As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover

“That’s because supplies have run out. The number of people keeps increasing, and with the bad rumors cutting off almost all external trade, the incoming goods have drastically reduced. Demand has increased, and supply has decreased, so prices have naturally risen.”.

Indeed, many closed shops were visible along the streets.

“Even the locals are struggling to hold on, and the outsiders who came in have to stay in lodgings. With the rising prices, whatever money they had quickly ran out.”

“That makes sense. Even though our inn is the best in the village, the prices seemed exorbitantly high. No wonder so many people are out on the streets. Is that why the lord suggested skipping the banquet?”

“Yes. The lord here is modest and cares for his people. He has likely opened the manor’s storerooms since the isolation began, so their own situation isn’t good either. Having an important guest only complicates things further.”

“I see. But who could be staying at the lord’s manor that’s important enough to prevent hosting us?”

“There aren’t many who would rival the importance of an imperial knight order sent by the emperor. Either members of the imperial family, high-ranking nobles from other kingdoms, or perhaps…” Edward’s red eyes caught sight of someone huddled on the street, shivering. “The Temple,” he said in a low, decisive voice.

* * *

The lord’s manor in Kavan was modest compared to those in Servenia, almost more like a medium-sized house in the capital. The lord was currently absent due to a request from an important guest.

At the meeting arranged by the lord, they were greeted by a woman with waist-length wavy purple hair and a tall man with sun-tanned skin and short platinum blond hair. Both had golden eyes.

“May the glory of light be with you. I am High Priestess Raphaela, summoned by the Lord of Light. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“May the glory of light be with you. It is an honor to meet you, Grand Duke Edward E. von Lindeman. I am Matthias di Edvin, Captain of the Second Holy Knight Order of the Temple of the Lord’s Sword.”

Raphaela, one of the three high priests and priestesses candidates for the next pope, and Matthias, captain of the Second Holy Knight Order of the Main Temple, were figures on par with royalty and the imperial knight orders.

There were seven high priests and priestesses, each abandoning their original names and using the name of archangels. Their status was determined by the magnitude of their divine power, support within the temple, and recognition among believers, with divine power being the most critical factor. Usually, the high priest with the greatest divine power would become the next pope.

Since one high priest went missing seven years ago, there were currently six high priests within the temple. Among them, Raphaela was a strong candidate for the next pope, making her a burdensome guest for the lord of Kavan. Additionally, having the captain of the Second Holy Knight Order meant the paladins were also present.

“Edvin? That sounds familiar…” Luize murmured quietly.

“My family name is well-known as the noble knight family of Marquis Edvin,” Matthias replied with a blank expression.

“

, right. That must be why it sounds familiar,” Luize nodded, though still slightly puzzled.

Edward spoke up. “Are the Holy Knight Orders here to resolve the village’s issues as well?”

“We were sent here on a different mission by His Holiness. Coincidentally, the magic activated the day we arrived. Initially, we thought it was an attack targeting High Priestess Raphaela and our order, but after thoroughly searching the village, we found no trace of any nefarious activity.”

“There are likely those who mistakenly believe the Holy Knight Orders are behind this.”

“Yes. Because of this, those with golden eyes cannot leave the lord’s manor. That’s why we requested a meeting to seek your understanding.”

“I completely understand.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

Luize looked into Matthias’s eyes and spoke. “So it’s true that those with high divine power have golden eyes.”

“Yes. To avoid suspicion, knights without golden eyes patrol the village and its outskirts in plain clothes.”

“We saw them before we entered. So why would someone use such magic to trap the Holy Knight Orders and High Priestess Raphaela here?”

“High Priestess Raphaela is one of the three main candidates for the next pope. Likely, it’s an attempt by the opposing candidates to keep her here. Successfully completing this mission would have earned her His Holiness’s trust.”

“Oh gosh, but she’s a high priestess. Would they really stoop so low?”

“Devout believers sometimes stray down paths they shouldn’t. It’s likely the work of supporters of the opposing candidates,” Matthias said without a hint of emotion.

Edward, with a somber expression, asked, “May I inquire about the mission you are on?”

“I’m afraid I cannot disclose that.”

“…I see.”

“But I can assure you that neither the Second Holy Knight Order nor High Priestess Raphaela is responsible for this incident,” Matthias stated confidently.

After a brief conversation, Edward and Matthias called for the lord. While their discussion continued, Luize, who had been listening, heard a faint whisper near her, almost too quiet to catch.

“…I wonder if that’s really the case,” Raphaela murmured softly.

* * *

Back at the inn, Edward and Luize met with Hendrik and Robin to discuss their findings. The faces of the two men darkened as they listened. Confirming the temple’s involvement made it clear that the temple and the emperor were somehow connected.

“So, the high priestess and the holy knight order were already here. No wonder I felt uneasy the moment we entered the village. What are those temple b*stards up to this time?” Robin grumbled.

“Have you gathered any new information?”

“We haven’t found much. Many people are suffering from severe malnutrition and frostbite, and Robin has been busy treating them.”

“Your Excellency, I’ve never seen a village in such a dire state! If we leave it as is, many innocent people will die. I could only provide emergency treatment with personal supplies, but the number of patients was overwhelming,” Robin said, shaking his head in horror.

“Most people are gathered in the central square. The lord seems too busy caring for his people to tend to the outsiders.”

“The manor’s situation must be dire as well…”

“Regardless of the cost, buy tents and blankets to set up in the central square. If supplies are insufficient, contact the external team at the rendezvous point to bring enough for the people here.”

“Yes! We’ll do that,” Robin replied, visibly relieved.

“You can also purchase additional medical supplies as needed. Charge the expenses to me.”

“Your Excellency, I often think I made the right decision to join your knight order. Your generosity is extraordinary. But will our salaries be on time? The prices here are no joke. I’m worried you’ll go broke,”

Hendrik laughed loudly at Robin’s addition in anxiety. “

Don’t worry. His Excellency has a well of money that never runs dry even if he spends it like that.”

“Well?”

When Luize looked at Edward with a puzzled look, he answered with a gentle smile on his face. “The Felice Merchant Guild is mine.”

Luize and Robin’s faces turned to shock in an instant.