Chapter 2 (1/2)

Chapter 2

The celebration was the temple’s annual event. During this period, many people were required to visit the temple, especially the four largest families.

It was a good opportunity for Diana, who could not go outside of the temple, to meet many outsiders.

‘Grand Duke DeHeen. That person will come too’

A person came into Diana’s mind, who was only cloudy as if he was in the fog. It’s the Grand Duke.

He was the patriarch of the Grand Duke of Tersia, one of the great families that supported the empire. His fighting ability was particularly good, and he was always in the vanguard during war. The war he led never lost, and he was notorious for not letting a single life left.

People called him a ‘war-and-slaughter killer’. In the story of a cruel rumor, a newborn infant who was about to be breastmilk by his mother was killed when he was taken away from her arms.

Furthermore, Grand Duke DeHeen was not on good terms with the temple. In the past, there was a time when he scared a priestess who delivered blessings to him and knocked her out.

In many ways, DeHeen was the best opponent to choose to kill her. She knows it’s full of loopholes, but she wanted to catch a straw.

“I’ll try it.”

Diana wanted to cut the damn cycle of her regression.

She couldn’t miss the opportunity of the acceleration of her regression. To do so, she decided to die in the hands of the monster, who was crazy about slaughter.

***

Diana walked out of the chapel with her drooping shoulders. The appearance of the temple was captured in the eyes of Diana, who was walking slowly in the corridor.

For Diana, who wandered along the streets of Goara, this was her hometown and home. It was such a precious space.

But now, she was so distressed to be in the temple. She felt nauseous for a moment, and everyone who were passing felt disgusted.

“Wook…”

Her head was about to get dizzy again/

‘I must hurry up and go to my room.’

Diana’s wild face was pale because she was no longer white. Behind Diana, whose stomach looks like it would burst flame, someone who was silencing his footsteps came close to her.

Diana who couldn’t afford to care elsewhere, didn’t notice him.

“Diana!”

The man standing behind her struck her shoulders. Surprised by the sudden contact, Diana froze on the spot. She didn’t scream, but her body stiffened by fright.

It was because of the memory of being abused. The touch of the hand made Diana’s heart beats. The more painful life was repeated, the worse it became.

“Why are you so surprised? It’s me, Khalid.”

And Khalid, was one of those who took part in the terrible abuse.

Diana’s eyes were filled by his brilliant hair, which seemed to have similar sunshine.

‘Khalid Dimaroye.’

He remained the same as Diana had always liked. The eyes, which seem to be a little slanted, were shaped like a half-moon, and looked attractive to anyone.

It was the 14-year-old Khalid before he was transformed by Ravienne.

Diana’s hand throbbed as she met him in the eye. At the same time, she vividly remembered the memories of him, putting a sword in her without hesitation.

‘No.’

Diana backed away from Khalid who felt the rejection.

“Diana?”

Khalid, who felt Diana’s condition was strange, tried to get closer. Diana felt uncomfortable and quickly stood her back up.

“Hello,”

Diana thought she was fortunate to have a casual voice more than she expected.

“What happened? You don’t look good. You’re pale.”

“No? Exactly…. It’s the same as usual.”

Khalid, who was two years older than Diana, was a paladin apprentice. He was a child of well-known noble family, and many of his peers followed him because he was the best.

It was such a coincidence that such Khalid became acquainted with Diana. Khalid took care of the out-of-the-way dynasties among the candidates.

Diana liked that kind of Khalid. He was her first love that she kept in herself because she thought she could not dare to reach him.

But after becoming a paladin guarding Ravienne, he turned into a completely different person. He did whatever Ravienne told him to do. He didn’t hesitate even if it hurt Diana. He stabbed Diana and was on the sidelines.

In her repeated life, he never saved Diana.

‘Hypocrite.’

Diana’s heart did not beat for Khalid anymore. He was nothing more or less to Diana.

“Diana? What are you thinking? Did the top candidates bother you again? Is that so?”

“Not really. Can I leave?”

“Huh? Well, yes.”

Khalid stammered, bewildered at Diana’s dry manner. Diana turned around as soon as Khalid gave his permission.

She didn’t want to face him for a moment, so she walked away quickly. But Khalid, who was trying to follow Diana, took a step and stopped. It was because he felt that Diana was avoiding him.

“Did I do something wrong?”

Khalid, who was confused, scratched his back. His eyes relentlessly pursued Diana’s back.

***

Ben Haber, a competent assistant, was next to DeHeen, who is called as war maniac. After becoming Grand Duke, DeHeen was famous for constantly changing his aides.

Most aides were not satisfied with the demanding DeHeen. It was Ben who which DeHeen chose to settle down.

He, who had never been around for more than three months, was able to see how competent Ben was by looking at his side for 10 years already.

For this reason, Ben was popular among nobles. There was even a line of people who wanted to be introduced to him as an excellent aide.

In fact, Ben’s ability to handle his work was remarkable. Even when he was in charge of difficult tasks, he handled them well.