Trampled and Broken (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 30
At that moment, she had remained inside the temple, attending neither Part One nor Part Two.
‘But he specifically came all the way to the temple, saying he was worried about me.’
This year, it was more likely they’d meet at the orphanage rather than the temple.
When she left the temple, having no intention of ever returning, she hadn’t bothered to bring formal attire.
Yet the temple had sent her the ceremonial dress she was supposed to wear on the day of the charity event.
Angela, her face brimming with dissatisfaction, nonetheless diligently helped her get dressed.
“Saying ‘clothes make the man’ is pure nonsense. Look—how can such a plain outfit possibly help? It’s the dress that’ll benefit from your royal grace.”
“You know those registered at the temple must uphold modesty as a virtue. How could a priestess wear lavish clothing?”
“But Your Highness isn’t just any priestess—you’re a saint!”
Angela added in a low mutter.
“Saint Anetsa will surely go dressed in something splendid, won’t she?”
“She has her way, and I have mine. That’s more than enough, Angela.”
Hestia chuckled as if scolding a child, then gazed at her reflection in the vanity mirror.
Her complexion had grown paler than on the day of her return, and the color of her lips had faded.
‘Not terrible, but certainly not in great shape either.’
Since she had to hide her terminal condition anyway, it might be better to apply heavier makeup.
“Angela, could you make my lips a bit redder?”
“Oh my, what’s come over you?”
Though she sounded surprised, the maid seemed pleased that Hestia wanted to dress up, giggling softly as she lightly brushed the lips with her brush.
“But did you look into what I asked?”
“Oh, you mean Sir Stephan Chereto?”
Angela nodded and continued.
“He’s quite famous these days, isn’t he?”
Angela began relaying all the information she’d gathered, carefully selecting only the most essential points.
“He’s the second son of a provincial noble family—not from the central aristocracy. His family is well-known in their region as devout believers.”
“Is that so?”
Apparently, several generations back, they even produced an archdeacon.
“But that was the peak. Occasionally, children born with divine power in the family only ever had mediocre abilities. Since that archdeacon, no one’s risen above the rank of a junior priest.”
Hestia nodded diligently, making it clear she was listening.
“As a result, their fortunes gradually declined. I heard they’re now barely more than a fallen noble family, keeping only their name.”
Hestia tilted her head in confusion.
“But how do you know all these details so well?”
And so quickly, at that.
Even though Hestia had asked her to find out, unless Angela was a member of an information guild, gathering this much so fast wouldn’t be easy.
That was precisely why Hestia hadn’t expected much when she’d asked.
Angela gave a slight snort, then playfully boasted as if it were nothing.
“I told you—he’s famous. These days, if you don’t know him in high society, you’re practically a spy.”
“Really?”
Seeing Hestia’s wide-eyed expression, Angela laughed brightly and began unpacking everything she’d learned, as if opening a bundle.
“They say he hears rumors of parties like a ghost and attends without fail. There’s apparently nowhere he doesn’t show up.”
Because he loves parties.
“On top of that, he’s handsome, approachable—what more is there to say?”
Hestia quietly nodded.
She didn’t particularly want to recall it, but Stephan Chereto’s face from her past life—when he’d proposed to her—rose unbidden to her mind.
Golden hair like honey mixed with sugar, green eyes, slightly downturned eyes, and wavy hair.
He seemed made entirely of soft, pale hues and always smiled gently whenever their eyes met.
‘A man like a gentle spring breeze.’
That was Hestia’s memory of Stephan Chereto.
He was considerate and gentle, yet shallow—in his speech, his hands, his gestures.
A man who was the complete opposite of Aslan Kalati.
Hestia flinched as she unconsciously compared them in her mind.
‘Why am I comparing him to that man again?’
She furrowed her brows and pressed her lips together tightly.
Perhaps because Aslan was the only man she’d ever known, it felt as though all her standards were measured against him.
While she was lost in thought, Angela continued.
“But it seems he doesn’t quite fit in anywhere. It’s hard to explain… You know, Princess, those people who just float awkwardly in between?”
“…Hmm.”
Hestia let out a vague, noncommittal sound.
Angela naturally carried on.
“That’s the kind of reputation Sir Stephan Chereto has.”
Since his family hadn’t settled in the capital, it was naturally difficult for him to blend into the mainstream circles.
“The ladies say he’s cheerful and gentlemanly as a person, so they like him—but apparently not the men.”
Indeed, to truly fit in among men, one usually needed either lifelong friendships forged from childhood or solid bonds built through shared hardships in the knights’ order.
Alternatively, one needed clear business advantages or something genuinely admirable.
“After all, ordinary noble families pass inheritance to the eldest son. As the second son, Sir Stephan seems unable to mingle well with the gentlemen’s circles.”
According to Angela, second or third sons of the Chereto family were occasionally born with divine power. In such cases, they’d typically enter the temple at a young age and serve as priests in regional temples.
“But Sir Stephan apparently lacks the divine power needed to become a priest. He did receive his knighthood, but his skills are said to be merely average…”
“I see…”
Hestia absentmindedly nodded, trailing off—then suddenly frowned.
A question had just struck her.
“How on earth did someone like him manage to come to the capital?”
If his family held so little influence, their finances were likely strained. Wealthy families usually secured their social standing naturally through trade guilds, businesses, or mines.
In Elsword’s noble circles, when younger sons pursued knighthood or holy orders, it typically meant the family couldn’t afford to support them all.
‘Of course, many still choose those paths for honor’s sake.’
But judging solely from Angela’s account, the Cheretos didn’t seem to have the luxury of chasing honor.
Thus, it should’ve been difficult for him to even reach the capital, let alone afford a long stay.
In her past life, Hestia had never heard nor seen Stephan practicing swordsmanship.
He’d focused solely on social engagements.
Back then, claiming he’d stand in as her “fiancé” while she was unwell, rumors often reached her that he was sweeping through every social gathering.
At the time, she’d completely cut ties with him and hadn’t paid attention to details—but she did recall Angela once indignantly blurting out a few times, “Sir Chereto is shamelessly trading on Your Highness’s name! You really ought to give him a stern warning!”
Given that situation, it was highly likely Stephan had been casually gossiping about Hestia’s condition at social events to secure his own standing.
“Does he have relatives in the capital?”
“I heard not.”
In truth, Hestia’s words had been little more than a mutter to herself.
But Angela, assuming the question was directed at her, immediately spoke up—as if she’d heard something about it. Her tone, however, grew slightly more subdued, as this part seemed closer to speculation.
“There are rumors someone’s secretly supporting him from behind the scenes.”
Hestia gave no reaction and simply steadied her breath.
‘Well, of course there would be.’
Otherwise, Stephan—who wasn’t even officially her fiancé—couldn’t possibly show his face at high nobles’ parties.
Hestia asked again, trying to sound as casual as possible.
“Then do you know who’s backing him?”
“No… not that far…”
Angela trailed off apologetically.
Since Hestia hadn’t actually meant to pressure her, she softened her expression and lowered her eyebrows in a look of reassurance.
“Just finding out this much has been a huge help, Angela. Don’t make that face—it’s really okay. Thank you.”
Yet Angela still seemed weighed down, glancing furtively at Hestia before continuing.
“But Princess, it’s absolutely not because I’m incapable that I couldn’t find out!”
Hestia gave a faint smile.
“I don’t think that at all.”
“Phew! That’s a relief. I was so worried you’d think me useless!”
“Of course not. Would I ever see you that way?”
Angela giggled happily.
In the now more relaxed atmosphere, the maid pouted slightly as she added,
“Of course not! Oh, but—aside from me, everyone’s been secretly wondering who’s backing Sir Stephan. Yet apparently, no one’s figured it out.”
“I see.”
Hestia swallowed a sigh and nodded.
The conversation continued.
Mostly about Stephan’s trivial personal affairs—but Hestia listened carefully to every word Angela shared afterward.
She absorbed each detail thoroughly, chewing and swallowing it all as if determined not to miss a single thing.
When scheming men desperately battle for her favor in the male harem
This one’s also on my reread list! The rivalry, scheming between the men in the imperial harem are just as intense and thrilling as in classic palace drama novels, where concubines fight to the death. Give it a read, girls! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Synopsis:
“I am not worthy of her… but I still want to be by her side, even if only as a loyal dog…”
Those were the painful whispers of Yue Guanyi – the proud Crown Prince of the Great Qi, who was torn between deep love and a guilty conscience. Despite holding the supreme power of the Imperial Guard, he still could not forget the dark past when he was sold into a brothel.
Fate played a cruel twist when Qiu Shuzhi – a young female official who had just passed the imperial examinations with top honors – stepped into his life. She did not know that she was the one who had saved him from a tragic fate many years ago. And now, her heart was the target of pursuit for both Yue Guanyi and the powerful Empress Dowager Qin Qing.
While Yue Guanyi only dared to silently care for and protect the one he loved from afar, the Empress Dowager Qin Qing openly expressed his feelings and did not hesitate to take advantage of his power to approach Qiu Shuzhi. The covert struggle between the two most powerful forces in the imperial court began…
Trigger warning: All men in this novel are yandere style.
_____
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