If You Devour Poison / Doku wo Kurawaba Sara Made

Chapter 24: Confrontation

Leaping out of the carriage, Sigurd turned to Vikram and politely bowed to pay his respects while ignoring Nasha, who seemed like she had something to say.

“Your Highness, I apologise for my long silence.”

“Sigurd. You being healthy is of greater importance to me.”

Seeing Vikram giving a nod in reply, Sigurd returned to the carriage for the time being and held the girl sitting inside with both arms. He then got down from the carriage before placing the girl’s feet gently on the ground.

“Does it hurt, Julieta?”

“No. Thank you, brother Sigurd.”

Glimpses of the girl’s smile through her veil revealed her absolute trust towards her brother. Lifting up the hems of her robe, she lowered her head and curtsied. Her gestures exuded refinement from tip to toe.

In addition to her intrinsic noble grace, her untiring efforts and diligence polished her gestures further.

Not minding the temple knights who were sighing in admiration underneath their helmets, Nasha curled her lips and ostentatiously latched onto Vikram’s arm. Feeling Julieta’s gaze on her, Nasha’s expression held an unmasked superiority as she placed her cheek on the Crown Prince’s arm.

“Your Highness, Lady Julieta...! Has she even followed me here to harm me? Poor Sigurd is also forced to ferry her around! Quickly return him to Melia’s side!”

“Nasha. Don’t throw baseless accusations.”

Vikram’s response to Nasha’s coquettish speech was indifferent as she clung to his arm. Nasha’s eyes grew wide at Sigurd’s frigid attitude as she had thought of him as an ally.

“Why? Did you forget, Sigurd? I was harassed by this bitch multiple times.”

“Anyone would wish to antagonise someone who needlessly follows their fiancé along. Would Nasha be alright if your fiancé, His Highness, escorted another noblewoman?”

“His Highness Vikram would never be unfaithful!”

“...”

It was precisely because he had done it in the past that Nasha was standing there.

Nasha seethed in rage all by herself as Crown Prince Vikram shifted his gaze around. Even the Temple Knights sensed the dampened mood, to say nothing of Lutora and Sigurd. A voice from the stairs above asked, “What happened,” diffusing the tense air.

“Malacia.”

Standing atop the stairs was a man with a slightly grave expression, Head Priest Malacia. Hearing the commotion, he had walked to the arch in the outer court from the chapel.

“Amy, Lutora. It’s alright, leave it to me. Your Highness. It is common courtesy for the royal family to inform the Shrine of a visit in advance. An abrupt visit when there is no urgent business leads to confusion for both parties. Please be more discreet with your actions. They needlessly cause turmoil amongst the subjects.”

“That, um... My apologies.”

Nasha must have unreasonably said that she wished to meet Melia. Her patience must have run out after seeing countless formal requests get rejected. Then she must have decided to come to the Shrine uninvited.

Seeing Vikram not commit to his answer and replying evasively, Nasha butted into the conversation.

“Hey, why is Vikram the one apologising? Aren’t you only a Head Priest? His Highness Vikram is of a higher status!”