The excavated temples are sometimes open to the public, but not all temples are like that.

Because important or sensitive records are separately preserved, the undisclosed temples where the classification work is not yet complete are more valuable.

‘However, without a proper reason, it’s difficult to even visit the entrance.’

I even considered poking Princess Larathu’s side.

Although the temple excavation is carried out privately, the area is not so restricted that only scholars can go.

High-ranking nobles who were curious or wanted to explore special places might have visited undisclosed temples without making a fuss about it.

One of them fell into the pit of the temple, broke his arms and legs, and after that, the trend of such visits faded away.

Hubert, who took a sip of tea, put the teacup down. Then, he smiled at me as if he had drawn a picture.

“Did you do well while I was absent?”

“Yeah.”

“Nothing unusual?”

“Just the usual.”

“I heard these days you’re not meeting the prince much.”

He spoke casually, but his face was as affectionate as usual.

“Yeah, well. I’ve explained everything there is to explain. Now, it seems he’s touring cities outside the capital.”

Even though we met a few days ago, I pretended to be indifferent.

Hubert made a satisfied smile.

“As I told you. Well done.”

Muttering that he should give me a reward, he tilted his head.

“How about a date on the weekend?”

“……What?”

“Why are you so surprised? We used to hang out frequently. We went to the flower garden, to the market. I still vividly remember your expression when you had seafood skewers for the first time. It was so much fun back then.”

He seemed to read my expression, thinking I would undoubtedly enjoy it. A date with Hubert is not a reward but rather a severe punishment.

Forced to smile, I said, “I’m fine with it, but aren’t you busy?”

“I’m always busy. The research on the Western Temple isn’t finished yet.”

At the mention of the Western Temple, my mind flashed.

Hubert murmured as if he regretted it.

“Since inheriting the title, I’ve been busy with the excuse of being busy, so I couldn’t spend time with you.”

“……. ”

“Sometimes you have to have days like that. If you forget what’s precious, it could be a big problem.”

Holding him tightly, I looked at him with a soft smile.

‘Should I say that I miss those days?’

Like a hunting dog thrown away like trash after becoming useless, he abandoned me.

Should I interrupt his reminiscences in his memorial arm?

Watching him smile softly, I firmly held onto my knees.

“Is it not to your liking, Igor?”

“……Of course not. I really like it.”

“Aren’t you busy preparing for the ritual?”

“Hubert is making time for the first time in a while. I can cancel any schedule.”

Softly, with a somewhat shy expression, I said it.

It used to be a face that naturally came to mind, even if I wanted to hide it, but trying to make it now was quite difficult.

“Anything will be fine.”
Answering the question about my preferences for the end of Soo-jong made me feel uncomfortable. What’s regrettable is that this answer is the same as the countless times I said in my past life.

“Anything is fine. That’s okay too. Do as you please.”

What’s good? I’ve never thought a place itself was good until now.

As long as the person with me was Hubert, I didn’t care about anything else.

But this time is different.

‘I have a place in mind.’

How can I induce an answer without raising suspicion?

I pondered hard.

“I thought you’d say that.”

Hubert nodded as if he couldn’t hold it in.

“Still, I’d like to do what makes you happiest this time.”

“I’m fine with anything as long as it’s with you. But isn’t time limited? How long will you stay at the mansion?”

Naturally asking, he nodded.

“I have to go back to the west in two days. I came back briefly to report to the lord.”

“We don’t have much time. What should we do? Tomorrow, I might not have time because of the ritual preparations…”

He made a regretful expression, and Hubert looked awkward.

“Oh no. I have to see the lord today.”

“If only it wasn’t tomorrow. I’m fine any other time. Oh! By the way, should I go with you when you leave?”

Trying to say it like I thought of the best solution in an unavoidable situation.

“When I leave?”

“Yeah. The west is famous for its beautiful scenery. It would feel like a trip, and it seems nice.”

“Oh, that’s not a bad idea. But other than that, there’s nothing to see, and it might be boring.”

“I find anything you do interesting.”

I smiled shyly.

After a moment of thought, Hubert nodded.

“Well, the newly excavated temple is quite beautiful inside. It should be a good sightseeing spot.”

I cheered silently.

If we go to the west, he said he brought snacks, and pretending to forget, he brought equipment and left excuses. Now he suggests going to the temple!

I asked hesitantly, “Can we see the temple?”

“Yeah. It’s still undisclosed, so it’s not well-organized yet, making it even more mysterious. Why? Don’t you like it? Arius used to envy going to undisclosed temples before.”

No way I dislike it!