Chapter 19
Anna was strong enough to row the boat on her own. However, because she was so strong, she got a little too carried away, and before she knew it, the boat had reached the opposite shore of the lakeās dock. It seemed that Anna was also excited to be on the boat after such a long time. As the boat jerked, Aria staggered and bumped her bottom against the floor with a thud.
“Aria!” Anna was startled and hugged her, but fortunately, she didn’t cry. Instead, she just stared quietly at Charlotte and Baroness Verbel, who were seated on the other side. At that moment, Aria tugged at Annaās sleeve.
“Sis.”
“Yes?”
“Mom’s face looks serious.”
“Mom’s face?”
Anna squinted her eyes, trying to see Charlotteās face, which was barely visible from where they were. There was no sign of a facial expression, nor could she make out any of her features… It seemed that Annaās youthful eyes were more observant. But, then again, she was still young for a maid. Anna patted Ariaās head while still holding the oar in one hand. Aria, who always had either a smile or tears on her face, appeared strangely anxious this time.
“Hmm, she seems okay. Do you want to go back to play with her? Should we stop?”
“Yes… I want to go to mom.”
“Alright, alright. Letās go.”
It seemed that Aria felt anxious, thinking of Charlotte as her mother and feeling uncomfortable being too far away. Anna turned the boat back toward the dock. As Aria sat quietly, she kept her gaze fixed on Charlotte. Eventually, Aria slumped her shoulders.
The Baroness Verbelās expression subtly changed when she expressed her intent to adopt Aria. It would be wonderful if such a lovely child like Aria could become part of a good family. However, at the same time, she was worried about Charlotte.
In the short time she had known Charlotte, the Baroness could tell that Charlotte’s affection for Aria was extraordinary. To anyone who didnāt know the situation, it truly seemed like a mother-daughter bond.
“Are you really planning to adopt Aria?”
“Yes, but before that, I would like to meet the Kenneth couple separately. I want to see with my own eyes if they are capable of taking care of Aria, if they are good people. If possible, Iād like to arrange a few meetings with them.”
“Of course, thatās only right! Anyone who wishes to take such a lovely child like Aria should go through that. But, what about you, my lady? Are you okay with this?”
“Yes? Ah…”
Charlotte smiled quietly, but the bitterness in her eyes was hard to hide.
“I can’t continue to take care of her forever. Itās better for Aria to go to adoption. Sheās very sensitive to the cold. I hope she can grow up quickly in a warm place under kind parents.”
The Baroness Verbel could see that Charlotte was reluctant but genuinely wished for Ariaās happiness. She felt that sending a letter soon would be the best for both Charlotte and Aria. Even if the Kenneth couple refused, she would make sure to find a good home for Aria. For Charlotte and Aria, she was determined. The Baroness clenched her fists and nodded.
“Then, Iāll send a letter as soon as the Kenneth couple returns!”
“Are they not in the Empire now?”
“No, theyāre participating in an advanced party and are in another territory. The Levellain system period will end soon, so we shouldnāt have to wait much longer.”
“An advanced party…”
Charlotteās eyes grew wide when she heard that the Kenneth couple was in an advanced party.
In the Empire, there was no one who didnāt know about the Levellain system. This system had solidified Silbertās position and earned him the title of “the most outstanding and wise representative of the gods” among the high priests.
In the past, there was a hierarchy among the priests.
It was ironic, but those who advocated equality and followed the words of the gods often excluded priests from lower classes. Although this was frequent during the previous high priest’s time, Silbert, who succeeded the position, did not tolerate this.
When Silbert took over as the high priest, the first thing he did was address this issue.
He called for an equal selection of priests, but because the noble children were frequently chosen, he passed a law that required talented children from poor neighborhoods to take priesthood exams. This law, which later became known as the Levellain system, was created to follow the teachings of the gods.
At the time, it was met with strong opposition, as Silbert had just become the high priest, and many ridiculed him as a naĆÆve newcomer.
However, those who became high priests at a young age were different from others. Silbert had a gentle smile and said in a kind voice:
[The Levellain goddess says that everyone should be equal, that no one should suffer. Are you refusing equality, the words of the gods? Do you want to take off your priestly robe?]
He openly threatened them with such a beautiful face, and no one could argue. Moreover, the royal family did not oppose it. The emperor, wishing to maintain good relations with the temple, even requested Silbert’s approval and saw it as a good opportunity to boost public sentiment.
If this had ended smoothly, it would have been ideal. But there were always some who had been there a long time.
The young high priest, Silbert, and the long-serving high priest, Clagen, had a significant power struggle. But in the end, Silbert, as the high priest, was the one in control.
[You want to take off your robes? Fine, itās easy now that youāve volunteered. You can leave.]
[What? High Priest, what do you mean…?]
[Didnāt I say? Leave now.]
Silbert did not hesitate. He removed all those who opposed him, without mercy.
After this, a large-scale “clean-up” was conducted, and all the corruption and fraud that had existed quietly were eradicated. It all happened in just a month.
As a result, many lost their positions, and those selected by the Levellain system were put in their place. The temple regained stability in no time thanks to those selected purely for their skill and faith.
Later, Silbert organized an advanced party to find candidates for the Levellain system. It was a fair and open selection process for both nobility and commoners.
Though few nobles applied, families like the Blanche family, who had long been in contact with the temple, sent their children as a form of theological study. They also contributed by sending financial support.
However, not just anyone could be recruited. It was for those who had a strong connection to the temple and had high faith.
“Iāll send the letter, and once I get a reply, Iāll contact you.”
“Yes, please.”
The Blanche family had been supporting regularly, but at the top of the list of sponsors was always the Kenneth couple. They were famous for living modestly in the social circles. Being chosen for the advanced party meant they were definitely not bad people. In fact, they might be even better than she thought. Charlotte, without realizing it, let out a sigh of relief.
Just then, a shadow fell over the Baroness Verbelās head. Charlotte looked up and saw the Baron approaching, still looking at his wife with eyes full of love.
“My dear, we should head back to the lordās mansion soon. Donāt stay out too late.”
The Baron looked at her with affectionate eyes and kissed her on the forehead. Charlotte couldnāt help but gasp. While it wasnāt improper, it was rare for nobility to show affection in front of others.
“My dear!”
“Whatās wrong?”
“I told you not to do that in public.”
The Baroness Verbel blushed and lightly pushed him. They made a beautiful couple. But the fact that they were going to the lordās mansion…
“Are you going to see Duke Valian?”
“Oh, Iām working as the Dukeās assistant. Although, in reality, I just help manage the internal affairs of the estate.”
“Assistant?”
He was the Dukeās assistant. If he was going to the lordās mansion, did that mean he had business with Duke Valian?
Charlotte wondered if the Duke was still not fully recovered. If so, was he pushing himself to work? She couldnāt help but worry since it was partly because of her that he had been injured. And it wasnāt just a simple injury; he had been attacked by a monster. Those kinds of wounds didnāt heal easily.
After a moment of hesitation, Charlotte cautiously asked.
“Is the Duke alright? Shouldnāt he be taking it easy? I heard he wasnāt feeling well when I visited a few days ago.”
“No? That canāt be. I just saw him this morning when I went to report something. He was fine and working.”
Charlotte unconsciously swallowed hard. Her heart raced. This was different from what she had heard. She had been told the Duke was still unwell, but now the Baron was saying something completely different. If he was really fine now, then that meant…
“Did Duke Valian lie to me?”
