Holy Kingdom – Temptation (1)

“Is this good enough?”

It feels a bit awkward, but I think it’s okay…

Jade rotated his body left and right while looking in the mirror.

For several days, he had been wearing the plain, comfortable clothes provided by the Grand Temple.

But the reflection in the mirror now was completely different from his usual appearance.

The uniform he wore was densely embroidered with lavish jewel decorations and golden patterns.

The reason Jade was suddenly wearing such attire was simple.

‘Time flies so fast. The appointment ceremony is just around the corner.’

It was for the Hero Appointment Ceremony that would take place in a few days.

Upon hearing that the Grand Temple had prepared clothes for him to wear that day, he had been trying on and selecting from various outfits for several hours.

Jade marveled at his reflection in the mirror.

It was merely a change of clothes.

Yet that simple change made an air of nobility flow through his entire being.

‘There’s a reason people say clothes make the man.’

He felt inexplicably confident and powerful to the point where anyone would undoubtedly call him a hero if he held the Holy Sword while wearing this.

Jade carefully fiddled with the round jewel on his shoulder.

-Swish.

The jewel reflected light and glowed blue.

‘Ha. Just one of these could buy a house back in my hometown.’

As someone from a commoner background, he’d never had the chance to wear such expensive clothes.

The most expensive clothing he’d ever worn before was his Vail Academy uniform.

Naturally, just wearing something this valuable made him nervous.

Moreover, the Holy Kingdom had prepared dozens of similar outfits – he couldn’t even begin to imagine how wealthy they must be.

-Rustle.

After completing his final check, Jade walked out of the dressing room.

“Ahem. How do I look?”

“Oh!”

Veronica, who had been sitting in a chair, looked at Jade with sparkling eyes.

“You changed well by yourself. Though it did take a little long.”

“I thought I’d gotten used to it… But it’s still difficult to put on. I’m always afraid the decorations might fall off.”

When first trying on various outfits, Jade had naturally received help from the dispatched staff member.

He was awkward at dressing and worried about damaging the clothes.

After trying on several outfits, he thought he’d gotten the hang of it and insisted on doing it alone this time…

Apparently he wasn’t quite at that level yet, as changing clothes still took considerable time.

“Ahem. So does it look okay?”

“Yes! The color and design suit you much better now than before! You were always handsome, but you look even more handsome now.”

“R-really?”

Is it really compliment-worthy? Even I think this one looks best on me, but…

Jade scratched his cheek at Veronica’s praise that bordered on excessive flattery. Her expression showed she wasn’t just saying empty words.

Regardless, receiving compliments about his appearance did feel good.

“I mean it. What do you think, staff member? Am I right?”

“As the Saint-nim said, the white-accented uniform suits the Hero-nim perfectly. I’m sure everyone will marvel at your appearance during the ceremony.”

The staff member nearby supported Veronica’s opinion.

“Veronica, should we go with this one then?”

“Hmm…”

Veronica, who had been showering him with compliments moments ago, now made a subtle expression.

“There are still many outfits left. Could you try just one or two more?”

“Ah, still more?”

‘The atmosphere seemed like we were about to finalize the decision…?’

Jade had already tried on and compared dozens of outfits.

That alone was exhausting, and being formal wear, the clothes were difficult to put on and take off.

Ultimately, Jade was mentally drained.

‘Somehow this feels more exhausting than training.’

Honestly, he wanted to pick something quickly and go train instead.

But contrary to his wishes, Veronica showed no signs of ending the session here.

“Never mind. Let’s go with what you’re wearing now. If it pleases Jade-nim, of course.”

“Suddenly?”

Jade was flustered by Veronica’s abrupt change in attitude.

“I realized we’ve been at this for hours – you must be very tired.”

“…Was it that obvious?”

“Yes. Every time I asked you to try just a few more, your face aged dramatically.”

“Ugh…”

If Veronica said this, his expressions must have been extremely telling.

Jade felt guilty for apparently burdening Veronica.

What kind of hero complains about something as simple as trying on clothes?

Still, Jade had no intention of stubbornly marching into hell by insisting on continuing.

“This is my favorite – is it really okay to go with this?”

“Yes. It’s your clothes, not mine. You don’t need to worry too much about me.”

“…That’s true. Having lived far from fashion, I wasn’t confident about how others would perceive me.”

“Hoho, have more confidence. You’d look good in anything to begin with.”

“Will you be going with this uniform?”

A staff member approached Jade, sensing the decision was nearly finalized.

“Yes. I’ll take this one.”

“We’ll make minor alterations and have it ready by the rehearsal day.”

Shortly after changing back into his regular clothes, Jade sat next to Veronica.

“Whew… Dressing up is work in itself.”

“Hoho, you worked hard.”

“By the way, is it okay that you didn’t pick your outfit for the ceremony today?”

Belatedly realizing they’d only prepared his attire, Jade noted there’d been no mention of Veronica’s ceremonial wear – though as the Saint, she’d clearly attend the event.

“I’ll schedule separate time to choose mine. As the Saint, my options are limited anyway. Probably just a more elaborate nun’s habit?”

“Right… That makes sense.”

Considering her position, Veronica only ever wore nun habits.

“Anyway, thanks for helping today. I originally planned to get Annie’s help, but… she seems busy lately.”

“I enjoyed seeing your various looks. Why not dress more stylishly in daily life too?”

“….”

Jade stared blankly at Veronica for a moment.

Her smile radiated pure, unblemished innocence.

Jade’s life had been overwhelmingly busy these past few days.

Between ceremony preparations like today, meeting nobles from various countries, training with Sir Antonio, and other obligations – his schedule overflowed.

To be precise…

Jade was intentionally keeping himself busy.

Because he couldn’t truly rest during downtime.

When idle, his mind naturally filled with unpleasant thoughts.

Rena’s absence left a profound void for Jade.

Thus, he believed staying occupied was better.

Yet even in this gloomy life, there was one ray of light.

Veronica sitting beside him now.

She spent most of her time with Jade, filling the emptiness left by Rena.

Thanks to her support, Jade could overcome hellish memories and move forward.

Moreover, staying beside someone suffering usually makes one suffer too.

But despite her memory loss, her character remained unchanged – she comforted Jade as if it were nothing.

Of course, her amnesia sometimes revealed silly sides.

Like when they first tried coffee together.

‘They say coffee tastes amazing with pastries, right?’

‘I’ve heard that too. Though I’ve never actually had coffee…’

‘Then let me demonstrate!’

Veronica blew on the coffee to cool it, then gulped it downㅡ

‘Pfft!’

And immediately spat it out.

‘Veronica! Are you okay?’

‘I-I’m fine. It was just… much bitterer than expected… Eugh… Why would anyone drink this?’

‘Pfft.’

‘…You’re laughing at me, aren’t you?’

‘N-no, not at all.’

This wasn’t bad – rather, it became something that delighted Jade.

There was amusement in seeing the hidden side of the Saint who’d once been a hero. Though he wished she hadn’t suffered memory loss to show it.

Ultimately, Jade found happiness being with Veronica.

Thus, Jade needed to confirm something with her.

“Veronica. What exactly do you like about me?”

“Wh-what?”

Veronica seemed flustered by Jade’s sudden question.

But Jade pressed on.

“I’m curious why you like me.”

Putting it more bluntly this time.