Surviving as the Wife of the Swordsmanship Clan’s Troublemaker - Chapter 102

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 102

Inside the dark Prison.
“Have you come to release me, Viscount?”
Morgan lifted his head, his face gaunt and worn.
“You’ve managed to keep yourself clothed even in prison—it seems you’re finally ready to speak the truth?”
Nikolai and Nilson stood side by side before the iron bars. Morgan, his arms bound in shackles, had lost the muscular bulk he once possessed over the past few days.
“I am innocent. My only crime is having devoted my youth to Bloodmere.”
Yet his eyes still burned with life. If he had truly been nothing more than a Household Guard captain, his gaze would never have held such intensity.
“How unjust for you.”
Nikolai abandoned any hope of extracting answers from him. He opened the pouch Docheop had given him and scattered black powder over Morgan. It was Truth Scent.
It was a magical fragrance incomparably more expensive than the Deception Scent that Ludvin carried. It was not something one could obtain merely by offering payment. Only Grand Mages could even create such a thing.
Nikolai had no idea how Docheop had procured it, but he had entrusted it to him before departing.
Cough, cough!
Morgan inhaled the powder directly and immediately erupted into violent coughing.
“What have you just scattered on me…?”
“Now we can have a proper conversation.”
Nikolai cut him off and bent down. As their eyes met, Morgan sensed something was terribly wrong and twisted his body away.
“Are you a member of the Holy Church?”
Nikolai posed the question that had consumed his thoughts.
“Yes.”
Morgan confessed the truth far too easily.
Ugh!
Morgan wanted to deny it, but his tongue would not obey.
“What have you done to me?!”
“Tell me the name of the master you serve.”
Nikolai pressed for confirmation.
“Johannes of Lucidpol. A name too sacred to speak carelessly!”
Again, Morgan uttered the name helplessly.
“…Viscount. This is…”
“Nilson. Are you connected to these people?”
Nikolai turned his attention to Nilson. The Truth Scent would have affected him as well.
“I have no connection whatsoever.”
“Could you sacrifice your life for Bloodmere even if the world turned its back on it?”
“Without hesitation.”
At that answer, Nikolai lowered his guard toward Nilson. It was at that very moment.
Mmph!
Realizing the Truth Scent’s effect, Morgan bit down on his own tongue. He was already a dead man. It was better to die than to divulge information about the Order here.
“Nilson, stop him at once.”
“Yes!”
But Morgan, having anticipated even that, was swiftly subdued.
“Nooooo!!!”
Morgan let out a desperate wail.
“I had hoped otherwise, but so that’s what you truly are. How considerate of you to confess with your own lips—I’ll make sure to obliterate Seraphim’s Paradise.”
Nikolai’s voice dripped with contempt.
“Nilson, bind the traitor properly. It will take considerable time to transport him to the Imperial Palace.”
Now the true work was beginning.
​
***
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The Southern Empire, bathed year-round in scorching sunlight, thrummed with vitality from the harbor onward.
Our party and Toby rode together in a carriage toward the Grand Temple.
“The Grand Temple is visible up there on that hill.”
Toby pointed with his finger.
The Grand Temple rose from the city’s heart like a solitary mountain.
Before the temple stretched a marble staircase so vast it seemed to have no end, and countless worshippers climbed it slowly, step by step.
Atop the stairs stood colossal stone pillars in perfect rows, and through them, the temple’s grand entrance loomed as tall and magnificent as a castle gate.
“It’s enormous.”
“It’s the largest Grand Temple in the world. The High Priest resides here as well.”
Toby led the way with an easy laugh.
Docheop, walking beside me, asked quietly.
“You look excited.”
“Do I?”
“Your eyes are sparkling.”
I glanced away deliberately. I had come to find a colleague, not to sightsee—or so I told myself—yet I couldn’t suppress the thrill rising in my chest.
White-robed priests moved in formation at the temple entrance. Unlike from a distance, stepping inside the temple filled me with an inexplicable sense of comfort. It was as though I had never been here, yet somehow I had.
‘Did Hallara visit this place before the possession?’
As I looked around, troubled by this strange sense of déjà vu, a priest approached.
“Welcome.”
“Hello, Priest.”
Toby bowed respectfully. The priest returned the gesture with a gentle smile.
“It has been a long time. And this time you’ve brought distinguished guests.”
The priest’s gaze naturally shifted to Docheop and me.
“They say you’ve come from the Western Empire and wish to make a donation.”
Toby spoke. At the mention of the Western Empire, the priest’s eyes widened briefly before settling back into serenity.
“You’ve traveled far. The divine will surely be pleased.”
I nodded and moved closer to Docheop. Though I held no faith in gods, the priest emanated an aura difficult to explain away.
“I’ll guide you only this far. Thank you for the luxury carriage, sister.”
“The pleasure was mine.”
Docheop paid the fare instead. Toby opened his bundle and bounced with joy.
“You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen! Seriously, you’re the coolest!”
“I know.”
Toby had been appeased by Docheop’s acknowledgment. The boy waved his hand excitedly and darted out of the temple.
As I watched his retreating figure, the Priest spoke softly.
“We’re currently holding a Holy Trial, so we’ll accept your donation once the proceedings conclude.”
“Of course.”
Actually, this worked in my favor. If I donated and was then escorted out, the opportunity would slip through my fingers.
“In the meantime, allow me to show you to a place where you can rest.”
We made our way to the Prayer Hall, where I could see a few worshippers in white veils offering their devotions.
From now until the trial ended—that was my window of opportunity.
‘The real challenge starts now. How do I slip away and explore without being noticed?’
The Grand Temple was far more expansive than I’d anticipated. And Docheop remained glued to my side.
I surveyed the Prayer Hall, and a promising idea took shape.
“Docheop.”
I called to him in a slightly coquettish tone.
“I’d like to make a floral offering at the Altar.”
It was what the other worshippers were doing—presenting flowers at the Altar.
“Flowers?”
Docheop looked down at me.
“Yes, I’ve seen the flower offerings. I’d like to make one too. Could you find some nearby?”
“Wait here.”
“And could you bring me a veil as well? I’d like to cover my face.”
I added one more request, knowing it was a bit much.
Docheop rose without hesitation. As I watched him go, I whispered to myself.
‘I’m sorry, Docheop. I’ll be back soon.’
​
***
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‘I’m sorry, Hallara. I’ll be right back.’
Docheop glanced back at Hallara once more before slipping out of the Prayer Hall.
Docheop had come here to find an old comrade as well.
He had been about to ask her if he could step away for a moment when Hallara, as if reading his very thoughts, made her request—one that would require time.
In that window of opportunity, Docheop retraced the paths of memory and made his way toward the cemetery behind the Grand Temple.
“Casio…”
The cemetery behind the Grand Temple, where sunlight barely penetrated. Casio, once my comrade, had been the original gravedigger of the Grand Temple.
He could have been revered as a priest, inheriting the sacred power of his mother, the Saint. But after her death, his time had stopped as well.
Day after day, he swept and polished her grave, reduced to nothing more than a gravedigger.
If he hadn’t stood trial yet, he would still be waiting at the cemetery. If the trial had already concluded, I would need to extract him from prison as I had before the regression—and that would cause far greater complications. Docheop desperately hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Unlike the past, he was no longer alone. He had Hallara now.
“Please still be there.”
He breathed the prayer fervently as he made his way toward the cemetery.
​
***
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The moment Docheop vanished, I rose to my feet.
[Where is that bastard going after sending me out?]
Junel clung to me. The moment Docheop was out of sight, my strength seemed to drain away. Junel’s tongue was already lolling out.
“Junel, you need to tell me whether Docheop is coming back or not. Surely you can manage that much?”
[Why are you like this? Just come with me. Why stay apart?]
I held the whining Junel and crept out of the Prayer Hall in the opposite direction from where Docheop had gone.
“Now, to find Casio, I need to head to the cemetery. Junel, can’t you sense the aura of the dead or something?”
I had made it outside, but it was like staring into an endless sea.
[I am a sword spirit, not a ghost.]
“I know, but I thought I’d ask just in case.”
Then I’d simply follow my instincts. Besides, I hadn’t had a chance to exercise in so long—might as well do it here.
I rolled up my sleeves and ran. I found myself grateful anew that May had dressed me in practical clothes and flat shoes.
Thanks to that, I found Casio before long.
In the worst possible place, no less.

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