HRNGDS 39

~Chapter 39~

Delphina explained why she had started to like ordinary men.

“Handsome men tend to have a lot of women around them. Of course, not all of them are like that. But after experiencing a good-looking guy who’s overly kind to everyone… I just got sick of it.”

Elcayan stayed silent.

“So, I started liking normal guys instead.”

Then Delphina realized something.

‘Wait… doesn’t Elcayan fit all those things I said I hated?’

He had a high status, good looks, and once he took off his mask, he would probably be super popular with women.

‘And he’s also so kind… ugh.’

Delphina clenched her fists.

‘He’s too good for someone like me.’

If the First Prince became emperor, the North would flourish. Elcayan would become even more desirable than he already was. At that point, Delphina wouldn’t even be able to look at him.

‘So when he wants to leave, I’ll let him go without hesitation.’

She gathered her thoughts and said,

“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten that we’re in a contract relationship.”

“No matter how kind you are, I won’t get the wrong idea.”

Elcayan replied firmly.

“I appreciate you respecting our agreement.”

“…Yes.”

“But there’s one thing I should tell you.”

“I’m not a kind person.”

“Huh?”

“I’m not the type to be nice to just anyone without reason. I’m not like… someone else.”

The system window popped up:

<Who: Kasen Huart>

Elcayan looked straight at Delphina and said,

“I’m only kind to people I care about.”

“Then… who do you care about?”

“Probably people I like.”

As he said that, he gently laid a blanket over her lap. His eyes softened.

It was the most beautiful smile Delphina had ever seen.

Her heart pounded. Thump. Thump.

“It’s cold out, Delphina.”

He was being overwhelmingly kind.

✦✦✦

Meanwhile, Ahin looked down at his little sister.

Ever since they were kids, his twin sister Sestia had been frail. But today she spoke strangely.

“Ahin, I had a dream.”

“What kind of dream?”

“God was cheering for someone to ‘win easily without effort’…”

“You’re not still sick, are you?”

Sestia had often had prophetic dreams since she was little—dreams that usually featured the god Frad.

Children born with strong divine power sometimes receive visions this way.

At first, the orphanage staff had high hopes for her. If she awakened divine power, the temple would support her.

But then, Head Priest Hadin had decided she was useless.

“Sestia won’t be able to awaken divine power. And I can’t let someone like her waste the High Priest’s valuable time.”

“…”

“Frankly, I’m disappointed. I expected much more from you.”

“C-Can’t I at least get tested by the High Priest?”

“No. A useless girl like you isn’t worth his time or divine power.”

Normally, Sestia should be on her way to the capital by now.

At age 15, any orphan who showed signs of divine power would go see the High Priest.

‘But Hadin didn’t let her go…’

Once old enough, kids were supposed to leave the orphanage and find work, which the temple arranged.

But Hadin had assigned Sestia a terrible fate: to become the third wife of an old noble.

“Since you won’t awaken divine power, becoming a noble’s wife is the next best thing.”

It wasn’t a suggestion—it was an order.

Baron Orman, her arranged fiancé, was over 30 years older than her and had already been divorced twice due to violence.

“Honestly, it’s a great opportunity for a common girl raised in an orphanage. Being a baron’s wife?”

From then on, the pressure began. Ahin and Sestia left the orphanage, but no one would hire them.

‘Even the inn we’re staying at—today’s the last night. We’re out of money.’

Sestia spoke in a quiet voice.

“I thought I had strong divine power… but now I know I don’t.”

Ahin sighed.

They had grown up together in the temple orphanage. Though there were tough days, he liked having her with him.

‘But now, we’re not just hungry—we could die out here.’

If they stayed in this town, Sestia might be forced to marry that awful noble.

‘We’ll run away tomorrow.’

But money was always the issue.

Sestia muttered bitterly,

“Rich people just live well without even trying. Like Hadin, that jerk.”

She pouted. Ahin didn’t correct her.

“Shhh. You shouldn’t say that out loud. If you’re gonna curse someone, do it quietly so no one hears.”

She wasn’t wrong though. Hadin definitely deserved it.

Sestia’s expression darkened.

Even though she tried to act normal, Ahin knew she was scared too.

“If I had power, I’d crush them all.”

“Sestia…”

“I don’t want much. If God had just made me a high priestess, that would’ve been enough. Damn it, God, really?”

Ahin shivered.

Sestia had changed. The hardships had made her bitter and power-hungry.

‘Even though she’s my sister… I’m afraid of what she might do.’

If Sestia ever gained power, she’d destroy the temple without a second thought.

Maybe Hadin sensed that, and that’s why he didn’t let her meet the High Priest.

‘She’s completely fallen. Turned cold and ruthless.’

Then Sestia said something shocking.

“I’m fine with marrying a man 30 years older than me.”

“Don’t say that. I’m never letting you marry that guy.”

“But we don’t have any other choice.”

“Yes, we do.”

“Life isn’t fair, Ahin. Just trying hard doesn’t get you everything. I learned that the hard way.”

Ahin sighed deeply.

Sestia had become far too realistic.

Even though she was about to be forced into marrying a perverted old noble.

“We can’t always get what we want.”

“Why are you so weirdly realistic about this stuff when you say crazy things all the time?”

“I have no choice.”

“…”

“I’m not a child anymore. I used to dream of awakening divine power and becoming a priestess… but I know now it’s impossible.”

“Sestia…”

“We have to stop dreaming and start surviving. Even becoming a priest requires power. And I have none.”