Time went on and on.

The social gathering, which was completely ruined that day, did not resume afterwards. It was because my nerves were all focused on the Temple of Tunia. I needed information related to the Temple of Tunia, which was not revealed in the original novel.

So, I had Cisen borrow several books from the Imperial Library, and I was absorbed in reading.

In fact, it was not my intention, but it seemed that my actions made Duchess Nerma and other nobles who remained in the capital anxious to see me. They continued their pathetic courtship march, sending me presents day by day.

Duchess Nerma even tried to beguile me, though she was somehow unenthusiastic and lukewarm. It may have been ingrained in her mind that I scolded her on her day at the gathering.

"Now is not the time."

I replied firmly.

Though I did not explain why, and when the Duchess of Nerma cautiously asked why, I answered with a look of astonishment.

"Can't you understand the owner's feelings?"

"...No, of course."

I just acted like a totally evil boss.

To be honest, the Duchess must be swearing at me a lot inside. Still, it was none of my business. I am the type who always puts my best effort into urgent matters first. If I paid attention to each and everything little thing like who hates or likes me, it was bound to be a big mistake.

Oh, of course...

I should still look good to Raniero, who was holding the chain of my life. Although I may be criticized for being weak to the strong, and strong to the weak, it could not be helped. Because if anyone's life was at risk, they would act like me.

It was in a similar context that I studied the Temple of Tunia. I tried to calm myself by brainwashing myself by saying, 'Seraphina is not coming,' but I was still anxious.

...I needed certainty.

I needed a conviction that there was a definite reason that Seraphina would not run into the Emperor yet. It was difficult if there was already a spark between the two. If that were the case, my neck would fly off before winter even came. I still did not have an escape route or anything.

'Phew... Let's do it.'

I made up my mind in front of a pile of books, brushing away my long flowing hair.

The Temple of Tunia had little to no power, and it was challenging to find a lot of information as it was not a place where exchanges with the Actilus Empire were active. Moreover, since it was a small autonomous territory far from the Unro Kingdom, there was not much that I learned as a princess.

Still, to the point that my eyeballs deflated, I read as if I was catching a mouse*, and little by little, I documented what kind of existence they were in my head.

[ T/N: It meant 'the manner of restricting someone from moving and tormenting him/her.' ]

A place where plants grow in barren places that tolerate cold well.

A cold place where the ground begins to freeze even in November.

'...When food shortages are severe, do they even eat beasts?'

My eyes grew round.

No, how barren was it?

Below that description, there was also a little explanation about the land of the demonic beasts near the Temple of Tunia. Since the beasts were strong, they could survive and reproduce in a barren land where humans could not withstand.

They breed irregularly and explosively once, and what happens at that time is commonly known as a 'Wave.'

A period of time when food and goods became scarce due to the multiplied family, and the demonic beasts came down to the land of humans to seize or plunder.

It was very common for humans to become their food.

'I'm sure there's a wave this year.'

The last wave was said to be hundreds of years ago.

Dry saliva passed through my throat. I then searched for other books on the magic beast.

'Beasts can walk and run as soon as they hatch from eggs... It's ridiculously weak until you eat your first meal.'

That was why they came down south and made waves.

It was explained that the demonic beasts that entered the land of humans and ate humans and livestock, and became stronger could become a threat to the whole world if left alone. However, it was not only during the waves that the beasts came down. It was said that a small number of demonic beasts always cross over the land of humans.

And, the Temple of Tunia was serving as a shield at the northernmost point.

'It's not a completely negative neighborhood as Raniero interpreted it. Anyway, that person... he's twisted.'

In a way, it was like the Temple of Tunia was sacrificing for the sake of the human world.

'I can understand why Actilus and Sombinia just ignored Tunia, who was bothering them to stop the war.'

If you conquer the temple, the holy land, you would not have to listen to annoying noises. But then, the conquering country has to manage the border with the beasts. Strangely enough, as the defense was leaking, they would leave the management to the Temple of Tunia.

Gazing down at the book, a strange aftertaste lingered as I came to my senses.

We must not forget that there were other pieces of information that I would like to obtain while studying the Temple of Tunia...

As I continued to surf through the references in each book, I finally arrived at the information I was looking for.

It had only been a long week.

...The Saint of the Temple of Tunia.