I Seducing the Black-Hearted Duke Wasn't Me - Chapter 44

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 44
‘You’re saying you weren’t interested in becoming a High Priest?’
Leon replied with such casual composure, a faint smile playing at his lips.
Somewhere in the midst of this, the newspaper—I couldn’t say when he’d taken it—was being shredded to pieces in his hands.
“Then why did you become one? Everyone objected so much, yet you went ahead and cast aside all their concerns.”
“Hmm. Curious?”
Of course I was.
I nodded eagerly.
Leon studied my face for a moment as if deliberating whether to tell me, then opened his mouth.
“The reason I became a High Priest was this.”
“Yes.”
“It’s because I couldn’t marry the person I’d been in love with.”
“……What?”
Wait. What did he just say?
Watching my startled reaction, Leon continued matter-of-factly.
“As I came of age, everyone around me started pushing marriage and engagements. But I didn’t want to marry anyone else. It had to be that person, or nothing at all.”
“…….”
“So I decided to become a High Priest. A form of escape, if you will.”
Leon spoke brightly, saying that as a High Priest, no one could press him about marriage.
I swallowed my shock.
So Orden’s most sought-after marriage prospect had deliberately walked the path of becoming an ineligible match—to ruin his own marriage prospects.
“Wait. You said you became a High Priest because you didn’t want to marry.”
“Right. So?”
“Then what about now? You stepped down from the position and got engaged to me. Is that really all right?”
“Ah, don’t worry about that.”
At my concerned question, he laughed softly and stroked my hair.
“I already have what I wanted.”
“Yes? And that’s…….”
It was at that moment.
“Your Grace!”
Zhang, the interrupting nuisance, burst through the door in the middle of our conversation, stumbling with haste.
“Look at this!”
In his hand was a white envelope bearing the glimmer of a gold-sealed stamp.
* * *
Meanwhile, in the Estherion Temple. Inside the High Priest’s office.
Bang!
The thick oak desk shuddered as if seized by a fit.
Servando’s fist, which had struck the desk, trembled violently.
“Who on earth…… No, how did the information leak in the first place!”
“W-we’re not entirely sure either…….”
“Not sure? You incompetent fools!”
Servando’s rage boiled over.
His gaze fell upon the newspapers and gossip sheets scattered haphazardly across the desk.
[SHOCKING! Was it all true? The paintings hanging in the corridors of Estherion Temple revealed to be works by famous masters!]
[EXCLUSIVE DEBUT] List of nobles who donated high-value paintings to the temple obtained! Partial release as a preview!
[SPECIAL REPORT] These peculiar methods of donation by the temple. Should we really allow this to continue?
The initial articles attacking the Duke had somehow transformed—other media outlets had begun to pick up the thread, now scrutinizing the temple’s donation practices.
‘If, by some misfortune, the Imperial Palace itself took an interest and seized the ledgers……!’
Of course, the ledgers were double books.
The disguised ledger—not the hidden one—appeared perfectly legitimate to anyone who examined it.
But.
‘If the Imperial Palace decided to dig deeper, they might uncover the truth!’
Moreover, Bernstein, the former High Priest, had even defected to the Emperor.
If the Emperor conspired with him and provided false testimony……this would be disastrous.
“Of all times, why must this happen now!”
Servando raked his hands through his hair in agitation and slumped into his chair.
“I’ve gone to such lengths to maintain this position. I cannot let that green boy snatch it from me!”
However.
“Your Excellency. Someone has arrived from the Cesanne household. They say they have something to discuss regarding the donation made last month…….”
“Madam Orga, the Countess, has also sent a letter. And Count Rolband and Lady Arinea, the young Marquess……they’ve all sent representatives…….”
At news that inquiries from the nobility were pouring in, Servando’s already pallid face drained of all color.
They were all people who had either donated to the Temple or were planning to.
And all of it for a private audience with Leon Obsidian.
They feared the scandal might touch them as well.
The urgent letters they’d sent all carried the same message.
Resolve this matter at once!
Among the VIP Service clientele were figures of considerable influence and deep pockets.
He couldn’t afford to lose their trust, not with the future at stake.
As these thoughts crystallized, Servando’s mind turned cold and sharp.
‘Phew. It’s fine. The names of the major clients haven’t been released yet. Though how long that will hold, I can’t say….’
“Prepare to depart for Jedo at once.”
“Sir? Jedo? We have no scheduled journey there in the foreseeable future.”
“Then we go in secret! Move quickly—what’s the matter with you? Do you want us all dead?”
His terrified aides scrambled to make ready.
Useless lot.
Servando bounced his leg with barely contained anxiety.
For some reason, the informant hadn’t released the full list yet—there was still time.
Time enough to overturn this entire game.
* * *
Just as expected.
Days later, an unexpected visitor arrived at Jaherlete.
“Ahem. Forgive the intrusion at this late hour, Marquis of Jaherlete. I had hoped to call on the Grand Duke, but I was told he was here.”
Night had fallen thick and dark.
The High Priest descended from a shabby carriage—apparently chosen to deflect notice—and bowed with obsequious deference.
He hadn’t expected the High Priest to come all this way on foot, of all things.
Driven hard through the night, his appearance was that of a fugitive fleeing from prying eyes.
‘Of course. When one’s own position hangs by a thread, what else would he notice?’
When cold tea was brought, he forgot all pretense and gulped it down as though parched.
“What brings you to call so late, and without warning? This is most sudden.”
Best to move straight to business.
When I pressed him forward without pause, the High Priest hesitated briefly before speaking.
“Ahem. I’ve come to make a proposal to the Grand Duke.”
“A proposal for me?”
“Yes.”
The High Priest nodded toward Leon at my side, then hesitated a moment longer before continuing.
“The thing is, I’m not certain how matters came to this pass, but complications have arisen, and there’s a possibility the Imperial Court will launch an investigation. Therefore, I was hoping you might testify on my behalf.”
“Testify to what, exactly?”
“I would appreciate it if you would testify that all your work as High Priest thus far was entirely of your own volition.”
“So you’re asking me to commit perjury?”
“Perjury? No, no. Simply a matter of settling things amicably. Why invite controversy? Let’s see how we can smooth this over.”
“Hmm. Is there even controversy to speak of? I merely followed your orders.”
“Ahem, I’ll handle that matter myself, so have no fear. And surely you have desires of your own—things you’d like from me?”
The High Priest laughed awkwardly and dabbed his cold sweat with a handkerchief.
Leon, who had been watching him in silence, broke into a slight smile and nodded.
“I see. That much poses no difficulty. I’ve no wish for this to escalate either.”
“I—thank you!”
At Leon’s words, the High Priest’s face brightened with relief.
As though a great weight had lifted from his shoulders, he even seemed to relax, his words flowing more freely than before.
“Then your approval of the betrothal means you’ll also accept my resignation, yes?”
“Ah, well…”
The High Priest faltered awkwardly.
“I actually have a proposal regarding that very matter.”
Speaking as though the true conversation were only now beginning, he wet his lips and continued.
“As I’ve said repeatedly, I do hope you’ll continue to serve as High Priest.”
So there it was.
Even with everything in ruins, he still couldn’t let go of his ambitions.
‘He still hasn’t come to his senses.’
“But as I understand it, High Priests are forbidden to marry. Your words seem contradictory. Surely you’re not attempting to play word games with me?”
“Of course not! No, never!”
The High Priest jerked back in alarm and shook his head vigorously.
But it was only a moment.
“However, there is such a thing as exceptions to every rule. Do not worry. Since this is for the Temple, the Deity will surely understand.”
“…….”
“The Temple is a place where we serve the Divine. And I, who oversee that sacred place, am the one who conveys the Deity’s will. In other words, viewed broadly, what is my voice if not the voice of the Divine itself? There is nothing to fear.”
Everything would unfold exactly as desired, the High Priest chuckled softly.
“If Your Highness aids me, then I too shall ensure you obtain whatever you desire. So do think carefully on this matter.”
Consider how magnificent it would be to gain the Temple as an ally, the High Priest said with quiet confidence.
Leon, who had been watching him in silence, broke into a thin smile.
But it lasted only a moment.
His eyes turned to ice, sharp and penetrating as they fixed upon the High Priest.
His upper body lowered until he was close, and he spoke in a low, measured voice.
“Why should I?”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————