“Wasn’t this supposed to be a strategy game?”

“You will attend as the representative of the Great Temple. You must participate in the banquet hosted by His Highness Patriar.”

When Patriar’s name was mentioned, Eden’s face hardened. So, this bizarre banquet really was part of Patriar’s scheme.

‘What kind of trick is this guy planning now…’

But judging by the determined expression of the Priest, it seemed I wouldn’t find an excuse to skip the banquet. Eden reluctantly accepted the invitation.

Since the banquet was hastily arranged, two days later, Eden donned a new banquet outfit befitting a representative of the Great Temple and attended.

The banquet was more extravagant than ever, seemingly trying to hide the unfitting disgrace with dazzling splendor.

Does this splendor truly comfort the Empire’s citizens?

‘How ridiculous.’

Eden scoffed, chewing on excuses that seemed utterly unconvincing.

However, inside that extravagant banquet hall, Eden had to stand in a corner, feeling like a lonely outsider. No one bothered to talk to Eden.

‘Damn, Patriar is worse than Kiris.’

Even though her status had shot up from Apprentice Priest to Saint, Patriar had turned the tables, and everyone who attended the banquet was clearly under Asmun’s influence, ignoring Eden, who was rumored to be involved.

Now Eden could finally guess what Patriar’s plan was.

‘This is his way of showing that the upper hand has shifted.’

The true purpose of the banquet was a sensitive and sharp psychological game, clearly emphasizing his grand entrance.

‘How annoying, crazy.’

As he intended, the atmosphere of the banquet was anything but ordinary.

Everyone was dressed to the nines and laughing merrily, but the air in the banquet hall was thick with unspoken tension and wariness.

Kiris had suffered a humiliating downfall in an instant, and all key figures associated with him were either purged or exiled, causing quite a stir in high society.

People were glancing at each other, avoiding any mention of Kiris, but everyone in the room was clearly aware of the events in the Imperial Palace.

So, like this….

“Your Highness Patriar, you mentioned you recently traveled to the Totrud region? Could you share your travel tales with us?”

“I’d rather hear about your journey in Ekalok. Everyone knows you defeated the high monster Salamanda there, your Highness Patriar.”

It was all flattery from those sticking to Patriar like bats.

Eden squinted, recognizing that some of the people clinging to Patriar used to send gifts to Asmun just a short while ago, trying to get in his good graces.

‘Such spineless fools…’

Eden turned away from the sight she found nauseating, staring instead at an innocent-looking cake decoration.

If only Asmun were here; it wouldn’t feel as bad. But Asmun was too busy to chase after Silverstone and hadn’t even shown his face for days. He probably wouldn’t attend this banquet either.

‘Right, finding Silverstone is far more important than this useless banquet.’

The Emperor’s promise to pass the throne to whoever finds Silverstone was still valid, and the quickest way to turn this situation around was to locate Silverstone.

Where on earth could Silverstone be?

“Saint, how have you been?”

Eden, lost in thought, looked up to find Madam Marens smiling brightly at her.

“Madam Marens!”

Eden greeted her with a smile that bordered on genuine admiration.

With Madam Marens’ greeting, it was clear those who had been avoiding Eden were now sneaking glances her way.

“Have you been well? I know it’s a bit late for an introduction, but are you feeling okay?”

“Of course. Thanks to you and His Highness Asmun, I’m doing just fine.”

Madam Marens made a large offering to the temple as a way to repay that day’s kindness.

“I apologize for the late greeting. To be honest, I’ve visited the temple a few times, but it was hard to get a chance to meet you.”

At her words, a pang of guilt hit Eden.

After all, she had spent far more time outside than inside the temple.

“I heard the Saint was coming today, and shamelessly, this old woman attended the banquet of the youngsters.”

“What are you talking about? Is there an age limit for banquets? You are just as young at heart, Madame.”

Eden’s charming comment made Madam Marens burst into hearty laughter.

“The Emperor has already retired to rest, claiming he has a headache. He used to love such lavish affairs. But I guess you can’t escape aging.”

Eden felt awkward hearing unexpected gossip about the Emperor and could only offer a sheepish smile.

It seemed the Emperor and Asmun were truly close friends, familiar enough to joke around.

“However, I hurried back to the banquet because I wanted your blessing, dear Saint. Could you grant me a small blessing?”

“Of course. May Hamun’s blessing be with you always.”

Eden gladly bestowed the Saint’s blessing.

Though she wasn’t a real Saint, her sincere wish for that grateful woman to receive Hamun’s grace made it all acceptable.

At that moment.

“Wow, a blessing from the new Saint? Can I get one too?”

A man approached, loudly interrupting the conversation. All eyes turned towards him.

Feeling flustered, Eden managed to maintain her polite smile.

“Yes, of course.”

“The Saint is giving out blessings, everyone line up!”

His loud declaration drew a crowd, and as Patriar approached, people began to shift toward Eden.

“I also want a blessing from the Saint.”

Patriar asked politely with a casual smile. It was quite a different attitude from the one he had shown by ignoring Eden for hours.

Eden, too, spoke in a friendly manner as if nothing had happened.

“May Hamun’s blessing be with you, Your Highness Patriar.”

The two exchanged smiles, both hiding their true intentions behind their facades.

At that moment.

“Um, Saint. I have a question, if you don’t mind?”

It was the same man from earlier who had raised his voice. Eden smiled and looked at him with curiosity.