The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Chapter 28

‘Prophecy…?’

Stella recalled hearing that the priests of the Ice Castle were responsible for examining sacred relics and interpreting oracles, among other duties. Initially, she had wondered why they needed her assistance despite having such powerful priests, and she realized she had overlooked something worth pondering.

An oracle. Stella had some knowledge of how oracles were delivered. A prophet who received a divine revelation would often suffer from the overwhelming holy power, eventually speaking the prophecy as if in a trance. Some, despite having paper and pen, would cut their fingers and record the prophecy in blood on the walls. The language could be ancient or the prophet’s usual tongue.

When an apostle exhibited symptoms similar to a fever due to a sudden increase in holy power, they were immediately assigned a watcher to observe them day and night. This was to ensure they didn’t miss a prophecy that could shake the very foundations of the nation.

There had been only one oracle in Largo, and that was a few months before Stella was born. It was a closely guarded state secret, and as a child, Stella had no chance of learning about it. Despite her persistent questions, the priests had always deflected, saying she would understand in due time.

“Bring me the draft as soon as it’s ready. No need to polish it up.” Islay’s low voice broke the silence, snapping Stella back to reality.

He continued, “Even if we translate it into the common language, oracles are often filled with ambiguous expressions. It’s still necessary for everyone to put their heads together, so bring it to me right away.”

“As you command, Your Highness,” Padro bowed his head respectfully, despite Islay’s irreverent tone in the presence of a servant of the gods. Listening to their exchange, Stella narrowed her eyes slightly.

A prophecy… could it be related to the curse affecting this man?

“Will the princess be attending the Starry Night ceremony?” Padro asked, turning his warm smile back to Stella.

“The Starry Night ceremony? What is that?”

“On the first night of the new year when the stars are brightest, we hold a ceremony by the frozen lake outside the castle, carrying candles to celebrate the first day of the Resting Festival. It’s a beautiful, once-a-year ceremony.”

A night filled with stars, the frozen lake’s scenery, and the unique candlelight ceremony were all things that piqued Stella’s curiosity, making her eyes sparkle.

‘…But will he allow me to attend such an event?’

To her surprise, Islay readily agreed with the priest’s suggestion.

“If you wish to attend, you are welcome to do so. I will accompany you.”

“Really? You don’t have to go out of your way to accompany me….”

“After all, your name is ‘Estella’. It might be a meaningful ceremony for you,” Islay said, seemingly recalling that her name meant ‘the brightest star’ in ancient Largo.

“How about we have a meal together before the ceremony? We missed the chance last time.”

“…Ah.”

“Good. I’ll send someone to escort you to the banquet hall at dusk, so be prepared.”

In the midst of her hesitation, Stella found herself with two new promises to keep with him. As Islay finished speaking, he turned towards the exit, a silent prompt for her to follow him out of the chapel.

Stella, casting a wistful glance around the interior, stopped and spoke cautiously, “Um, may I visit this place occasionally? Praying here makes me feel at peace.”

“Of course. Just let me know before you leave the castle. I have my own schedule to keep.”

“Do you have to accompany me every time I come to pray? That seems unnecessary….”

“Were you planning to wander around without any guards?”

“Someone else could accompany me as a guard instead of you.”

“You have two options: stay within the castle or take me with you whenever you go out.”

Stella couldn’t respond, her eyes wide in surprise.

Does he still suspect I might run away? I’ve half given up on the idea of sneaking out of this impenetrable castle. And even if he doesn’t trust me to go out alone, he could assign a close aide to watch me. Why insist on overseeing it himself?

Watching the exchange with a subtle expression, Padro the High Priest quietly intervened. “You are both welcome to visit anytime.”

“……”

“The chapel doors are always open to everyone, for the gods welcome all.”

The kind-faced priest bowed his head gently. Stella returned the gesture with a polite nod and followed Islay out of the chapel.

***

“A formal dinner invitation?” Dora’s voice echoed disbelief as she repeated the news in the bedroom.

“With whom?” she asked.

“With Islay… the man who brought us here.”

“Oh, my goodness. So, he was serious about treating you as a guest last time. Or is there some sinister plot at play?”

“I don’t think he has any ulterior motives.”

“It’s suspicious. That terrifying man plans to sit across from you and have a meal, just chatting and laughing? Surely he won’t poison the food?”

“If he planned to poison us, he could have done so with our daily meals,” Stella shook her head. “Lord Peruno doesn’t seem like someone who would resort to such cowardly acts.”

Dora’s eyes widened at Stella’s firm tone. However, Stella truly had never sensed any malice from Islay. He was a towering, imposing figure with rough manners, but he hadn’t threatened or intended to harm her. While she couldn’t fully trust him, she was sure of that much.

‘…Why do I feel so certain?’

Stella herself couldn’t understand. It was often called intuition, but she didn’t consider herself to have particularly strong instincts.

“And what are all these trinkets?” Dora asked, glancing at the table by the window, cluttered with various items. “They look like children’s toys. Should I throw them out?”

“No, don’t!” Stella quickly stopped her, her gaze shifting from the empty air. “They’re gifts from the village children.”

Stella gathered the crude yet precious gifts and carefully arranged them on a decorative tray. After some thought, she took the flower crown and placed it in a vase. Dora watched with a puzzled expression.

Stella’s eyes, gazing at the twilight sky through the window, were bathed in the hues of the setting sun. The time for the promised dinner was fast approaching.

“It’s best to show some basic courtesy since I’ve been invited to a banquet, but it’s difficult to prepare a gift given my situation…”

Dora, observing Stella’s muttering, noticed her conflicted expression. Even the slow-witted maid could see that the princess was confused.

Dora quickly found the answer. Living isolated in Largo’s palace, the princess was excited by the festival unfolding against the snowy landscape. But recalling the circumstances that brought her here, it was only natural to feel a mix of emotions.

Dora empathized with Stella’s sense of disconnection. The people of the Ice Castle had shown them nothing but kindness, without any hostility. While Dora still resented the necessity of searching for unknown gems in the basement, she couldn’t complain about their overall living conditions—comfortable feather-down beds, a perpetually warm fireplace, and abundant meals and desserts.

‘Yes, it’s better for the princess to enjoy the festival atmosphere rather than sulking each day.’

Considering the possibility of exploring the outer areas of the castle for any lapses in security, Dora made up her mind.

“I understand what you’re saying, Princess.” The maid rolled up her sleeves. “Since this is your first formal dinner, you want to shine brighter than anyone else, right?”

Without hesitation, Dora rushed to the wardrobe and pulled out a dress. Stella’s eyes widened as she blinked in surprise.

It was a rosy, jeweled dress that revealed the upper chest and complemented her soft figure—one of the garments Islay had provided on their first day at the Ice Castle.