Wasn’t This Supposed To Be a Strategy Game? Chapter 84

When Eden lifted her head at the gentle voice, she saw Zephar had arrived. She rose from her seat to greet him.

“Your Grace. Have you been well?”

“Thanks to you, Priest.”

Zephar offered a soft smile and gestured for Eden to sit. Only after she returned to her seat did he sit across from her.

“It feels rather novel, meeting you in a place like this.”

He laughed lightly, making a small joke. Indeed, their meetings had always taken place in places like the temple or the fortress in Reblum. Seeing him in a refined, relaxed setting was a new experience for Eden as well.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“If it’s you calling, I’ll always come.”

Something about that made Eden feel strange.

Zephar was undoubtedly overly kind to her, fulfilling even unreasonable requests—but his true intentions were difficult to grasp.

“The Grand Duke of Yuren isn’t someone you use lightly. He doesn’t move without a price.”

Just as Asmun had said, Zephar was not a man to act without purpose. Eden pushed aside her thoughts and gave a bright smile.

“Please, feel free to order whatever you’d like! I’ve been saving up my wages just for today. I’ll treat you properly.”

She shook her coin pouch with an exaggerated flair, earning a lighthearted smile from Zephar.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. I didn’t even get a chance to thank you properly. Everything that happened in Reblum was thanks to you, Your Grace. I really appreciate it.”

Eden offered her thanks with sincere formality. Zephar looked at her with an unreadable expression.

As it happened, he had just come from the imperial palace after being awarded a minor merit by the Emperor.

“I heard the Grand Duke of Yuren provided significant aid in the Reblum affair.”

It was all thanks to Eden’s request to Asmun to make sure the Emperor knew it was Zephar who had obtained the invitation letter.

Zephar quietly looked at Eden, who was now smiling innocently at him.

“I heard you’ve been chosen as the final priest.”

“Ah… well, it just kind of happened,” Eden replied with a sheepish smile.

“It seems Lord Hamyun favors you greatly.”

Zephar’s tone was light, almost joking—but Eden could sense the barbed edge hidden within.

She dropped her smile and glanced at him.

“Um… Your Grace, why haven’t you asked me anything?”

Though her question was abrupt, Zephar’s expression remained composed.

“Whatever do you mean?”

As expected, he left no openings. In the end, Eden had to bring up the main point herself.

“Back at the hunting festival… about what you saw.”

At her quiet words, a subtle shift came over Zephar’s gaze.

“May I ask about it, then?”

His voice remained polite and well-mannered—enough that Eden could believe his silence until now had been a gesture of consideration.

“You’re really kind, Your Grace.”

“…”

“That’s why… I want to repay you properly.”

Her voice was unusually serious.

Zephar stared at her without a word, clearly willing to listen.

Eden met his eyes directly and began.

“Your Grace, you intend to build a Mage Tower in your duchy, don’t you?”

Zephar’s gaze faltered for a moment. That was information that had never leaked anywhere before.

“But His Majesty won’t allow it.”

His expression hardened further. Of course, this was something he too had expected—and because of that, he was all the more obsessed with the matter.

“But if you change the pretext, you can earn His Majesty’s approval.”

Looking into Zephar’s eyes—eyes that were frozen just as they had been at the hunting festival—Eden was certain her strategy had worked.

The root of Zephar’s favor toward her was in her uniqueness. Therefore, she had to present herself as even more special to him.

As someone who could foresee everything.

As someone truly chosen by the divine.

“During the Sun Festival—secure that justification.”

****

At last, the day of the Sun Festival dawned, and the entire capital was swept up in celebration.

The thrill and anticipation far surpassed even the founding banquet, and Eden was once again reminded just how immense the power of Hamyun and divine strength were in this world.

“Are you ready?”

This time, Eden would also be participating as one of the main figures of the Sun Festival. The excitement in the air touched her directly.

“Yes. I’m ready.”

Having changed into a specially prepared and ornate ceremonial robe, Eden was ready to leave the temple.

The schedule of the festival went as follows:

High Priest Serman and the six chosen priests would ride in a grand procession from the temple to the plaza, aboard a massive carriage pulled by twelve white horses. Once they arrived, they would ascend the stage and bloom the Flowers of Blessing.

The Emperor, royal family, and nobles were expected to be present at the plaza beforehand.

The priests are practically the stars of the show.

Just then—

“Sister Eden, you will stand to the right of the High Priest.”

At those words, the procession fell instantly silent. The seat beside the High Priest at the front of the carriage was a place reserved for only one priest.

“M–Me?”

“Yes. The High Priest himself made the decision.”

With that, Eden could clearly feel the sharp stares of the priests waiting nearby.

She was the only trainee priest among the chosen for the Sun Festival. Eden had already been receiving unwanted attention, and now that she’d even secured the most coveted position in the festival, the priests could no longer suppress their growing irritation.

Eden was now undeniably being resented.

I’m screwed.

She forced a faint smile, almost as if she’d attained enlightenment. She had felt things getting dangerously tense—and now, the idea that her future temple life would be riddled with obstacles made her head throb already.

That her cleaning duties had somehow doubled over the past few days was probably no coincidence.

“Sister, it’s time to depart.”

Under the assistant priest’s guidance and amidst piercing glares, Eden began walking.

The moment she exited the temple, the massive crowd gathered outside came into view, and her heart began to pound.

She climbed onto the carriage that resembled a parade float and stood beside Serman. The High Priest offered a gentle smile to the cheering citizens of the Empire.

Do I just stand still?

Eden stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do, until Serman quietly leaned in to speak.

“Smile.”

Startled, Eden quickly gave a radiant smile. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but the cheers seemed to grow even louder.

As if reading her mind, Serman spoke again.

“Everyone has heard of you.”

Eden turned to him, and he continued with a polished smile for the crowd.

“I’ve heard all about Reblum. I’m told your contributions were great once again. Truly…”

Then, he finally turned to Eden, smiling with genuine warmth.

“You’ve done something remarkable.”

At those words, the conversation she had overheard in the sealed chapel resurfaced in her mind.

“The High Priest must be really stressed out. That trainee priest must be stirring up quite a fuss.”

Just like that night, the tips of Eden’s ears grew hot again.

The High Priest in front of her wore a kind smile, seemingly at odds with the sentiments of the others, but it was true that she had been causing no small stir in the once-quiet temple.

But it wasn’t like she wanted to cause trouble—it was all because of the quests.

It’s not like I want to stand out.

Flustered, Eden gave an embarrassed smile.

“It wasn’t anything remarkable. I only did what needed to be done.”

She offered her usual modest response, and Serman, still smiling, looked at her with calm eyes.

“You are a blessing to the High Temple. I look forward to your continued efforts.”

There was a trace of weariness on Serman’s face as he spoke, and something about that made Eden’s heart stir.

Soon, the rest of the priests boarded the carriage, and the grand procession began.

But Eden’s mind was still caught on the things she had overheard in the sealed chapel.

“The Knight Commander has been urging His Majesty to let the temple purify Reblum.”

“How could the High Priest afford to waste effort on that city? He’s busy enough just defending the capital.”

“Apparently he’s asked multiple times for permission to organize a subjugation force to go to Reblum.”

“Damn nuisance. Does he think the High Temple has nothing better to do?”

It was now clear to Eden why Karon and Serman didn’t get along.

Karon’s push to purify Reblum had been entirely justified. But even so, it was easy to understand why Serman hadn’t accepted Karon’s proposal—he was likely overwhelmed just protecting the capital.

But… perhaps—

Could it be that he knew Hegenti left the castle?

Eden still couldn’t get a read on Serman’s true intentions, and the uncertainty was frustrating.

It had been quite some time since Hegenti had left his stronghold. If Serman had been watching him in order to intercept his moves, then Hegenti’s sudden absence should’ve triggered a major alarm.

And yet, there wasn’t a trace of anxiety or distress on Serman’s face.

“High Priest.”

Eden impulsively called out. She could feel him pause from waving to the citizens and turn toward her.

“Have you ever received a prophecy about the fall of the Empire?”