Chapter 15
I cast a bored glance out the carriage window, pretending disinterest.
But really, the scenery beyond the glass was captivating enough to seize my attention.
I’m actually seeing a fantasy-romance world with my own eyes!
Even that alone felt like luck. Wow, possessing someone else’s body really isn’t so bad!
No, don’t get distracted! One wrong move and it’s over!
I kept forgetting that there was a time limit.
Nobles underwent their Awakening at nineteen, and imagining that Erina would essentially “fail” at that age snapped me out of my drifting thoughts.
And on top of that…
Of all people, my companion was Gwen. Well, “companion” might not even be the right word.
Erina, why not step out for a little fresh air?
Seeing Gwen’s clumsy, awkward attempt at suggestion made me more than just amused—it made me laugh.
…Fine.
Still, I accepted her invitation because I had never left the mansion since possessing Erina.
Of course, the Duke family mansion was enormous, lavish beyond belief, and every detail was exquisitely crafted. It was hard to find anything not intricately made.
…but that didn’t extinguish my desire to explore this world.
And considering that leaving the mansion seemed like the best option, staying inside felt contradictory.
I need to know what’s outside, at least roughly where things are, so I can act.
So I couldn’t miss this chance. That’s why I accepted Gwen’s stiff and awkward offer.
Even if the carriage was filled with awkward silence, I could bear it because the outside scenery was so fascinating.
This is exactly what makes fantasy-romance worlds so captivating…
Dragons and wyrms—different creatures from different worlds. Here, anything could be a dragon. Dragons resembled wyrms but lacked divine-level powers, having only appearance and some abilities.
“Dragon” was a term encompassing all lifeforms with partial dragon features. That meant many creatures in this world naturally had unusual appearances.
For example, among flocks of pigeons in the sky, there might be a bird with bat-like wings instead of feathers, or a garden planted with trees bearing thin, shiny leaves resembling scales—scenes that made it impossible to look away.
“Is there anywhere you want to go?”
She finally spoke, breaking the silence. I turned to the strong-looking man with black hair and red eyes, similar to Erina, pondering the question.
Should I say the temple?
For a change of pace, the temple… with Gwen?
That didn’t sound appealing. The thought of the rigid Gwen with a rule-following priest in the same space made me feel suffocated.
“I want to go to the temple.”
But you must seize opportunities when they come. Throwing away a chance just because it’s slightly uncomfortable? I don’t have that luxury!
“The temple…?”
Gwen looked surprised.
“Yes, going to the temple sounds good.”
She seemed to hesitate briefly but nodded willingly. I exhaled in secret relief and returned my gaze to the window.
My heart raced at the thought of reaching the temple so quickly. For now, it was the destination I had set.
First, I need to scope out the situation.
In the novel, the only character associated with the temple was the heroine. She was an ordinary commoner suddenly chosen to become a saint, a highly unusual case. Naturally, the empire’s side frequently invited her to social events.
It was cliché, but still entertaining to read.
Still, I sided with Erina. Hiding my feet beneath my skirts, I fidgeted slightly.
The novel focused on the heroine’s thoughts; everyday life at the temple wasn’t described. Since she was a commoner-turned-saint, the empire treated her differently, calling her frequently to social events.
The temple and the empire were closely tied. The temple’s greatest patron was the imperial palace, so going against the emperor’s will was difficult.
Why was that? The temple should have been somewhat independent from worldly power.
Even if someone could use authority to crush the temple, faith doesn’t disappear that easily. Something was missing—something I wasn’t seeing.
Before I could ponder further, I noticed the carriage slowing.
“We’ve arrived, Erina.”
Gwen opened the door and descended with perfect posture, naturally extending her hand toward me.
I stared at her hand for a moment.
Gwen escorting Erina…
Who would have thought I’d witness this firsthand? Suppressing a laugh, I took her hand and stepped out of the carriage.
Her firm grip was reassuring. I averted my gaze from her eyes, which clung to mine, and turned to survey the temple.
I stifled a gasp. The novel had described it like this:
- White marble pillars, with a sea dragon carved spiraling around them, and the roof adorned with the primordial dragon Mirneris, wings spread wide.
The statue of Mirneris commanded reverence from all who visited, forcing even the casual onlooker to bow instinctively.
…And now I could feel it in every fiber of my body.
With a sculpture like that on the roof, how could anyone not bow?
I unconsciously clasped my hands and lowered my head. The massive white dragon above radiated overwhelming presence.
I wondered how a sculpture that size remained perfectly pristine on a rooftop.
Glancing sideways, I saw Gwen doing the same—hands clasped, head bowed in silent prayer.
I was reassured that my instinctive gesture wasn’t inappropriate.
“…? Gwen, were there always this many people at the temple?”
Only then did I notice the crowd, a market-like throng holding flowers and small items, murmuring amongst themselves.
“…Ah. I see, there was no chance to mention it before.”
Muttering meaningfully, Gwen nodded to herself. I felt both an ominous foreboding and irritation.
Why just nod and understand silently? Explain what’s happening!
“The Duke of the southern territories and the wyrm Shurandis, who hasn’t left the earth, are visiting the imperial capital. Judging by the people’s reactions, it seems His Grace has come to the temple.”
I gaped. What? Duke Shurandis? That person here?
One of the strongest candidates for the male lead, rivaling the emperor!
Why was he here? In the original story…
Ah, the original plot is already messed up.
Three characters had already caused chaos; it wasn’t unreasonable for this candidate to appear at a different time and place. I trembled slightly at the thought.
Would meeting Shurandis be a good thing?
…But my worries were useless. Before I could think further, someone appeared in the distance.
“O-oh…! Lord Shurandis…!!”
The crowd gasped and prostrated themselves, awe written all over their actions. I snapped back to attention.
Bowing instinctively, I reminded myself not to draw attention—especially from a prime male lead candidate.
“Thou art…”
A deep, pleasant voice sounded, and I internally cursed.
I had already bowed! There were other noble-looking people around; could he not overlook me?
I squeezed my eyes shut at another figure. Expensive clothing, clearly not who I wanted to see.
“His Grace, Duke Shurandis.”
…Gwen’s voice crushed my faint hope.
Even after possessing someone, life isn’t easy. It’s never easy!
This isn’t a novel scene… wait, it is a novel scene! But still, this is too much. I’ve possessed this body, so it’s my reality now—but why does the story still feel like fiction?
I cautiously lifted my head. Seeing him up close, I couldn’t help but inhale sharply.
…Wow. Is that really a human face?
Not a god’s face, right? But he’s a wyrm who hasn’t left the earth, so shouldn’t he resemble a god? Am I really seeing a divine-level visage?!
I forced my expression into composure, preventing myself from staring dumbfounded. But the man before me was insanely beautiful.
Even standing still, his presence inspired awe. His expression changed as if witnessing something impossible—astonishment spreading across his entire face, vivid and undeniable.
