I Transmigrated as my Bias's Messenger Bird - Chapter 53
I took Alfie’s hand and led him out of the ballroom. After navigating through the long and winding corridors, we were finally out in the open. The sun had set, painting the sky with shades of purple, and the evening breeze carried the chill of early spring.
“Huuu… Keisha… I ruined the ball for you.”
“It’s okay. I wanted to leave anyway.”
Because as soon as we left, I got a nasty surprise…
I was walking with Alfie down the narrow staircase next to the main staircase when I turned my head.
‘Huh?’
On the opposite staircase, someone wearing a black cloak was ascending. What’s with the trend of black cloaks these days?
I squinted, thinking it might be Leon again. However, through the cloak, I glimpsed white clothing.
‘Huh…?’
When I looked more closely, I saw a gold pattern on the white garment. It was a pattern that was distinctly different from the clean vertical lines embroidered on Lolo and Ren’s clothes.
‘Could it be…?’
From the appearance alone, it seemed remarkably similar to what Dito described.
“Hey, Alfie? Can you go back by yourself from here? I remembered something I needed to do.”
“Yeah, sure. Thanks again, Keisha.”
After sending Alfie off, I began going up the stairs again. The person in the black cloak was moving quite quickly. Instead of heading into the ballroom, they turned and stepped out into a large, spacious area.
It was an open space, with columns and torches placed at regular intervals. Their footsteps echoed in the serene surroundings where nothing stirred save for the occasional flickering of torch flames.
I hid behind a column and followed them. They just kept walking straight ahead, but there was nothing else in the vast, quiet space, except for the columns and torches.
Then it happened.
Something resembling fireworks erupted with a bang, filling the sky. Whether it was magically created fireworks or an imperial pattern made of exploding flames, the sparks flew like fireflies, illuminating the entire sky.
It was a dazzling sight, and I had to snap myself back to paying attention.
“Huh?”
In the brief moment when my eyes were drawn to the sky, the cloak disappeared. Bewildered, I glanced around, and that’s when I heard a calm voice from behind.
“Are you looking for me?”
Turning slowly, I found a man with piercing blue eyes and shimmering silver hair. He smiled softly.
“I heard rumors about an elven exchange student, and I was curious. Nice to meet you.”
“Uh, yes. Um… Hello. I’m, uh, Keisha.”
“Keisha. What a lovely name. I’m Theo.”
Theo smiled and introduced himself.
Moments later, I found myself sitting on a ledge near the marble structure, watching the fireworks. Theo was sitting next to me, his hood down, and chuckling.
It made me even more nervous that the person who caught me trailing behind didn’t bother to question me. Besides, I already knew Theo’s identity as a High Priest, but he seemed to have discarded all formality, which was a bit surprising considering the respectful demeanor he had in the game when I met him as Mina.
However, I had something to ask. I couldn’t just let it pass as if nothing had happened.
“Um… why aren’t you asking why I followed you?”
Theo turned to me with a puzzled expression, then suddenly remembered something and chuckled.
“Oh, that. You followed me because you wanted to, right?”
“…Yes? Is that all?”
“Isn’t it?”
Theo smiled again.
‘Well, that’s true, but… what I really wanted to know was…'”
Although I didn’t think the High Priest was the murderer, I wanted to know if he went to the village that night wearing the same clothes, or perhaps passed by the general store. If not, did he know anyone from a temple who might fit the description? Those kinds of things.
“Well, that’s true. I… have something to ask you about. By any chance…”
Smiling at my words, Theo interjected, “You’re curious if I was the one who followed you that night.”
“…Huh?”
While I usually maintained a poker face since coming here, I failed this time. Blinking in surprise, I was met with another smile from Theo.
“Oh, well… never mind. I apologize. Due to the nature of my job, even without much effort, I can pick up on simple thoughts… sorry about that.”
Mind-reading ability…?
‘He is the High Priest after all. Even his basic abilities are intimidating…’
“…Oh, you know that I’m the High Priest?”
Sh*t. I need to stop thinking. Clear my mind. No thoughts, head empty.
Theo, who had been silently observing my face, chuckled once more.
“Haha, there’s no need to defend yourself that much. It was my fault, so I’ll make sure not to intentionally read your thoughts from now on.”
How am I supposed to believe that? I can’t possibly believe that.
‘Do you think I’ll believe everything just because you give me a pretty smile? What do you take me for?’
…I thought while silently observing, but Theo just continued to smile pleasantly.
‘…Really? Oh, it seems like he actually stopped.’
“You think my smile is pretty?”
‘Good grief. Whether or not he’s a High Priest, he’s definitely a bullsh*tter.’
Eventually, unable to contain my frustration, I blurted it out, and Theo, still smiling, vowed not to read my thoughts again. I reluctantly accepted the High Priest’s oath, and we continued our conversation.
In the course of our discussion, I asked the things I was curious about. However, Theo claimed not to have been to the village that day and to know nothing about anyone dressed like that.
However, Theo… he’s so different from the in-game image that I couldn’t focus. Wasn’t he supposed to be a dignified and courteous High Priest? Why is he so casual and sly?
