Chapter 22
Change
From not far away, the sound of multiple footsteps approached.
Soon, priests appeared in the corridor.
Among the many in similar robes, one middle-aged man at the center stood out.
He had ordinary black hair and unusual green eyes, and at first glance looked unremarkable—but an overwhelming presence radiated from him, one that made it impossible to approach lightly.
When he spotted Blair and Heredin, he stepped forward and greeted them first.
“It seems I’ve been fortunate to meet you both here.”
Gerard Lumiere.
The surname Lumiere was reserved only for the Pope, a title that defined his entire life.
Born in the lowest of places—the red-light district—he had risen to become the highest authority of the church.
He never forgot his origins, and lived by the principle that “the divine descends upon the lowest place in the world,” dedicating himself to protecting the weak.
Because of that, he was deeply respected and admired by all. Even Katrina trusted and relied on his words.
Some whispered that he had simply clung to power, but others said it was wise to make even the Emperor an ally rather than an enemy.
Regardless of opinion, Blair regarded him as a benefactor—someone who had once saved her life when she suffered severe internal injuries from a fire incident.
She and Heredin bowed.
“Your Holiness.”
“I hear you were instrumental in resolving the incident at the hunting grounds today. I thank you both.”
“It is nothing worthy of thanks. Anyone in that situation would have done the same.”
“You are as magnanimous as a hero would be.”
Gerard smiled despite Heredin’s blunt reply.
They walked together toward the main temple.
As they moved, Gerard looked at the two of them with quiet satisfaction.
“It’s only been a month, yet you are already husband and wife. To see you both grow and unite like this warms my heart.”
“It is thanks to Your Holiness for saving me that day.”
Blair said it without thinking—and then quickly glanced at Heredin.
But he showed no reaction.
Instead, Blair suddenly realized something.
He also lost his mother that same day… and Your Holiness led the funeral.
Heredin’s late mother, the former Duchess of Delmark, had been known for her devotion.
She helped the poor, donated generously, and was quietly revered as a saint by both the people and the church.
When she passed away in an accident, Gerard himself had personally overseen her funeral—an extremely rare honor for someone outside the imperial family.
Since then, the Delmark household had continued donating large sums every year in her memory.
Come to think of it… it’s strange.
Two children—each tied to Gerard through tragedy—had grown up and ended up married.
Gerard’s words about being “moved” did not seem entirely empty.
They arrived at the temple entrance.
Nobles gathered inside, all speaking in hushed voices about the hunting incident.
Gerard stopped.
“You two may enter first. I have preparations outside.”
“Then I’ll visit the temple soon.”
“Anytime,” Gerard replied warmly.
As Blair turned to leave, a faint magic circle appeared briefly near her collar.
Gerard’s eyes darkened for a moment.
He watched the couple enter, then murmured softly:
“May you both build a prosperous home.”
Back in the mansion, a small marten cub chirped from its basket.
“Pii— pii—”
Blair let it grab her finger and playfully nibble it. The tiny creature wriggled happily.
In just two weeks, it had grown healthy and energetic under her care, now constantly demanding attention.
As she played with it, Blair’s thoughts drifted.
I should be hearing back from the guild soon.
But there had been no progress on the divorce arrangements or the mysterious attacker.
And regarding the palace fire incident, her discussions with Agnes had also stalled.
Her days had become repetitive—taking care of the cub, and learning household duties from Mason.
She had barely seen Heredin since the festival.
Honestly, it was easier that way.
But the calm was starting to feel dangerous.
If I get used to this… I might stay here.
To distract herself, she read books about the country she would live in after divorce, and studied estate finances.
“Milady, I brought the milk.”
A maid entered hesitantly, holding a bottle.
Blair recognized her.
Meli…
She was one of the maids who had been punished for harassing Lina.
Since Heredin had personally intervened, they had grown terrified and avoided Lina completely.
They still didn’t dare avoid Blair, but they clearly tried to stay cautious.
Meli stepped forward carefully, as if gathering courage just to stand there.
Blair noticed it immediately.
This wasn’t just a task for her.
It was an act of bravery.
“Thank you, Meli.”
“Ah—no! It’s my duty!”
Meli bowed quickly, flustered.
Blair accepted the milk and gently covered Meli’s hand.
“I’m glad you came.”
Meli froze.
She had expected coldness—or at least indifference.
But instead, she received warmth.
I never even apologized…
Shame crept in.
She finally gathered her courage.
“Milady… I’m truly sorry about that day. I was ignorant and acted shamelessly. I wanted to apologize properly…”
Blair blinked, then smiled softly.
“I accept your apology. So please take good care of this one.”
Meli’s eyes widened.
That was it?
No punishment. No resentment.
Just… acceptance?
She nodded quickly.
“Yes! I’ll take good care of it!”
“Oh, and its name is Pipi.”
“Pipi…?”
“Yes. Doesn’t it sound like its cry?”
As if to confirm, the marten chirped loudly.
Meli swallowed a laugh.
Our lady is… not very good at naming.
But somehow, that made her even more endearing.
Then—
A knock sounded at the door.
