Chapter 21, The Priest Arrived

Translator: Lizz

 

Just as Sylvia was inwardly flustered and thinking of consulting Edward on what to do, a visitor arrived.

 

“Nice to meet you. I have heard of the Castle Lord’s great accomplishments.”

 

A priest with a gentle voice greeted them, standing at the entrance, wearing a veil.

 

The servants responded, and through Gina, Edward and Sylvia were called.

 

Edward openly furrowed his brows. Gina, puzzled by the usually sociable Edward’s unexpected reaction, asked the priest about his business.

 

“Priest, what brings you here today?”

 

The priest smoothly removed his veil.

 

” “…!” ”

 

The priest was so beautiful that Gina and even Edward, a man, were left breathless. Sylvia, however, being unable to perceive beauty or ugliness, remained unresponsive.

 

With a smile that could be described as enchanting, the priest introduced himself.

 

“My name is Calogero. I have heard about the esteemed Castle Lord and wanted to pay my respects. Furthermore, I came to see if there is anything I can assist with.”

 

It was Edward’s cold voice that brought Gina, who had been in a daze, back to her senses.

 

“I see. I apologize if this ends up being a waste of your time, but we have no need for a priest’s assistance. We are quite busy, so it would be very helpful if you could leave.”

 

Gina was left speechless by Edward’s words, staring at him in astonishment, while Sylvia glanced back and forth between Edward and Calogero.

 

Calogero directed that smile towards Edward, who returned it with another smile that seemed to scream ‘I’m smiling’.

 

“I wasn’t speaking to you, Sir Knight. I was addressing Lady Sylvia Hughes, the Castle Lord.”

 

Edward, who had been told ‘Back off’ in polite terms, responded with a smile just as bewitching as Calogero’s.

 

“Part of a knight’s duty is to chase away the pests bothering Lady Sylvia. So, please, take your leave.”

 

The two men, handsome in different ways, exchanged words with smiles that seemed to generate a tension-charged atmosphere.

 

Gina, understanding the situation immediately, thought to herself:

 

(Ah, disliking people similar to oneself.)

 

She understood the atmosphere but was worried about what would happen next.

 

Gina also wanted to see the priest off peacefully. If he happened to find the abandoned church and said something like ‘Please renovate it as soon as possible because it is a building dedicated to God’, it would be a disaster.

 

It was certain that the beautiful priest did not come here to see if he could be of any help, as he said.

 

On the contrary, he must have come to ask for donations for the church or to request renovations. Given his appearance, he had probably received consent in most cases and was sent here based on that track record, Gina thought calmly.

 

Gina would not be leading such a smooth-sailing life if she would be swayed by a pretty stranger upon first meeting.

 

However, she also did not have enough life experience to rudely dismiss the priest who had come uninvited.

 

Edward, who she relied on, was already confrontational, far from peaceful.

 

(What should I do…?)

 

Just as Gina was about to be at her wits’ end, Sylvia spoke up.

 

“I do have a task. Can you help?”

 

Sylvia’s unexpected statement left everyone frozen in place.

 

While Edward and Gina were inwardly panicking and thinking of how to respond, Calogero quickly spoke first.

 

“Of course, as long as it’s within my ability.”

 

” “Wait…!” ”

 

Edward and Gina exclaimed in unison.

 

“There’s no one to give orders to the maids, and Gina is very troubled. So, I want you to give orders to the maids and make sure they do their jobs well.”

 

Sylvia raised the problem.

 

The three of them were left speechless by this statement.

 

Edward thought, ‘So that’s how it is’, while Gina was filled with emotion.

 

“Lady Sylvia…”, she murmured, clasping her hands together as if in prayer.

 

Calogero, too, was taken aback; he never expected to be told such a thing.

 

Edward looked at Calogero with amusement.

 

Sylvia was essentially telling a priest to act as a butler. In reality, what they needed was a butler, not a priest. If the priest had time to preach about God, he should be giving instructions to the servants instead.

 

Calogero placed a hand on his chin and thought for a while.

 

After a moment, he looked up and kneeled before Sylvia.

 

“If that is your wish, then so be it.”

 

He said, looking at Sylvia with a reverent expression that could enchant both men and women.

 

Edward froze in his tracks.

 

“Wait…”

 

He tried to intervene, but Calogero took Sylvia’s hand and kissed her fingertips.

 

“My lady. Allow me to continue serving God. Beyond that, I shall be your hands and feet.”

 

Sylvia tilted her head in confusion. She couldn’t understand the complex phrasing.

 

Gina immediately understood that Sylvia didn’t understand and was about to interpret when Edward slapped Calogero’s hand away and shielded Sylvia.

 

“Lady Sylvia! Don’t be deceived by this smooth talker! We should wash that hand immediately, it’s filthy!”

 

Gina was amazed but a bit surprised by Edward’s overreaction.

 

More surprising was Calogero’s approach. Despite being a priest, why was he so eager to serve Sylvia? It seemed excessive for a simple demand.

 

“It’s not dirty. And now, Gina won’t be so troubled. It’s really good.”

 

Sylvia said this proudly, and Edward couldn’t oppose her.

 

He wanted to say things like, ‘Why would a priest act as a butler?, or ‘There are people more suitable for the job’, but the fact remained that Gina was currently troubled, and Sylvia was troubled by it. Sylvia had found a solution because she wanted to help. She probably expected praise for it.

 

Edward regretted not having prepared a butler at all costs and felt like grinding his teeth. However, despite his inner conflict, he praised Sylvia.

 

“As expected… Lady Sylvia, you are… Wonderful, such an excellent decision.”

 

“I am great.”

 

Sylvia puffed out her chest with pride, and Edward thought it was all over.