บท 52: The Fallen Saintess (48)

(City of Lunarian- Imperial Palace Complex)

(Grand Hall)

The sounds of violins echoed through a large open hall. The floors were covered in gold and a magnificent crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.

White marble pillars had been constructed at the far corners of the room and one could see luxurious statues and paintings scattered along the walls.

There was a raised platform at the end of the hall where two platinum thrones had been placed side by side.

The thrones were currently empty but that did not stop the guests in the hall from occasionally throwing a glance at their direction.

The Grand Hall much like the name suggests was an opulent display of wealth by the royal family to create an atmosphere of elitism and privilege.

Noblemen were dressed in expensive black suits while the ladies wore long dresses made from luxurious silk materials.

Jewels in the form of rings, necklaces or amulets could be seen on their bodies.

The live orchestra in the back of the hall continued to play as the nobles began to mingle.

The conversations were mostly cordial and polite as no one dared to make trouble on such an important occasion.

They mostly talked about the latest gossip in the capitol or any exciting bit of news that had leaked out from certain noble families.

The empire was currently in an age of peace so there was really nothing particularly interesting happening.

While the majority of nobles were standing around and chatting, there were a few tables placed near the entrance.

One of the tables was occupied by a group of middle-aged noblewomen who delicately sipped on the cups of tea in their hands.

"I say…. did you hear of the shocking news from the western region?"

"What news? House Blackait usually has a tight grip on any rumors coming out of his territory…"

"Well… whispers have begun to spread around the capitol that the duke has abandoned his wife to run off with a servant!"

"Run off? Why didn't he just take her as a mistress?"

"Who said his new lover was a 'she'?"

"What?! Elena you better finish this story… don't worry this rumor will not leave this table…"

Saintess Marie wandered through the hall and politely smiled at the nobles who respectfully nodded at her.

She pretended not the see the lustful stares directed at her voluptuous body that could vaguely be seen beneath the simple white dress that she wore.

Saintess Marie's silvery hair swayed gently from side to side as she maintained a peaceful expression on her face.

Fortunately, her guard of holy knights helped to keep away the flies that were circling around her location.

It was a testament to the influence of the Varion Church that the saintess was allowed to bring heavily armed bodyguards even when attending a royal function.

Today was an important day.

The king and queen had summoned all the nobles in the capitol for their son's engagement ceremony.

Crown Prince Raul Francis was going to be engaged to the saintess of the Varion Church. It was an unprecedented union that would strengthen the power of the royal family.

Saintess Marie truly had no desire to get involved with the politics of the crown but being the next queen did have certain advantages.

The deal that she had made the Inquisitors would come into effect over the next few months so a bit more authority would not hurt.

Saintess Marie felt a sharp burst of pain as a face briefly flashed across her mind. She saw a short-haired woman with cold features and eyes that glowed a golden colour.

What? What was that? Why were her eyes similar to her own?

Wait a minute… could it be…

The saintess furrowed her brows as she vaguely felt as though that face was one that she had seen before.

But where?

Unfortunately for Saintess Marie, no matter how hard she tried… she could not think of anyone who resembled the young woman in the vision.

The saintess had long forgotten the appearance of the paladin who had chosen to be banished along with the former saintess Elisa.

Marie's train of thought was interrupted by a sudden disturbance that made her turn her head around.

"Now announcing the arrival of King Arthur Francis, Queen Mary and their royal heirs!" a loud voice shouted from the end of the hall.

The metalloid doors swung open to reveal a group of people dressed in the imperial purple colour that represented the royal family.

King Arthur Francis led the way and was accompanied by the queen as well as three concubines who followed closely behind.

His children were at the back of the group and at the forefront of his heirs was Prince Raul who smiled gently when his eyes met Marie's.

Prince Raul's appearance caused several noble ladies in the hall to blush furiously as they whispered among themselves.

His sunny personality and handsome features overshadowed his half siblings who stared at him with jealousy hidden in their gazes.

They tried to hide it, but their ugly thoughts could be easily seen by Saintess Marie as she lightly touched the golden threads surrounding her body.

It seems as though the fight for succession would not be as straightforward as the prince had promised her.

King Francis escorted his wife up to the raised platform and sat on the throne.

His wife also took a seat while the concubines were forced to stand behind them.

The princes and princesses dispersed into the crowd and Raul made his way to his soon-to-be fiancée.

"My lady… you look as gorgeous as ever," Prince Raul whispered softly as he gently held Marie's hand.

"Every day that we spend apart… it makes me feel as though there is a hole in my heart that cannot be filled."

"Darling you are a sweet dream that I wish to never awaken from! The bright shining sun amidst the stars of the night!"

Saintess Marie warmly smiled at the prince and leaned in closer to plant a soft kiss against his cheeks.

Her golden eyes eerily glowed for a moment as the saintess touched the thread that was connected to the prince's body.

The prince was currently smiling stupidly after receiving a kiss, so he failed to notice the strange expression that briefly flashed across Marie's face.

A handsome crown prince and a beautiful saintess who was widely considered as the next successor to the church.

They were truly the ideal couple.