* * *
By noon, rain began pouring down in violent sheets.
The soldiers busily packing the luggage hurriedly threw tar-coated cloths over the supply wagons and shoved the horses back into the stables.
Watching the scene from inside the carriage, Aila lifted her head and stared at the blackened sky.
Flashes of light flickered now and then between the thick storm clouds pouring down heavy rain, followed by low, growling thunder. At a glance alone, it was obvious the rain would not stop anytime soon.
“It seems we will have to remain at the monastery for one more day.”
Apparently the departure had finally been postponed. A Royal Guard knight who had remained shut inside the knights’ quarters for quite some time approached the carriage and pushed a waterproofed robe through the crack in the door.
Aila accepted it with a quiet sigh. She disliked how the schedule kept being delayed little by little. The journey was already filled with enough uncertainties as it was.
As she slipped on the rain cloak, she repeatedly glanced outside the window.
“Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?”
“His Highness has gone to the abbot’s residence.”
Aila, who had been pulling the hood over her head, frowned and looked back at him.
“He plans to remain there today as well?”
“It appears so.”
The knight lowered his gaze as he trailed off ambiguously.
Aila cast a displeased glance toward the monks gathered together nearby.
At a command from the abbot standing beneath the cloister roof, the monks scattered in perfect order. Aila observed the scene carefully.
Unlike the attitude he displayed toward Gareth, the abbot appeared cold and stern. That was likely the priest’s true nature.
Aila narrowed her eyes.
Originally, an imperial pilgrimage was a ritual meant to gain the support of local citizens and influential figures. Considering the purpose of this journey, it was not necessarily a bad thing for Gareth to build relationships with powerful regional leaders.
Still, his background bothered her.
‘If he managed to rise to the position of abbot despite the weakness of being mixed-blood, then either he possesses extraordinary political skill...... or an extremely powerful backer.’
They had only exchanged a brief conversation, yet Aila had quickly realized the abbot was no ordinary man.
At first glance, the priest had appeared polite and respectful. But in the eyes he used to observe Gareth, she had glimpsed cold calculation.
For a fleeting moment, she even wondered whether he might be someone planted by the Empress.
Had House Taren not cooperated closely with demi-humans since the era of the Warring Nations?
There was no way a quarter-elf rising to oversee a massive monastery like Mordawin could simply be coincidence.
Perhaps they had already begun building a faction within the religious order to support the Second Imperial Prince.......
“Your Highness?”
Lost in thought, Aila abruptly lifted her head.
Her guard knight stood outside in the pouring rain, looking at her with concern.
Aila offered him an awkward smile and rose to her feet.
“I’ve kept you standing in the rain too long. Come, let us return to the residence.”
The knight took her hand and helped her down from the carriage.
Aila carefully stepped onto the muddy road.
Heavy raindrops struck painfully against her head and shoulders. The downpour seemed even fiercer than before.
Pulling her hood tightly down, Aila hurried across the broad courtyard hidden beneath a white curtain of rain and entered the cloister surrounding the garden. Then, pretending it was merely coincidence, she approached the priests.
“Your Highness the Imperial Princess.”
The mixed-blood priest who had been speaking with the vice abbot noticed her and quickly bowed.
Aila wore the gentle smile that had long since become second nature and spoke warmly.
“It seems we will inconveniently remain in your care for another day.”
“It is an honor to host such distinguished guests.”
The priest replied politely without even attempting to straighten his bent back.
“If there is anything you require, please say the word. If it is something the monastery can prepare, we shall provide it immediately.”
“You are very considerate. Thank you.”
Aila hesitated briefly before continuing carefully.
“Then may I ask one favor?”
“Anything at all.”
“Tomorrow, I would like Talia’s ceremony to be held separately. Before we depart, would you also bestow a blessing upon that child?”
Perhaps it was an unexpected request, because the abbot’s eyes widened slightly.