Giovanni released my hand and spoke.

“The Empire’s land is barren. Wheels like these wouldn’t last long there.”

“…….”

“Compared to the Empire, everything in the Kingdom seems soft.”

“The Empire is powerful, but seems difficult to live in.”

“The weak perish there.”

“……Even if I gain citizenship, it looks like I won’t be moving there.”

Giovanni wore a faint smile.

I remembered his peculiar look at the Kingdom’s leisurely tea time. Now it struck me: he was contrasting the arduous life in the Empire with that of the Kingdom.

The relationship between the Kingdom and the Empire is strangely close-knit. The Kingdom fears yet despises the Empire, while the Empire belittles yet longs for the Kingdom.

“I know it’s a bit awkward to say this when I need your help, but…”

Giovanni’s gaze turned to me.

“I hope you find what you’re looking for here.”

His eyes narrowed slightly and then returned to normal.

“I hope so too.”

“…….”

“To achieve that, cooperate diligently. Avoid frivolous talk like opera in our urgent situation.”

His words froze the smile on my lips.

‘This insufferable bond…’

“To think you found it leisurely? It was a suggestion to enjoy the culture here while you’re in the Kingdom.”

“How considerate.”

…Was that sarcasm?

‘Now that I see, this man has a bit of a mean streak.’

But his point about urgency wasn’t wrong.

Without his cooperation, I might end up beheaded innocently.

Realization struck me, and my legs tensed.

‘I must work hard too.’

To keep up with him, I’d need to exert myself to the utmost.

Then I realized it wasn’t as hard to walk as I thought.

Giovanni was walking slowly. For him, this pace must be incredibly slow.

‘He has some consideration.’

A bit rude, but considerate, unlike Hubert’s empty kindness.

The Water Temple, true to its name, was built over water.

Stepping on the stone path, ripples spread across the surface.

Small crimson fish swam below, tails fluttering.

The tranquil scene always brought peace. As my mind calmed, Giovanni suddenly said,

“Full of water.”

He looked down with interest.

I stared at his face, childlike in discovery, then noticed his protruding forearm.

‘A child? He must have been a weapon even as a boy.’

Giovanni finally stopped.

“How is this possible?”

“Sorry?”

“This is all water underneath? Always kept full? It must be hard to maintain. Yet it’s so clear and pure.”

I was taken aback by his rapid questions. He looked at me intently.

‘He’s waiting for my answer.’

Feeling pressured, I averted my gaze.

“It’s unique to this temple. The water beneath never dries.”

Giovanni’s eyes widened in surprise, so different from his usual intimidating demeanor. I almost laughed.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I held back.

‘Remember, he’s a living weapon.’

I cleared my throat.

“Do you like water?”

“Yes. I like water. It inexplicably lifts my spirits. Sadly, my country lacks it.”

His expression turned serious, and I curiously awaited his next words.

“Are all temples in the Kingdom like this?”
“Not all temples are like that. Are you aware that the Lorentz family studies the Water God, Marta?”

“Yes.”

“The Earl’s family participates in temple excavations. Most discovered temples have lost their functions. They are very old, after all. Occasionally, however, a statue with blessings is found.”

“Are you referring to the statues occasionally sent as offerings to the Kingdom?”

I nodded.

“Praying through these statues is believed to bring responses from Marta. Generally, temples don’t have special functions other than containing ancient records. But this temple,”

I lightly splashed the water beneath the temple with my toe.

“Is different.”

The water felt cool despite the warm air outside.

Unknowingly, I smiled, causing a slight sting on my cheeks.

Giovanni was staring intently at me.

“Why?”

“Hmm. Never mind. Continue.”

That was anti-climactic.

“This temple has existed even before I was born, and even before my mother was born. It’s so ancient, its origins are unknown, making it sacred and special.”

“…….”

“Thinking about it, myths are strange.”

“In what way?”

“Nobody has ever seen a god, yet we don’t doubt their existence.”

Giovanni smirked.

“You sound like an atheist.”

“Me?”

I blinked and then chuckled softly.

“That’s unlikely. I am a Kingdom citizen, after all.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“No one who has witnessed the power of a cleric could deny the existence of gods. Haven’t you seen? There are hardly any atheists in the Kingdom.”

“I see…….”

Giovanni nodded and fell silent.

I did the same.

As we walked, an awkward silence persisted.

Unlike me, sweating internally, Giovanni’s face was unreadable.

“Interesting thought.”

He spoke just before we entered the central prayer room.

“Sorry? What is?”

His gaze turned to me, amusement in his eyes.

“The notion that no one has seen the gods in myths, yet no one doubts their existence.”

“…….”

“I don’t believe in gods.”