Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: The Elf Who Wants to Be Sold Off
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“By any chance, are you telling me to say I bought this from the bishop?”
“No, that’s not it. Wouldn’t that just make the church suspicious of you?”
“Then what you just said was...?”
I glanced at Leviham’s expression as I spoke.
“Just keep it like it’s your own possession. I’ll draw the bishop’s attention, so use that opening to take the crystal orb into the mansion. Head straight to the study and place it on the desk.”
From where Leviham was standing now, he could probably see the crystal orb in Baynen’s hand, but he wouldn’t be able to make out the witch’s mark on it.
That was the key—we needed to pass it off as a “plain crystal orb bought for decoration.”
No one would notice unless they got up close, so if we slipped Baynen into the mansion using that blind spot, we’d all get our happy ending.
Baynen understood my explanation and hid the crystal orb in his bosom with a worried look.
“It’s not a bad plan, but doesn’t that expose you to danger, young master? The moment I’m caught with this orb, your whole plan falls apart. Isn’t deceiving a priest a grave sin?”
“I told you before. For the greater good, one person has to make a sacrifice. If we get caught, I’ll take the fall.”
“Ah. So that’s...”
Baynen let out a sigh and nodded.
“Understood. If you draw their eyes, I’ll dash into the mansion as fast as I can.”
“Good. I trust you.”
Baynen and I exchanged a conspiratorial glance before he started edging toward the mansion, peeking warily at Leviham.
Meanwhile, I approached Leviham with a big laugh.
“Hahaha! Bishop Leviham! It’s been too long!”
Leviham, who had been eyeing Baynen suspiciously, turned to me.
A fresh smile bloomed on his lips as he faced me.
“Indeed. Just as you said, it’s been a while since we last met. I hope you’ve been well?”
“I’ve been just fine, no issues. All thanks to the God of Light watching over the family.”
“That’s a relief. But that knight over there—what’s got him in such a hurry...?”
Leviham’s gaze shifted back to Baynen. The moment he turned, I jumped in desperately.
“Ah! Uh, did you come about the magic?”
“Magic? Oh.”
Leviham turned his eyes to the magic circle etched into the lawn, as if he’d momentarily forgotten.
The scorch marks left by the spell were clear enough to see with the naked eye.
“Yes. I wanted to discuss it. I didn’t witness it myself, but I heard from the faithful that a massive dragon appeared over the Deharm estate, followed by rain.”
“Yes. We had help from the imperial palace mage sent by the court and a full professor from the academy’s magic tower.”
“You’re too modest. They merely lent a hand. The one who created the miracle’s foundation was none other than Family Head Theobald. And you defied the heavens themselves.”
Leviham pulled his gaze from the magic circle and stared at me steadily.
His faint smile put me on edge, sweat prickling my palms.
But I kept my composure, feigning calm. He observed me for a while before chuckling mischievously.
“I’m joking. Making rain fall whenever you want benefits the world, so it can’t go against the God of Light’s commandments. If my jest caused you any worry, I apologize.”
“Ah... No, not at all. Worry? Don’t be ridiculous.”
The mood turned awkward for no reason. After an embarrassed pause, I gestured toward the mansion.
“Please, come inside. The weather isn’t great for standing out here long. I’d love the chance to host you properly, Bishop.”
“I appreciate the offer, but a servant of the god can’t impose like that.”
Can’t impose, he says. Leviham spoke mildly, but I couldn’t fall for it.
That was just the usual coyness from priests.
I knew plenty of families that suffered after sending a priest away on those words alone.
“Haha. It’s not some grand reception—just a cup of tea. Even the God of Light would forgive that much.”
When I pressed again, Leviham nodded as if he had no choice.
“Since you insist, I’ll accept your hospitality.”
“Then allow me to show you to the drawing room.”
Dodged a bullet there—no rejection.
I let out a quiet sigh of relief and offered to guide him.
Normally, Harvigrid would handle this...
But he was bedridden with a cold, so no helping it.
‘...By now, Baynen should’ve finished the task I gave him.’
If I just entertained Leviham and sent him on his way, everything would be perfect.
But no rushing it.
Steel yourself, I thought, keeping my demeanor relaxed as I chatted with Leviham on the way to the drawing room.
“Have you tried Valjemont chocolate? It melts in your mouth so smoothly...”
I swung open the drawing room door casually—and froze mid-sentence.
The elf was sitting at the table, popping chocolates into her mouth.
A teacup with black tea sat nearby—she was having a proper tea time.
This brat must’ve heard Harvigrid was out sick and gone wild...!
‘Get down from that chair right now! The bishop’s here!’
I gestured urgently with my eyes, but the elf just stared back blankly with her red eyes.
She chewed away. Her plump, stuffed cheeks somehow infuriated me even more.
Gritting my teeth, I eased the door shut.
Leviham tilted his head curiously.
“Family Head Theobald? What’s wrong?”
“Well, you see...”
What excuse could I make?
Tell him I can’t host because my elf slave’s hogging the chocolates? Absurd.
Say I changed my mind and he should leave? Disaster.
We had to go in eventually.
“...It’s nothing.”
Half-resigned, I opened the door again.
And pretended to be surprised.
The elf, who’d been scarfing chocolates at the table moments ago, now stood a polite distance away, hands clasped demurely, looking our way.
“Welcome, Master. Bishop Leviham as well.”
Was she playing along from last night’s extension? Knowing “harsh punishment” loomed, she seemed to be matching my tune.
Relieved inwardly, I led Leviham inside.
“Haha, isn’t she well-trained? She must’ve seen you entering the mansion and prepared refreshments ahead.”
“I see. What a properly educated slave. However...”
Mid-step, Leviham clutched his stomach like it was bothering him.
“Before we chat, may I use the restroom? I came straight from service, so my stomach’s unsettled.”
“Of course. If you’d like, I can assign a servant to guide you.”
But Leviham waved it off, as if it were too much trouble.
“I wouldn’t inconvenience anyone else. I’ve visited the mansion before, so I remember where it is. I’ll be right back—don’t worry.”
“If you say so... Understood.”
Reluctantly, I agreed, and he bowed politely before slipping out the open door.
Did I slip up somewhere? My mind raced uneasily when someone tugged lightly at my sleeve.
I turned—it was the elf.
“Maaaster... I suddenly need to pee too...”
“You insolent wench.”
Taking it as her request for abuse, I grabbed her ear and hoisted her up.
Eek—EEK—She stood on tiptoes, eyes tearing up.
“You brainless idiot. If you need to pee, just go to the toilet and do it. Why tell your master such filthy nonsense and ruin my mood?”
“S-Sorry! I’m sorryyy...”
“Hmph. I’ll let it slide this time, but watch your words next time.”
When I released her ear, her whimpers faded. It must’ve hurt more than I thought—she rubbed it while sneaking glances at me.
“C-Can I... Can I use the toilet, Master?”
“Don’t ask stupid questions.”
“Eek. Then from today on, I’ll use the toilet...”
Thank you, Master. She murmured softly, bowed her head, and slipped out the open door.
I watched nonchalantly—then a chill ran down my spine with belated realization.
‘...From today?’
Where the hell had she been peeing until now?
Not... not on Father’s statue the whole time...?
‘No. No way.’
Don’t jump to conclusions.
She couldn’t be that demonic...
*
Leviham left the drawing room and headed straight for the study.
Suspicion was a sin, but verifying certainty was not.
‘In the study, I’ll find solid proof.’
He’d uncover why Hamtarsin had been ruined and drag Theobald to a religious trial.
With iron resolve, Leviham opened the study door—and soon faced Theobald’s corruption head-on.
‘A witch’s crystal orb?’
There it sat, plain as day on the desk: unmistakably a witch’s orb.
The mark etched on its surface told the tale.
Grunting softly, Leviham approached—and froze in shock for another reason.
‘Isn’t this the Blood Moon Consortium’s mark?’
The red-painted inverted cross on the orb’s surface, entwined with thorny roses—it was definitely the Blood Moon Consortium’s signature emblem.
‘Theobald’s in league with the Blood Moon Consortium?’
What connection could they possibly have to form such a bond?
He didn’t know the exact reason, but an inexplicable dread crept through him.