Chapter 63
Before he knew it, Ian had become a medicinal herb, but he seemed quite satisfied with it. The way he looked at me was almost blinding. If I hadn’t known him well, I might have mistaken it for a glare, but since we had spent a lot of time together, I understood—it was an expression of genuine appreciation.
Though the High Priest was still staring at me strangely, well... as long as Ian was happy, wasn’t that all that mattered?
I nearly applauded myself for my brilliant metaphor.
"It means that Priest Ian is as precious as medicinal herbs. He wants to stay with the ducal house, and the ducal house wants him to stay as well."
As soon as I finished speaking, silence fell over the room. The High Priest’s gaze alternated between Ian and me.
Even though priests had a low status, he was still a leader among them, and his eyes carried a certain weight.
Now that the benevolent smile had disappeared from his face, he suddenly looked much more imposing.
Our eyes met, and I didn’t look away. Neither did he.
Standing like this... it almost felt like we were in a love triangle over Ian. Or... was I mistaken?
"Very well. I will allow it."
The simple and direct response from the High Priest cut through my wandering thoughts before they could go any further.
With a firm voice, he answered, then softened his gaze and smiled at me again, his expression once again benevolent.