Hopefully, at Your Mercy - Chapter 21

Chapter 11.2

A few days later, some news arrived.

Delinda was tucked away in the library, tracing her finger along each word as she studied, when Philip Renschler, the chief steward, paid her a visit

“My lady.”

“Philip!”

Delinda tossed aside her quill pen and greeted him warmly. Philip was extremely busy, so if he was here in person, it was clear it was due to something important.

And it was probably related to the favor she’d asked of him a few days ago.

Ruyan. Information on the person she had first possessed.

“Did you happen to find out something about Ruyan?”

“You’re exactly right.”

With a faint smile, Philip took a seat in the chair across from her. Delinda glanced around before she leaned in forward.

“So, who is she?”

“She was a court priestess stationed at the imperial palace.”

“Huh?”

…A priestess? That’s surprising. Sounds super sacred, which doesn’t suit me at all…

So many questions flooded her mind, but she stayed quiet and listened without interrupting Philip.

“She was one of the people sent to pray for the welfare of the imperial family and the princes. Apparently, she was a lively and beautiful woman.”

“Really? Which prince was she assigned to?”

“To His Highness, the Crown Prince. She was originally with Prince Iskan, but that was later changed.”

“Why?”

“That, I couldn’t find out. Matters of the imperial family happen far above us, like clouds in the sky.”

“I see…”

Delinda nodded, drifting into deep thought.

A court priestess? And one that was tied directly to the imperial family? That was completely unexpected.

So that explains why in my memories, Crown Prince Kislin held my hand and called my name so warmly… But why did they re-assign her so suddenly?

There was something she was even more curious about.

Where is Ruyan now, and how is she living?

Maybe meeting her would earn Delinda more answers.

“Then did she return to the temple? You said she was a priestess stationed at the imperial palace.”

“She’s dead.”

“…What?”

Delinda’s eyes widened in shock. Dead?

“How?”

Philip glanced around the empty library. Even though they were alone, he leaned in close and whispered quietly.

“They say she died of unknown causes, but there were rumors it could have been murder. No one knows who did it.”

“…”

“That was as much as I could find out. Since it involves the imperial palace, it was difficult to dig any deeper.”

“I see. Thank you, Philip.”

“May I ask where you heard about this person, my lady?”

“I think I heard my father mention her a long time ago… I was just curious. Her name stood out to me.”

“I see.”

Philip looked slightly puzzled, but let it go.

He’d always known Delinda to be someone who showed curiosity about everything, almost like a child. When he thought about it, it made sense that her curiosity might extend to slightly new but strange topics.

As soon as Delinda got her answer, she stared off into space with a blank expression on her face, which was very typical of her.

What an adorable young lady she was. He prayed she would grow up soon, though.

Philip smiled warmly, treating the twenty-year-old lady like a cute child.

“Well then, my lady, I’ll be taking my leave.”

“Okay, Philip. Oh! And is there anything I can help with? You look a little…”

Delinda said, worried as she stared at the dark circles under Philip’s eyes. He looked like he was about to fall over any moment. However, Philip simply shook his head, still wearing his usual warm smile.

“Once you finish practicing your handwriting, I’ll consider asking for your help, my lady.”

“Ah, how did you know?”

Delinda asked, quickly covering the paper with her arm. Philip tapped the edge of her paper with a grin.

“I can see it poking out from under there. Would you like my help? Or should I perhaps arrange… a tutor…”

Philip’s words trailed off, and his brows furrowed as he fell into serious thought. It looked like he was mentally squeezing every penny out of their dwindling resources, trying to figure out how to afford a suitable tutor for Delinda.

“No, no, there’s no need for a tutor.”

“But my lady, you’re studying all by yourself—”

“I really don’t need one. I’m fine, so you can go now.”

She firmly refused, waving her hands in protest. They were barely scraping by as it was. No way she’d let him spend more money on something like this. Only after Delinda declined the offer several more times did Philip finally give up.

“Understood, my lady. But if you come across anything difficult, please do ask me. I’ll be happy to help.”

Philip treated her like a child who needed constant care, but Delinda gently ushered him out of the library. He gave her a polite bow and returned to his office, where a mountain of paperwork awaited him.

Left alone, Delinda stared down at her paper in front of her.

Not a single word on it made any sense.

Ruyan. My former name. A priestess from the imperial palace. But she died, possibly murdered…?

This situation is turning out to be scarier than I originally thought it’d be.

She had assumed that her past self had lived a carefree life here before returning to the real world. Guess that was just wishful thinking.

Whoever killed me, I absolutely cannot let them find out that I’m “Ruyan.”

I couldn’t risk being killed by the same person twice.

Delinda focused and, piecing together the words she’d been practicing, wrote out “RUYAN” in large letters before crumpling up the paper and tossing it.