The Answer to a Cheating (Ex)Husband is Remarriage - Chapter 20

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The match rate is checked in a room deep within the temple, a room that only the High Priest can open.

Though called a room, it contains a small waterfall of holy water.

When the two people whose compatibility is to be tested step into the waterfall, where a transparent crystal orb floats, the waterfall flows in reverse.

The crystal orb reacts, and the holy water rises upward. The height reached by the water becomes their match rate.

When Sylaria checked hers with Arendtert, she hadn’t felt very nervous.

Even though it was an important moment that would determine whether she would marry a prince, Sylaria had felt strangely calm.

But now, her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid Euclid might hear it.

‘It’ll be alright. Prince Euclid said it would be fine.’

Sylaria glanced at Euclid as she took a deep breath. He had been walking down the temple corridor with a blank expression, but when their eyes met, his eyes softened.

Just before getting out of the carriage—

Sylaria had asked him to look after her younger sister. It was the first thing she requested right after Euclid gave her the necklace.

Ever since returning, she had been tormented with worry for Elenia.

Elenia had been told she could live a long life if she took care of her heart. Yet that same child had died in the Imperial Hospital.

So Sylaria had to get Elenia out of the hospital. She couldn’t let anyone harm her sister.

‘That’s all you’re asking for? To bring your sister here?’

Euclid had asked, puzzled. But before she could answer, he’d already given Cyan instructions.

As she watched him issue commands to his aide the moment they left the carriage, Sylaria felt a deep sense of relief.

Now Elenia would be safe.

And at the same time, she realized that she genuinely trusted Euclid.

If Arendtert had done the same thing, she would have doubted him first. Worried he’d only say pretty words, only to betray her in the end.

“This way, please.”

At some point, Linder had stopped walking.

The three of them had arrived before a large white wall. Standing at the end of the hall, Linder waved his hand.

A white light traced through the air at his gesture.

As Linder focused, he completed a large, round sigil and moved his lips in concentration. As he chanted, the magic circle sank into the wall.

A thick line formed in the space that had been just a wall, taking the shape of a door. The door then opened smoothly, and the sound of running water could be heard.

“Please, go inside.”

Linder gestured inside with a kindly smile. Nervous, Sylaria pressed a hand to her chest and took a deep breath.

Once their match rate was measured here, once they received the certificate of confirmation from the temple.

And that would be the beginning.

From then on, Sylaria would live a life completely different from her previous one, never to repeat the same tragedy.

So.

She had to do well.

A warm, large hand wrapped around Sylaria’s trembling one. Holding Euclid’s hand, she entered the chamber.

***

The confirmation ritual was simple.

Following the High Priest’s instructions, Euclid and Sylaria stepped into the pool of holy water where the crystal orb floated.

At first, the water level was not high. In fact, the holy water barely reached their ankles, but as soon as both of them entered, the water surged.

“Year 30 of Balthazar, September 16th. I, High Priest Linder Kasimir, as God’s representative, will now verify the match rate of Euclid Balthazar and Sylaria Rainier.”

As Linder announced this, the crystal orb began to emit a radiant white light. The trickling water suddenly shot upward with a loud rush.

Soon, the waterfall, which had previously only fallen to about Euclid’s waist, surged upward, creating powerful currents as it reversed. Linder watched the water level intently, his expression grave.

“…Dear Almighty.”

The water that had been soaring skyward suddenly came crashing down like rain. Caught off guard, Euclid pulled Sylaria into his arms from behind, shielding her.

“What is going on?”

Euclid’s voice was unsteady with confusion as he stood soaking wet. Sylaria was just as shocked.

The holy water, which had risen so high, suddenly fell again.

‘No way, could it be that our match rate is…’

Was it impossibly low?

Was this a reaction because their compatibility couldn’t be measured?

“I’ve never seen anything like this either, Your Highness.”

As Sylaria watched the scattering droplets with anxious eyes, the High Priest’s voice reached her. He was looking at her in disbelief, as if unable to accept what had just happened.