not!”
Venus shouted, flinching when Coco approached to pat her back.
Coco’s touch seemed to reassure Venus that it was okay to stop worrying. Gradually, her breathing steadied.
“Is she still not fully healed? Even after using energy?”
Ali, before answering, looked at Venus, who nodded, apparently giving permission to speak.
“Her body is fine, but she’s not fully recovered… probably due to her trip to the forest.”
Coco realized this was the Cursed Forest she had rescued Venus from, and wondered what connection it held.
For now, she remained silent, seeing Venus clutch her necklace and endure the pain.
