Taming The Villainesses

(EP-354.1) #2

354 – D #2

It was said that this temple atop the mountain was a place for those who had severed their ties with the secular world.

There was a common saying, “One shaves their head and retreats to the mountains.”

This temple was exactly that kind of place.

Because of that, they had little interest in worldly affairs. They neither knew who was famous nor what festivals were taking place.

Perhaps that was why none of them recognized me. It was routine for people to act familiar with me wherever I went in Angmar, so this situation felt rather strange.

“Who are you?”

Just as I was about to answer the old man’s question—

Mirna stepped between us and spoke.

“That’s not important right now. Aliesel, please take us to the Pantheon immediately. We need to retrieve and use one of the treasures stored there. This is a matter of great urgency.”

“A matter of great urgency… The Pantheon is the domain of the Dragon King. If the Lady requests it, then it must be honored… However, there is one thing this old monk must inform you of…”

The old man then began a rather lengthy explanation.

“The items stored within the Pantheon… Among them are many artifacts tainted with curses and unchecked desires, such as the monkey's paw bones or the Dragon God's Seven Orbs. Because of this, we periodically perform purification rituals…”

He said how “that” evil energy had gotten stronger recently. And as a result, only the highest-ranking monks were permitted to approach the Pantheon.

“However, the purification ritual will soon be over. If you wait just a little longer, the Pantheon will be reopened. Would it not be better to wait until then?”

At the request to wait, Narmi furrowed her brow.

“And how long would we have to wait?”

“Let’s see…. Is Ambassador Norva here? The young lady is asking when the purification ritual will conclude.”

Soon, a young man in silk robes stepped forward and whispered something into the old monk’s ear. He deliberately kept his voice low, but my sensitive fairy ears caught it.

━It will take about two more days.

‘Two days.’

It was certainly a short period of time, one that could be called brief. But we didn't even have two hours to spare, let alone two days. As I was briefly considering what to do, old monk Aliesel spoke up.

“Since you've come all this way, why not come inside first? I’ll have some five-colored fragrant tea and black adzuki bean brought out. There’s nothing better to ease the fatigue of a long journey and a high-altitude travel.”

At his leisurely words, Narmi blurted.

“We really don’t have time! We need to get to the Pantheon right now! We'll handle the curses ourselves, so can't you just show us where it is?”

At Narmi’s bright and insistent plea, I saw a brief moment where the old monk’s face softened.

Of course—if it was Narmi’s request, it would be difficult to refuse. After all, to the people of the Draco family, Narmi was their cherished princess.

But soon, the old monk's expression turned stern.

“That won't be possible.”

At that, Narmi frowned.

“I am Narmi of the Draco family. You are servants, retainers, disciples, and monks of our family. Shouldn't you listen to what I say?”

It might have seemed a bit rude, but Narmi wasn’t wrong.

This world operates on a strict hierarchy.

The privileges of nobles and commoners were legally defined. And considering Narmi was the second daughter of the great Draco family—if she wished to fill a pond to create flat land, it would be done.

However—

The people just stared blankly at each other.

Then, one by one, the corners of their mouths twitched before they all burst into hearty laughter.

At the sudden laughter, both Narmi and Mirna furrowed their brows in confusion.

“What? Why are you laughing? Do you think I’m funny? I am Narmi Von Draco…!”

Narmi looked hurt, as if she’d been mocked. The old monk said gently.

“We have been entrusted by your grandfather, the great Master Judas, to safeguard the peace and sanctity of this sanctuary and the Pantheon. Even if it is the young lady's request, we cannot act against his command.”

His tone was gentle, but his resolve was as unyielding as a steel wall. No matter what was said or how much was pleaded, this old monk would not grant Narmi’s request.

Perhaps realizing this herself, Narmi pouted and looked between me and Mirna. Mirna let out a soft “Hoo” and muttered to herself.

“So we have yet to be acknowledged—as the head of the Draco family, as ruler of these peaks, as the successor of Grandfather Judas.”

The old monk remained silent.

But sometimes, silence spoke louder than any answer.

Listening to their exchange, I was beginning to understand. Narmi and Mirna had not yet been officially recognized as heirs in the Draco family’s headquarters.

I had found it strange that, even when the Draco family was destroyed by the evil magic Gamigin, there had been no aid from their ancestral home.

Now it made sense why Mirna had been struggling alone with so many responsibilities. The issue of succession and authority had yet to be fully resolved.

Then Narmi asked.

“Then, how do we gain that recognition?”

Hearing this, the old monk’s face brightened.

“Is Lady Narmi interested in the succession ritual?”

The people around them exchanged glances, murmuring, “This is good,” or “There won’t be any more problems now,” as they rejoiced. It seemed they viewed the young ladies' interest in the succession as a positive development.

“Then, Lady Narmi, for the next three days, you must bathe in cold water and recite prayers to cleanse both body and mind. Purity is of utmost importance in inheriting the Dragon King’s Orb.”

Three days of purification ritual.

For us, who only had two hours, it was an absurdly long time.

But Narmi glanced at us and gave a playful wink.

It was cute, but I had no idea what she meant by it. Just as I wondered, Mirna nodded and murmured, “I see, so that’s how it is.”

Edit by: faker