Startled by the unfamiliar voice, I looked up to see a kindly-faced elderly priest smiling down at me.

I was instantly struck by two things: one was the grandiosity of the building, which appeared to be a temple, and the other was the priest’s unusually aged appearance.

“This is the first time I’ve seen such an old vampire.”

Vampires, by the nature of their race, were able to maintain youthful appearances until they neared the end of their lives.

Yet, there were exceptions like the elderly man before me who aged like humans, largely due to the excessive use of their magical powers.

“If you stare at me so intently, it’s rather embarrassing, Your Highness. Am I your first experience with such an aged gentleman?”

As the priest stroked his beard and spoke gently, I shook my head.

“No. I actually prefer it this way. If you look too young despite your age, it would be confusing.”

“I’m honored by your kind words.”

I had merely thought of Elga’s situation while speaking, but the priest seemed touched and bowed his head deeply.

It seemed like he had been concerned about how a young princess would react upon meeting him.

“My name is Retin, the high priest serving the goddess Nyx. Despite how old I appear, I’m not that advanced in age.”

“Is it because you use a lot of healing magic? Is that also true for you, Retin?”

“Ah, you’ve studied well for someone so young. Yes, you’re correct. In my position, there are times when I must use healing magic, even if it’s a bit excessive.”

I looked at him sympathetically, recalling what I had learned in my classes.

Unlike humans, who healed wounds through divine power, demons used magic as a medium for healing spells.

Even demons who served gods were no exception, and long-term use of potent healing spells sometimes led to unintentional depletion of life force.

Retin was one such case, and his evident signs of aging were actually something to be admired among his kind.

“I’ve always wanted a grandfather. My grandmother could be someone like Elga, so Retin, you can be my grandfather.”

“I can’t compare myself to Elga, but being called ‘grandfather’ by such an adorable princess would be an honor.”

“Why not? Grandpa Retin! Isn’t that how it works?”

“Heh heh… You truly are an adorable and lovable person.”

I wasn’t exactly sure what made me adorable or lovable, but I simply attributed it all to my good looks and followed Retin.

“This is a temple dedicated to Nyx, one of the primordial goddesses. Along with Erebus, the god of darkness, she is highly popular among demons.”

“It’s surprising that demons have faith, too. I never thought such temples would exist.”

“Any sentient beings need something to lean on. Despite the differences in race, all mortals, facing finite lives, are fundamentally similar beings. After all, we all meet the same end: death.”

Afterwards, I listened to Retin’s brief theology while slowly touring the quiet temple interior.

Most of the topics were complex, but since they were related to both humans and demons, I found myself quite focused.

“I kind of get the similarities, but what about the differences? Humans and demons can’t be the same.”

“There are some differences. Humans believe in more specialized gods, while demons primarily worship entities related to world creation concepts. To call Nyx merely a ‘goddess’ is a bit awkward; she also represents the night itself.”
“It’s getting more difficult. I think I’ll have to study theology separately to talk to Grandfather.”

“Well, I was too hasty. If you ever become curious later, feel free to call me. I’ll run to you and enlighten you.”

Retin, who wore a gentle smile, led the four of us toward the center of the temple.

Occasionally, people who seemed to be priests bowed their heads as they passed by, but no outsiders were seen within the temple.

I curiously asked why there were no worshippers, and a surprising answer came back.

“We locked the doors a few hours ago because Your Highness was coming. As a priest, this is all I could do.”

“Even if that’s the case, it’s a festival day… is this really okay?”

“The Lord has entrusted all temple-related matters to me. Whatever happens here is my jurisdiction, so don’t worry.”

Huh, sounds like anything goes, then.

I decided that if anything problematic ever occurs in the palace, I’d definitely come here, and followed Retin to look around various parts of the temple.

‘I think I did well coming here first.’

I had a desire to explore the outside world a bit more than the temple.

I could always visit the temple, but festivals only happen so often.

I was a bit puzzled why I had come here first, but it seemed to be Sione’s calculation.

Though it was an informal visit, the fact that I visited the temple first seemed to have touched the High Priest quite a bit.

“I think it would be best to end the tour here for today. The temple is so large that it would take hours to explore it by foot.”

“I am grateful that you so graciously allowed this sudden visit, High Priest. It must have been a very meaningful time for Your Highness as well.”