CHAPTER 92………………………………………..
I went through the documents left behind by Jurgen together with Cassius.
They were reports written by the envoys sent by the Wind Priests stationed at temples across the continent.
[I am a priest in charge of the northern temple of the Empire. As reported in the newspapers, a morning star appeared, causing a great commotion. Many people visited the temple late at night, claiming a miracle had occurred!]
There were many envoys, but most of their reports were similar.
Whenever a strange star suddenly appeared, people would naturally treat it as a bad omen.
However, a newspaper published in the Empire had this article:
“When a Healing Priest reaches Final Awakening, the God sends a morning star.”
Thanks to this prior knowledge, instead of fearing the morning star, people interpreted it as a miracle sent by God—a sign of good fortune.
The last envoy was Isaac, who guarded the Holy Court.
[This is Isaac, Your Majesty. I will immediately begin preparations for Priest Sonia’s Saint appointment ceremony.]
Ah, that’s right!
It had been mentioned that upon her Final Awakening, she would be elevated as a saint.
Cassius, who was reading the documents with me, asked my opinion.
“How do you wish to proceed, Sonia?”
I answered honestly, full of desire.
“They said I would be given a palace if I became a saint. And the salary is supposed to be generous, too.”
“…….”
“So of course I’ll accept it!”
He laughed softly, putting his arm around my shoulder.
“Sonia, you already have a wealthy man. Everything of mine belongs to you.”
“My… mine, Your Majesty……”
Since calling him “Your Majesty” had become so natural, saying his name outright felt strange.
“No, I mean Cassius’s, right?”
I quickly corrected myself and called him by his name. He smiled, satisfied.
“No. I’m content just being by your side, so I have no further desires.”
Of course, I knew he intended to give me everything.
But I also hoped Cassius would desire some of what I had.
I wanted to give him much in return.
“If you think that way, it seems only Cassius loses out. Try being a little greedy.”
“Greedy, you say? Then, as soon as we return to the Holy Empire, accompany me to my villa.”
“My villa?”
“It’s a villa I received a long time ago, but I’ve never visited it because I couldn’t leave my post. I’ve heard the lake there is very beautiful. I’d be overjoyed if Sonia would come with me.”
“So it seems only I benefit……”
“Not at all. I will take a vacation, so it will be good for me, too.”
Now that I think about it, even the previous Holy Emperor took vacations at his villa during harsh summers or freezing winters.
But since ascending as Holy Emperor, I’d never heard of Cassius taking a break.
I hoped that this time, he could finally rest properly.
“Alright. Let’s go together.”
I made that promise with him, holding hands warmly as we exited into the palace lobby.
Not much time had passed since the summoning orders were issued.
So naturally, I expected only a few people to have gathered.
“They’ve already come in large numbers!”
The priests assembled faster than expected, and I inadvertently showed an affectionate side.
The gathered priests widened their eyes in surprise, glancing repeatedly between Cassius’s and my hands.
I discreetly let go of his hand.
It was a little embarrassing to think everyone had noticed our closeness……
“Well, whatever.”
I had decided to make Cassius my mate.
For Alphas and Omegas, choosing a mate isn’t simply about becoming husband and wife.
Once pheromones are exchanged and bonding occurs, the imprint happens. After imprinting, no other pheromones can ever be sensed for life.
Imprinting can only be done with a single person in one’s lifetime.
Asking someone to become your mate is essentially a marriage proposal.
“Well, let’s just get married then!”
If the proper procedure is followed, a priest marrying isn’t considered unusual.
Cassius, observing the assembled priests, spoke.
“You must have already heard the news.”
“Yes. We know that the Healing Priest has reached Final Awakening. I’ve heard the news has spread across the continent.”
The morning star decorated the sky brilliantly.
It was clear from the sky alone why the high priests had been urgently summoned.
“By the laws of the Holy Empire, the Healing Priest who has reached Final Awakening shall be elevated to the position of Saint.”
Only those who glorify the Empire’s name can become a Saint.
Since no one had accomplished such great deeds recently, the position of Saint had remained vacant for a long time.
I had just awakened, meaning I hadn’t yet achieved any notable accomplishments.
Yet, I could become a Saint immediately, all thanks to the miraculous morning star.
As if anticipating it, the gathered priests offered prepared answers.
“I approve. You have performed a miracle by summoning the morning star; you have sufficient qualities to become a Saint.”
“Everyone will rejoice at the birth of a new Saint in a previously vacant position.”
“The appearance of a Saint will strengthen the Holy Empire.”
Judging by their expressions, no one expressed dissatisfaction.
One by one, the priests voiced their thoughts.
“We’ve received word from the Empire as well that they unanimously approve of Priest Sonia’s elevation to Saint.”
“Congratulations on becoming the owner of the morning star, Saint.”
“We will begin preparations for the appointment ceremony as soon as you arrive in the Empire.”
They congratulated me and exchanged various opinions.
“Ah, right… this was my dream.”
To become a high priest and obtain power no one could challenge.
“And earn a generous salary!”
It was slightly different from my original plan, but I had somehow realized my dream.
Cassius raised one hand.
The priests discussing among themselves fell silent.
“I announce to all priests that a Saint has appeared. From this moment, Sonia shall be referred to as the owner of the morning star.”
As Cassius proclaimed it, the gathered priests cheered.
An older priest with a kind smile approached.
“May I ask a question amidst this joyful news? When will you announce another piece of news that the citizens are eagerly awaiting?”
The elderly priest’s gaze lingered on me.
It would be easy to guess the close relationship we displayed.
“No need to hide it.”
I wanted to openly declare it, and enjoy many experiences with Cassius.
The priests’ eyes sparkled in anticipation, though it was a little overwhelming.
“……Eek.”
“Ah, sorry! We’ll wait while you consider it carefully.”
The previously eager priests suddenly hesitated, stepping back. I looked up at Cassius.
His mouth set firmly, he glared at the priests, silently warning them not to burden me.
Seeing Cassius protecting me like that made me smile naturally.
Now, it was time to clear up some rumors.
I decided to settle the story about Cassius suffering from unrequited love.
“I have something to tell the priests. His Majesty’s unrequited love is over. From now on, I will be by his side.”
Holding his hand, I declared confidently.
“For all my life.”
Even while glancing at Cassius, the priests focused on me, cheering as if they had been waiting for this.
“Congratulations. May happiness always fill your future together. By the way… ahem, when will the ceremony take place? I insist on presiding over that glorious occasion……”
“Do not interfere. I insist on performing the blessing myself!”
As priests qualified to conduct weddings, they all clamored to do it.
In truth, the priests had been troubled for a long time by Cassius not naming a Holy Empress.
But now, the long-standing issue had been resolved. They seemed happier about this than even the birth of a Saint.
Thus passed a somewhat chaotic night.
The next morning.
The morning star that had brightened the sky overnight disappeared at sunrise.
And no sooner had the day begun, the palace became lively.
The news that the Healing Priest who had reached Final Awakening had become a Saint.
The news that Cassius and I were officially a couple.
And lastly, discussions about the Magister Tower were buzzing in small groups.
As soon as Jurgen and the Paladins returned from the Magister Tower, Cassius went to speak with the Emperor.
Jurgen, having spent the night at the Tower, stood next to me, looking thoroughly exhausted.
“What happened to the Magister?”
“The Magister was found dead. Additional priests have been dispatched to interrogate and investigate the Tower’s alchemist.”
Lloyd’s body had collapsed after clashing with the Healing power that was unleashed recklessly, and black smoke seeped from it.
It wouldn’t have been surprising if he collapsed at any moment, so perhaps he died immediately upon arrival at the Tower.
“Well, that’s fortunate.”
But if he was going to die as soon as he reached the Tower, why had he fled so desperately?
I felt an inexplicable unease.
Jurgen spoke.
“However, there are many strange points.”
“Strange points?”
“The shackles created with the Earth’s power that the Magister wore have disappeared, and his body was already decayed as if he had died long ago.”
“……You were able to identify him?”
“Yes. The shackles had vanished, but traces remained. Tracking the divine energy confirmed they belonged to the Magister.”
So it was definitely Lloyd.
