TCML 30

Chapter 30

I’ll Change the Male Lead This Time

3. Not Coincidence, but Inevitability

The festival day was only one day away.

With tonight’s eve celebration and tomorrow’s fireworks, the entire empire was buzzing with excitement.

“Guess blood really doesn’t lie.”

I muttered as I closed the book I had been reading.

Even in my past life, I lived such a harsh, busy life that I never really enjoyed things like Christmas or anniversaries.

Honestly, I still felt nothing special now.

“Wow, there are already so many people.”

Looking out the window, I saw the temple grounds were already crowded.

“I wonder if Babel is over there too.”

Watching the festival-filled streets, I couldn’t deny that I felt a bit bored.

If I were home, I’d at least be having dinner with my family… but here, there’s nothing for me to do, and nothing I even can do.

‘Well, works out for me.’

Smiling wryly, I was just about to lie down on the bed when—
Knock, knock.

“Lady.”

“Rina?”

Rina walked in with her hands neatly clasped.

It was the first time I’d seen her since that incident.

I’d only heard that she’d been disciplined and assigned to cleaning duty outside the palace grounds.

“Have you been well?”

“What brings you here all of a sudden?”

“I have something to deliver. A servant of Countess Reita came by and left a letter. I happened to be cleaning the garden, so I accepted it.”

‘A letter?’

Madam Reita often sent me letters, so that alone wasn’t surprising.

What bothered me was that Rina was the one bringing it.
I carefully examined the letter from front to back.

‘There’s a seal.’

The wax seal bore the crest of the House of Reita, and the signature was clearly Madam Reita’s.

It was definitely from her.

No one would dare forge the seal and signature of a count’s family.

[Lady, please come to the temple library beside the holy tower.
I plan to hold a special lesson today.]

When I opened the letter, a short message written in Madam Reita’s handwriting appeared.

The temple library… It was an unexpected location, but recalling a recent conversation with her, it made sense.

—Who is the current High Priest?

—He is the younger brother of Elvain Lutas, the 8th High Priest. After the sudden death of the 8th High Priest, the current one succeeded the position. That was already 200 years ago.

—Then does that mean he’s lived for over 200 years?

—Yes. Even compared to past High Priests, his lifespan is extraordinarily long. He hasn’t aged or changed at all. It’s proof of how powerful his divine power is. Good—soon, I’ll also teach you about the history of the temple.

‘Perfect.’

I hadn’t expected her to suggest a lesson on a festival day, but it wasn’t a bad offer.

Since it was the library inside the temple, I could subtly enjoy the festive atmosphere while still having a quiet place to be.

“Alright. You may go now.”

“Um… Lady.”

As I tucked the letter into my sleeve and stood up, Rina called to me hesitantly.

“I know you pretended not to notice even when I deliberately ignored your instructions. I’m sorry.”

“At least you’re aware of it.”

I replied flatly.

After entering the palace, I’d learned that Phoebe had taken exceptional care of the people of the Crown Prince’s residence, treating them like her own.

Since most of them had received favors from the Saintess, it was understandable that they’d be hostile toward me, someone they believed had taken her place.

‘But she crossed the line.’

Rina had gone beyond what I could excuse, so there was no reason for me to entertain this conversation.

“Do you have anything else to say? If not, leave.”

“But…! The punishment I received is far too harsh!”

Rina looked indignant.

“Cleaning the outer grounds is something only new recruits do. Please, just give me one more chance!”

“Well…”

I let out a short hum.

“I remember giving you plenty of chances already.”

“…That’s—”

Serving intentionally cold tea or spoiled food, twisting my words when delivering messages, giving me wrong schedules.

I’d given her chances again and again. I’d simply pretended not to notice because it all felt too petty to bother with.

“Why should I give you another chance?”

I waved my hand lightly.

“Leave now. Refusing to give you another chance also means I won’t pursue your past offenses any further.”

“……”

In the end, Rina greeted me with a resigned look.

“Thank you, Lady.”

Pretending to look away, I still watched her expression until the very end.

“I’ll… repay this kindness someday.”

She bowed her head, a thin smile on her lips.

I headed straight for the temple library.

Unlike the noisy crowds outside, the inside of the temple was silent. Entry beyond this point was restricted.

“It’s quiet here. So that’s why she told me to come to the temple library.”

Standing before the magnificent golden temple, the original novel came to mind.

Later, a blackened Phoebe had destroyed this entire place.

But… shouldn’t a temple feel warm and comforting?

As I went deeper into the dark interior, only the tap, tap of my shoes echoed.

This place feels… eerie.

‘Oh, so this is the High Priest.’

I stopped in the hallway where portraits of past High Priests hung.

My gaze lingered on the final portrait.

‘9th High Priest. Deiron Lutas.’

“How is this guy 200 years old?”

Even in the painting, he looked at most in his early twenties.

And compared to the previous High Priests—or even his older brother, the 8th High Priest—his features were strikingly beautiful and seductive.

Especially that cynical gaze that seemed to pierce through even the canvas… he looked more like a final villain than a clergyman.

A chill ran down my spine, and I quickened my pace.

As I climbed toward the holy tower, the path grew steeper and darker, making it hard to see ahead.

Just as I carefully turned a corner—

“Ah…!”

I collided with someone, my body staggering violently.

“Are you all right?”

At this hour, who would be here—
Gasp.

“I’m sorry.”

When I looked up, my mind went blank.

‘Is he a wax doll?’

Skin so pale it was nearly transparent, red hair cascading like moonlight, eyes black as the abyss.

This world was full of handsome men—so many it felt like you could trip over them.

Having grown up seeing my brother Raphael and Enoch every day, my standards were high, so most faces didn’t impress me.

Only Hyperion and Karl had ever made me feel breathless with how handsome they were…

But this man deserved to be added to that list.

“It’s dark, so be careful. You never know what might be ahead.”

The wax-doll man spoke in a voice as flawless as his face.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Then.”

Just as he pulled the hood of his robe back over his head—

“Wait.”

Without thinking, I stopped him. The moment his face was hidden, his voice suddenly felt strangely familiar.

“Have we met somewhere before?”

“That’s… impossible.”

The wax doll—who looked like he’d never smiled in his life—curved his lips slightly.

“Have you ever seen me before?”

Where had I heard that voice?

—Master… please… speak…

“No. It’s so dark, I must’ve mistaken you for someone else. Goodbye.”

I turned away, shaking off the uneasy feeling.

My instincts told me nothing good would come from spending more time with that man.

“Once again… you don’t remember.”

So I never heard the words he murmured toward my retreating back.

Not long after, I arrived at the entrance of the library beside the holy tower.

Since it was literally at the top of the tower, I could see the crowds gathered in the temple plaza below through the pillars.

—Thanks to the Saintess’s blessing, Baroness Lerran woke up from her coma. It’s amazing.

—Do you think we’ll see the Saintess and His Highness together at this festival? The two of them together are like a painting.

Between the rumors I overheard on the way and the sheer number of people gathered already, it was clear just how high expectations for the festival were.

‘Because it’s a festival where people can see Hyperion and the Saintess together.’

Pushing the thought aside, I reached for the library door.

Click. Click.
What?

“Why won’t it open?”

No matter how hard I pulled, the door didn’t budge.

Click. The solid sound of a lock echoed—it was definitely locked.

She clearly told me to come to the temple library…
As I tried the handle again—

“Kaella.”

My hand froze at the presence behind me.

No way…

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

Frowning deeply, I turned around.

“Karl?”

“I’ve missed you.”

Why are you here again—of all places?