Chapter 101

101.

The capital, Palenberg, officially entered summer, with scorching sunlight and humid air filling the atmosphere.

The residents of the capital, who had been wearing thick and long clothes, switched to thinner or short-sleeved outfits, and the priests of the Bright Sect were no exception.

Priests’ robes that used to completely cover their bodies, along with the undersuits worn underneath, inevitably made the priests more susceptible to the oppressive summer heat due to the double layers.

Thus, a special summer uniform, distinct from the three other seasonal ones, was prepared for the priests.

For the robes, the decorative elements were slightly reduced and the fabric was made thinner. The undersuits underwent more noticeable changes.

For both men and women, sleeves were shortened. In the women’s undersuits, which were previously one-piece dresses, ventilation slits on both sides of the lower body were added.

The plain black dress was widely worn by the female priests as they moved about in the Great Cathedral.

Even the Empress Myna wasn’t an exception.

Dak-kak.

“Welcome, Lord Cain. Please pardon the mess in the Audience Chamber.”

“It’s fine. Our Imperial Palace office is similar.”

“It’s a bit cramped, but please take a moment to sit on the sofa.”

Nodding, Myna turned and walked away, her activity outfit billowing softly.

By the time she navigated through the stacks of documents and sat back behind her desk, I had managed to settle onto the relatively clean sofa and observe the surroundings.

‘There’s so much.’

I had come to the Great Cathedral today to both keep our appointment and have a discussion about the Northern Front.

Compared to my previous visit, there was an even more formidable pile of papers. It wasn’t a pile but almost a sea of documents. The Audience Chamber was packed wall to wall.

Myna tried to cover her stress with a bright smile, but even I felt it would be cruel to just state my business and leave given how swamped she looked. Moreover, this wasn’t a matter that could be handled quickly.

“Let’s help a bit.”

When I picked up a stack of documents and offered to assist, she waved her hands furiously, protesting that she shouldn’t burden her guest with work.

“It’s fine! Please, just give me half an hour.”

“Two people doing the work will be faster. I can handle the simpler tasks, right?”

Her dark circles made her look like a hardworking office employee who had been pulling all-nighters.

If left alone, she would likely stay up all night.

Though she said the cardinals and high-ranking priests had already lightened the load of paperwork in her office…

Still, two heads are better than one.

Motivated by pity and a strange sense of familiarity, I actively helped her.

It felt like about three hours had passed when we managed to process about half of the accumulated documents.

Myna seemed much happier.

She put down her quill, appearing more relaxed than before. She apologized for the inconvenience and asked about the purpose of my visit. Upon hearing the mention of our previous arrangement and the Northern Front, she immediately got up from her chair and moved to the guest sofa.

Formally seated across from her, I informed her of my intention to first provide administrative advice. She thought deeply for a moment, picked up a few documents, and moved closer to sit beside me.

Thus, I started carefully examining documents with Myna’s detailed explanations.

Though our seating initially allowed for some personal space, over time, we had drawn considerably closer.

“Should we remove this part?”

“The core points are all written in the center. This section is merely a list of unnecessary descriptors that can be eliminated.”

“Hmm. I see. What about this one?”

“What exactly are you referring to?”

“I can’t see it well from here. Let me just—”

Swish.

With the faint rustle of fabric, I felt a soft sensation on my shoulder and thigh.

Turning my head instinctively, I saw her pink hair and eyes up close.

Her flawless, cute face, free of any blemishes, and the gentle stirring felt when her hair grazed my cheek evoked some peculiar feelings.

“…”

Perhaps…

Isn’t it a little too close?

As I lowered my gaze, the curvature of her body, clearly outlined even under the black activity uniform, and her snow-white legs pressed against mine came into view.

It seems that because her uniform had side slits, a portion of her thigh was revealed as she adjusted herself.

My heightened senses clearly perceived the soft warmth.

“Hmm…”

Why does she insist on this?

This is the same person who performed my wedding.

“Myna, Holy Empress?”

“Yes, is there something?”

Her pink eyes met mine.

“Would it be better if we sat slightly apart? That’s what I’m thinking.”

“Why? Is there a problem with sitting so close?”

“Being so near an unrelated man is troublesome both from the perspective of the Holy Empress and personally.”

Myna understood my concern but replied confidently,

“There is only the two of us in this chamber. Besides, this way of sitting makes it easier to examine documents efficiently.”

Myna spoke with surprising frankness.

She subtly inched closer, which made me quite uncomfortable.

“What does she want?”

Knowing her true nature, her overly familiar attitude was quite suspicious.

She must be up to something. Why would a married man allow such intimate contact?

“Does she want a donation for compensation?”

Or perhaps she aims to establish influence through the trusteeship of Calheigh.

Due to this opportunity provided by the Bright Sect and the Empress, refusing her outright would be difficult.

“Considering the Pilgrimage Group’s support and the orphanages in various regions, a substantial amount of money is indeed needed.”

This would require Iris’s approval and Kierson’s cooperation.

However, even if we offered compensation to the Sect, it wouldn’t pose a significant issue.

“As long as the request remains within acceptable limits, I can give it positive consideration.”

With a certain unease, I glanced at Myna.

She ran her fingers through her hair and gave a soft smile.

“So… What is it that you’re curious about?”

“Yes. Regarding this document, it’s a report on the budget plans of each diocese…”

*

After giving the brief advice, my task finally came to an end, bringing a sense of relief.

A broadened view of the Audience Chamber compared to before.

As I rubbed my tired eyes, the door of the chamber opened, and Myna entered carrying a tray with teacups.

“Hmm?”

The moment the door opened, a peculiarly familiar aroma tickled my nose.

“Coffee?”

Attracted by its distinct scent, I turned to see Myna carefully offering a teacup.

“This tea will reduce fatigue. It might be dark and bitter, but its fragrance is excellent.”

Surely…

While suppressing her trembling hands, she handed the teacup to me.

A soft wisps of steam rose, carrying a strong aroma of coffee beans. The cup held a thick, brown liquid.

Sip.

Hot.

And bitter.

“…It’s bitter.”

“Yes? I found it hard to drink at first too, but once you get used to it, you begin to appreciate its flavor. Though I personally prefer it with sugar or milk.”

As Myna stirred her tea with a teaspoon, continuing her chatter, her words barely registered with me.

All my focus was on the coffee in my hands.

“Coffee. It’s here.”

A beverage I had been inseparable from in my past life and constantly missed when handling palace duties.

Since there was no mention of coffee in the novel, I hadn’t expected it.

Involuntarily, the corners of my mouth curved upward at the familiar bitter taste.

“It’s not exactly the same as what I had in modern times.”

But the joy of encountering a familiar item in this world was undeniable.

The cup contained a steaming espresso.

With access to the palace’s refrigeration facility, adding ice and cold water turned it into a cold Americano.

“Perhaps…”

Superhuman physiology doesn’t acknowledge physical fatigue.

However, the mental toll is unavoidable. Slowly savoring this hot coffee made it feel like some of the burden eased.

“I’m glad it’s to your satisfaction.”

Nodding at Myna’s gentle remark, I couldn’t help but agree.

For some time, we silently sipped our coffee.

As the bottom of our cups gradually revealed themselves…

Myna spoke first.

“You came to discuss the Northern Front?”

“Yes. It’s been roughly three months since the anomalies began occurring in the North. With the Calheigh matter settled, it’s time to move on to the next issue.”

While setting the cup down and adjusting my taste, Myna nodded.

“It has been three months since the snowstorms began enveloping the North. The entire empire is experiencing the sun’s blessing this summer, yet such snowstorms…”

“A hypothesis has been partially proven.”

“Yes. It seems the dragon’s seal has weakened.”

Myna, who had maintained a soft smile until now, looked somber.

The Sect operates a monster-hunting group under the name “pilgrimage,” and their underground archives are detailed records of monstrous creatures and the history of the Pilgrimage Group.

As the Holy Empress, Myna must have access to core information, meaning she knows much about the Northern Front and these monstrous creatures.

“Who would have thought the seal would weaken this fast. The mage mentioned that it could hold for at least a hundred years.”

“It appears to have lasted about nine years. Around the time my father passed away.”

“Father…?”

“Macbilian’s Baron Carlos was my father.”

Upon hearing this, Myna’s eyes widened.

“Do… I remember. One of the knights who departed for the North mentioned the transfer of the sealing sword. I believe he referred to the Macbilian Baron. Could the knight have been… oh.”

Myna, who seemed to be reminiscing, suddenly became cautious.

With a somber expression, she drew the sign of holiness and carefully spoke.

“I’m sorry for bringing up painful memories.”

“No, it’s alright. He passed fulfilling a good cause.”

“…”

On behalf of the sect and as a Holy Empress, Myna bowed her head with gratitude for a noble sacrifice.

After bowing deeply, Myna closed her eyes, offered a small prayer, and then calmly resumed:

“Half of the Pilgrimage Group is planning to enter the North. Some groups have already pierced through the snowstorms, but after three months, there has been no news of them returning.”

“Were there any mana manifesters among those who went in?”

“No. The pilgrimage groups with mana manifesters were sent to foreign nations. The Free City League in the Western Continent sent in an urgent request for help.”

“An urgent request? This surely means…”

“Yes. The army of abnormals is advancing.”

The Northern region of the Western Continent was an uncharted territory overrun by these abnormal creatures.

Areas like Silvester and Altain, along with a few countries near the Northern border, were blocking their southward invasion.

The Free City League, located around the halfway point of the Western Continent, was one of the countries forming the Northern Front.

“It seems the influence of the seal is expanding there.”

“According to the momentum… We have about two months, or quicker, around a month and a half.”

Two months until the seal breaks.

“We must hasten.”

“Yes, but… there are only two options. Reinforce the seal, or hunt the dragon.”

Considering the grave expression on Myna’s face, I informed her:

“Reinforcing the seal seems more feasible. The Knights entered when the dragon was sealed intact, but this time is different.”

“Trying to reinforce the seal while it’s not yet fully awakened should reduce the risk.”

“Is it possible to remake the sealing sword?”

Myna nodded at my question.

“The materials for the sealing sword are holy relics left by the Empresses of the past. There are a few still stored in the Great Cathedral, so it doesn’t seem like material shortage will be an issue. However, reforging the sealing sword will require the mage’s cooperation…”

“The mage’s cooperation is also available.”

“Really?”

Surprised Myna looked at me as I raised my hand.

Among the two rings clasped between my fingers, one glinted, catching the light streaming through the window.

Upon seeing this, Myna’s body froze in surprise.