บท 12: When death stares... do not be afraid. [2]
"It's for the best." I mumbled again reassuring myself again as I walked at back to the place were all people were present.
Esmeray stood alone, as no one present here had the same level of power as her to speak as her equal, and she wasn't interested in talking with others either.
"What did he say?" As soon as I stood beside her, she asked with her emotionless voice.
"About yesterday's event," I replied honestly, without hiding anything. "He warned me that he might call off the engagement."
"Hmm," she just hummed in reply, losing interest in it.
I looked down, feeling lost in this place.
If my guess is right, this summit should be related to the game.
'Come to think of it, how much time do I even have?' I thought, realizing I hadn't checked what today's date was.
I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall, pondering yesterday's events.
'From what I remembered, that should be the succession ceremony, when Azariah made the scene.'
If that is correct, then I only have fifteen days left before the events of the game start.
And if I want to live, I need to be part of the game plot. If not, this woman will kill me if her suspicions about me solidify.
'Fuck, I will die at this rate,' I felt bitter as I thought about death again.
Was it perhaps because I had died once, or was it perhaps the death that Azariah faces in the game that I am scared of? I don't know.
But the idea of dying again didn't sit well with me now.
'At the very least, I can't die like Azariah in the game.'
Because even after death, he suffered until the end of all games because of his mother, who used him even after his death.
"Huff... Huff."
My breath came in shallow gasps, my heart hammered in my chest as if seeking escape from its confines at the very thought of what happened to Azariah or what could happen to me if I met his end.
'Calm down,' I forcefully suppressed my emotions as I felt Esmeray's gaze on me.
She is already suspicious of me; I can't make her even more suspicious now.
Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light erupted in the center of the cathedral, drawing everyone's attention.
From within the luminous portal emerged a figure clad in the resplendent armor of a paladin, his presence drawing the attention of all present.
The paladin's gaze swept across the room, his eyes briefly stopping at Esmeray before quickly looking away from her.
"We are moving."
Before anyone could react, a sudden surge of energy enveloped the cathedral, engulfing the assembled nobles in a blinding light.
When the brilliance subsided, I found myself standing in a grand and beautiful church unlike any I had ever seen.
The vaulted ceilings soared overhead, adorned with intricate carvings and golden filigree that shimmered in the soft candlelight.
Stained glass windows depicted scenes of valor and heroism from the past era, while filtered colorful light filled the hall.
Tremble.
But as soon as we arrived in this place that felt holy, the whole church trembled as if it sensed something that shouldn't be present here.
I glanced to my side where my mother stood and understood why this was happening.
After all, she is the reason for all this.
Because her very being is something that goes against the gods.
But the trembling of the church stopped as a woman walked onto the stage in front.
She wore a silver armor-like dress that showcased her flawless white skin beneath, while her eyes were covered with a thick silver metallic eye patch, making it impossible for her to see.
Unlike my mother, she had ash-gray hair that touched her waist.
"Holy Lady Irisveil."
"Holy Lady Irisveil."
All the people within the hall knelt as they got on one knee, showing utmost respect to her.
And she deserves it as well because she is the one who is favored by the Gods.
Only two people within the hall were left standing, and they were me and Esmeray.
Esmeray would rather die before bowing in front of another person, while I don't want to give her more reason to kill just by kneeling in front of another person in her presence .
"Stand up." As soon as she stood in the middle of the stage, she whispered softly, oddly enough echoing inside the hall as slowly everyone stood up.
"I am sorry for calling all of you on short notice, but the news is important," she whispered softly again as her voice reached everyone's ears.
Taking a deep breath, she continued, "All three gods have chosen their avatars."
As soon as the words left her mouth, all the people within the hall gasped in unison upon hearing her words.
"Sigh..."
And a tired sigh left my mouth as well.
Because one of the three avatars is going to be my archenemy.
Once again, I glanced at my mother who was standing beside me.
Her face was still expressionless, but her eyes were intently looking at Irisveil.
'Yeah, right. Both of them should know each other.'
Well, both of them were part of the same game, but unlike Esmeray, who was the [Villainess], Irisveil was the [Main Heroine] of the game.
"If any of you have any questions, you can ask me right now," Irisveil said again, and once again murmurs started to echo inside the hall.
Step. Step.
I slowly stepped back as my mother didn't notice me.
I need some time alone.
I've been having too much on my mind; I want to be alone.
I slowly walked out of the hall, finding myself on the hill of a mountain.
Adjacent to the mountain were two other mountains, signifying the three hills of the current gods.
As I walked, admiring the beautiful sight in front of me, my eyes immediately caught sight of a bench placed on the side of a tree.
Walking towards it, I sat down, closing my eyes.
"Sigh..."
Another sigh left my mouth as I leaned on the bench.
"I feel sick."
I feel sick of my own self.
I feel sick of my own voice.
"No, not the time for self-pity."
I quickly stopped myself from pitying myself as I racked my brain for all the possibilities I can use to get stronger as fast as I can.
"Haah..."
There is one thing in Azariah's memories that can help me get stronger quickly, but it's risky.
As I need to risk my soul for it to complete, which I don't think I should risk.
"I can think of another way."
I mumbled as I stretched my body. At least I have fifteen days; I could think of something until then.
"Hmm?"
I barely noticed the figure approaching me until it was too late.
"Argh...Cough..."
Without warning, a powerful blow struck me square in the jaw, sending me sprawling to the ground with a gasp of pain.
"Azariah!"
Stunned and disoriented, I struggled to regain my bearings as I looked up to see who punched me standing over me, his fists clenched in fury.
"Ahh, shit."
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