บท 43: TO THE ROSEMARY TEMPLE

"When will we meet again?" he questioned her.

Thinking that she would think he was being too forward, he added in a gentle voice, "It's not that I'm worried about the books you borrowed. I have plenty of copies left. I was wondering since you seldom go out. Come to me when you go out. I'm worried about you."

The warmth of his body shifted to her body. Her cool body gradually became warm. Even her face felt hot. His magnetic voice sent shivers in her heart. Just like when he pulled her closer and her heartbeat increased, she was feeling the same way right now.

However, thinking of the training, she didn't know how long she would be training in that secluded place. The prospect of not being able to go out for an indefinite period cooled down her heart.

Veronica gave him a forced smile and answered his question, "After I finish reading these books, I will come to give them back. You have to prepare something delicious again."

"I promise," he swore. His hand let her arm go.

Veronica could still sense his warmth and touch. Her heart squeezed tightly, making her unable to breathe properly. She turned around quickly so that he wouldn't see her expression and hurried to the temple.

Arthur gazed at her back which was vanishing behind the buildings. He lowered his head and gazed at his hand that was holding her arm a few seconds ago. He sensed her body trembling when he touched her.

The lingering feelings slowly disappeared. He was only left with some memories.

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"Head Priest, may the Goddess bless the light upon you." Veronica bowed respectfully.

"Good, you are on time." The Head Priest smiled at her and closed the book he was reading. He stood up and covered himself with a worn-out shawl. He grabbed a wooden staff and declared, "Let's go to our destination."

"Yes," Veronica followed him as he began to walk.

The temple and their small kingdom were saved from the cold harsh winter by the mountain range, Alss. It took them thirty minutes to reach the mountains which were covered with snow.

Veronica shuddered and clutched onto her thick coat. Nonetheless, a cold wind blew through her clothes.

The Head Priest walked on the trails. He was walking at a brisk pace. Suddenly he halted and turned around to see where she was. He found her far behind him. Her face was red and her pace was slowing down.

"You have to walk quickly to keep your body warm, child," he shouted aloud.

"Y-yes…" Veronica trembled and quickened her pace.

Soon, they reached an empty place. There was a huge wall in front of them. They paused.

"Head Priest, are we lost?" Veronica asked in fear. She would be damned if they were lost. She wasn't sure if she could hold her anxiousness any longer.

Without answering her, the Head Priest stepped close to the wall and touched the wall. His fingers were turning white. He mumbled some ancient words that she never heard.

Veronica was impatient. She walked in a circle in the narrow place to keep herself warm. She also jumped and swung her legs.

All of a sudden, she heard a heavy sound. As if stones were breaking. She immediately turned around. Her eyes became so big that they could pop out at any moment.

She saw the mountain wall was cracking where the Head Priest touched. The cracking spread swiftly. The dust and snow mixed together and swirled in front of them.

Veronica closed her eyes. She heard noises and her heart shuddered. When everything had quieted down, she opened her eyes. The wind cleared up and the scenery before her was too magical to be true.

She saw the entrance. The huge stone door had appeared on the mountain wall. It was closed, blocking them to go further.

The Head Priest recited something again in an ancient language and then raised his wooden staff and pulled it down with great force. The tip of the staff touched the ground and a strong gust of wind pushed the lock of the door.

Even Veronica was pushed back by the strong gust of wind. 'Wh-what was that?' she wondered with a shaky heart. She had never faced such a strong force of the wind.

She didn't have the time to think about that. She saw the door slowly opening. She became excited the moment her eyes landed on what was behind that door.

"Let's head inside," the Head Priest stated.

"Sure," Veronica finally moved her legs and went inside.

The moment they set foot inside, they began to feel warm. Inside the mountain was warm and cozy. Their cool bodies gradually became warm. After they came inside, the door behind them closed, cutting them off from the outside world.

The fire was lit up here and there. It helped them in a dark place. They walked in the breeze.

"Welcome to the Rosemary Temple," the Head Priest said. He was amused by the wandering eyes of Veronica. He stated, "This is the oldest temple in the world. The most ancient temple. From now on, this place will be your new home."

Veronica's eyes looked back and forth. Aside from the breeze and ancient fire torches, there was nothing else. The tall pillars starting from up above went down to who knows where. She looked down at the breeze and couldn't see the bottom. It seemed endless.

'Thank goodness there were handrails for support or I would have fallen to Goddess knows where,' she thought. She moved away from the stone handrail and said, "The designs are so complicated. How did people manage to do it?"

The Head Priest replied, "The legend says more than ten thousand men worked together to build this temple. You can feel their love and devotion for the Goddess Juvena through their hard work."

He was right. Even Veronica could feel it. She marched forward and admired the marksmanship.

The breeze had ended and they entered into a room. The room was spacious and empty. They had passed several rooms and all were the same.

After passing the tenth room, there was a closed door. The Head Priest pushed the stone door and a strong light hit them.