The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 140: Unannounced Visit

Chapter 140: Unannounced Visit

Altair found himself standing before a magnificent willow tree, its towering presence commanding his attention. With a reverent gaze, he lifted his head, allowing his pale, platinum eyes to sweep over the lush canopy of leaves, their gentle rustling creating a symphony of nature. As he inhaled deeply, the invigorating scent of the thriving flora enveloped his senses, and he could not help but revel in the vibrant life surrounding him. Then, as he exhaled with a satisfied sigh, his moment of tranquility was shattered by a faint sound emanating from the depths of the tree’s shadow.

In response to the unexpected noise, Altair’s brows furrowed slightly, hinting at a growing sense of unease.

"Venturing here during the daylight was a decision fraught with peril, a reckless choice. What could possibly be so urgent that it demanded your presence at this hour?"

Altair’s contemplative moment beneath the ancient willow tree ended as he lowered his pale gaze, his eyes locked onto the massive trunk before him, almost as if he sought to penetrate its very essence. The words he spoke hung in the air for a heartbeat, met by an initial silence, but then, a hushed, masculine voice emerged from the concealment of the tree’s shadow and replied,

"We cannot afford to delay any further, My Lord. All those who wish to partake in the imminent operation have meticulously concluded their preparations and now await your command. We stand poised and ready, My Lord."

Altair found himself at a crossroads, unsure of how to respond. His previous conversation with Mephisto, who had become increasingly impatient in his thirst for bloodshed, had left him deeply conflicted. What did he truly desire now?

For the entirety of his existence, Altair had been driven by one singular purpose: revenge, and his heart had been a reservoir of unrelenting hate. However, in this moment, the lines between his past convictions and his current emotions blurred significantly.

A complex mix of hope, anticipation, yearning, and perhaps even something as unexpected as love now occupied his heart. Could it be that his once all-consuming obsession had transformed into something genuine, something as pure as love? The very idea seemed inconceivable for one so steeped in darkness and corruption, but the possibility lingered, casting a shadow of doubt over his soul.

In this complex situation, there were no definitive right or wrong answers. What Altair needed most was time, and that time, he felt, was in short supply.

As moments stretched into silence, the second-in-command of the Demonic Cult army grew increasingly impatient. Just as he was about to nudge Altair to prompt a response, the leader took a deliberate breath and, in a tone that brimmed with gravity, finally spoke,

"It is crucial to acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by the people of Izaar. I will issue the order when I am assured that the delegation has safely returned to their homeland."

"Yes, My Lord."

The branches of the willow tree rustled with an almost conspiratorial zeal, as if they were complicit in aiding the enigmatic man’s retreat. Altair stood in patient silence, waiting for the garden to regain its tranquility again. Then, he finally turned around, ready to make his own departure.

It was at this moment that his pale platinum eyes caught sight of a delicate, petite female figure. She stood beside a slender birch tree, her presence gentle and unassuming. In her small, pale hands, she held a vibrant yellow dandelion, fingers lightly toying with its delicate petals.

"Your Highness?"

The man found himself taken aback by the unanticipated presence of Angelica in the Temple. What puzzled him even more was the fact that he hadn’t detected her arrival in the garden, a feat he had consistently accomplished in the past.

Angelica adorned her features with a subtle smile as she observed Altair approaching. When he came to a stop just before her, she extended a gracious greeting, her voice laced with tranquility,

"Good afternoon, Revered Altair. How do you find yourself on this splendid spring day? With summer fast approaching, I imagine your days are filled with ceaseless demands."

Altair responded with a gentle shake of his head and a reciprocating smile,

"Your concern is appreciated, Your Highness, but I’m simply fulfilling my duty. Now, may I inquire about the purpose of your visit today? Is there any health-related matter that brings you here?"

As Altair inquired, Angelica gently lowered the yellow dandelion to the earth, carefully concealing it beneath the hem of her dress. Her discreet actions ensured that Altair remained unaware of the flower’s swift reunion with the soil, its roots subtly taking hold once more.

"Not at all, Your Holiness. My health is in good standing of late. However, there has been a matter weighing on my mind for the past few weeks. I was hoping to seek your wisdom and guidance to illuminate these concerns."

Altair’s face remained warm and reassuring as he replied,

"Of course, Your Highness. Let’s take a leisurely stroll through the garden and discuss these matters further."

Altair extended his arm, a graceful gesture indicating the path they should follow, and then took the lead, guiding the way through the garden’s serene expanse.

Initially, they strolled in silence, their only companions being the gentle, rustling interplay of the wind and the garden’s foliage. Yet, beneath this outward tranquility, Altair felt a sense of restlessness, his mind consumed by curiosity about the nature of Angelica’s concerns. It was Angelica herself who eventually chose to interrupt his inner turmoil,

"Your Holiness, as a revered member of the Holy Temple, you are undoubtedly aware that those we in Rische refer to as ’the holders of the Holy Power’ are none other than magicians with the unique gift of healing."

The man visibly flinched as Angelica’s words took root in his mind. She had hit the mark—ever since Rische had embraced a singular faith, one tinged with the spectral hope of a Saint, the Holy Temple, fashioned as a sanctuary for that hope, necessitated living symbols.

It yearned for those who could embody the sanctity of that hope, who could espouse the virtues of purity in both mind and soul, and who could bear the torch of enlightenment to illuminate the vast Empire.

However, given the absence of individuals deemed by the Continent as "descendants of the Almighty Saint," the sole recourse the Continent Union could devise was to appoint those gifted with the healing power as Temple representatives.

Yet, it was an issue not broached openly, even within the confines of the Imperial family. Both Altair and Angelica were acutely aware of the sensitivity surrounding this matter.

So, the question lingered: Why had she chosen to raise it at this particular moment?