PLML 14

CHAPTER 14

“The Saint’s Footsteps” — 

It was a kind of biography detailing everything from the saint’s appearance to her life and achievements, but only royalty—excluding all others—were allowed to view it.

Despite having royal blood from the Akrana line, Theoris had never been granted the rights befitting a royal. Naturally, that meant she couldn’t access the Imperial Library, reserved only for royals.

“How did Theo get something that’s only in the Imperial Library…?”

“I visited last night.”

“…What? The Imperial Castle?”

“Yes.”

“No, I mean—what?!”

Jayna was at a loss for words.

She didn’t even know where to start scolding him.

Even at top speed, it takes over five hours to get to the capital. Yet here he was, talking about it like he’d just dropped by a neighbor’s house.

“How did you get into the Imperial Library?”

“Well, I am royalty, Jayna.”

“I mean, yes, technically, but…”

She couldn’t exactly say, “I already know your backstory and character design.”

Jayna gave up on questioning him. Even if she pressed further, it didn’t seem like Theoris would answer properly anyway.

‘The fact that he went all the way to the Imperial Library just because I muttered in my sleep that I wanted fried chicken… He’s seriously not sane.’

“Do you like the chicken?”

“Yes. Thank you. But next time, you don’t have to go so far just to get it for me.”

“It’s fine. I enjoy doing this.”

No, I’m saying it’s not fine!

She worried that if she ever slipped up, Theoris might really commit treason one day.

The food was innocent, so Jayna ate the chicken. Greasy food first thing in the morning made her feel a little queasy, but she hadn’t had chicken in so long, it was still good.

“Jayna, I’ll be going out briefly today.”

“Going out? Where to?”

“To a temple within the territory.”

“Ah, okay. You’ll be back before dinner, right?”

“Yes. I’ll return as early as I can.”

After her conversation with Theoris, Jayna returned to her room and immediately collapsed onto her bed. Cotton Candy, who had fallen asleep after munching on monster feed, perked up its ears and welcomed her.

As she cuddled Cotton Candy and relaxed, a thought suddenly flashed through Jayna’s mind.

‘Now that I think about it, there was a scenario in the game related to a temple visit…’

“Oh! Right.”

Jayna sat up abruptly.

“Kyuu?”

Cotton Candy tilted its head in confusion.

Blinking at the creature’s big brown eyes and its adorable display, Jayna gently set it aside. This wasn’t the time to be distracted.

‘Why didn’t the choice window appear?’

Normally, Theoris would ask if she wanted to come along to the temple, and a choice window would pop up. If she picked [Don’t go with him], it would trigger one of the few bad endings in the game—Theoris’s death.

Without proper escort, Theoris would head to the temple alone, only to be assassinated in a moment of vulnerability. The original Jayna deeply regretted letting him go alone. At the same time, the narrative would shift to the route of another romanceable character, Revan Dimir.

The Revan route began with him stumbling upon Jayna as she tearfully prayed for Theoris’s soul to be safely guided to the gods. Comforting her in her grief, the two gradually fell in love.

And then…

Wait, how did it go again?

No, that’s not what matters right now!

Jayna bolted out of her room in a panic.

“Homel! Where’s Theoris?!”

Homel, who had been watering the flowerbeds, looked puzzled at Jayna’s urgency.

“His Highness just left for the temple. Didn’t he mention it at breakfast?”

Her heart dropped.

‘It’s only been a few minutes since he said that—he’s already gone?!’

There was no time to stand around.

She didn’t remember the exact timing, but the illustration depicting his death had been during sunset. There was still time before then—she could make it.

“Homel, get a carriage ready right away. I have to follow him.”

“I’m sorry, my lady, but there’s no carriage available. His Highness—”

“Then what about a horse?”

“There are horses, but… my lady, can you ride one?”

Jayna had never ridden alone before. The first and only time had been with Theoris, on their way to the village. The speed had frightened her so much she clung to him like her life depended on it.

“I can. Where are they?”

Worried for Theoris, Jayna lied without hesitation. Homel didn’t question her further and told her where the stables were.

Jayna quickly changed into something light and easy to move in and headed for the stables. One of the horses glanced at her, then resumed chewing its feed.

‘How do I even put this thing on…?’

Jayna awkwardly approached the horse with the saddle gear. Thankfully, the well-trained horse didn’t show any aggression toward her.

Just as she struggled with the unfamiliar equipment, a voice called out from behind.

“My lady, what are you doing here?”

Ellie had just dropped off a bundle of freshly dried blankets and came over. Noticing the tack in Jayna’s hands, she asked,

“Are you trying to ride a horse?”

“Yes. Ellie, can you ride?”

“Of course. I used to ride all the time when I was younger.”

Ellie answered proudly. In Jayna’s eyes, she looked like a goddess sent to save her.

“Ellie, I need your help.”

“…Pardon?”

Ellie looked confused by the request to accompany her to the village but nodded.

Thanks to Ellie, they arrived at the village quickly.

Ellie helped Jayna down and, noticing the tension on her face, asked what was wrong. Not wanting to explain the whole complicated situation, Jayna brushed it off.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but if you need me, just say the word.”

“Thanks, Ellie.”

Even though she’d been here once before, the village still looked unfamiliar. Jayna wandered around aimlessly, unsure where Theoris might be.

He had only said he was going to a temple, but not which one. The only clue Jayna had was the vague memory of the illustration showing his death.

‘Think, Jayna.’

No matter how hard she tried, all she could recall was the sunset at the time of his death.

Who really pays attention to the background of a dating sim game? The illustrations were meant to admire the handsome love interests. That’s how Jayna had always seen it.

The more she tried to remember, the clearer the image of Theoris bleeding on the ground became. Knowing he would die and thinking she might not be able to stop it made her heart race. The panic made it hard to think.

‘Calm down. Try to remember. Maybe the script had clues.’

She hadn’t paid much attention to the game’s narrative description—only the dialogue. Looking back, she regretted how lazily she skimmed through everything.

As she retraced her memory slowly, something clicked, and she jumped up. She had a guess where Theoris might die.

It would be better to go there first and wait than to wander around aimlessly hoping to find him.

Jayna didn’t stop to think. She just ran.

At the edge of the village, far removed from the bustling town center, lay a slum with an eerie, lifeless air.

As soon as she stepped into the shadowy alley, a rat the size of her forearm scurried past.

‘Holy—’

Jayna stifled her scream with her hand, afraid of drawing attention.

To stay low-profile, she wrapped herself in an old leather robe she’d found on the ground. It reeked of mildew, like damp laundry left to rot, but she endured it. She pulled the hood low over her eyes and tucked her vibrant pink hair inside.

People living in places like this would never welcome a noble. A clueless noblewoman walking in here was nothing more than a walking target.

Even with the robe, she couldn’t fully hide her noble aura. Everywhere she walked, the slum’s residents peeked at her with suspicious eyes.

She picked up her pace. Her destination was still far ahead.

Being surrounded by so many watchful eyes in a dark, damp alley made her mouth go dry. She couldn’t make it obvious, so she kept glancing around subtly.

Her senses heightened. Even the flapping of crows or scurrying of vermin felt threatening.

‘Theoris…’

Fueled by the desperate need to save him, Jayna pushed through her fear.

‘If I’d known, I would’ve at least brought something to defend myself.’

“Hey, girlie.”

A rough voice called from behind.

No. Not me. Please, not me.

She took a step forward, pretending not to hear.

“You ignoring me?”

A large hand grabbed her shoulder.

7. Leaving Home Is Asking for Trouble

A man who looked like an unemployed thug straight off social media blocked her path. Jayna lowered her head, pulling her hood down as far as possible to hide her face.

Leaning on one leg, the man spat out whatever he’d been chewing, then suddenly leaned in close. Tilting his head, he met her eyes and grinned. His yellowed teeth were dotted with bits of old food.

“What brings a beautiful lady to a place like this?”

‘That line’s so outdated. Even guys who get rejected at clubs don’t use that anymore.’

Jayna tried to maintain a neutral expression.

“Let me go.”

“Feisty, aren’t you, little noble lady?”

His hand stroked her cheek.

She shuddered at the greasy touch, like he hadn’t washed in days. She didn’t know how he might react if she flinched, so she gently pushed his hand away.

“Relax. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

‘You don’t realize you’re already doing something awful?’

“Just come with me for a bit, huh? I’ll bring you right back.”

Every word reeked of rotten food and unwashed breath.

Jayna forced a twisted smile to avoid provoking him.