The End of First Love - Chapter 36

A carriage, led by knights clad in white uniforms, sped through the dense forest.

How much time had passed since they entered the woods?

(By now, Milia must be fuming with anger.)

Elizabeth silently cheered for Michael, who would have to calm her down.

As she gazed out the window, lost in thought, the dense forest suddenly opened up. Before her stood a solid stone church—fortified and imposing.

The carriage slowed and came to a halt.

It seemed they had arrived at their destination.

“Lady Elizabeth Baker, your hand, please.”

A knight, entrusted with guiding her by Michael, opened the carriage door and extended his hand.

“Thank you.”

Placing her hand in his, Elizabeth stepped down from the carriage and looked up at the church, immediately sensing something was off.

(This is quite an overly secure structure.)

The high walls encircling the church, the sturdy iron gate—everything about it resembled a fortress rather than a house of worship. If not for the cross displayed on the spires peeking over the walls, no one would even recognize it as a church.

“Lady Elizabeth Baker, we have been expecting you.”

An elderly man in a black priest’s robe emerged from the massive door, bowing respectfully.

(Is he the head of this church?)

The fact that he knew her name despite her not introducing herself suggested that someone inside had anticipated her arrival.

Between the presence of the royal castle’s inspector and Heinz’s meticulous planning, Elizabeth couldn’t help but be impressed.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Elizabeth Baker. I appreciate your acquaintance. Now, Father, may I assume I will be meeting the gentleman residing here?”

“Of course, my lady. I have been instructed to escort you.”

“Then, I would be grateful for your guidance.”

The priest smiled warmly, turned on his heel, and began walking at a measured pace. Following behind him, Elizabeth stepped into the church.

As she passed through the iron gate, she was taken aback.

The corridor was lined with intricately carved columns, leading to a courtyard where a dazzling array of flowers bloomed. At the center stood a fountain, its cascading water glimmering under the sunlight, creating an illusion of being in the heavens.

The sheer openness and beauty of the interior were in stark contrast to the church’s imposing exterior.

“What an enchanting place,” Elizabeth murmured in awe.

“The sisters of this church take great care in tending to this garden, Lady Elizabeth.”

“The sisters do? What a splendid job they have done. May I take a brief stroll?”

“Of course, my lady. The sisters would be delighted.”

Elizabeth made her way toward the fountain.

A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers through the corridors, filling her lungs with its sweet scent and lifting her spirits.

Lost in the moment, she walked briskly, admiring her surroundings—so much so that she failed to notice what was in front of her.

“Ahhh!”

A sudden impact on her knee startled her. Looking down, she saw a young boy with golden hair sitting on the ground, having fallen backward.

“Oh! I’m so sorry! Are you hurt?”

Elizabeth crouched down, quickly checking for injuries.

Though his white shirt was stained with dirt, his exposed knees and legs bore no scratches. The boy promptly stood up, dusting off his clothes.

(He seems fine.)

Breathing a sigh of relief, she took a closer look at the child. He had golden hair and hazel eyes, likely around five or six years old. His lively energy showed in his tousled locks.

(A child from this church? But his attire seems too fine for that.)

His pristine white shirt shimmered like silk, and his velvet breeches were of the kind worn by noble children.

Most children raised in churches were either orphans or placed there by parents who couldn’t afford to care for them. Since a church’s main source of income came from charity bazaars and donations, luxury was seldom an option.

Yet, Elizabeth hesitated to label the boy as a noble’s son. Looking around, she saw no attendants or servants.

She recalled the sense of unease she had felt upon first seeing this place.

A fortified church, standing like a castle in a remote forest. It seemed less like a place of worship and more like a stronghold protecting something—or someone.

(This church is hiding something.)

A strange foreboding stirred within Elizabeth’s heart.

“Lady Elizabeth, are you unharmed? My deepest apologies for his behavior.”

“It’s quite alright. The fault is mine for not watching where I was going. Please, do not scold him.”

Smiling, Elizabeth met the boy’s gaze and spoke gently.

“I’m sorry.”

His cheeks reddened, and he quickly hid behind the priest, peeking out just long enough to give a small bow before dashing away.

Elizabeth waved at his retreating figure before standing up and turning back to the priest.

“Now then, shall we proceed to meet Lord Heinz?”