"My sword is one inch away from slicing your neck. My victory is one inch away, yet why can't I do it, Althea? What kind of spell have you cast on me to have me thinking about you all day?!"
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Byeol meets a tragic death at age nineteen...
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"Lady Althea! What a wonderful surprise it is to see you here today." A priestess called out to me. She was wearing a long, cream-white chiton, which covered her body, her hair tied up to a neat bun, strings tied around the chiton, making it easier to move in.
"Oh, I don't mean to bother. I'm simply here for some research. Is it alright if I use the temple's private library?" I asked, a smile on my lips, already knowing the answer.
"I'd be a sinner if I didn't let you. Please, follow me." She beamed, before turning on her heels and walking towards what I assumed was the library.
"Here you are. Please, spend as much time as you want. It's an honor to have you here, Lady Althea."
With a bow, she closed the doors behind me, leaving me in the ample library, alone with two other priests, who were studying on a spacious table in the center.
"Lady Althea," One of them noticed me. "What book are you searching for?" He said as the other looked up from his book, smiling at me.
Are all these people that happy to see me? Surely not, right?
How do I tell them I'm looking for books on dark magic?
"Ah, I'm looking for a book related to miracles." I sugar-coated my request, sparing me the suspicious glances.
"Is that so? All books related to miracles concerning Goddess Helia are on the bookshelves to your right." The priest answered with a smile. I sighed, taking a big breath and building up courage, before explaining further.
"I'm just looking for books related to miracles - or unbelievable events - in general... even," I hesitated, pushing myself to throw out the last two words. "Even dark magic."
I guess the suspicious staring was unavoidable after all.
The other priest spoke up, his expression concerned.
"Lady Althea... What have you gotten yourself into?" He asked me, closing his book.
You're not my therapist. You don't have to know. I'm not even Althea!
Suddenly feeling very self-conscious, I hid my trembling hands behind my back, fidgeting with the strings of my corset.
I put up a pity mask, pretending I'm offended.
"Y-you think I... You think I've gotten involved with dark magic? You offend me greatly!" I put my hand over where my heart is, the other pretending to wipe a tear.
Am I pushing the acting too far? I hope not.
"L-Lady Althea... I would never!" The priest panicked over my sorrowful expression, quickly coming up to hand me a handkerchief which I gladly accepted, knowing no tear would drop on it. I wasn't even crying.
Instead, I covered my mouth and nose with my fan, indicating my 'shyness'.
"Oh Goodness, I've made a fool of myself in front of such important people... I feel so embarrassed!" I looked at the two priests, who, upon my gaze, quickly shook their heads, denying it. One of them went to speak up, but I continued.
