The Fake Princess's Soul Contract Duke

Chapter 20: Theology Class

The day after that incident, the noble children had rarely made meetings with Alianora.

However, they still sent Alianora letters containing ordinary things that are generally spoken of by children of her age.

Alianora took it for granted, she only saw the letters at a glance, then had Mary reply to her.

In addition, Alianora had never visited the Cathedral again, but, in accordance with the agreement, Alianora had to receive theological studies at home.

Therefore, every day, except Saturdays and Sundays, Nauchwanstein Castle is always the arrival of a priest from the Cathedral.

His name was Luxio. Luxio, Count Beratre's eldest son, was the youngest priest to be elevated to the cardinalate.

With his expertise in theology and philosophy, as well as his water element healing magic abilities, Luxio has quite a good reputation in the eyes of society.

Therefore, it was natural for him to be chosen as a private tutor of theology for Alianora, replacing Cardinal George who was then to be assigned to other areas.

Alianora was quite satisfied with that, rather than being taught by someone she had never seen before, at least this Cardinal Luxio was no stranger to her, at least, and on the first day of his studies with Cardinal Luxio, Alianora proved it.

If indeed the face and general characteristics of this person were exactly the same as the one he saw in Thalia's memory.

So, even though Alianora also had a theological study session today, Alianora did not feel too burdened.

This morning, as usual, Alianora went through the process of studying theology with Cardinal Luxio, and as always, Alianora was always able to answer and do the small quizzes given by Cardinal Luxio correctly.

Understandably, instead of the arrogant Alianora, he was indeed a genius who could remember anything he saw or read in one look.

Even though it was something he was very reluctant to remember.

"So, Miss Thalia, try to name just about anything thanks to the light that God Ilios gave to humans."

Cardinal Luxio asked Alianora as he turned the pages of the book in front of her.

Without thinking for too long, Alianora immediately answered him indifferently.

"Hope, love, loyalty, and peace."

Cardinal Luxio, who was sitting across from Alianora, immediately smiled at Alianora while patting her head slightly.

Her gray hair that was combed to the side seemed to match her face.

The golden round glasses on his face shone under the lights of the library room.

"Well, Miss Thalia is very talented. You can already memorize the contents of the first two chapters in just two days. Really good start, miss."

Alianora returned Cardinal Luxio's smile with a nod.

"It was all thanks to Cardinal Luxio who taught me well, so I quickly understood."

"Hm, then I can teach well like this because I got a bright student like, miss."

Cardinal Kalisto smiled kindly at Alianora, and Alianora could see that among the glare of her rose gold eyes did not hide any falsehood at all.

Alianora was moved, because of all the people she had met during her time as Thalia, except for Archmage Othima, the glare she saw now was the most sincere one she had seen.

"Is that so? Well then, we're both geniuses aren't we Cardinals?"

Cardinal Luxio just laughed a little, then returned the textbook he held earlier to Alianora.

"Ahaha, miss, you don't need to call me with such respect. You can call me 'sister', that's okay."

Alianora tilted her head.

"Then, you also do not need to call me 'Miss'. Enough 'Thalia' just."

It was actually so, because Alianora knew that Cardinal Luxio's family with the Sheridan Family was not just an ordinary acquaintance.

Cardinal Luxio's mother, Countess Isabella, was a cousin of Duchess Annabeth, Thalia's stepmother.

So in fact, Luxio and Thalia could be considered distant cousins.

Cardinal Luxio's parents often visited Sheridan's residence when Thalia was smaller than she is now, but Luxio was not present because of his busy schooling and his training as a priest.

So, despite being cousins, Thalia and Luxio have never met before.

In Thalia's second life, the first time Thalia met Luxio was when Thalia was 17.

At that time, Thalia who was accompanying Estelle to visit the Cathedral, accidentally met Luxio who was then about 25 years old.

Alianora could see the interaction between these two people, which Cardinal Luxio seemed to have had a bit of a feeling for Thalia.

Unlike the nuns, the priests were not obliged not to marry.

They were still given the freedom to choose, and many pastors chose to marry, but some did not.

It seemed, Cardinal Luxio would also choose to marry, if something unexpected did not happen later.

Unfortunately before Cardinal Luxio could express his feelings, Thalia had already met her end.

Alianora saw how this person's face was when she saw Thalia's head under the beheading knife, it was so-so sad that Alianora's heart felt a little claustrophobic that time.

Now, destiny has changed. Now instead of waiting until he was 17, Cardinal Luxio with his handsome face typical of 18-year-old youth, was in front of him currently looking at him with the gaze of an older brother on his younger brother. Alianora could only watch it all while wondering.

Will this man's view of her change?

Alianora could not imagine it.

What made this person interested in Thalia from the start?

Alianora did not know because it was never shown in Thalia's memory. He only saw footage of Thalia with Cardinal Luxio who seemed to like him.

Looking at Cardinal Luxio's expression back then, he couldn't help but compare with the person before him at the moment.

It made Alianora even more curious.

"Sister, does she currently have a fiancee?"

The question came out of Alianora's mouth spontaneously. Alianora's view remained serious and tended to be flat asking this, whereas Cardinal Luxio could only put on a shocked expression.

Cardinal Luxio is the opposite. He just stood in front of Alianora while looking at her stiffly.

For a moment he was silent, but a second later his white face immediately flushed like a tomato.

Suddenly Alianora was surprised to see her reaction, and a little funny, if Alianora was not good at acting, she would have laughed already.

"Where is possible! Ah, my max, T-thalia why, why are you.... suddenly asked that...?"

"Hm, I just want to know, because brother seems like the kind of guy that's popular with women."

Cardinal Luxio's face turned red, Alianora tried hard to clench her lips.

"W-what? Nope, no. N-not like that...? Besides.me.that's not true, Thalia."

he said with a stiff smile to Alianora.

"What's not right? Brother has no fiancee? Or someone who likes you?"

"A-ah, no..so...."

"So, you have any?"

Cardinal Luxio turned his gaze away from Alianora for a moment.

His expression was complex, and for a moment Alianora could not read it, it was between the combinations of various expressions.

"I have...."

Alianora widened her eyes in disbelief.

He did not expect Cardinal Luxio to have a fiance, but it became even stranger.

Cardinal Luxio was the one who liked Thalia in her previous life, and she had a fiancee?

Was his fiancee still there at the time?

What the hell's going on?

This was not because Alianora wanted to know someone's love problem, let alone a human, but now that matter involved 'her' as well.

He wanted to know what was going on, but it turned out to be something unexpected.

But before Alianora could think anything strange, Cardinal Luxio answered all the questions in his head.

"My betrothed.she is a very precious woman in my life.a figure that is irreplaceable.but I.it seems."

Alianora, "...."

Huh uh? The fathom? Her fiance already has another man or what?

Alianora did not understand at all, but seeing Alianora's bewildered face, Cardinal Luxio only smiled bitterly.

Cardinal Luxio raised his face to look at Alianora.

His face was no longer flushed, no longer filled with shame, but pale with everything that was buried.

He smiled softly.

"God Ilios seems to be choosing him."

...*****...

It was already noon time when Alianora finished her theology class.

After escorting Cardinal Luxio to the front of the gate, Alianora immediately returned to her room to rest.

Although his class was not as boring and exhausting as his meetings with noble children, his mind still felt heavy.

To learn something that is hated, it is very impactful for Alianora's body.

It was unexpected that he was this old with things that smelled of the God Ilios his enemy.

Read the writings that reflect what he has made.

Read all the writings about his highly exaggerated words. Alianora was disgusted.

How hypocritical. Just like a thousand years ago.

Why could such a rotten god be worshipped by a straight man like Cardinal Luxio?

Ah, considering that person again, Alianora felt a little pity.

That person loved his fiancee so much, but fate did not unite them.

It's not that her fiance doesn't love her or anything, is it, it's still better.

Reality is always bitter.

His fiancee, the daughter of Baron Whaler, Kristania Whaler, from childhood indeed suffers from a rare disease that causes his body condition to weaken every year.

Coupled with which flow is unstable, it further worsens the situation.

Since they got engaged, the last time Cardinal Kalisto saw his fiancee was about 1 year ago, after which his fiancee could only lie in bed without being able to move anymore.

But fortunately, he was still able to open his eyes to comfort Cardinal Luxio so as not to be sad.

Hearing all the stories of Cardinal Luxio made Alianora realize something, but also confused simultaneously.

Likely, his fiancee was already dead when he met Thalia for the first time in his previous life.

But if she loves her fiance so much, why would she fall in love with Thalia?

It doesn't make sense.

Alianora held her head.

Never mind, there's no point in thinking about that now. After all, he could at least understand this kind of human feeling. It's beyond logic.

It was better that he just enjoy the flow of destiny now, and see what happens later. Maybe with that he could understand.

Sitting in a chair facing the window, Mary came in with a tray of mango pudding and some small pastries, and a cup of tea.

He placed it on a small table in front of Alianora.

"Miss, please."

Mary pulled the tray, then stood in front of Alianora who was sipping her tea.

"Thank you, Mary."

Mary bowed respectfully and stepped up and stood at the door, waiting for Alianora to finish her meal.

Wiping her pudding, Alianora thought about the letter she wrote two days ago.

Mary had already sent out the letter she had written to Archmage Othima well, now she had to wait quietly until there was news of Archmage Othima.

Hopefully he can get some good news.

But of course he can't sit sweet without doing anything, right?

Alianora looked at her arms in turn. He squeezed a bit of his arm, clenching his palm with all his might.

His brows furrowed, his eyes narrowed, then he shook his head slowly with a resigned face.

I think I should do a little more physical exercise.

Alianora stuffed the last piece of pudding in her mouth before standing up, and walked towards the door.

Mary, who had been waiting for Alianora to finish eating, was about to tidy up the table that Alianora had left behind, but she first intercepted Alianora.

"Sorry, Miss? Where you going? Do you want to change your clothes before you leave?"

Alianora.

He glanced towards his body for a moment, examining the deep green simple dress he was wearing with his white short sleeves.

The shirt was simple and light, Alianora liked it because she could move more flexibly, quite according to the activities she would do after this.

Although she preferred to wear pants, but she knew that a noble princess like this covered Thalia could not possibly have one, so this dress alone was enough.

"Just calm down, Mary. I don't go anywhere, just take a short walk in the park. You don't have to come."

Alianora said before she opened the door, but she stopped when she was about to come out, then turned to look back at Mary.

"Oh yeah, Mary, I'll be back at lunch so, don't wait for me here. And also, for those cakes," Alianora pointed towards the small plate of cookies on her desk that she did not touch, "the next time do not bring it here, because I won't eat it. Okay, Mary?"

after that, Alianora disappeared.