Chapter 13
‘Do they choose members of this church based on looks?’
The man looked to be in his late twenties and gave off a lazy and seductive vibe. He was the complete opposite of Ian, who always looked pure and strict.
“I’m sorry. Did I startle you?”
“Oh, no. It’s fine.”
I calmly closed the book like it was nothing. The man glanced at the book I had shut, then looked at me again.
“The library is closed at this hour. I came to let you know since you were here alone.”
“Oh, it is?”
I turned to look toward the librarian’s desk. Sure enough, no one was there.
‘The librarian was so kind earlier… Did they forget about me?’
The quiet library suddenly felt a bit spooky. The blond man smiled gently.
“I’ll walk you to the entrance. Even if it’s inside the cathedral, it’s not safe for someone as beautiful as you to be alone.”
He said I was beautiful as naturally as someone might comment on the weather. I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
‘Does he not know who I am?’
I was even featured in the newspaper. Most people in the capital should recognize me.
But then he continued,
“Are you getting used to life in the cathedral, Lady Irene?”
So he did know. I nodded.
“Yes. Everyone’s been so kind, so I’ve adjusted quickly.”
“I’m glad to hear that. May I offer you a tip?”
“A tip?”
I looked at him curiously. He smiled with his pretty eyes and said,
“As you may know, attending mass once a week is considered a virtue in the Church of Elune.”
Oh right… that was part of the setting in the original story. I quickly reminded myself that I should start attending mass, starting tomorrow.
“But they only care that you attend—not which mass you go to. For example, the one tomorrow is basically a triathlon.”
…What?
I almost gasped. Trying to stay calm, I looked at him again.
“I see.”
“Haha. Some masses are less intense. Like the one on Monday. It’s just reciting prayers.”
Monday.
I will definitely go on Monday.
I looked at him gratefully. Even though he looked carefree, his advice was actually really useful.
“I see. I still don’t know much about the cathedral, so thank you for the advice.”
“Of course. I’d help anytime for a beautiful lady like you.”
He smiled warmly.
“Now that I think about it, this is the first time we’ve met properly. May I have the honor of kissing your hand?”
He gently bent forward and reached out for my hand.
‘Is he really a believer?’
While the Church of Elune wasn’t overly strict, this guy was definitely a bit… much. He acted like someone who had charmed dozens of women.
‘I’m engaged… Is it okay to let a stranger kiss my hand?’
As I hesitated, he tilted his head.
“Ah. Does Sir Ian mind? Is he the jealous type?”
Sir Ian?
That word froze me in place.
In this empire, the title “Sir” is used only when addressing someone of lower rank. So only two people in the entire empire could refer to Ian that way:
The Cardinal…
And the Emperor.
I looked him over carefully.
In the story, the cardinal was described as an elderly woman. But the emperor was a blond man in his late twenties with striking good looks.
Exactly like the man standing in front of me.
I clenched my fists without realizing.
‘Why is the Emperor approaching me like this?’
It made sense that the Emperor would be curious about me. I just didn’t expect him to approach me so casually.
I turned silently to look at the entrance. If I could just get there, Sir Joan would be waiting for me.
The man smiled knowingly.
“You’re quick to catch on, Saintess.”
I swallowed nervously.
What should I do?
I should probably greet him properly first.
Just as I was about to bow…
“When did you arrive, Your Majesty?”
A calm, clear voice echoed behind me.
I quickly turned my head.
Ian was walking toward us from the entrance.
“Ah. Brother.”
The blond man—no, the Emperor—smiled.
“I was just having a little chat with your fiancée. You came quickly.”
“You should’ve sent word. I would’ve accompanied you.”
Ian reached my side in an instant.
Seeing them side by side, I wondered how I didn’t recognize the Emperor sooner. They looked quite alike—especially their blue eyes.
But they had many differences too. Their hair, posture, expressions…
If Ian was cold frost, the Emperor was flowing water.
Ian’s face stayed calm as he smiled politely.
“I’ll take you to my office.”
His smile was beautiful—but it didn’t feel human. It gave me chills.
Maybe it was because I knew how cruel the Emperor was, and how much Ian hated him.
The Emperor didn’t seem to care. He just shrugged.
“Ah, I must’ve startled the lady, showing up like this.”
“…It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”
I quickly placed my right hand over my heart and bowed.
“See?”
The Emperor clicked his tongue.
“We were having a friendly conversation until you arrived.”
As soon as he was revealed as the Emperor, his whole attitude changed. The sweet-talking man disappeared, replaced by someone proud and arrogant.
Ian spoke quietly but firmly.
“My fiancée is shy around strangers. If you have something to say, please say it to me.”
“Oh, it’s nothing serious. I just wanted to get to know her. She’s my dear brother’s first love, after all. So this is your type, huh?”
The Emperor’s eyes slowly scanned me from head to toe.
I felt like a piece of meat being judged at a butcher’s shop.
I wanted to shiver, but held it in.
Then—
“Irene.”
Ian gently pulled me closer.
“Come here. You’re standing closer to another man than to me.”
“Oh, um. Okay…”
Still dazed, I let Ian guide me behind him.
His broad back now blocked most of my view of the Emperor. I could barely see his face anymore.
I blinked fast.
It felt like Ian was… shielding me.
“Another man?”
The Emperor chuckled.
“I’m her fiancé’s older brother. How am I a stranger?”
“Anyone who isn’t me is a stranger. Even you, brother.”
“You’re acting jealous. That’s unusual.”
The Emperor raised one brow. It looked like Ian’s expression, but his version was just annoying.
“You never wanted anything before. Not your mother’s love, not our father’s approval. Isn’t that right?”
‘…You monster.’
I clenched my fists behind Ian.
The truth was, Ian never got the love or recognition he deserved. All because of this man.
Ian Esteban—smart, skilled with a sword, and kind-hearted.
People even said he should’ve been crown prince instead of Rashid.
‘Rashid must’ve known that too.’
That’s why he became jealous whenever anyone praised Ian. If their mother so much as patted Ian’s head, or their father complimented him once, Rashid would throw a tantrum.
It got worse when their father gave Ian his personal sword.
If Ian hadn’t joined the holy knights and made it clear he didn’t want the throne, Rashid might’ve tried to kill him.
‘Maybe he already tried.’
Rashid might look charming, but he’d do anything to protect himself.
In fact, in the original story, Rashid made the worst possible choice when cornered—
‘He opened a dam and tried to flood the capital Ian had taken back.’
He didn’t care how many citizens died.
I tried to hide my disgust as I looked at Rashid.
Meanwhile, Ian’s voice stayed calm and even.
“I don’t want things that aren’t mine, Your Majesty.”
He spoke so naturally, as if his mother’s love and father’s approval never belonged to him anyway.
How much pain must he have endured to stay so composed?
“But this person is different.”
Ian held me a little tighter.
“She’s someone I found and chose. She’s mine.”
…I was so shocked, my mouth opened but no words came out.
Even if it was just acting, I never thought I’d hear Ian say something that sounded so possessive.
‘He’s intense. Seriously intense.’
Oh wow 😳
❤