I left the room without question and followed.
Mother Superior led me through the intricate paths of the convent. Through the open archways, I saw the temple from which the music was originating. It was not as big as I expected, but it had a haunted aura.
I was awed, but a certain level of fear gripped my heart. I was really in an unknown place without an explanation. It was almost like I was teleported. While I was lost in thought, I tripped over my long dress.
The noise from the slippers I found beside the bed and wore was loud and unpleasant. Naturally, that earned a disapproving look from the Mother Superior. She stopped to face with even stricter sternness.
"This is not just a regular convent. It is the Guild of the Gracious Quill, which is dedicated to reading, learning, and writing the holy teachings for the edification of the world. Maintain silence and uphold proper decorum as befits those who have dedicated themselves to serving the world through knowledge."
The urge to retort that I would never choose such a path and that I only live with thoughts of my personal entertainment, was strong. But again, I am not a child or a main character in a female fantasy novel.
Therefore, I nodded in acknowledgement of her words.
The walk continued for a few minutes. I had the strange feeling that Mother Superior was using a convoluted route to prevent me from finding my way around the guild (or convent, whatever). However, I could not prove it as I focused on walking properly.
It was also completely unnecessary.
I have always been bad with directions, almost as bad as a certain green-haired swordsman. I would need the floor plans, step-by-step navigation, and an AI companion to even have a chance at making my way out of the architectural nightmare.
After the long walk, Mother Superior stopped in front of an office. The door seemed to be made of heavy, dark wood with intricate patterns. My heart beat a little faster with anticipation as I felt like the plot was thickening.
Mother Superior knocked lightly on the door three times. Then, she opened the door and indicated for me to enter with another warning look. From past experience with my mother, I knew it meant 'behave'.
A smarter woman might have asked questions, but I was a little too deep in the rabbit hole to back out. I would either die in the middle of an exciting story, or I would have a great story to tell in the group chats.
A win is a win.
The room was not as dark and ominous as I expected. Once I entered and Mother Superior closed the door, I looked and found a well-lit and properly ventilated office. It was quite spacious, with books as the main form of decoration.
My eyes quickly found the sole occupant of the room.
For the first time, I felt fear, and my breath was caught in my throat. Many would not have recognised him, even though he is considered one of the most powerful men in the modern world.
But I did.
No, it was not a gasp of fascination, and he was not a handsome man made of booktok romance stuff.
And I am not talking about the exciting type of fear.
As I said, I am not the female lead in a fantasy romance but a real woman who was certain she had lost her mind to conspiracy theories. I was not going to meet Prince Charming, just the Beast described by those who believe in the divine.
The fear I felt was the kind that makes one lose control of their faculties and look for the quickest way to escape. Yet, one could not run because they knew that it would be futile and would only make the web get more tangled.
Still, I took a step back.
"There is no need to be afraid," The man said in a kind, almost genial voice. "You have been searching for me and shouting my name to anyone who would listen. You should know by now I am not a violent man."
I felt the not-so-unfamiliar heart palpitations.
This man was dangerous, more than dangerous.
Unfortunately, he had a certain demeanour that reminded me of my father. My father might have been strict, but he is a good father. Growing up, I was very attached to my father, and we remain close to this day.
He is a religious man with an intelligent mind, great wit, and the qualities of a quintessential family man. The spirit of a man who attempts to live a righteous life and create a better world is obvious.
And I can sense it from the Kingmaker.
This is the name I have come to think best describes him as I connect the conspiracies with the proverbial red strings. It is a name I use in a way that is similar to a noseless villain who must not be named.
For the Kingmaker is a man who must not be talked about… or he will destroy you.
Yet, I cannot sense any villainous energy from him... and that scares me.
Part of doing things for the plot and believing in the protection of the plot armour is an almost divine intuition. It is not a feeling about whether someone is evil or good, although that is a part of it.
The most important lesson for survival is situational intuition.
As you might expect, I have met a few alleged criminals in my pursuit of the plot. I have also met many alleged good people. Harm and good have come from both, leading to my coining of the term situational intuition.
One must know who will harm them, not just who is good or bad because most people are both. A gangster will let you go if they think you are harmless and useless. A clergyman will abuse you if they think you are a sinner who deserves it.
But as I stand in that office, I am confused to the core of my heart.
The problem with the Kingmaker is that he exudes a righteous spirit.
I have come to know him as a villain, and I know he probably is. Yet, I cannot sense anything apart from virtue exuding from him. It is like my senses cannot discern anymore. '
Luckily, I have another rule that allows me to enjoy the plot armour.
There is no one I trust less than someone who does not have some darkness in their aura. Humans cannot hide the duality of human nature. Anyone who does not have both light and darkness in them has lost their humanity.
The only problem is…
It is easy to see the loss of humanity among the wicked.
It is almost impossible to see the loss of humanity among the righteous.
"You insisted that you would do anything to know the truth, even if it meant your death," the Kingmaker looked slightly amused despite his controlled and virtuous demeanour. "Where has your courage gone, Catherine?"