Everything feels much better now that I have emptied my bladder. I walked out of the bathroom feeling more relieved than I was a few moments ago. I also made sure to wash my hands under the faucet thoroughly until it was squeaky clean. Finally refreshed, I no longer felt the burning feeling in my gut and I swear it felt like I was being called to hell from how far it was, that I even screamed 'Eureka!' at the top of my lungs when I saw the bathroom door.

When I came out, I almost ran into the knight with brown hair.

"Are you feeling better?" He asked.

His words made my face heat up instantly. Why didn't he just leave instead of waiting here in front of the bathroom?!

If it was a typical day I would have impulsively accused him of being a pervert, but I quickly stopped myself since he was the one who led me to the bathroom. "Thank you, sir. You saved my life."

His forehead creased, clearly taken aback at my words as he brought his hand to the back of his head awkwardly.

"I'm glad to hear that. What are you doing in the hallway, if I may ask? The emperor is currently staying at the palace. You would have been in trouble if one of the imperial knights found you instead of me." He stated.

I look down on my feet. "I... I got lost..."

"Is this your first time being in the temple?"

I nodded. "Yes."

With my admission, the knight looked even more perplexed than he was initially, but he didn't ask me any more questions. His eyes swept over my outfit once and nodded to himself.

I just noticed that his armor was etched with the symbol of the Theres' Church, one that depicted abundance. It bore three stems of wheat and a few droplets overlapping the round sun. Theres was the goddess of both abundance and water, the symbolism of life.

"By any chance are you a knight of this palace?"

"Yes, I am." He answered shortly, direct and straight to the point.

He was really handsome, a tall man bearing broad shoulders. His physique was well-defined and his deep blue eyes appeared almost transparent. He had the look of a man who was brimming with integrity and greatness.

Wait... Is this him?!

It was only after a few beats when I realized that he was one of the characters in the original book. How come I didn't recognize him instantly when I first saw him? Right. I had more pressing matters at hand then.

"Dylan Lyann Fortis, Theres' First Sword."

He was a devout believer who sacrificed his own sword to God, the first sword of the Theres Church. He was upright and unwavering to his duty, he could also communicate well. He had a strong conviction in his words that he influenced a lot of people to join Theres' Church.

He's one of the most popular characters in the original book, devoted to the heroine, and he himself had faced the emperor. While he wasn't as good as Raven, he was still just as great.

I fought the smile slowly creeping on my face.

"Where are you going now?" Dylan asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I blinked up at him. "What?"

"I'll show you the way back. You can't just wander around here and go back alone."

I guess I have to go back to the palace. I didn't know how to answer him and decided to just remain silent. I really am lost and I couldn't say I could go back on my own when I obviously don't know where I am, and lastly, I couldn't ask him to take me to the emperor's place.

Thinking about how to answer him, I decided Lina's the best choice I have. "There's a maid named Lina at the banquet after the festival. Would you please take me there instead?"

"It's in the main building. I'll take you there."

"Thank you for your kindness, sir."

I have to go back to the palace before the emperor returns for the night. I know I have a lot of time left to spare, but I'm still nervous just the same.

Even though he was strangely gentle to me ever since I regained my voice, he was still a tyrant after all and I wouldn't dare make him angry.

Yes, I did get my voice back, but I'm still unable to sing, even once.

He turned to look at me and said, "I'm Dylan Lynn Fortis."

"O-oh, please call me Iona." I hastily stammered.

"... I will."

I was surprised at Dylan's sudden introduction but thankfully, I was able to respond just as quickly.

Dylan's eyes narrowed when I said my name, but he kept on walking silently beside me without saying anything else. His eyes were fixed forward, he was probably wondering why I didn't tell him my family name.

The main hall wasn't as far as I thought. We just had to pass by a huge and fancy building and as I looked around my surroundings, I couldn't figure out the location of the temple because again, the buildings looked quite similar to each other.

After a few minutes of walking with Dylan leading the way, another huge building bearing a distinct style loomed in front of us. I could tell that it was the main building. Just when I was about to sigh in relief, Dylan turned to me and confirmed that this is the main building.

I guess I'm right. I should go look for Lina and go back to the palace.

Knowing the emperor's occasional rages made me so anxious that leaving the room, even just for a short moment, was enough to scare me.

"Thank you for bringing me here, sir... I mean, Lord Fortis." I quickly corrected myself, making sure to exhibit etiquette expected of the aristocrats. "Do you happen to know the ins and outs of this place?