Chapter 176

Raygrain’s mention of Silcaro’s name felt strangely out of place. It wasn’t just Scheuer who noticed; Jess’s expression also grew contemplative, as if weighing the significance of the name.

“Hmm… I’m not entirely sure if I have a perfect grasp of His Highness’s swordsmanship.” 

Zero hesitated, his confidence wavering.

Beside him, Jess, clearly annoyed, nudged Zero with his elbow, urging him to respond more decisively.

After a lengthy pause, Zero finally spoke.

“From my perspective, the angle of the blade entering and the trajectory of the cut seem to align closely.”

“Can we find evidence to support this? ” 

Raygrain pressed, his tone firm.

The pattern left by a sword is like a person’s fingerprint. While they may appear similar at a glance, the nuances of how an individual wields their weapon create distinct markings. Even when trained under the same master and using the same sword, those subtle differences persist.

However, identifying those nuances was no simple task, and providing proof would require substantial evidence.

Scheuer, too, felt uncertain whether Raygrain’s request was feasible.

But after taking a brief breath, Zero replied without hesitation, 

“I will look into it.”

There was no ambiguity in his answer. Raygrain nodded lightly, reassured by Zero’s unwavering determination.

As the atmosphere in the carriage settled, both Raygrain and Scheuer knew that time was of the essence. Whatever the outcome, the implications of the claw would ripple through their plans and decisions in the days to come.

***

Raygrain decided to take charge of the demon’s claw, sensing that it still held residual magic.

‘Demons are truly dangerous even in death.’

He recalled the book made from the demon’s hide that Sevi had shown him, which supposedly consumed those who touched it with desire. The claw seemed to have a similar aura.

“The only thing that Duke Netri did well was to keep this in a case and not touch it directly.” 

Raygrain remarked, his words carrying a hint of reluctant praise.

As the carriage returned to the palace, an unusual tension seemed to fill the air, more so than when they had left.

Scheuer observed the hurried movements of the priests and commented, 

“It seems Priest Sevi is hiding well. The priests look extremely busy.”

“I thought he would do well. It’s the only thing he truly wants to do.” 

Raygrain replied, noting that Sevi had gone missing during Scheuer’s trip to the south, which likely indicated a state of emergency for the temple.

However, as they stepped out of the carriage, the atmosphere felt different.

“When is the High Priest expected back?”Raygrain asked.

“Right now, Priest Koa is busy drafting documents to send to various countries,” Scheuer answered.

Despite searching the corridors for Sevi, not a single priest was in sight.

‘Are they all outside?’

As they opened the palace doors, Scheuer nearly screamed.

“Priest K-Koa! ”

Koa’s face appeared right in front of them as they opened the door. Instinctively, she clutched Raygrain’s arm tightly, calming her racing heart as she asked, 

“What are you doing here? ”

“I have something to discuss.”

“Is it about Priest Sevi? ”

“I need to explain quickly; time is limited.”

Noticing the urgency in his tone, Raygrain naturally dismissed his attendants. Once inside and the door closed, Koa spoke rapidly but calmly.

***

Half of the commoners were illiterate, unable to send letters or convey messages verbally due to the distance to the temple. It seemed that only after news reached the Lord did it finally make its way to the temple.

“Is it the third tablet? ”Raygrain asked.

“Priest Sevi believes so,” Koa replied.

“And the contents? ”

“Not yet interpreted.”

The reappearance of the tablet shifted the initial relief at its being fake into a growing anxiety that quickened his heartbeat. Scheuer tightened her grip on Raygrain’s fingers.

He glanced at her and then firmly clasped her hand in reassurance, as if to say not to worry.

Koa, seeming pressed for time, quickly bowed her head. 

“Priest Sevi asked me to stay behind to convey this. Now that I’ve completed my task, I’ll take my leave.”

With a formal bow, Koa left the room briskly.

Scheuer stared at Raygrain’s tightly held hand before looking up. 

“Priest Sevi has gone to work after all.”

She forced a bright smile, trying to appear optimistic. If it were Sevi, he would surely give her a heads-up about the tablet’s contents, even if he didn’t want to announce them.

She forced a bright smile, trying to appear cheerful. Sevi would likely inform her first about the tablet’s contents, if only to avoid revealing them publicly. However, Raygrain unfurled his fingers, intertwining them with hers. As she tried to lower her gaze again, his movement brought her face closer to his. He leaned in, pressing his lips gently against her eyelid.

“You make that face whenever the stone tablet is mentioned.”

“Me?”

“I can tell what you’re feeling just as much as you observe me.”

Realizing it was meant as a joke, Scheuer chuckled softly. 
Raygrain’s gaze shifted, puzzled. 

“You must have grown up hearing about the stone tablets in Netri, so why do you dislike it so?”

“Um, I’m worried that the stone tablet might harm you.”

She turned her head slightly to avoid his kiss on her other eyelid, but Raygrain’s hold on her hand prevented her from escaping far. 
Undeterred, he drew her close and pressed his lips gently against her cheek. A strange tickling sensation made her want to squirm.

“Your Highness, I’m pretty sure I didn’t touch you.”

“Since you touched my face, it’s only fair that I touch you back.”

“But I touched you with my hand! ”

Despite her small protest, he remained steadfast.

“I won’t leave you alone, so you don’t have to worry.”

His low voice held firm reassurance.

“I’m not a bird, Scheuer.”

“Give me fresh flowers and an old love” – Kavya Dixit