A few days later.
Ainola began to prepare for her plan.
During these days, the Shrine’s defenses remained tight, even as the time for the Baptism Ceremony approached.
Within the Temple Knights, on the first of every month, someone would be chosen to enter the Shrine for prayer and baptism.
It was meant to receive blessings from the Deity and such.
But the slots were limited, and Ainola hadn’t qualified for baptism since arriving.
But today, she planned to ask the Priest or Anderson.
To prepare for today, Ainola had been acting depressed over the past few days, barely speaking to Anderson.
After confessing her feelings and being rejected, this behavior was natural.
Yet despite her depression and silence, she didn’t distance herself from Anderson. She still worked diligently and even showed him extra kindness.
This naturally made Anderson feel guilty and awkward.
“Chief Justice, your breakfast.”
Disguised as Eleanor, she looked like a girl who refused to give up. Though her mood wasn’t great, she hadn’t abandoned her pursuit of Anderson.
Anderson looked at the calm-faced girl before him and felt a little helpless.
“I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize, Chief Justice. I already know you like that girl named Ainola, but… it’s also true that I like you.”
Eleanor spoke earnestly, her expression serious.
This gave Anderson a headache.
The Glory Empire didn’t enforce monogamy; many nobles had multiple wives. That was normal.
But Anderson knew his heart was small—it could only hold one person.
Even though he had some fondness for Eleanor, he was even more reluctant to let go of Ainola.
Besides, if he accepted Eleanor, knowing Ainola as he did, he’d definitely lose his chance with her. No way he could have both.
Speaking of Ainola, Anderson felt even more melancholy.
That assassin girl hadn’t appeared for days. It was as if she had vanished.
Maybe she was lying low, waiting for an opportunity, but Anderson was more afraid that something had happened to her.
After all, the Moon Shadow Society also wanted to steal the Eye of Wite. If the two groups ran into each other, Anderson didn’t think Ainola could beat them.
As for Eleanor…
Yesterday, Anderson had asked Sikira for advice on how to handle the situation.
This is what Sikira had said.
“The Ainola you care about might not end up liking you. In the end, it could be nothing but an empty basket. On the other hand, the Eleanor you mentioned seems deeply devoted to you. If you have some feelings for her, you could try dating her. Finding someone who loves you is rare. Don’t miss out on a garden of flowers just because you’re hung up on one tree.”
But after thinking it over, Anderson decided to sincerely speak his mind.
“I can’t accept your feelings. At least… I need to confirm Ainola’s feelings first. I’m sorry, that makes you sound like a backup.”
Anderson’s attitude was sincere, but his words were too blunt. If he said that to another girl, she’d probably give him a cold shoulder.
But Eleanor wouldn’t.
Right now, she needed to appear willing to play the part, so she could use Anderson’s sympathy to enter the Shrine for the baptism ceremony.
So, after hearing him out, Eleanor wasn’t angry. Instead, she spoke with a pure smile.
“I’ll wait for you.”
“Thank you.”
Seeing Eleanor’s genuine expression, Anderson grew more irritated.
He had to admit that, in that moment, his heart wavered a little.
Eleanor’s straightforward affection was intoxicating.
Anderson had never experienced this feeling before.
Even though Sikira said he was popular with girls, as a Temple Knight, he had rarely met many women. His whole life had been training, missions, and more training.
This was truly the first time a girl had confessed to him.
From the first meeting to the confession, plus these past few days, Anderson couldn’t help but marvel that he had only known Eleanor for less than a month.
Meanwhile, that rascal Ainola had lived with him for a year, and they’d become like brothers. She’d never shown any interest.
It was just too hard.
Their conversation fell into silence again.
Eleanor sat to the side, watching Anderson eat without speaking.
After a while, she casually remarked.
“It’s the monthly baptism ceremony again. I wonder who will be lucky enough to be chosen this month.”
“Well…”
Anderson actually wanted to say that because of the Shrine’s heightened security, this month’s ceremony was canceled.
But Eleanor’s eyes held a hint of anticipation.
For every nun, being able to participate in the baptism was a major transformation. With the blessing of divine power, a nun could become a priestess, earning more and even taking outside commissions and joining adventures.
Every nun wanted to advance, just like every worker wanted a raise.
Eleanor’s expectation was understandable.
Seeing her expression, Anderson thought for a moment and then spoke.
“You want to become a priestess?”
“Of course I do,” Eleanor said sadly. “As just a nun, all I can do is bring you meals and water, Chief Justice. If I became a priestess, at least… I could stand by your side, couldn’t I?”
“…”
Anderson hadn’t expected Eleanor to consider him in her decision.
He started thinking.
True, because the Shrine was on lockdown, this month’s baptism was canceled.
But every month, the Shrine produced new Holy Spring water. Leaving it unused was wasteful. He could give it to Eleanor as a small compensation.
“Actually, the candidates haven’t been decided yet for this month. But since you want it so badly, Eleanor, I can pull some strings and give you a little favor.”
“Really?”
Eleanor was both surprised and delighted, but she put on a shy expression and scratched her head.
“But isn’t that an abuse of power? Is that okay?”
Anderson shook his head.
“It’s not an abuse of power. As the Judgment Executor, I have the right to choose the candidates. Besides, your magic affinity is quite good. You’ve always been on the shortlist for priestess candidates.”
“That’s great!”
Eleanor jumped up excitedly and threw her arms around Anderson’s arm.
“Thank you, Chief Justice!”
The soft sensation pressed against his arm made his mind wander a bit.
But then he remembered it was padded, and he felt a little disappointed.