Chapter 25
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 25
“Then, if she weren’t here, would you leave?”
“Yes.”
“And you’d leave even if she told you to?”
“Yes.”
The priest felt a chill run down his spine at the bluntness of the answers. He had thought he could finally breathe a sigh of relief now that the damned painting was gone, but it turned out their blind devotion had simply shifted to a new target. If there was any consolation, it was that the target was now a person he could actually talk to, rather than a mere scrap of paper.
Besides, seeing as she was accompanied by a paladin, she seemed to be a guest of Sir Gabriel. And Sir Gabriel was the type of man who jumped whenever the Bishop told him to.
The priest immediately went to Bishop Zabaniya and reported what he had seen. Upon hearing the news, Bishop Zabaniya praised the priest for his keen observation.
“It seems Goddess Rachel has rewarded your faith.”
“Not at all, Your Grace.”
The priest was deeply satisfied that he had managed to catch the Bishop’s eye. After thanking the useful priest, Bishop Zabaniya looked for a natural opening to approach Evangeline.
“Now that I think about it, I haven’t had the chance to thank the young lady for suppressing the fire.”
“Your Grace, I will handle the rest of the cleanup here,” the quick-witted priest chimed in at once.
Bishop Zabaniya left the remaining tasks to him and headed toward Evangeline. Just as the priest had said, everyone was indeed staring at the young lady. It was almost strange that he hadn’t noticed their fierce and fervent gazes until now.
As Bishop Zabaniya’s own attention was drawn to Evangeline, he understood why. Her presence was so vivid and striking that it felt only natural for people to look at her. It felt as right and logical as a law of nature, which was why it had taken him so long to realize how truly unusual the situation was.
The Bishop offered a polite nod with a benevolent smile. Usually, someone of a Bishop’s rank rarely bowed their head, but Zabaniya was a man who would gladly humble himself as much as needed to maintain his public image.
Beneath his composed face, his mind was racing. What was her name again? Raphaella mentioned it… right, that was it. Rohanson.
“Lady Rohanson, I truly thank you for saving the knights of our temple. We shall compensate you for the holy water you used to suppress the flames.”
“I shall accept it gratefully.”
House Rohanson? He had never heard of them until the name cropped up recently in relation to the Donau incident. Weren’t they the employers of the woman Donau Blue had kidnapped? And yet, here she was again, entangled with Donau’s painting. Just like last time, a fire had broken out as well.
Bishop Zabaniya kept his suspicions hidden and got to the point.
“The other believers seem quite shaken, so I intend to escort them to a place where they can rest.”
He spoke loudly on purpose, ensuring everyone inside could hear. Evangeline merely nodded with an indifferent air, as if she couldn't care less why he was telling her this.
The moment Evangeline gave her silent permission, the crowd began to move. These people, who hadn’t budged despite the Bishop’s earnest pleas, became as docile as lambs at a single nod from a count’s daughter.
Bishop Zabaniya watched the scene with great interest. Amidst it all, Raphaella was the only one feeling uneasy.
How much has he figured out?
When reporting Donau’s death, Raphaella had included a mention of Evangeline Rohanson. It was a relief that not everything had been disclosed. The facts that Evangeline was the owner of the spell circle, the note found in Donau’s remains, and the rumors of Evangeline’s resurrection were known only to the Commander and Raphaella.
Bishop Zabaniya possessed very little information. However, despite the lack of data, anyone who stood before Evangeline could tell she was no ordinary person. Perhaps intending to test the connection between Evangeline and the incident, the Bishop approached Raphaella and whispered quietly.
“Was the painting completely destroyed?”
“Yes. It was reduced to ashes.”
“And the cause of the fire?”
As expected. Since both incidents involved fire and the same people, he was clearly suspicious.
“I have no idea. It’s not as if those people would have set it on fire themselves.”
“And Lady Rohanson?”
“She was with me.”
“Since it is your word, I shall believe it.”
Is this old man thinking we conspired together? He sounded as if he knew Raphaella was lying but was willing to let it slide for now. He was convinced there was some connection with Evangeline Rohanson.
“The believers were there as well, so why not ask them?” Raphaella suggested.
“Very well. I shall hear their story first. I am curious to see what useful information they might have. Though, in that state, I wonder if they are even capable of telling the truth.”
Indeed, it was natural to be curious. People who had been driven mad by a painting were now acting like Evangeline’s docile sheep. Even if they told the truth, the Bishop likely wouldn't believe them, thinking they were lying to protect her. But in reality, Evangeline truly hadn't done anything.
“Also, Sir Michel arrived later than I did.”
Raphaella was essentially telling him to leave Michel out of the interrogation. She didn't want to put him through unnecessary hardship, and… well, if Michel was still in the same state as when he fainted, nothing good would come from a private meeting with Bishop Zabaniya. It seemed Michel was currently no different from those fanatics.
“Your Grace, may we be excused? I believe it would be best to get Sir Michel to a bed quickly. Sir Uriel must be exhausted as well.”
Feeling a stinging gaze, Raphaella hurriedly cut the conversation short with a dry cough. Evangeline Rohanson was staring this way with terrifying intensity.
“Oh, dear. I didn't think of that. Leave the cleanup to me and go ahead. Since Lady Rohanson needs to receive the holy water, she should come with me…”
“Ah, I believe the Young Lady should come with us as well. She has matters to discuss with the Commander. I will personally see to the holy water before she leaves. There’s no need for Your Grace to trouble yourself; it would be enough if you just leave word in advance.”
This viper of an old man! What kind of honeyed words was he planning to whisper to Evangeline Rohanson if he got her alone?
The only comfort was the belief that Evangeline wouldn't fall for his tricks. Who knew how many people had let their guard down around that benevolent face only to be swallowed whole?
Fortunately, Evangeline’s escort decided to follow the Bishop instead.
“Then, let us go, My Lady.”
Uriel hoisted Michel onto his back. Raphaella stared at the unconscious Michel for a moment before speaking cautiously.
“…I apologize for the late greeting. Thank you for saving Michel. He’s lost consciousness, but thanks to the holy water, he has no injuries. I am truly grateful.”
“Thank you, My Lady,” Uriel replied.
Suspicions were suspicions, but the help was a fact. Raphaella wondered just how many bottles of holy water had been used. Just how much did that cost?
Evangeline looked puzzled, as if she hadn't expected to be thanked. Seeing such a novel reaction made Raphaella feel a bit giddy. Raphaella, are you crazy? Are you really getting worked up just because Evangeline Rohanson blinked at you?
Raphaella cleared his throat and changed the subject.
“By the way, is it alright to send Mr. Jelly alone?”
“Jelly will be fine.”
“My Lady, you did well to send Jel—your escort instead. It’s best not to get too close to the Bishop. Despite how he looks, he’s quite a nasty piece of work.”
Raphaella tried to calm his racing heart.
It didn't take long to reach the Knights' Quarters. Uriel’s stamina was so great that he could run easily even while carrying a grown man, so there was no need to slow down.
Once inside the building, Uriel stopped in front of the stairs. While the reception room was upstairs, the infirmary was on the first floor.
“I’ll go leave Sir Michel in the infirmary, then.”
“Uriel… could you please treat Michel like a human being and not a piece of luggage?”
“Ah. I’ll go drop him off.”
What am I going to do with him? Raphaella clutched his head while watching Uriel nonchalantly disappear.
* * *
Finally, I arrived in front of the reception room. Gabriel would be inside as soon as I opened the door. I took a deep breath before entering.
I had to hypnotize myself. Alright, from now on, I’m a master of the fishpond.
I had to do my best to manage Gabriel like a prize catch and overturn the villainess image Daisy had talked about.
I had only thought about escaping my fate as a villainess; I never imagined I’d end up playing the field like this. Let’s look on the bright side. Does just anyone get to manage a fishpond? No, that’s a privilege of female leads. I’ve just veered slightly off the path of a villainess’s destiny. Since the genre is 'Villainess Possession,' I suppose this is inevitable.
“Commander, I’ve brought Lady Rohanson.”
Raphaella knocked and opened the door. Inside, besides Gabriel, two other knights were sitting with Canna and Hena.
“Lady Rohanson.”
“My Lady!”
Gabriel stood up and greeted me with a bow. A moment later, Canna jumped up and rushed into my arms. Wh-whoa, that was sudden.
“That’s dangerous, Canna.”
“I’m sorry…”
We almost toppled over backward. I stroked Canna’s hair as she instantly grew dejected at my mild scolding.
Strangely, however, Hena—who would usually have stepped in to stop Canna—remained silent. Hena was sitting with her head bowed, her hands clenched tightly on her knees.
“Hena?”
“Yes, My Lady.”
Since she answered immediately when called, it didn't seem like she was daydreaming. Did you two have a fight? I looked at Canna inquisitively, and she whispered quietly in my ear.
“Sister heard something strange earlier.”
“What was it?”
“I didn't hear it, but she’s been like this ever since she heard what that person named Daisy said.”
Daisy? Surely not the same Daisy I just met? Did Daisy say something to Hena as well as Gabriel? Was it something so shocking that even the level-headed Hena was out of it?
I shifted my gaze from Hena.
Gabriel had also spoken with Daisy, but fortunately, he seemed perfectly fine. He must have heard the stories about Evangeline being a villainess from her… was he just not showing it?
Ugh! I never expected an obstacle like Daisy to suddenly pop up in my—admittedly imperfect but functional—plan to escape my villainess fate. Wait, wait a second. An obstacle? A character who suddenly appears out of nowhere? If that’s the case, then this is…