The next day, Alaric had already returned to the monastery.
Rowan was busy inspecting the quality of the main materials used for the carriage wheels when he nearly jumped out of his skin as Seo-jun tapped his right shoulder.
"Aaaah—Brother Adrian! What is it?" he blurted out on reflex.
"There's something I need to talk to you about," Seo-jun said calmly.
"Come with me. Let Sora cover for you for now."
Still unconvinced, Rowan immediately instructed Sora to only stand guard—no selecting materials, no touching anything.
He was far too protective of his work to trust even the smallest detail to someone else.
Once they were far enough from the factory grounds, Seo-jun finally laid out his plan.
At first, Rowan rejected it outright.
But after hearing the full explanation, he slowly nodded.
Brainwashing investors promised massive profits—and that promised yacht would definitely be completed much faster.
"So," Rowan asked, "when are you planning to do it, Brother Adrian?"
Seo-jun fell silent for a moment, thinking carefully.
"Today. Is that a problem? The work here isn't too difficult, right? You can handle it on your own?"
Rowan immediately struck his left chest with his right fist.
"Of course! Brother doesn't need to worry about this place at all.
But you have to be careful over there. If you go too far and get punished, our entire family won't be able to help you."
Seo-jun nodded, patting Rowan's right shoulder a few times.
"Yeah, don't worry. As for Mother and Father—just tell them I went out of town to research fragrance materials. You understand, right?"
After saying his goodbyes, Seo-jun quickly went to prepare.
But just as he was about to take his horse, Lucien appeared—having just returned from the waterfall Seo-jun had visited long ago.
Now Lucien understood why his brother wanted to preserve that place—so its beauty could live forever on canvas.
"Where are you going, Brother Adrian?" Lucien asked.
"You're leaving early today. You're usually still at the factory at this hour. And… what's with those shabby clothes? Aren't you the one who hates dressing like that the most?"
Annoyed, Seo-jun immediately shut him down.
"Quiet. I'm researching materials for a new product. Don't ask questions. You know how many competitors I have out there."
It was a lie—but a necessary one.
Seo-jun knew Lucien was far too innocent.
And his mouth could never keep a secret.
Lucien immediately covered his mouth with both hands and nodded vigorously.
"Understood, Brother! I hope your journey goes smoothly with no obstacles!"
Lucien's overly loud voice made Seo-jun sigh and shake his head.
At the same time, Adrian's personal guard—who happened to be passing by—quickly stepped in front of the horse.
"Halt! Where are you going, sir? Why aren't you bringing a knightly escort?"
His voice was thick with concern.
"No. I'm researching materials for my new product, and I don't want anyone to know. I'll be traveling alone for a while," Seo-jun replied firmly.
At first, the guard refused.
But after meeting his master's serious gaze, he finally relented and allowed Seo-jun to leave.
It didn't take long before Seo-jun arrived at the monastery.
Everyone was gathered there, welcoming the Archbishop, who happened to be present.
When Seo-jun was summoned into the meeting chamber, he casually ordered a holy knight to carry in a large chest—
Filled with gold coins and several flawless diamonds, the finest products of the Sebastian Hanwick family's mines.
Everyone in the room froze the moment the chest was opened—especially the Archbishop, the very man Alaric revered so deeply.
The gleam of gold and diamonds reflected in their eyes, making the air itself feel heavier.
"All of these offerings have been accepted by the messenger of God," the Archbishop said with a wide smile.
"In that case, may I ask what brings you to this place, Mr. Adrian Hanwick?"
Seo-jun gave a faint smile, clearly catching the naked desire swimming in the old man's eyes.
"I simply wish to better myself," he said softly.
"To step away from worldly pleasures for a time, and focus on spiritual purification—so I may face life's trials with a calmer heart."
His expression was solemn. He even let a few tears fall—perfect acting from a man who looked utterly lost.
Inside, Seo-jun was fighting the urge to laugh.
Archbishop Matthias smiled with his eyes closed—a sly, unmistakable grin that Seo-jun saw straight through.
Without hesitation, the old man ordered his disciples to escort Seo-jun to a room reserved for nobles who wished to "purify themselves."
Meanwhile, the Archbishop busied himself instructing young priests to carry the offering chest with extreme care, as if afraid the gold itself might be injured.
When Seo-jun arrived before a frail-looking wooden door, he paused.
The room was on the second floor of the monastery, down a narrow, neglected corridor—dull walls, cold floors, and a sharp scent of dampness in the air.
A boy of about twelve opened the door for Adrian Hanwick.
The moment it swung open, a thick cloud of dust billowed out, making both of them cough violently.
Taking one look at the room, Seo-jun refused to enter.
He requested that the priests clean it first, reminding them that the "offering" he had just given was far from small.
Naturally, the request was not denied.
With the blessing of their beloved Archbishop, the priests immediately set to work.
Nearly an hour passed as Seo-jun carefully watched every corner of the room being scrubbed.
At last, it was declared ready.
The priests left soon after, wishing him a peaceful rest.
They also left behind a scripture book, a daily robe, and a few other basic necessities.
The room was only a few square meters—just enough space for a bed, a small table, and a single chair.
The bed was hard.
Painfully hard.
For Seo-jun—who in his previous life had been born a chaebol—lying on it felt like sleeping on a wooden plank covered with a thin blanket.
Sleep was going to be a challenge.
Just as he was lamenting his fate, there was a knock at the door.
Seo-jun allowed the visitor in, and the figure who appeared was Alaric Hanwick.
"My brother," Alaric said, his eyes shining,
"you've finally chosen to draw closer to God. I'm so proud of you. How is the room? This is the best room in the monastery for young priests. You're very fortunate."
Seo-jun frowned immediately.
"Fortunate?" he repeated quietly. "The best room?"
He glanced around, then looked back at Alaric.
"So… there are rooms worse than this?"