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Seraphina’s Heir Designation Ceremony literally kicked off in grand style.

The ceremony, attended by power structures from various nations and the Saintess of the Divine Empire, began with offering a mass to the Lord, followed by a series of rituals enumerating the legitimacy and orthodoxy of Seraphina becoming the heir.

All of this took place under the supervision of the Empire’s key ministers, in the presence of the Emperor himself.

Although the designation ceremony was essentially an appointment, it was famous for its numerous ceremonial rituals. Religious rites were also conducted to demonstrate that their positions were not solely determined by humans but also by divine will.

The Divine Empire did not particularly object to this.

The religious rites conducted during the ceremony were not a challenge to divine authority but rather an expression of gratitude for the grace bestowed by the Lord and a commitment to govern the people according to His teachings.

For the Divine Empire, punishing those who outwardly showed a willingness to follow divine will could appear as oppressing those who adhere to divine teachings. Hence, it became customary to send envoys to congratulate the designation ceremony.

However, the participation of Saintess Veronica in Seraphina’s Heir Designation Ceremony was unusual. Given the symbolic significance of the Saintess, her mere visit to a specific nation could become a political issue.

Especially her participation in the Heir Designation Ceremony was an event that could influence the continent’s political landscape. Speculations even arose among the envoys from various nations that there might be some kind of deal between the Infractus Empire and the Divine Empire.

Some argued that it was excessive speculation based solely on the Saintess’s appearance, but given that this was the first time the Saintess had participated in such a ceremony, the controversy showed no signs of easily subsiding.

Of course, those who knew the fundamental reason behind Veronica’s participation would dismiss it as baseless rumors.

“Welcome, Saintess of the Divine Empire.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

It was a moment when the Empire’s second most powerful figure met the Divine Empire’s second most powerful figure.

Crown Princess Seraphina harbored doubts about the Saintess’s direct attendance at the Heir Designation Ceremony but outwardly expressed her welcome.

“I truly welcome your attendance at my Heir Designation Ceremony.”

“Thank you once again for your hospitality. I happened to have business in the Empire, so I took the liberty of visiting.”

Seraphina’s doubts deepened. Simultaneously, she recalled the moment when Veronica had personally come when she requested a priest from the Divine Empire for Gilbert’s treatment.

“It’s unexpected that the Saintess has business in the Empire. May I ask what it is?”

“It’s nothing difficult. In fact, I have a request to make.”

“Since you attended my Heir Designation Ceremony and honored me with your presence, I will gladly hear it within reason. So, what is it?”

Saintess Veronica smiled faintly and instead of answering, cast her gaze in a certain direction. Seraphina naturally turned her head to where Veronica was looking and found a man standing there.

Gilbert Lion Heart.

The Empire’s rising hero and her priest.

“Would you kindly explain the meaning behind your gaze?”

Seraphina’s tone subtly changed.

Facing the Saintess of the Divine Empire, she had elevated her usual tone by a level, but upon noticing Veronica’s gaze, she reverted to her usual tone.

Veronica smiled faintly, whether aware of this or not.

“It’s not difficult. My purpose for coming is to meet Lord Gilbert.”

“Gilbert… Is there a reason you wish to meet him?”

“That’s a matter to discuss with the person involved, so it’s difficult to explain.”

Seraphina felt oddly irritated by Veronica’s words. It wasn’t that they were particularly rude, but there was something about them that kept grating on her nerves.

“Then, may I go meet Lord Gilbert? The conversation might take a while.”

“That might be difficult.”

“Isn’t that up to Lord Gilbert’s judgment?”

Seraphina found the Saintess’s smile increasingly annoying and struggled to suppress the anger rising from the depths of her chest. She, who was better than anyone at controlling and regulating her emotions, found it somewhat difficult these days.

Once again, a priest is involved.

Ironically, these moments always seemed to be connected to Gilbert.

“I cannot allow the Saintess of the Divine Empire to make any proposals to the Empire’s hero.”

“If Lord Gilbert so decides, it would be according to the Lord’s guidance. So, there should be no problem.”

Veronica spoke as if recalling a revelation, but to Seraphina, who was unaware of this, it felt like a form of coercion.

“Saintess of the Divine Empire. Does this mean persecution against the Empire?”

Once a misunderstanding piled up, it began to spread uncontrollably.

Seraphina’s gaze grew sharper, and Veronica, seemingly unyielding, met her gaze with equal determination.

The guards around them, sensing the increasingly tense atmosphere, heightened their alertness, ready to intervene at any moment to prevent any potential incident.

“I will not allow it. I cannot stand by and watch you attempt to take away the Empire’s precious talent.”

“That’s strange. I never once mentioned taking Lord Gilbert away from the Empire. If it is his will, I will welcome him with open arms.”

“Do you take me for a fool? Did you think I would agree to such an absurd story?”

“I can only explain that you are making excessive assumptions and misjudgments.”

Gradually, their conversation turned into an argument.

One was the heir to an empire that controlled half the continent, and the other was the Saintess of a faith followed across the continent.

Given their significant social status and influence on the continent, as their tension grew, the atmosphere in the banquet hall rapidly deteriorated.

The increasingly heated argument and the curious glances from the banquet attendees suggested that an unfavorable outcome was imminent.

At worst, it could imply discord between the Empire and the Divine Empire…

“What seems to be the matter?”

Just before the situation could escalate into discord, a bold figure intervened between them.

A man with golden hair, tanned skin, and crimson eyes.

It was Gilbert.

“Hello, Lord Gilbert. It’s been a while.”

“Indeed. I was too flustered to properly greet you last time. I must express my gratitude for the treatment you provided that day.”

“You’re very kind, Lord Gilbert.”

Their conversation seemed like a typical exchange between a blunt man and a friendly woman, but considering their positions, it was anything but ordinary. One was the Empire’s rising star, and the other was the Saintess of the Divine Empire.

Given their previous acquaintance, such a friendly conversation was bound to raise eyebrows. At least, that’s what Seraphina thought.

So, what should the Empire’s rightful heir choose to do?

It was to quell any potential rumors about the Empire’s hero and prevent the loss of talent.

“Sir Gilbert.”

“Yes, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

Gilbert’s respectful attitude, different from how he addressed the Saintess, gave Seraphina a strange sense of satisfaction. She could show the Saintess of the Divine Empire that Gilbert respected her.

“You’ve come at the right time. I have something to ask you.”

“Please, speak. I am always ready to heed Your Highness’s words.”

Indeed, he’s quick-witted.

Seraphina was pleased with Gilbert’s quick response, even without knowing the full context.

“You are undoubtedly a loyal servant of the Empire, correct?”

“Yes, my loyalty has always been to the Empire.”

“And you have pledged to serve me, haven’t you?”

“That is also correct. Your Highness is the future of the Empire.”

Well said!

Seraphina was thrilled.

She fully felt that she had successfully co-opted Gilbert, the Empire’s hero, to her side. For Seraphina, whose political moves were crucial, Gilbert’s support was invaluable.

Especially since she could demonstrate her relationship with Gilbert in front of the Saintess, who had just been arguing with her, it was a moment that made her shoulders naturally rise.

“Your Highness, I have a request.”

“Speak.”

In her good mood, Seraphina was ready to grant Gilbert’s request.

“I request permission to speak privately with the Saintess.”

Of course, Gilbert’s following words were beyond her expectations. Seraphina naturally looked at the Saintess and, seeing her bright smile, felt an inexplicable sense of defeat.

 

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