Chapter 52 Part 3: Did you think I’d let you go?

The white corridor of the abbey.

The two’s steps gradually quickened.

In truth, it was Cayron’s steps that were fast.

He seemed as if he were angry.

“Cayron.”

Rosa, at a loss for what to do.

Not knowing what to say, or what she should have said.

Completely lost, she just followed where Cayron led.

Surely, Cayron wouldn’t know this place.

But he found Rosa’s room very skillfully.

The end of the left corridor on the first floor.

The room located in the corner.

‘You were.. watching everything.’

Rosa tightly closed her eyes.

But that realization was already too late.

Bang-

The door closed loudly.

A white and neatly arranged room.

Only Cayron and Rosa remained.

“I.”

Cayron’s words were cut off.

Where did his composure from earlier go, he was like a wild beast.

“Tell me.”

His red eyes were always cold.

But now they were filled with heat.

“Why did you run away?”

“That’s..”

Rosa slurred her words.

That it was all for you.

That I was afraid of the future.

But how could she say that.

Rosa was just wondering how Cayron knew.

About the stigmata on her forehead.

Of course, she soon found out the answer.

‘Ah, Mary..’

Rosa is just confused.

Why is Cayron in front of her right now.

But, so paradoxically, I realized.

It’s good to see him again.

My heart is pounding.

It’s the same for the other person too.

Realizing that.

Silence fell between the two.

From the beginning, Cayron didn’t expect an answer.

“So. How did you feel earlier?”

“Earlier, you mean.”

“When I just got off the carriage.”

He got off with the Lady of Ruslanche.

“Your feelings, how did you feel then?”

“That’s..”

Rosa was at a loss for words.

My breath caught, and somehow my chest felt tight.

“Jealousy. Did you feel such an emotion..?”

I realized at those words.

At the momentarily shattered expression on Rosa’s face, Cayron couldn’t hold back any longer.

Whoosh-

He pulled her in.

And held Rosa without an inch of space.

“Did you think I’d let you go?”

My whole body is tingling.

Rosa said something else.

“My letter?”

Cayron scoffed at her.

“Of course I read it. That thing full of lies.”

Cayron was sure.

“What you’re thinking, and what emotions you’re feeling. I know everything.”

“..Liar.”

Cayron’s eyes changed.

At that moment, Rosa sensed something.

But she was already restrained by Cayron.

Cayron said with a cold look.

“Do you know that? Rosa. When I sincerely wanted you, you never once refused.”

As if asking why.

As if telling her to think about the reason.

“That, will be the same this time.”

Cayron naturally lowered his head.

He was starving from a long hunger.

Whoosh-

But.

A slender hand blocked his mouth.

Rosa’s minimum resistance.

But even her own eyes are shaking.

Cayron slowly removes that hand.

And naturally, he pulled Rosa’s waist closer with a strong grip.

“Let.. go!”

Rosa tries to resist one last time.

Somehow, it felt like she had to.

But it was useless.

Cayron grabbed her hand.

And pushed her against the wall with strong force.

Rosa’s back was pushed, and she was completely leaning against the wall.

And.

Cayron immediately devoured her.

“Mmph-“

This time there is not even a prelude.

A fierce breath came like a storm.

He is a wild beast.

Cayron mixed his breath as if he had forgotten his purpose.

Rosa’s waist was pulled tightly, and one hand was completely subdued.

When she moved her other hand, even that hand was caught by Cayron.

He licked Rosa’s teeth and bit her lip slightly.

He swept through her soft and squishy mouth with his rough breath.

Every breath she exhaled.

As if to bind her, he entangled it with his tongue.

“Wai, wait..”

But it’s a hold that has already been held many times.

Gradually, Rosa’s eyes softened, and her cheeks flushed red.

Without realizing it, she begs for Cayron’s breath as if clinging.

She also realizes.

That she has been missing Cayron.

Really, inevitably.

“Haa-“

Heavy breaths, more definite than words, pass between them.

The two who clearly missed each other.

That much, they coveted each other’s breath, and were willingly coveted.

When their lips parted for a moment, a long silver thread stretched out.

Cayron’s blazing red eyes witnessed Rosa’s disheveled collar.

Tug- Tug-

Cayron ripped it off.

A pure white neckline is revealed.

Cayron habitually leaves his mark.

Red and light hickeys.

They appeared one by one on Rosa.

“..Rosa.”

My breathing gradually becomes rough.

And when my hand tries to move on its own.

At that moment.

Cayron finally let go of Rosa’s arm.

It’s been a long time since I saw Rosa.

I missed her so much that I was going crazy.

So when the two of us were alone in the room, I forgot the purpose of coming here.

“I came knowing everything. Rosa.”

“What..”

Cayron answered.

“I have no interest in your handmaiden. As a member of the opposite s*x, none at all.”

Rosa’s eyes gradually widened.

Cayron continued speaking without hesitation.

“You must be wondering why I brought her. Why I, brought your handmaiden.”

The fact that there is no stigmata on Freya.

Surely it wasn’t just to prove that.

“Cardinal Lazaro can be trusted. He is the epitome of a faithful religious man.”

In the first place, not just anyone could become a cardinal.

The most upright impression among the three cardinals.

He really was.

“So. After talking to him, you’ll know.”

If you’re worried about him, and Freya, hearing right now.

“For now, just tell the truth to the cardinal.”

Cayron said that to Rosa.

It was a consideration he was making for her.

Cayron left the room.

[I’ll wait until night.]

Leaving only those words.

Rosa’s mind was dazed.

I was swept away once again.

But let’s admit it now.

It wasn’t just being swept away.

Being held in that wide embrace, Rosa realized.

‘I, I missed it.’

That warmth of Cayron.

The breath that comes to devour her.

I always realize it like this.

‘I like Cayron too.’

Perhaps.

To the point where I wished that moment would stop forever.

Rosa moved slowly.

The room where I talked with the cardinal earlier.

My mind gradually calms down.

I was getting ready to talk on my own.

Creak-

When the door opened.

As expected, the cardinal was sitting inside.

‘Surely.. He said his name was Cardinal Lazaro.’

He has the typical impression of a devout religious person.

The cardinal himself cleared his throat.

“Ahem..”

Only then did Rosa realize her condition.

With the buttons of her top slightly torn off.

She was embarrassed and at a loss for what to do.

“Ah.. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

The cardinal smiled understandingly.

“Aren’t you two a young couple? You can fully enjoy the moment of reunion.”

Rosa’s face flushed red.

She was wearing a white nun’s habit.

“I’m really.. so embarrassed.”

At least I should have changed my clothes before coming.

The cardinal burst into a hearty laugh.

He had the experience to understand this kind of situation.

He pointed to the chair opposite him.

“Come, sit down. I have a lot I want to talk about with the saint.”

Rosa quietly sat across from him.

“First, I have something I want to ask.”

“Please speak.”

“The stigmata on my forehead. And the fact that I am the subject of the oracle.. Is it really. Is there not even a single mistake..?”

“Yes. There is no mistake.”

The cardinal nodded firmly.

“There can be no mistake in the will of God.”

“Then.. what about the content of the oracle?”

“Of course. If the saint wishes to know.”

And he recited the oracle.

[The one closest to me shall appear in the altered flow. Awaken the divided world, and finally unite the two as one. The fruit of growth pains will connect the old ties.]

“Although it is referred to as he, both men and women can be the subject.”

“They all sound like difficult words.”

At Rosa’s words, the cardinal smiled.

“It is the same for us.”

The one closest to me.

Because of that first passage, we were lost.

The church was investigating the names of all the abbeys.

“Originally, until you experience it directly, you don’t know anything. How is it? The content of the oracle. Does anything come to mind?”

Rosa could tell.

Of course, I can’t remember the content of the oracle in the original work perfectly.

Still, I could tell one fact.

The oracle she just heard.

It’s a fact that it’s about her.

‘The altered flow.’

It was clear.

Besides, the stigmata was clearly on her.

An unknown joy overflows.

A belated sense of relief came like a tidal wave.

‘This.. really.’

The original work she knew has changed.

‘I’m really. The protagonist of the oracle?’

When that intense realization hit my head.

“No, are you crying..”

Cardinal Lazaro was very flustered.

But Rosa really couldn’t help it.

It was tears that flowed naturally because she was so happy.

“How can you cry when you hear such good news?”

“..No. I’m happy.”

That she can do something too.

That she can be of help to Cayron.

“I’m really. Happy.”

The wetness gradually spread.

The cardinal just chuckled.

And as if he had been waiting, he spoke to Rosa.

“Lady Rosa, you are now a Saint. In this case.. the title of Saintess would also be appropriate.”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s time to discuss the rest of the matters.”

Now Rosa accepted reality.

“First of all, I don’t want this fact to be known in advance.”

She wants to announce it first.

There was her father, Count Anencia, who would be the most delighted.

There was also her sibling, Roadl, who would smile and bless her as if it were natural.

“At first glance, that is a valid point.”

The cardinal naturally agreed.

“And..”

If you think about the political situation, it’s better to announce it later.

Right now, the fight for the throne hasn’t even started yet.

The First Cardinal, Lazaro, fully sympathized with that as well.

“All the power of our church moves according to the will of God.”

Evangelism, relief activities.

They are also all in that category.

“There is the Holy Knights Templar.”

Commonly known as the Holy Knights.

Officially, the Holy Theicia Knights Templar.

“The knights belonging there all move for religious meaning.”

The fact that they usually put their efforts into relief activities.

There are all such reasons for that too.

The only one who can move them is the Pope.

“However. Now even the Saint can move them.”

Rosa was surprised and asked the cardinal.

“But.. even for my personal purposes. Can I move them?”

“Yes.”

The cardinal nodded without hesitation.

“The path the Saint walks is the path of God. So all the power of our church will support you, Lady Rosa.”

It was from this very moment.

Only then did Rosa recall.

The distant memory of reading the book.

‘Yes.’

There was definitely a part where Freya requested the help of the Holy Knights.

Cardinal Lazaro said.

“Lady Rosa, you may soon be caught up in the fight for the throne.”

He also roughly knew what was going on.

“But. If such a time comes. The Knights Templar will prioritize the protection of the Saint above all else.”

In other words, it was simple.

The balance of the fight for the throne has shifted.

Surely a huge harvest.

Rosa was just bewildered.

“So, please don’t worry. Nothing will be announced from our side before you, Lady Rosa, agree to it first.”

“Ah, thank you.”

After finishing the discussion.

Cardinal Lazaro hesitated.

It seems that he received some kind of message from Cayron.

“And. Now that your mind has calmed down. You may tell me.”

What he was talking about.

Of course, Rosa knew.

It’s certainly not that there was no hesitation.

But after a long silence, Rosa finally started talking.

“Actually.. I am a being from another world.”

A long story continued.

The cardinal listened attentively with a serious attitude.

After hearing all those stories.

The conclusion he came to was this.

“Sometimes, Lady Rosa. The way miracles are embodied cannot be followed by ordinary thinking.”

Additional explanation followed.

“For example, the memories you have may not be true at this moment.”

“What do you mean by that..”

The cardinal continued.

But you can also think of it like this.

That it exists in a completely different timeline.

“Surely, all of that might be a real experience if it was a memory that existed somewhere. Or if it manifested as a kind of precognition.”

However, all those memories are things that did not actually happen here.

In other words, it’s just an illusion.

“But that illusion can be seen as a signpost. A signpost that will lead you, Lady Rosa, to the outcome where you will eventually achieve your will.”

He asked a question.

“Think about it. Your life now. What is closer to an illusion, and what is closer to reality?”

Life then, and life now.

The time she is living now.

The memories of that time, the present moment.

What is more precious to her now.

“The answer, is right there.”

Gradually.

Really gradually.

Rosa realized something.

The life she is currently living.

This life where she feels all the joys and sorrows.

The beings that have become precious to her over time.

All of that.

It was certainly not an illusion.

Through the meeting with the cardinal, Rosa realized many things.

It’s not yet clearly defined, but my mind has become much more comfortable than before.

When I just came out of the room, I had an unexpected encounter.

“I was waiting. Your Highness.”

Her exclusive handmaiden, Freya.

She is still very beautiful.

Flowing blonde hair, jade eyes.

I feel the maturity of an older woman.

‘But..’

Rosa realized.

The discomfort that had been there for some reason had disappeared.

Freya slowly approached her.

And.

As if she couldn’t help it, she opened her mouth.

“Your Highness. Certainly, and I’ll just say it properly once.”

Strangely.

She seemed a little apologetic.

“I have no interest in His Highness the Archduke. None at all. Until now. And surely in the future too.”

Only then did Rosa realize the meaning of what Cayron had said.

The reason he brought Freya was because of this.

Rosa looked at Freya.

And slowly opened her mouth to apologize.

“I know. Freya. It’s all because I lacked confidence.”

Freya pouted.

“You said you wouldn’t use honorifics.”

“Ah-“

Rosa changed her words.

“Sorry. Freya.”

Freya smiled softly.

“It’s good to see though. That the worries you had have been resolved?”

After hesitating for a moment, Rosa nodded.

“Yes.”

“That’s a relief.”

Freya said with a smile.

“Go to the back garden of the abbey. His Highness the Archduke is waiting for you.”

Rosa remembered then.

The fact that Cayron said he would wait until night.

“Thank you. Freya.”

She headed to the back garden of the abbey.

Indeed, Cayron was waiting for her.

Surprisingly, he looked impatient.

It’s not the confident look he always had.

Rosa watched that look.

Then she slowly walked.

Thump thump-

The sound of a heart about to burst.

Whose it is is not important.

Cayron approaching her.

At that threatening momentum, Rosa unconsciously takes a step back.

“I love you. Rosa.”

Cayron said that out of the blue.

His expression just looks impatient.

“That’s not it. This..”

No matter how much it’s Cayron, he can’t be sure.

Whether Rosa has really let go of her burden.

Unlike the initial confidence, as time passed, I became impatient.

That was the emotion he held.

I don’t want to let go of Rosa, but I want her heart to be at peace.

Inwardly, was this confidence in vain.

Surely there is such fear too.

So I waited the whole time.

Looking at such Cayron, Rosa thinks to herself.

Do you love me?

I already know.

But I tried to push it away.

If I’m here, it shouldn’t be.

Surely, according to the original work.

It’s Cayron who shouldn’t have come.

Nevertheless, he came to her.

Rosa was really, very troubled.

My heart is pounding so hard.

With such a troubled heart.

“Don’t say such things..”

I just say that for no reason.

But she is curious.

Paradoxically, I’m curious about Cayron’s next words.

Jet-black ash-gray hair, two brightly shining red eyes.

A tall young man revealed his handsome appearance under the moonlight.

When I was young, why didn’t I know?

Really, it’s obvious to anyone that he’s the main character.

“Don’t push me away.”

I didn’t answer.

I couldn’t answer because my throat was choked up.

Cayron pulled her.

“..Please. Rosa.”

The hot breath felt above my head.

The low-pitched voice comes creepily.

“From then, from when I first met you. I only had you.”

‘I know.’

Rosa answered inwardly.

I realized it at this moment.

How long have the two been together.

‘You too, and me too.’

The two became soaked in each other as if they were meant to be.

We have become such a relationship that we cannot separate, no matter how hard we try.

“Ugh..”

Cayron, who held her.

That strength is so strong.

But it doesn’t feel bad at all.

“Answer me.”

Rosa stares into Cayron’s eyes.

The eyes of an absolute ruler, a predator.

But the longing in them still has the eyes of a boy.

“..It can’t be anyone but you.”

The moment I heard that, as if I had vomited it out.

In the end, Rosa closed her eyes instead of answering.

A careful kiss, as if on a promise.

A kiss that seems to handle a precious artifact continues.

Forehead, nose, cheeks.

And lips.

Just because I can’t push it away.

Because I don’t want to push it away.

The small fist that Rosa held soon lost its strength and fell.

‘Why, on earth..’

Why did she come to like the boy.

The unripe guilt of having taken too long.

Such anxiety about how to handle it in the future.

Nevertheless, the contradictory excitement that fills my heart.

In all that confusion, Rosa thought.

‘When, from where did it become like this..’

Probably from that meeting 7 years ago.

Yes.

It seems to have been from then.

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