Nyne had likely never seen someone like Iyu before. It was common enough for a commoner to become a warrior priest, but it was rare for a common-born warrior priest to be promoted to the point of freely passing through the First Tower Gate. Especially since the warrior priests who guarded Nyne were chosen with…

What was clearly visible to Iyu didn’t seem to be seen by Amon or the priests, who probably considered themselves too noble to notice. The reaction when Amon recently accepted Lesha Gwen into the Holy of Holies was a clear example. As soon as the priests assisting Nyne heard the news, their faces brightened. “Lord…

Iyu looked at Nyne, lying still as if dead, and recalled what had happened a few days prior. When the news spread that Amon had summoned Resha Gwen to his sanctuary, Nyne had not, as the rumors claimed, punished innocent priests or slaves in a fit of jealousy. In truth, Nyne almost never lashed out—he…

“If you’ve got a mouth, answer me!” Cutting off his sarcasm, Iyu suddenly exploded, yelling loud enough to burst eardrums. The battle priests clenched their eyes shut and shouted in unison. “We’re sorry! We’ll never commit such sins again!” “You don’t owe me an apology—you owe it to the Sha.” “We will beg Sha’s forgiveness…

Thwip!With a sound slicing through the wind, the arrow struck the target—just slightly below center. Luga gasped in awe. “To hit the target on your first try… truly magnificent, Nyne-nim.” “But it wasn’t dead center.” Disappointed, Nyne frowned. Luga quickly shook his head. “Most people can’t even hit the target at all on their first…

Nyne’s lips itched to speak, but he held back. He couldn’t mention Gwen’s magic in front of Seinca Hoan or Iyu. Nyne still wanted Lan Gwen to remain in Yeonhwa Hall for now. So instead, he asked something that had lingered on his mind since before the Great Temple. “What kind of oil do you…

The priest’s eyes wavered, clearly caught off guard by Nyne’s words. It was the first time in years that Nyne had sought out a specific Resha. Struggling to suppress his flustered reaction, the priest replied, “Resha Gwen is currently in his quarters. If you permit, this servant will guide you.” Nyne gave a slight, regal…

It was a grotesque puppet made from a combination of wood and metal—too large to be called “small,” larger even than a child. The wrinkle between Nyne’s brows deepened. “How is that a small puppet?” “We beg your pardon, Sha. That is the smallest puppet we can control with magic.” Half disappointed already, Nyne gestured…

Nyne quietly steadied his breathing. Every time he hoped for human affection from the other, he felt something like a scratch forming deep in his chest. The suspicion crept up—was he not the most precious consort, but closer to a pretty pet…? “Such a desire is too much.” Amon cherished and adored him this much—why…

Amon was standing still in the garden. Compared to the attending priests, his height made him look like a different species altogether. He was watching rare fish swim along an artificially made stream, then turned his head toward Nyne. “Sha Amon.” Nyne greeted him and cautiously observed his expression. Half of him was worried that…