Chapter 113
The Fountain of Healing loses its efficacy the moment it is taken from its location.
Nevertheless, Albireo had secretly returned to Deneb Castle, skipping all social events, experimenting repeatedly with over a dozen glass bottles.
Despite enduring the threat to his life from his family in the future, the only thing that retained its effect was this measly amount in this glass bottle.
But he still wanted to give it to her. Even if it wasn’t much, who knew if it might help in an unforeseen situation?
“The moment you remove the stopper, the efficacy will quickly diminish. It’s a pity it can only be used once.”
“What do you mean…”
Freesia wanted to say she couldn’t possibly accept something like this.
It wasn’t a jewel or flower, openly declared as a ‘gift for a lady’, but it was more valuable.
‘This could be dangerous.’
Receiving such a gift from an unmarried man while being a married woman wasn’t right. Even Marchioness Deneb seemed slightly uncomfortable.
Yet, the man kept smiling without a care.
He was someone who forced this on her without expecting anything in return.
She hadn’t received such kindness often in her past life.
“…I gratefully accept, Sir Deneb.”
Perhaps she wouldn’t have another chance to receive such kindness in her remaining time.
But seeing this person piqued her curiosity.
“By the way, sir, how did you find me that day?”
Even in her hazy memory, she recalled that his steps were filled with certainty, as if he knew she would be where he was going.
Albireo’s eyes sparkled.
“Ah. Madam, have you ever heard of having a unique presence?”
“Pardon…?”
“You gave off that impression when you first visited our castle… so I followed that presence even in the mansion.”
“……!”
“So, I hope you will visit the academy sometime. There are people there who can distinguish such presences better than I can.”
Freesia’s eyes widened at Albireo’s explanation.
‘Now that I think about it, didn’t Adamant say he would give me strength?’
Not just extending her time, but also allowing her to feel his presence when using power.
Though Izar seemed displeased with talk of the academy.
“Yes, thank you for the suggestion.”
This time, Freesia did not politely decline but smiled firmly.
* * *
The capital’s temple has separate spaces for the high-ranking families. Therefore, even if they arrived with the Deneb family, they had to part ways briefly for individual prayers.
‘I should make an offering too.’
Calling it an offering was a polite way to put it, but it was actually to keep mouths shut.
If the ‘bastard duchess’ had caused such a commotion at a late hour, she had to ensure silence.
Though Izar had paid a considerable amount, Freesia also carefully took some from her dowry to donate, causing the leading priest’s lips to twitch.
“Oh dear… you come to visit as soon as you’ve regained your health. Such deep piety.”
“I am just grateful for Adamant’s mercy. Thank you for bestowing divine power upon me.”
“Haha, it’s our duty! And to receive such a precious offering as well.”
Freesia looked at the overly glimmering priest with indifferent disdain.
‘Even a bastard is not turned away in the face of money…’
Can someone like this truly serve as a priest?
‘Isn’t the act of putting a price on divine power, which only nobles can afford, a problem in itself?’
Shaking her head, she walked towards the statue in the inner sanctuary. With good weather and few visitors, it was a perfect time to offer flowers outside.
And just as she placed a few white roses at the foot of the Adamant statue, a familiar voice reached her ears.
“Madam?”
“……!”
“Is it alright for you to be out and about already?”
This connection had continued since visiting the Deneb territory.
The priest Canopus approached her with a surprised expression upon seeing her.
Freesia gently nodded to the few added knights, including Van, who had taken a step closer behind her. It was a sign that she permitted a private conversation.
“Yes, I’m alright now. Thank you for that day, Reverend Canopus.”
“What do you mean? I was merely doing my duty as a servant of God.”
Canopus glanced at the white roses Freesia had just placed.
“Did you pray for your family again today?”
“…Yes.”
She had been told that her briar baby was in God’s embrace.
Her baby’s soul had been properly saved.
‘Until the day I go to meet my baby, I must live without shame.’
She had to ensure that when she finally reunited with her baby, she would have proud stories to tell as a mother.
So, Freesia was contemplating in the temple whether spending that precious day by Izar’s side was the right thing to do.
‘My feelings for Lord Izar have been so strong for so long that I hesitate.’
It was as difficult as deciding whether to cut off a part of her own body.
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