TLVGAJ 13

Chapter 13

A heavy silence fell. Both men stared at me with identical expressions.

“What exactly are you doing?”

“…Hmph.”

Good heavens. Could the atmosphere possibly be any colder than this?

Yes, my acting was terrible, but was there any need for them to look so grim about it?

“Well then, since I’m clearly too exhausted, I shall take my leave first. Eric, thank you for saving me. The rest of you, do your best!”

There was no way I was going to let myself be caught between the two male leads and suffer. Even in the novel, whenever they appeared together, one would taunt and the other would snarl, and it had been noisy enough just reading it on the page.

After offering them a polite bow, I turned and began to descend the steps.

“You truly intend to give up and head back?”

I was about to brush past them when Eric leaned forward, his gaze fixed steadily on me.

Unlike Albert, his expression was calm, his refined features perfectly composed.

“How unfortunate. You’ve already reached the very top.”

…Excuse me? What?

Puzzled, I tilted my head, and Eric gestured with a slight nod toward the space behind me.

“…Huh?”

When I turned, I realized the staircase’s end was in sight—barely ten steps away.

In a daze, I pivoted and began to climb once more.

The two men quietly followed behind me.

Step by step, I ascended until at last my foot landed firmly on the final stair.

And then, when I looked up at what lay before me—

“…Wow.”

A soft gasp escaped my lips.

We had reached the entrance to the Lata Temple, a place only those who had conquered the Stairs of Trial were permitted to see.

As we passed through the gates, the first thing that caught my eye were the towering columns that seemed to pierce the heavens. Beyond them lay the inner sanctum, a sight reserved for those who had endured the climb.

The temple’s interior…

It was as though we had stepped into paradise itself.

Clouds drifted lazily around the colossal statue of the deity Lamenta that stood in the temple’s heart. Beneath the blazing sunlight, rows of carefully pruned trees lined the pathways.

Priests bustled quietly through the temple grounds.

Some drew water from wells, others walked in pairs exchanging serene conversation, and in one secluded corner, a priest was engaged in disciplined training.

Flocks of birds wheeled gracefully overhead, weaving through the tranquil scene.

“…It’s breathtaking.”

Eric spoke in awe, and I silently nodded.

Indeed. There was a stillness here, a peace so profound it felt like stepping into another world.

If paradise existed on earth, surely it would look like this.

When I glanced sideways, I saw Albert quietly observing the surroundings as well.

As we all stood mesmerized, an elderly man approached.

“Welcome to the Lata Temple. It is a rare honor to have such esteemed guests grace us.”

Clad in sacred robes of white—distinct from the violet garments worn by ordinary priests—the elder was undoubtedly a high priest, perhaps even the temple’s archbishop.

“I presume you are here as part of your Grand Tour…?”

“Ah, yes. That’s correct,” Albert replied.

The Grand Tour.

Albert was currently traveling the world aboard the express train by the Emperor’s decree.

In the Heshite Empire, a crown prince could not officially receive his title until reaching adulthood—a law born from the historical tendency of young heirs to meet untimely ends.

The Emperor wished for Albert, now grown, to broaden his horizons before inheriting the title, to experience the customs and innovations of foreign lands firsthand.

In this world, it was essentially a form of royal study abroad.

Now that I think about it, during this journey Albert faced several assassination attempts…

His political rivals had sent killers, hoping to stage his death as a mere accident while abroad.

Though he never died, I recalled he had been injured on more than one occasion.

I can’t remember the exact times or places… but I’d better stay vigilant.

If I could save him from a minor danger or two, it might even help raise his favorability.

Now that Albert is traveling with me, a little goodwill might at least prevent the death-by-decapitation ending.

“If you wish, I would be delighted to guide you through the temple,” the high priest offered.

“That would be wonderful,” Albert replied.

The elder beamed and beckoned us to follow, clearly eager.

“Come this way, please. Allow me to show you around.”

Oh. A personal tour guide.

My heart fluttered with excitement as I trailed after him.

The high priest led us through the temple’s many halls, explaining in great detail the origins of the deity Lamenta—how the god was born, grew, and established the temple’s teachings.

He even went so far as to instruct us on how we should live our lives in devotion to Lamenta.

“And thus, we must faithfully serve Lamenta and follow His divine wisdom!”

Apparently, few tourists ever completed the arduous climb, and the high priest had been desperate for an opportunity to share his teachings.

To be honest, it was fascinating at first, but as his voice rang on with endless zeal, it became… overwhelming.

And given that my stamina had already been depleted by the climb…

I’m so sleepy…

“Where do you think you’re dozing off? There’s more yet to come. Answer me!”

“Wh-what? Yes! My apologies!”

…What on earth was happening?

Somehow, after two grueling hours, we were finally released from the high priest’s clutches.

“Please, when you return to your homeland, spread the word of the great deity Lamenta far and wide!”

He bowed deeply and shouted after us with a voice that never seemed to tire.

“Oh, I’m exhausted,” Eric muttered as we exited the temple, stretching his arms.

“Still, thanks to our dear prince, we had quite the thorough tour.”

“…Yeah. I’m starving,” Albert added.

“It’s been a while since we last met. Why don’t we share a meal, Albert?” Eric suggested.

Albert nodded, and then Eric turned to me.

“Would you care to join us, Lady Hartmann? I know of a restaurant in town that I’d like to recommend.”

“Haha, no, it’s fine. You two haven’t seen each other in so long. You should enjoy some time alo—”

“Where do you think you’re going? You’re eating with us.”

“…Why?”

“…”

I glanced at Albert’s twitching eyebrow and forced an awkward laugh.

“…No, no, of course. If His Highness insists, how could I possibly refuse?”

A sudden wave of despair washed over me.

It felt as though my small, precious travel plans were steadily unraveling…

And so, I found myself in a bustling restaurant in the heart of town, sharing a table with the two male leads.

“Wow, this is incredible,” I breathed, enraptured by a culinary revelation.

Though the restaurant appeared unassuming, it was teeming with patrons—nobles and commoners alike.

From the number of tourists, it was clearly a renowned establishment.

In front of me sat a rather distinctive dish.

It was called moussaka.

This is one of those European dishes, isn’t it? Greek, if I recall correctly.

Layers of eggplant and meat sautéed together, topped with a luscious sauce—it was reminiscent of lasagna.

I had once read about it while browsing travel sites, but unable to imagine the taste, I had been hesitant to try it. Yet now…

Good heavens.

Is this real life? How can food taste this good? I must devour every bite at once!

The harmony of the sauce and the roasted ingredients was divine. I had thought it would taste similar to lasagna, but it possessed a depth of flavor far richer than I’d anticipated.

If only I could express myself more openly like a commoner, instead of maintaining my noble restraint.

Eric, you’ve brought us to a phenomenal place…

Had I not come, I might have regretted it for the rest of my life.

As I looked at Eric with an expression of pure delight, a waiter approached the table with another dish.

“Excuse me. Here is the next item you ordered.”

When I saw what he placed before me, I tilted my head in surprise.

Wait a second… what is this?