The Corruption of Knowledge"
Chapter 5:The Smile of Beauty
Author: Frenames
A shiver ran down his spine, and the hairs on his neck rose slightly. The chill wasn't from the morning air—it was the awareness of danger lurking in the corners of his thoughts. The room was quiet, but in his mind, shadows stirred, brushing against him, testing his patience and resolve.
Elizabeth gave a slight nod, seemingly unaware of the weight in Fray's silence. Yet in her simple gaze, he felt the innocence and warmth of youth—the lightness in her eyes, the small smile that brought calm to even the heaviest thoughts.
In this world, I have to be careful. Even if I know how the planets truly revolve, even if I possess knowledge far beyond theirs, I cannot reveal it. Every word, every gesture is scrutinized. Walking here is like threading through fire, each step leaving a trace that might be noticed.
Fray turned toward the window and paused, letting the soft morning light spill across the room. It brushed over the wooden floor and the table, gilding the dishes and bowls with delicate, golden threads. The steam rising from the soup curled in the air like lazy wisps of cloud, mingling with the faint scent of warm oil and bread. Every small detail seemed to tell a story, a quiet testament to his family's care.
He inhaled slowly, letting the calm of the moment settle over him. In a world dominated by ignorance and rigid beliefs, this small light—the love and quiet devotion of his sister—was enough to steady him.
In the soft dawn, as they shared the table in silence, Fray felt the gentle, steady pulse of life itself: the warmth of home, the unspoken bond of family, and the fragile but unwavering light of hope. Even in a world so constrained by rules and superstition, there was still a place for him, for them, for the ordinary yet precious moments that tethered them to one another.
I had never experienced moments like these in my past life—a quiet and peaceful life with my family. My parents had died early in a tragic car accident.
Perhaps… that's why even the simplest moments now feel so precious.
"Brother, could you come with me to the church to pray?"
Elizabeth whispered softly, looking up at me. Her eyes sparkled, full of pleading, and her expression—astonishingly charming—was hard to resist.
The longer she stared, the more my heart softened.
I couldn't refuse.
I waved my right hand, as if surrendering.
"Alright… alright. Stop that expression of yours."
Elizabeth's face immediately lit up, like a child who just got the toy she wanted. She was used to this tactic.
There's a saying—one smile of beauty is enough to topple even a nation.
I knew I didn't really want to go to church. I couldn't explain why. Perhaps… I was an atheist. Not that I didn't believe in God, but I was someone who believed only in what could be seen.
In my mind—does God truly exist?
Or is it merely a creation of mankind?
---
I stood to dress, alongside Elizabeth.
After a few moments, we were ready at the door.
I was wearing a long coat that reached my knees, studded with gleaming buttons. The large cuffs were embroidered delicately, and beneath it, a colorful waistcoat. My breeches were perfectly fitted, paired with white stockings and shoes with shining buckles. Atop my head was an elegant hat, giving off an air of dignity and poise.
But honestly…
It was unbearably hot.
I hated this outfit—especially in summer. But I had no choice. This was the fashion of the era. It felt as if I had stepped back into the 1700s of my previous life.
Wearing modern clothing would likely make people think I was insane.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth wore a long black gown with a wide skirt. Her bodice was delicately crafted, with lace cuffs and an elegant hair ornament. Every movement she made carried a mysterious and noble aura.
She was breathtaking. Even as a young woman just entering adolescence, her natural charisma couldn't be hidden.
"You look so handsome, brother."
She smiled—a slightly teasing smile.
"I really don't like this. It's too hot," I complained.
Yet she seemed indifferent. For her, it was enough that I looked handsome in her eyes.
---
A few moments later, we left the house and waited for transport.
A horse-drawn carriage passed by—the equivalent of a taxi in this world.
I hailed it, and it promptly stopped.
I opened the door and assisted Elizabeth inside, gently holding her hand as she entered. Once she was seated, I followed.
Inside, there was a small window toward the driver.
I approached and spoke,
"Sir, to the Church of the Burning God."
I paid one dollar—fifty cents per person.
Even now, I still can't get used to the term "dollar" in this kingdom… but perhaps it's just coincidence.
The carriage began to move. The road was bumpy, and the carriage jolted slightly with each hole in the path.
The church was only about five hundred meters away. Along the way, we passed the station where I worked.
As a Delta military, it was my duty to maintain order—like a police officer in this world.
"Secrets hidden in darkness are sharper than any sword," I thought, observing the military guarding the station.
My father belonged to Charlie, a unit similar to soldiers. But their operations were secret. No matter how many times I asked him, he always avoided giving answers.
The Alpha and Bravo units were even more mysterious.
Once…
While on patrol one night, I witnessed a horrifying massacre.
Corpses were scattered everywhere. Their insides exposed, as if animals had been slaughtered without mercy.
I couldn't handle it. I bent over and vomited.
Moments later, the Charlie military arrived, including my father, who led the investigation.
I remembered the expression on his face when he saw me. A moment of shock… before he quickly concealed it.
"Fray, we've got this under control. Go back to your station. This is dangerous," he said.
He paused briefly, then continued—
"The one behind this… is a member of a cult. They're insane."
"With every step along the path of justice, a shadow of fate follows," I whispered to myself.
"Okay, father… be careful," I replied.
I couldn't hide my worry. But I knew—my father was not someone easily defeated.
Even if we fought, I could never beat him. He had far more experience.
And there's a saying—
No matter how smart or skilled you are, you cannot defeat a seasoned warrior forged by experience.
To be continued..