Chapter 276

Chapter 63 The Holy Maiden Has Returned

“Mmm…”

When the bright light penetrated through the curtains, illuminating the bedroom, the young girl lying on the large white bed, hugging a pillow, frowned slightly and hummed softly through her nose.

Her eyelashes trembled as she slowly opened her eyes.

…It’s so hot.

Although she wanted to stay in bed a little longer, it was just too hot…

The black strands at her temples were soaked with fine sweat, sticking uncomfortably to her cheek. She raised her hand to touch her forehead; the feeling was wet and slippery, and her fingertips were covered in sweat.

I’m burning up, sweating so much.

A bit annoyed…

Sarah was right. After the continuous drizzle finally ended last night, the capital city seemed to have welcomed summer. The entire bedroom had become humid and stiflingly hot. And I was wearing a not-so-thin silk nightgown. Although the blanket that had been covering me had long since been kicked to the foot of the bed, I still woke up from the heat.

Can’t take it anymore…

She threw the soft pillow aside, rubbed her hair, and got out of bed, heading straight for the bathroom. While walking, she took off her nightgown and undergarments, entering naked and closing the door behind her. She poured half a bucket of water over herself.

Refreshing.

After a simple cold shower, she dried off and walked to the wardrobe. She squatted down, pulled open a drawer, and took out new undergarments and a corset to change into. Frowning, she rummaged through the many dresses hanging there, but after a long time, she couldn’t find one suitable, as they were all long-sleeved.

…It seems I don’t have any sleeveless or short-sleeved clothes.

I remember I wore them when I was in the small village, all handmade by Grandma Claire, but I didn’t bring many when I left. After arriving in the City of Winter, Mother thought the fabric of those clothes was too rough and no longer let me wear them, leaving them all in the castle.

I should go buy some…

There was an inexplicable sense of irritation in her heart, making her feel particularly annoyed.

How can I be a member of the Frost Order, why can’t I cool myself down like in the stories by releasing frost mist?

I thought about this when I wore armor before, but if I release even a little, the low temperature would first freeze the sweat into ice shards, and over time, it would harden the dress. If it were during battle, I wouldn’t care, but in normal times… it would be unbearable. Better to just endure the heat.

I had to hastily put on a light knee-length skirt and run downstairs barefoot, “thump thump thump,” eating all the almond cakes she bought yesterday, putting on shoes, and heading out.

The sun was blazing, and clouds surged.

She faintly heard the clear chirping of birds high above.

When she reached the courtyard, she couldn’t help but glance at the neighboring mansion. It seemed quiet, with no signs of life.

It must be almost noon… Victoria is so busy, she must have gone out early—

…Hmm?

She turned her head in confusion, looking up at the top of the house behind her, only to see no one there, not even a bird or any other animal.

But just now, for a moment, I felt someone’s gaze…

Was it just an illusion?

She turned around, tilting her head as she stood on the lawn of the courtyard, staring up at her two-story house for a long time.

“Reckert?”

She tried calling out gently, waiting for a response, but none came.

“Victoria?”

Still no answer.

Could anyone else easily evade my keen perception? Could it be Carlos?

…He wouldn’t dare come back!

Definitely not him…

I remember there was a time recently when something like this happened… I don’t know how to describe it, it was like walking alone in a pitch-black alley at midnight, always feeling someone watching you. Last time, I thought it was the Canri Sword, so I didn’t pay attention… I guess I was just being overly sensitive, right?

Or maybe, my perception has become sharper due to the absorption… I thought I had long gotten used to it, but it seems I still need some time.

Shaking her head, she turned and walked out.

Stepping out of the iron gate, she slowly walked on the cobblestone road of Londor Street. The air was really stuffy and hot, and soon another layer of fine sweat appeared on her nose, while half of her back felt like it was being roasted in a steamer… It was because of her hair. With long, thick hair left loose, it felt like wearing a heavy fur coat.

I should have tied up my hair before going out…

Walk faster.

Thinking this, she quickened her pace. When she reached the corner of the street, she suddenly saw several posters stuck on the nearby wall.

Hmm?

The paper of the poster looked new, as if it were a few portraits, with a few lines of text below each.

When were these posted… Were they there last night? I didn’t notice.

As she approached, she discovered they were missing person notices.

[Judith, disappeared on March 4th, whereabouts unknown…]

[Olivia, went missing while shopping for ingredients at Curie Market on March 9th, whereabouts unknown…]

[Hansen, returned home drunk on March 13th but hasn’t been seen since…]

There were six posters in total, all about missing people, both male and female. Each piece of paper had the seal of the Arbitration Office at the bottom.

[Those who provide information will be generously rewarded]

…But can these drawings really lead to finding the people?

How could someone get lost while buying groceries…

The capital is so prosperous, although the security is good, with at least a million people living here, anything can happen. A few days ago at the academy, Sarah mentioned that there was a fight at a tavern on Curie Street during a rest day, and someone died. As for disappearances, they happen frequently.

So I didn’t pay much attention.

Arriving at the street where she and Victoria got off the carriage last night,

Street, walking to the end of the street, entered a clothing store called “Robins” — which was also where I originally planned to buy clothes with Victoria.

The clothes here were far from the extravagant gowns in the royal palace, and probably not as good as those tailor-made by nobles, but they could still be considered quite high-end. The fabrics were comfortable, and most importantly, the designs were beautiful. I liked them.

I quickly picked out several simple yet attractive sleeveless dresses, and bought two wide-brimmed hats for sun protection. After paying and leaving the store with my purchases, I intended to head home when I suddenly spotted a familiar figure across the street.

She was still dressed in her white nun’s habit, her well-proportioned figure subtly outlined even under the loose hem. White gauze wrapped around her head, revealing only half her face and a pair of light blue eyes. She stood gracefully by the roadside, holding a chicken leg that she had bitten into; her cheeks were slightly puffed up and slowly moving as she chewed. She tilted her head upwards, seemingly looking at the window displays on the opposite side of the street, completely ignoring the glances of passersby.

Is that Margaret?

It seems like…

When did she come back… What is she doing there? A bit silly…

… Is it really Margaret?

With considerable confusion, I crossed the street towards her. As I approached, I confirmed that it was indeed Margaret.

She seemed not to have noticed me yet, slowly tearing off another piece of chicken and putting it into her mouth, chewing slowly while staring unblinkingly at the opposite side, as if in a daze.

I tilted my head, waving the clothes in front of her eyes, and smiled: “Hey!”

“Aah!”

Margaret jerked, emitting a soft cry as she instinctively placed her hands behind her back, hiding the chicken leg, before turning to look at me.

I blinked my eyes.

She blinked too.

“…Pfft, ha-ha.”

Her actions, reminiscent of a little girl caught stealing, amused me, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing it was me, Margaret looked slightly embarrassed but tried to act nonchalant: “Miss Silvija…”

“When did you come back?” I asked.

“Not long ago, just entered the city.”

Just entered the city?

“What are you doing here?”

“Just happened to be passing by, came down to rest and eat something…”

She seemed reluctant to talk about it further and immediately changed the subject: “You came at the right time. I wanted to tell you… Are you busy now?”

I shook my head lightly: “Not busy, I was just heading back.”

“Then let’s go over there.” Margaret gestured towards the other end of the street, “The carriage is parked there, I’ll send you back.”

“Okay.”

I followed her along the road. As we walked, Margaret quickly finished the chicken leg and casually threw the bone to a dirty stray dog. Once she swallowed her food, I couldn’t help but ask: “Was it good?”

“Not bad.”

“Where did you get it?”

She made me a bit envious…

“Across the street.”

“Oh…”

Thinking it might be on the way, I added: “Let’s stop there later.”

“Okay.”

We reached the end of this street and turned into another one. In the distance, two splendid church carriages were parked by the roadside.

Why park so far away…

I glanced at Margaret, who kept her gaze straight ahead, her back straight, and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief… She must have felt my gaze, but didn’t turn her head.

“Holy Maiden.”

As we approached the carriage, a waiting nun lifted the curtain of the first carriage for us. Margaret told the driver to head to Longdor Street, then got in with me and sat down.

“The new abyss has shown no abnormalities so far,” Margaret said after the carriage started moving, “The swamp is already boiling. However, based on the scholars’ estimates, the incubation period of the abyss might still take another two months… or even longer.”

I frowned slightly: “Is it that slow?”

Margaret gently shook her head.

“Usually, previous abysses would hatch within half a month to a month after the swamp boils. But this time, the abyss in the Raberil Canyon is special. The rift is smaller than usual, and the depth of the swamp is unknown. The incubation cycle is clearly much longer, and it shows no signs of awakening yet.”

Special…

How long did it take me to awaken? When I was in the swamp, everything was hazy… I couldn’t calculate the time, but it didn’t feel very long. After regaining consciousness, I came out quickly.

Definitely not two months.

If my progress is normal, and the endless abyss in the village is a special case, what category does this one fall into?

I have a bad feeling, and I want to see…

“Margaret, when can we go again? I want to go together.”

Margaret hesitated upon hearing this and shook her head again shortly.

“No, you’d better not go for now.”

“Why?”

“The situation there is very special… A cardinal has personally arrived at the scene. He is one of the few people in the church who knows your identity, and—”

Here, Margaret paused, seemingly considering something, but did not continue.

“In short, if possible, I don’t want you to have too much contact with him.”