The Seed Thief

Vol. 1 Chapter 3.2

He was a knight known for suppressing the rebellion and was loved by the royal family. With his handsome appearance, his popularity rose even more than when he was in the temple.

Unsurprisingly, the number of women pursuing him also increased. When he attended the royal banquets, people rushed to speak to him, even if only for one sentence. The former king, queen, and his brother secretly hoped he would find a good match at those banquets.

As a family, they noticed Ervandas's heart still lingered at the temple—but that was a place he could no longer return to. So they wished for a worldly connection to tether him, apart from God.

But it was a futile thought.

Ervandas did not speak to any woman who approached him. He even openly showed his discomfort. Moreover, his avoidance of women wasn't limited to banquets.

Even the chambermaids and handmaids argued over who would serve Ervandas. Seeing this, Ervandas ordered the removal of all furniture except for the bed, wardrobe, desk, and chairs. He commanded no one enter as he would clean and organize himself.

Yet he couldn't stay cooped up in his room forever.

'I need to get out of the palace, even for a moment.'

He considered visiting the temple, but once someone left, the temple did not accept their return. What's more, in reply to Ervandas's letter expressing his wish to visit, the high priest responded that Ervandas's path lay in the secular world—so he should leave behind any attachment to the temple.

Ervandas felt conflicted after the high priest's reply.

He was the one who had paid Ervandas particular attention at the temple. But whenever Ervandas expressed his desire to return, the high priest promptly shook his head.

Feeling frustrated by the priest's resolute attitude towards him as if he were a heretic, Ervandas asked, "Why are you blocking my return?" Then the priest responded.

"Where you reside is not in the embrace of God."

"Why do you think so?"

Never once had he strayed from God's teachings, living a life of righteousness that even his fellow knights admired. So, what could be so deficient about himself?

Swallowing a hint of grievance, Ervandas awaited the high priest's answer. The high priest spoke with a faint smile.

"It's not my word."

"Then..."

The high priest acted on God's will. In the end, blocking Ervandas's return was tantamount to God's will.

Ervandas then sought refuge elsewhere—the territory where the rebellion had been suppressed. Knights were still stationed there, and the lingering tension remained from the past rebellion making festivities seem impossible.

Ervandas declared he would thoroughly reorganize the territory. His brother suggested that instead, he should rule the place altogether.

Having lost its lord, the territory struggled to appoint a new ruler. Given its history of rebellion, firmer governance was required. Moreover, if things continued this way, Kalendas feared his younger brother might one day leave, unable to endure the turmoil and people's affection.

It seemed better to send him somewhere quiet to gradually accustom to secular life.

As they sent off Ervandas, the former king, queen, and his brother thought, 'We gladly welcome any woman who can marry that stubborn chap.'

"The stables are cleaner than this place. I'll start with cleaning."

Upon arriving at the territory, Ervandas surveyed the lord's castle, where the knights stayed, and issued orders.