Chapter 68

"Welcome, Mr. Rinneburg.

Please, do come this way with your companions."

As we entered the cathedral with the carriage, there was a place like a carriage park where we could stop and get out. A woman in a white robe greeted us.

"I will guide you to your room."

"Yes, thank you."

We followed the woman in the white robe, advancing through the vast building. After passing through a very wide corridor, we found ourselves in an even wider, dome-shaped space. From there, several wide corridors extended, each leading to countless doors of various rooms.

"Wow... It's like there's a town inside the cathedral."

"Yes, it is very large and complex. They say if you get lost, you might not be able to get out.

Please be careful not to get separated."

"Right, I understand."

We followed the woman in the white robe, ascending stairs and moving through the cathedral.

"Really, it's so big..."

We had been walking for quite a while, but we hadn't reached our destination yet. It was indeed a very large building, as it appeared from the outside. It certainly seemed like you could get lost and not be able to get out.

"Here we are. Please come in."

After a while, we were led to a small room with a window. The window was very large compared to the size of the room, and the greenery of the garden outside seemed to spill into the room, making it feel very pleasant.

However, it was a strange room. There were no doors leading to other places. I wondered if the four of us would spend the night in this small room when suddenly, the woman stepped onto a pattern on the floor that glowed blue-white and disappeared.

"What happened...? Where did she go...? And what's with this glowing floor?"

"Is this your first time, sir? This is a teleportation barrier for moving up and down. It's common in Misra."

"Up and down...? A barrier...?"

"Yes. The cathedral is a very tall building, so this system is used to move between floors.

Just step on it, and you'll be transported immediately. It's very convenient.

We shouldn't keep her waiting, so let's go."

"Can we just step on it?"

"Yes, it's safe."

Following Rinne's guidance, I hesitantly stepped onto the floor and felt a momentary sensation of floating. When I realized it, the view outside the window had changed to one from a much higher place.

──I got goosebumps.

As I was startled, Rinne, Roro, and Ines arrived shortly after.

"Wow, it's really high up."

"Yes, the guest rooms are on the upper floors."

"Here we are. Please come in."

We followed the woman and were guided through another wide corridor. The decorations were much more luxurious than before, with many high-quality statues and paintings. Even though I couldn't fully appreciate their value, I could tell they were valuable. There were also magnificent vases that seemed to draw you in just by looking at them.

As I was captivated by the items in the corridor, we soon reached our destination.

"This is the room for Mr. Rinneburg and two others.

The male companion's room is next door."

"Yes, thank you."

"Please enjoy your stay until noon tomorrow.

When it's time, someone will come to escort you."

"Thank you for the guidance."

After a brief exchange with Rinne, the woman left. We checked our respective rooms and then returned to the corridor.

"So, what do we do now?"

"Well, yes.

Since we arrived quite late today, I, Ines, and Roro plan to check our outfits for tomorrow and then go to bed.

What about you, sir?"

"Hmm... I'd like to explore the building a bit. There are many things I've never seen before, and I want to take a good look."

"That's true, but if you think it's better, that's fine. However, it's getting late, and if you just want to walk around, it would be better to do so tomorrow.

Walking around the cathedral at night is generally prohibited."

"Is that so? Then I'll stay put.

The view from the window was quite nice, after all."

When we checked the room earlier, the large window showed the ground far below. At first, it was scary, but as long as I looked at the distant scenery, it wasn't a problem. The view of Misra's streets through the large window was beautiful and never got old. It was the time of sunset, and the spires of the churches were even more beautiful. I could look at this all night.

"See you tomorrow, then."

"Yeah, see you."

As we were about to part and enter our rooms, a boy with green hair walked towards us from the end of the corridor. Several people in strange armor were walking around him, protecting him.

"──Ah, there you are.

You're late, Rinne.

Did you have some trouble?

I was looking forward to seeing you."

"──Prince Terrence."

The boy approached Rinne with a happy smile. He was slightly taller than Rinne, and they seemed to be about the same age. The green-haired boy spoke to Rinne without looking at the rest of us.

"I'm really happy. You came to celebrate my birthday."

"It's an honor to be invited, Your Highness."

Rinne bowed respectfully, in contrast to the boy's friendly demeanor. So, this was the son of the Pope, the most powerful person in this country, whom Rinne had mentioned earlier...

──What was his name again, Prince something?

"──Come on, Rinne.

Stop being so formal.

We're already officially engaged, you know."

"──Your words, Prince Terrence.

Are you still joking about this?

I have no memory of being engaged, and it's certainly not officially recognized by both families.

──My father doesn't even acknowledge this arrangement."

"──Hmm, is that so?

But since my mother wants it, it's the same thing.

──You understand the meaning, don't you?"

"──No.

I don't understand why it would be like that at all."

The green-haired boy continued to smile at Rinne without a care. Rinne, on the other hand, seemed very unhappy.

The atmosphere felt tense since they started talking. They seemed to know each other, but their relationship didn't seem good.

"Haha, you're really stubborn.

No matter how much pressure I put on you, you don't give in.

──You're one of the few who can face me with such hostility."

"──I don't mean to be so cold... but if I am, I can't understand why you would propose to someone like me."

"──Haha, don't you get it?

That's why you're perfect.

You're the only one suitable to be my bride.

I'm not interested in someone who can be swayed by money or power."

"──It's an honor to be praised, but I don't think I can meet your expectations."

"──Haha, you're still as aloof as ever.

──I don't think it's a bad deal, you know?

Now that the empire has collapsed and the balance of power has shifted, the 'Holy Misra' is the most powerful force on this continent. Your country is quite capable, having repelled the magic empire, but it's also very exhausted, right?

Being my empress means being the first empress of the most powerful ruler on this continent.

I don't think you're the type to miss such an obvious opportunity. It's a mystery to me."

"──What's the point?"

"──It's all good things. Your country's power will also increase.

Why would you turn down such a great offer?

I'll wait for you forever.

Come to my room anytime, you know.

Leave your attendants behind, if you want."

"──Really, you're joking."

The moment Rinne spoke, the atmosphere around her became tense.

──A sharp presence that felt like it could tear you apart just by being near it.

A presence that felt like it was piercing her skin, similar to what I had felt from a [Swordsman] instructor before, was now emanating from Rinne.

"──That's enough. I think you're taking it too far, Prince Terrence.

If you continue, I'll take it as an insult to my family and take appropriate action. Is that clear?"

She had her hand on the hilt of the golden sword at her waist. The armored soldiers next to the green-haired boy immediately stepped forward, and Ines also moved to protect Rinne.

The two sides faced off, the boy and Rinne staring each other down.

"──Haha, it's okay, everyone.

There's no need to worry. She won't do anything.

Step back, please."

"──Yes, as the prince says, Ines.

This is just a greeting. It's a regular occurrence with this person.

──Right, Prince? Unless you want to continue, of course."

"──Oh, scary, scary.

You're really intimidating.

I thought you might actually draw your sword.

But I'm relieved to see you haven't changed.

That's my Rinne."

The boy waved his hand, and the armored soldiers quietly stepped back. Ines also retreated behind Rinne, who released her grip on her sword and seemed to calm down.

"──I would appreciate it if you would stop making such jokes."

"──Well, anyway.

You came back here again. That's enough for me now.

I'm really looking forward to the coming-of-age ceremony tomorrow."

"──Yes, I'm looking forward to it too.

I don't think I can meet your expectations, though."

"──Haha, you're still as aloof as ever.

But listen, this is a warning."

The boy, who had been joking, suddenly became serious.

"──You know this isn't your family's territory, right? I don't know what you've prepared, but I suggest you don't make any strange moves.

It doesn't seem to be a gift for me, anyway.

I think it's better not to shed unnecessary blood, but if you insist, we will too.

And don't let your attendants call your mother 'old woman' in the carriage.

──She gets angry easily, and it's not good to upset her."

"──I think I mentioned before that it's mutual."

The boy stared at Rinne for a moment, then laughed.

"Haha, you're really strong-willed.

That's why I chose you.

What will you show me tomorrow?

──Could it really be a gift for me?

In any case, let's end the greeting here.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

Good night, then."

The green-haired boy waved at Rinne and left with his soldiers. When they were out of sight, Rinne let out a deep breath.

"What was that? Is that the... Prince something you mentioned?"

"Yes... He's like a friend from my study abroad days."

"I see."

He didn't seem like a friend at all, but since Rinne comes from a prestigious family, there are probably many things I, a regular person, don't understand.

"──I'm sorry, I was a bit flustered by the sudden reunion.

I seem to be more tired than I thought.

Would it be alright if I rest now?"

"Sure, that's a good idea. Get some rest."

We parted ways and entered our respective rooms. She had mentioned not sleeping well the night before and didn't seem to be in good shape. It was better for her to rest early.

That night, I fell asleep gazing at the beautiful city with small lights in the windows, immersed in the afterglow of our journey.