Chapter 25: Danger

Hall.

(My brethren!)

That strange voice seemed to be guiding her somewhere.

Following the feeling conveyed by the voice, she grasped the handrail and descended the stairs, crossing the castle’s floor that was as bright and clear as flowing cold water.

Finally, she arrived at the courtyard gently shrouded by the tender nightfall.

(My brethren! Please come here.)

In the courtyard.

The main hall of the castle was currently filled with joyous and noisy music.

Darlian stood on the large balcony outside the main hall, slightly turning her body to glance at the bustling scene inside.

The breeze blowing from afar gently stirred the strands of hair on her forehead.

Darlian took a small sip of the deep red wine in her glass, then withdrew her gaze, looking somewhat bored as she stared at the castle veiled in night.

“Darlian-sama.”

“Hm?”

Hearing Ailus speak beside her, she raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Aren’t you going inside? Everyone wants to talk with Darlian-sama.”

“Tired.”

She brushed off Ailus’s question with a casual tone.

Mainly, she didn’t want to listen to any more worthless flattery.

The first few times were bearable, but too much of it was truly tiresome.

Just as Darlian was thinking this, her gaze drifting into the distance suddenly caught sight of a petite figure.

Silky smooth golden hair swayed lightly with each step taken.

Hmm?

Though the figure was far away, she could clearly see the Saintess, doll-like and beautiful, walking through the courtyard bathed in moonlight.

Where could she be going so late?

Frowning slightly as she pondered, and finding no clues, she handed her wine glass to Ailus.

“I’m stepping out for a moment.”

“Darlian-sama?”

Using magic, Darlian flew up and leapt over the railing made of bluestone, then seemed to remember something and turned back with a serious expression to admonish.

“Tell them to behave. No causing a fuss.”

“Yes.”

(My brethren! Please come here.)

Finihiya walked slowly along the pale white path, the hoarse, aged voice echoing persistently in her ears.

The surrounding scenery gradually revealed a sense of desolation and ruin. Not far ahead stood a stone stele over five meters tall.

Caw, caw…

The sound of crows called out from the branches above.

Slightly unnerved by the somewhat eerie scene, Finihiya slowed her pace even more.

She looked like a timid person ready to run back at any moment.

Nearby, the beech trees, stripped of their leaves, creaked strangely despite the absence of wind.

This deep and uncanny atmosphere finally made her stop moving forward, then she even took a small step back.

(My brethren! Please come here.)

Although the voice in her ear continued to beckon her forward, the frightening scene before her truly robbed her of the courage to proceed alone.

In such a terrifying place, it wouldn’t be strange at all if some bizarre creature suddenly emerged from the earth.

(My brethren! Please come here.)

While she hesitated anxiously in her heart, her right shoulder was gently tapped.

The sudden touch made her emit a short, startled cry of “Ah!”

Embarrassed, she fled the spot and turned her head to look, only to unexpectedly see Darlian standing there, her right hand still resting on Finihiya’s shoulder.

Darlian seemed momentarily stunned, then a playful smile curved her well-shaped cherry lips.

“What a cute voice.”

“D-Darlian-sama.” Confirming it was indeed Darlian, Finihiya covered her chest and sighed in relief. “Please don’t scare me so silently, it’s really bad for my heart.”

“I didn’t mean to. You’re just overreacting.” At these words, Darlian tilted her head slightly, a puzzled expression on her face. “Are you feeling guilty about something?”

“What do you mean?”

Finihiya’s crystal-clear eyes erased that tiny suspicion from Darlian’s heart, and she shook her head lightly.

“Nothing. By the way, what is a Saintess doing coming to such a remote place so late at night?”

“I…” Just as Finihiya was about to explain, hesitation flickered briefly in her eyes. Then she shook her head silently. “Nothing really. I just happened to come here while walking.”

Perhaps it would be a good idea to tell Darlian about tonight’s events directly, after all, Darlian is the castle’s mistress and likely knows more.

“I see.” Darlian lifted her gaze to the dark depths ahead for a moment, then maintained a faint smile. “But you should avoid coming this way. It’s still quite dangerous here.”

Dangerous?

For some reason, upon hearing Darlian’s words, Finihiya’s mind involuntarily recalled the strange surroundings and a small unease crept over her cheeks.

“Could it be… that there are monsters here?”

“Monsters?” Darlian blinked in surprise. “This is my castle. How could there be such things here?”

“Is that so.” Hearing this, Finihiya let out a slight sigh of relief. As long as there’s nothing strange, it’s fine. “Then what did you mean by dangerous, Darlian-sama?”

“If you go further from here, it’s very easy to get lost.”

Get lost?

Puzzled by Darlian’s vague answer, Finihiya tilted her head slightly.

Is she simply referring to the path ahead being too confusing, or is there something that can cause one to lose their way?

“Well, let’s go back.”

Darlian took two steps back, slightly turning her body and glancing sideways at Finihiya.

She could only respond softly with “Mm” to Darlian’s words.

As they walked back, she didn’t forget to tilt her head and glance once more toward the gloomy depths.

The voice in her mind seemed to have disappeared. Ever since Darlian appeared, it stopped whispering and calling her forward.

The night wind rustled the treetops, making a soft swishing sound.

In this quiet night, the crisp sound of their footsteps on the stone bricks was exceptionally clear.

***

After walking back for a while, they soon saw the large fountain near the main castle.

Cool water gushed out with a whooshing sound.

The wind carried the fountain’s moist air and the distant songs from the ball.

“The moonlight tonight is truly beautiful.”

Hm?

Darlian’s sudden words made Finihiya raise her head in mild surprise.

Darlian was gazing up at the deep night sky, the bright moonlight reflected in her slender eyes.

Seeing this, Finihiya also lifted her gaze to follow where Darlian looked.

The full moon.

Under the clear night sky, the moon hung high, its pale blue-white light shining brilliantly against the darkness.

“Miss Saintess, do you know how to dance?”