For Sale: Male Lead, Obsession Included - Chapter 67
“Did you call for me, Your Holiness?”
At Kyte’s simple gesture, one of the shadows hiding quietly emerged.
“What news from the contact with Ariel, the apprentice priest?”
“They plan to stay in Steel Village for a few days.”
“In the Duke’s territory? Is that all? Nothing else?”
“…Yes, that’s all. Aside from a request to stop the surveillance.”
“Useless fool.”
A faint crack appeared on Kyte’s cold, expressionless face.
“Priest Ariel, you should continue to keep in contact with the temple throughout the journey.”
“You’ve reported that the devotee has failed to pay respects to the angel statue. Furthermore, she used the high-ranking nobles’ donation room.”
“I wonder what her intentions are for hiring you and why she is heading to the Holy Kingdom. Could she be harboring dangerous thoughts?”
Even after saying all this, the only response was whining about wanting to stop the surveillance. How irritating.
Kyte pressed his temples and waved his hand, dismissing the holy knight, who straightened from his kneeling position and quietly retreated. He had to be especially careful, knowing that any noise might provoke Kyte into issuing a punishment.
“Are you certain there is no more information to uncover about that woman with the thousand gold?”
The subordinate who had been trying to blend back into the shadows stiffened suddenly.
“Yes, Your Holiness. No matter how much we track, the information cuts off at some point. It seems that someone has deliberately erased it.”
“…Is that supposed to be impressive?”
Kyte’s voice, laced with displeasure, made the subordinate swallow silently. He knew well that provoking the mood of the silver-haired future pope could cost him his life.
Through the white lace that covered his eyes, he could see Kyte’s snow-white hair spilling over the back of the sofa.
“Make sure you find out everything before the apprentice priest reaches the Holy Kingdom. My patience is wearing thin.”
There was at most a week until Estira reached the Holy Kingdom. The knight quickly bowed his head.
“Answer.”
“…Yes, Your Holiness.”
***
Whoosh—
A sharp wind-cutting sound echoed through the training grounds.
Whoosh—!
A wooden practice sword swung in a wide arc through the air, swiftly cutting down two stakes in rapid succession. As it struck, the brown and silver scarves tied to the stakes fluttered helplessly to the ground.
The young knight who had swung the sword had aimed precisely at the scarves.
The wielder of the wooden sword, Declan, stomped on the fallen scarf with his foot. As he spun around, he swung his sword again with force.
Crack!
The post holding the brown scarf snapped cleanly in two, scattering debris.
‘If only that had been the real person.’
Even after watching the post break in half, Declan wasn’t satisfied. His red eyes glinted coldly as he fixed his gaze on the post holding the silver scarf.
‘Master said she didn’t believe in gods. So why is she going to the Holy Kingdom?’
Declan gripped the hilt of the wooden sword so tightly it seemed like it might shatter.
Was it because of that priest?
The brutal gaze beneath his red eyes darkened further.
In that moment, Declan poured all his strength into his hands and charged the remaining post with his sword. His speed was unbelievable for someone who had only been training in swordsmanship for a month.
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The ferocious slashing caused Owen and Clovin, who had been watching nearby, to flinch in shock. Though it was just a post, they could tell Declan was imagining it as a real person.
The two exchanged glances and shook their heads in unison.
Ever since Clovin had made the deal to feed him information about Estira, Declan had thrown himself into his studies and training, sleeping as little as possible. He even requested meals that allowed him to eat while studying, like sandwiches, unwilling to waste time.
At first, the staff at the duke’s residence were pleased to see Declan give up on escape and dedicate himself to learning. But that relief was short-lived.
When they saw the flash of his red eyes, they began to mutter among themselves, questioning whether it was safe to leave him unchecked.
Clovin found himself increasingly exasperated with Declan, who seemed to have no sense of moderation.
While he had succeeded in making Declan study and train, his motivations were skewed.
“Clovin, remember what you told me before. Once I become the duke, I’ll be able to do whatever I want.”
For the first time, Clovin felt a surge of joy, thinking Declan finally had some ambition after inheriting the title. Now he could proudly boast to the duke that he had raised his son well!
“Yes, that’s right. Though the emperor and the pope outrank a duke in the empire, for all intents and purposes, you’re practically at the top.”
“Once I succeed the title… will I be able to meet Estira whenever I want?”
However, when Declan asked this, Clovin’s spirits deflated entirely, like a balloon losing air. He slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
