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“What in the world is going on?”

I blinked in bewilderment for a while, caught off guard.

“What are you staring at so intently? Are you hoping to see something good?”

Veronica raised her chin with the back of her hand supporting it. It was clearly a gesture to flaunt her beauty.

It was universally acknowledged, both objectively and subjectively, that the first Saint was stunningly beautiful. As a woman who had been praised as a rare beauty within and beyond her family since childhood, her appearance continued to capture the admiration of many as she flourished into adulthood.

However, I dared to be certain of one thing.

If those praising the Saint’s beauty realized the true nature hidden behind that playful smile, no one would dare make such an assessment.

“No, it’s just that the Beast of Doom suddenly appeared right before my eyes….”

As I mumbled this in disbelief, Veronica, who had been alternating between parting her lips and closing them, couldn’t withstand her astonishment any longer and raised her voice.

“-Beast?! You just called me a, a beast?!”

“There’s an old saying about the Black-haired Beast, you know. And coincidentally, you have black hair too.”

“…!”

A silent scream burst forth. I felt so wronged.

I looked at Veronica, who was stammering and at a loss for words while gripping the steering wheel, as if I had said something terribly wrong.

For the record, my older sister Adela had already gone inside first, taking her time to look around, and since everyone else was at home, there were only the two of us left on the road.

“By the way, what brings you here?”

“After not seeing each other for months, you want me to get straight to the point right away?”

“Is there any law against it?”

“Oh come on, that’s too much. How long have I been waiting?”

Veronica flashed a mischievous grin, clearly not outdone by anyone.

I always felt drained when dealing with her. I was already tired, so I asked her straight up what she wanted.

Then, one of the car doors opened, and the Saint responded while tapping the chair.

“Haven’t you eaten dinner yet? Get in for now.”

—

Episode 21 – The Peace of Our Time

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Just the thought of the city made me feel enchanted; it was such an exotic space. That was the image I held of cities in my childhood.

Thanks to having a father who was in the military, I had switched elementary schools more than five times, having been born near the front lines.

The first real city I encountered was Hong Kong.

Carrying the fragrance (香), it could also be interpreted as “fragrant harbor,” Hong Kong was nothing short of a different world.

The explosive popularity of Hong Kong movies from the ’80s to the ’90s, I vividly remember the day I first faced that city in person, the same city I had only seen in dreamy noir films.

A dazzling city flickering with bright lights.

Skyscrapers adorned with stunning brilliance.

Numerous ferries coming and going in Victoria Harbor.

I had thought flowers only bloom during the day, yet it was then I realized for the first time that flowers could also bloom at night. That the dark could be so beautiful was a revelation.

Having stepped out of the mountain valley for the first time and into a city, a city like Hong Kong, I remember my reaction well.

I must have jumped up and down in joy. Everything felt special and happy at that time.

It was my first family trip with Dad and Mom.

At least for my childhood self, Hong Kong was a foreign destination that bestowed extraordinary memories.

And when I revisited as an adult, the Hong Kong that bloomed flowers at night still stood strong more than twenty years later.

The only difference was that the Hong Kong Consulate had been incorporated under the Republic of Korea Embassy in Beijing rather than the London Embassy, and that I had inherited the work my father used to do.

That was about it.

“…….”

I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me upon returning to Abas City after a long time.

The unknown restaurant I cautiously arrived at, led by the Saint, had a stunning view as they said.

“The view is beautiful.”

As I murmured while gazing at the flickering lights, Veronica flashed a satisfied smile.

“How about it? Isn’t it to die for?”

“…What do you mean ‘to die for’? Could you please use some nicer words?”

“Oh, do I need to talk like our old geezers? If there’s pretense or falsehood in speech and behavior, isn’t that a demonic attitude?”

Veronica’s playful eyes transformed intriguingly. Then she even turned her face away completely.

It was like a little child throwing a tantrum because they didn’t want to listen to scolding.

“…….”

As I couldn’t bring myself to say anything about her attitude, her turned gaze suddenly flickered in this direction.

“What’s wrong?”

“Sometimes I’m just grateful that you’re a Saint.”

“…? Why do you suddenly say that?”

“Because….”

If someone like you had ascended to the Papacy, several countries would have gone down in flames by now.

Or the world might be burning like Constantinople.

Such harsh words were hard to say directly to Veronica. Even if she didn’t understand the meaning, she would surely take it as a provocation. So I swallowed those words that teetered on the tip of my tongue.

“That’s not true.”

“What? What were you about to say just now?”

“Oh, back off. Why are you clinging to me like this…?”

“Come on, just tell me. I’ll forgive you.”

Perhaps thinking she had found an opportunity to tease me, Veronica began to cling persistently with a mischievous expression.

She was incredibly tenacious in her teasing. The problem was that this talent was solely directed towards mischief.

Anyway.

The place we arrived at was a restaurant perched on a steep hillside.

The tiered houses lined up were all residential, leaving the area spacious, and the nighttime city unfolded beautifully between the blossoming magnolias.

This place, where we came close to a feast, was surprisingly charming for having gone through such a hassle; the scenery was absolutely beautiful.

Thus, I began dinner with a slightly eased heart.

The menu was salmon papillon with lemon scent, moist flesh, soft, water-filled broccoli and asparagus, and cherry tomatoes that heightened the appetite with their sweet and sour flavor. Each dish was exquisite.

“What do you think?”

With a smile spread across her lips, the Saint wore a relaxed expression, clearly expecting something.

I couldn’t help but concede. No matter how playful Veronica was, I had to acknowledge her for her tastes. To put it precisely, I had no choice but to recognize it.

I nodded, praising her judgment. That was the answer Veronica was hoping for.

“This is great! How did you find a restaurant like this?”

“I asked the nuns in the diocese about various places. I inquired about a spot where we could eat as quietly as possible, preferably within the convent.”

She must have done quite a bit of preparation.

To have scouted things like this too.

I swallowed a small shrimp and calmly responded.

“You did your research thoroughly. I hope you work as hard on your usual tasks….”

“I mentioned it earlier.”

The Saint gently smiled, saying.

“I said I was waiting.”

The Saint, lightly laughing, added a shy smile. In response, I leaned a bit closer.

Lowering my voice, I said.

“…Veronica. Please tone it down a bit, I’m begging you.”

“Why?”

“Hey, can’t you see that our sister has been acting strangely since earlier….”

As I said,

Adela’s condition was unusual.

Her eyes were darting around in a daze, and even at her young age, her hands trembled as if blown by the wind.

It trembled so painfully that the knife on her plate was making enough noise to mimic a sewing machine.

– Drggggggggggg…!

And it wasn’t just her hands. Just look at her eyes.

Adela’s eyes darted here and there like a broken compass, unable to find stability.

What’s more, she appeared to be losing her grip on reality in real time, as if her computer’s RAM was forcibly ripped out during boot-up.

“Geez. I should have told you to eat dinner alone….”

I sighed deeply as I witnessing Adela’s absurdity.

It was an affair that should not have happened.

That was also the reason I couldn’t contain my disbelief.

“It’s a misunderstanding, I tell you.”

“A misunderstanding? Does that look like a misunderstanding to you?”

“Why are you taking it out on me because our father and mother misunderstood it by themselves? If my older siblings also think that, what does that make my position?”

“…This is absurd. Absolutely ridiculous. Oh, Grandfather… my third grandchild has now lost their ability to discern women….”

What on earth is she saying?

Sister Adela was rambling on about things that made no sense. If someone were to hear her, they’d think I was ruining the family.

Anyway, I now had a legitimate reason due to my older siblings’ fierce opposition. I quickly ran to inform Veronica.

“What did your sister say?”

“Uh, she said today’s not good. Apparently, there’s a family event this evening.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Veronica feigned disappointment, but that was about it.

Being of noble birth, she understood what a family event entailed.

“I’m sorry for arriving so late. I’ll make sure to come by early tomorrow, so let’s meet then.”

I thought to myself that I’d cleverly escaped this situation. After all, entangling with Veronica usually led to unfortunate outcomes, rarely anything good.

In other words, I was planning to quickly find a good excuse and make my escape as soon as the sun rose.

“Hmph~”

But what I miscalculated was the fact that Veronica was practically a symbol of social oblivion. Had it just been too long since I’d seen her? I had momentarily forgotten.

That a madwoman doesn’t follow common sense.

*-Slap!*

“Good! Since it’s come to this, I’ll invite your whole family too!”

“Excuse me?”

“Let’s all go eat together.”

“What?”

“Food.”

“…….”

Veronica genuinely seemed to think she had come up with a brilliant plan. And I agreed; she was indeed right.

“Surely you wouldn’t plan to refuse a meal I, a Saint, have invited you to? That would break my heart…”

“……”

“What are you doing, Colonel? You need to hurry and let your sister know.”

Smile a little! This is good news, after all.

I stood there speechless, then staggered back to the townhouse to deliver the news.

And then,

“…You’re telling me you held discussions like that, someone who made it to the rank of Colonel?!”

“Help! There’s a murderer here!”

“Don’t you dare stand there!”

I had to make an escape again, due to Sister Adela trying to clobber my head.

*

To cut to the chase, Sister Adela’s mental state worsened over time.

The culprit, as everyone knew, was none other than the oblivious Saint Veronica.

“What’s wrong?”

“Go away. Please…”

“Don’t be shy! Here.”

Perhaps infuriated by some beastly comment, she was thoroughly demonstrating what it meant to be cantankerous.

The most troubling part was the blatant displays of affection. Suspecting why Sister Adela opposed going out to eat, Veronica began actively toying with me.

She’d unhesitatingly grasp my hand resting discreetly on the table, or place her hand on my thigh or knee, or even play with my hair.

“Why aren’t you eating?”

“Well, this is a bit….”

“Ah~”

She went so far as to bring food to my mouth.

One might have their appendages missing—why do you keep insisting on feeding me? I couldn’t comprehend it at all.

Of course, I didn’t need to make sense of it. Just a slight turn of my gaze would clarify why Veronica was acting that way.

“Ah, um, ugh…?”

Sister Adela seemed stripped of her ability to speak properly.

Her trembling eyelids conveyed her horror, and her agape mouth symbolized just how shocked she truly was.

Come what may, Veronica’s sole focus was on tormenting me. She had a knack for being unspeakably cruel.

Ultimately, I found myself pondering the old adage: one should not harbor a black-haired beast.

“Just a moment!”

In my elongated humiliation, the saint who had been messing with me stood up all of a sudden.

She claimed to have to fetch something, but honestly, I couldn’t have cared less.

I’d be grateful if she just vanished quickly.

“I have something to order, so I’ll be right back.”

“Ah, yes. Do go ahead…”

One would hope it would be for long—if she never returned, that would be even better. Please….

Anxious about whether Veronica was plotting mischief or if another trial was about to fall upon me, much to my surprise, she walked into the kitchen without uttering a word.

I let out a long-held sigh.

“Sister, you okay…?”

Just then, as I waved my hand in front of Sister Adela’s dazed expression, she seemed to regain her senses and finally spoke.

“…Little brother.”

“Yeah. I’m listening.”

“Can you see that frame over there?”

Her trembling finger pointed toward a decorative picture in one corner.

“Uh, I see it. Why?”

“I’m now wanting to decorate it on your head.”

“…….”

I fell silent with a solemn expression. If I didn’t shut up now, it might just lead to a frame being lodged into my skull.

Sister Adela seemed stuck in the scene she had just witnessed. Still clutching her forehead, she expressed dizziness and kept calling for “Mom…”

With just the two of us left, the atmosphere was utterly uncomfortable. I felt twice as anxious, fearing that greater trouble awaited upon our return home.

“Alright, I’m back~”

I had been keeping an eye out, so I noticed when Veronica reappeared from the space that resembled a warehouse.

The sight of the saint emerging from behind the door felt akin to witnessing Diablo stepping out from the gates of hell.

“Colonel, I’ve prepared a little gift for you. Would you like to see?”

Veronica mischievously posed the question, cloaking something behind her. I concealed my unease and responded.

“What is it?”

“Ta-dah!”

And what she revealed before me was—

“…Alcohol?”

It was a bottle of liquor, no less.

…What is happening? I accepted the bottle with a somewhat perplexed expression. What kind of game is this?

“It’s a tincture called Benedictine, regularly produced by the monastery. It’s quite rare, and I had a hard time obtaining it.”

Veronica elaborated as if this liquor was something outstanding. Honestly, it sounded like a tall tale, but it did appear somewhat special at first glance.

Above all, if anyone claims that something containing herbs and alcohol would be sold off at the cathedral, then it indeed held a genuine likelihood. For context, she had previously swiped sacred items to fund her gambling.

Clink-clink— with a delightful sound, the appealing liquor filled the glass. Veronica set it before me and began to watch intently as if urging me to drink it.

“……”

I accepted the drink with skepticism, while Veronica asked the routine question about its taste.

“Indeed. As the saint has stated, it’s excellent liquor.”

“Hehe, just as I thought? Then how about another glass?”

“……”

I had yet to respond. Regardless of my stance, Veronica poured another portion without a care in the world.

I accepted the third glass in a daze. With a mixture of herbs and honey, it was fairly pleasant, yielding a feeling of a fine liquor, yet it made me suspicious why she kept insisting on feeding me this “finer” alcohol.

“Ah….”

Suddenly, Sister Adela let out a sigh, her attention half-heartedly focused on her meager plate of food.

“What’s the matter?”

“…It’s nothing. Just drink up.”

“…? Have you suddenly lost your mind? Why are you acting so terrifyingly?”

I concluded that Sister Adela had finally lost her sanity. Watching the close-knit sibling bond made Veronica chuckle lightly before excusing herself under the pretense of washing her hands.

Just as her footsteps gradually faded away.

“Hey.”

The Ministry official’s voice, lined with ice, broke the silence as she held her forehead with intensity.

“Sister will step out for a moment, so no matter what happens today, you’re to get home. Either to the townhouse or the quarters provided by your Ministry of Defense. Understood?”

“Ah, what bizarre things are you saying again? It’s not like that.”

“…Frederick Nostrim.”

An awkward sentence spilled forth.

Why is she suddenly using my full name?

This is alarming.

“Do you even know what that drink you just had was?”

Sister Adela pointed to the alcohol bottle on the table.

Pouting my lower lip, I shrugged with a confused expression.

“I don’t know. It seemed like a tincture…”

“It is a tincture indeed. In the long past, when medical science scarcely existed, it was said to be a drink for those with colds. They believed it helped in recovering vitality. But don’t tell me you don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“It’s also used as an aphrodisiac.”

“…Oh, no wonder. What was that about being good for men?”

Understanding at last the meaning behind her words, I leapt from my seat in shock.

Watching my reaction, Sister Adela muttered,

“For the love of all, please come home safely tonight, little brother… I swear, it’s a plea. Just….”

Her words dripped with earnestness.

Time will only tell if the universe decides to intervene.

 

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