When That Door Opens - Chapter 35
“Lady Astel, it is good to see you.”
“There’s no need for pleasantries. Just answer my question! Why are you here? You should have left the temple already! And what’s with those clothes? Those are the uniforms of the temple slaves. Why are you wearing them?”
I was so shocked my mind was in chaos. I had believed he was living well. I was sure he was free, even on my behalf. But now he was a slave again? Why!
“Are you telling me you became a slave again? Did someone capture you? How could they possibly justify enslaving a free person?”
“I’m not sure what you mean. From the moment we met, I’ve always been a slave.”
“What? That’s impossible. I was told you left the temple…”
“It seems you are confusing me with someone else. I cannot leave the temple. Since my previous owner left, you have become my new master, Lady Astel.”
His expression remained impassive as he stared at me. I was struck dumb.
“My master, the sculptor, owes a great debt to you, Lady Astel. I stayed here to repay that debt.”
At last, I understood the cause of this entire mess. That wretched steward had mishandled everything. He had ignored my orders to free the slaves and blamed the entire situation on me. The slave, who I was sure had been freed, was now shackled with new chains.
My stomach churned, it felt like swallowing a burning coal. But I couldn’t spit it out.
To be fair, I bore some responsibility for this. I had given the order to free them but failed to follow up. I should have ensured his escape from this hellhole myself.
‘I must fix this.’
I must fix it immediately.
No, if not now, it will be impossible to reverse this.
“Follow me.”
I grabbed his wrist and moved quickly. He initially tried to shake off my hand but soon gave up. A slave couldn’t defy Astel’s command. Even without looking back, I could imagine his expression—clearly displeased.
I dragged him to the most secluded part of the temple, an old, dilapidated storeroom where even moonlight barely reached. Forcing him inside, I followed after confirming no one was around. Leaning against the door, I tried to think. Stay calm. There must be a way. Somehow, I’ll find a solution.
‘But how?’
There’s only one way for a slave, burdened with their master’s debt, to gain freedom: death. A slave’s existence accumulated debt with every breath they took. Eating, sleeping, and wearing clothes—all added new debts. The interest on these debts grew every moment. How could one ever repay such debts?
“Lady Astel.”
He broke the silence, his tone polite but with a faint hint of irritation. The realization hit me, and I urgently searched my pockets.
‘If paying off the debt is necessary, I need to provide the money.’
Quickly, I unclasped a thin bracelet and handed it to him.
“Take this.”
“What?”
“Sell it at the black market. The craftsmanship is simple, but it’s made of gold, so it should fetch a good price. Use that money to pay off your debt and leave the temple.”
“What are you saying…?”
“Before going to the black market, get yourself different clothes. Whether you steal or borrow, never wear those clothes there. Do you understand?”
I poured out to him every piece of knowledge that might help with his escape. I told him about the people to be wary of, the secret exits from the temple, and even the guards’ patrol schedules. I wished I could inform him about the outside world, but unfortunately, my knowledge was limited.
Despite my earnestness, he initially did not trust me. His wariness was evident, as if he was determined not to fall for my scheme. But eventually, a bit of my sincerity seemed to reach him, and his expression began to change. Seeing his serious face, I couldn’t help but smile in relief.
At that very moment, his eyes widened.
He frowned deeply and grabbed my wrist.
“Stop it.”
“What?”
“I said, stop it.”
As he spoke, he coldly brushed off my hand. I blinked, confused about his sudden change in behavior. Hadn’t he started to believe me?
“I’m sorry, but I will pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. I will return the bracelet.”
“Wait. You want to return the bracelet? Why? Didn’t you understand what I said? Use this to pay off your debt. I’m helping you leave the temple. I said that, didn’t I? So why?”
“I heard you. Very clearly. But I won’t accept it.”
“Then why are you making such a choice? Do you plan to live as a slave in the temple for the rest of your life?”
“You don’t need to concern yourself with that.”
“How can I not care?!”
“You have no reason to care. After all, as you said earlier, I am just a lowly, wretched bug .”
I flinched. His dark blue eyes reflected my surprise. He lowered his gaze, as if holding something back.
