SLDS 32

One hundred and thirty knights dressed in pure white uniforms gathered in the main palace’s grand hall. A hint of excitement and a sense of mission could be seen on each of their faces. This was because today was the day they were finally being promoted to official knights.

Nobles holding major positions in the empire, the Imperial Knights, and the royal family of the Verca Empire also attended the knighting ceremony. Crown Prince Alexis, who would be conducting the ceremony himself today, was also dressed in a formal uniform.

The deep blue imperial blazer, which only the supreme commander of the knights could wear, added a noble elegance to his appearance today. The numerous medals hanging from the sash draped diagonally across his chest also played a part in highlighting Alexis’s dignity.

The crown prince tapped the knight’s shoulders with the ceremonial sword that had been passed down through the imperial family for generations and spoke with a serious tone.

“Your sword shall be used for justice, your shield for the honor of the empire, your heart for courage, and your soul for sacrifice. Never fear in the face of the enemy. As the crown prince of the Verca Empire, I, Alexis Winter Graham, in praise of your courage and devotion, hereby appoint you a knight.”

The knight, kneeling on one knee, could not hide his emotional expression and his eyes trembled.

Emperor Arnold sat on the seat of honor, watching with a proud expression. The empress next to him also wore a picturesque smile. Although the hand gripping the armrest was trembling violently.

After the investiture ceremony, Yuria bestowed a blessing upon the knight.

The nobles, seeing the divine blessing for the first time, were busy exclaiming in admiration. This was because the mark of the saintess was glowing faintly through the thin fabric of her dress. Before her miraculous and holy figure, their heads bowed instinctively.

The emperor, who also witnessed this, was deeply impressed. He tilted his head slightly and asked.

“Isn’t it truly amazing?”

“Yes. It is.”

Empress Elizabeth willingly agreed, her lips graced with an elegant smile. Although a fire was raging within her, her expression was that of the benevolent and beautiful empress of the empire itself.

Cecil sat beside her, looking indifferent. The emerald eyes watching the knighting ceremony were devoid of any spirit. As if it were no concern of his, he was merely occupying a seat, as if someone had forced him to sit there.

While everyone’s eyes were captivated by Yuria’s holy appearance, Cecil only gazed at Alexis’s neat back.

His posture that tolerated no disarray, his straight back and broad shoulders. The luxurious fabric that enveloped his long limbs and tall physique.

Though it was only his back, the sight of him standing side-by-side with Yuria was as harmonious as a religious painting.

The smiles he occasionally gave Yuria when he turned to his side, the warm hand that stroked her hair—all of it was the complete opposite of how he treated Cecil, making his heart ache even more.

Cecil briefly closed his eyes and erased the gloomy thoughts.

‘Let’s not be jealous. I promised myself I wouldn’t give my heart to Alexis in this life.’

By the time he opened his eyes again after a long, long period of patience, the final knighting had already concluded. Cecil straightened his disheveled posture and rose from his chair.

The emperor stood Alexis and Yuria before him and spared no praise. His hearty laughter clearly revealed his current mood.

“It was truly impressive. Has there ever been such a holy knighting ceremony in the history of the empire until now? It was absolutely excellent.”

“You praise us too highly, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, Ms. Yuria Beatrice. I would like to see you often from now on, so how about you take this opportunity to move into the imperial palace and live here? I would like you to bestow God’s blessing upon many people here.”

Yuria’s eyes darted around, looking flustered. Although it was a casual inquiry, it was still a suggestion from the emperor.

She couldn’t bring herself to refuse and could only glance around nervously, but Alexis noticed Yuria’s predicament and skillfully stepped in.

“Yuria is still very lacking to live in the imperial palace. I will let you know when she is ready in the future, so would you be willing to wait a little longer? Of course, I will tell her to enter the palace whenever Your Majesty wishes.”

“Is that so. Well, you would know best, Alexis. Very well. But make sure to show your face often. I know that palace etiquette is difficult, but one must encounter it often to become familiar with it quickly.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Arnold smiled with satisfaction and looked around. Among the people filling the grand hall, he spotted the face of another son he was particularly fond of. He beckoned to Cecil, who was standing aloof like a deserted island.

“Cecil, why are you just standing there? Come closer.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Cecil reluctantly took a step forward. Seeing his calm face, devoid of any smile, Emperor Arnold patted Cecil’s slumped shoulders.

“Didn’t our Cecil also sweat alongside the trainee knights? They say you have built a solid foundation, right? You deserve to be praised.”

“As expected, Your Majesty is very thoughtful. I was so angry when I heard that Cecil was doing such rough work.”

Empress Elizabeth, not missing the opportunity, added her words. She was very pleased that the emperor’s favor toward Cecil was still intact.

The person in question, however, was composed, and Alexis also had an impassive expression. As a slightly awkward silence flowed, the emperor made an unexpected suggestion.

“How about Cecil also receives a divine blessing from Ms. Beatrice?”

“…Pardon? Me?”

Cecil asked back in a surprised voice. His wide eyes looked at the emperor, then shifted to Yuria. Her delicate face was likewise full of surprise.

“You have worked so hard all this time, wouldn’t it be a shame to just let it pass? The knights received it, so what is there that you cannot receive?”

“Your Majesty, I am fine.”

“It is an imperial command. Obey it.”

The forcefully given reward felt quite burdensome. Cecil sighed without letting it show. Once the emperor’s command was given, no one could defy it.

They moved to a private meeting room attached to the hall. The small, cozy space was perfectly isolated from outside gazes and was suitable for holding a secret meeting.

Only three people were here: Cecil, Yuria, and Alexis.

Amidst an unidentifiable tension, Yuria cautiously approached Cecil.

“Mr. Cecil. May I hold your hand?”

“……”

Cecil silently looked down at the small hand held out before him. He really didn’t need a divine blessing, but since he had already been pushed into the private room, there was nothing he could do.

Cecil unknowingly turned his gaze and looked at Alexis. When their eyes met, Alexis gave a small nod, as if granting permission.

What was this all about? It was just ridiculous to be getting his permission.

Cecil suppressed his feeling of emptiness and clasped his hands with Yuria. Warm body heat was transmitted through their tightly clasped palms.

“Is this how I should do it?”

“Yes. I will begin.”

Before long, Yuria began her prayer. She poured her sincerity into praying that God’s blessing would be directed toward Cecil.

No special energy was transmitted, but from her furrowed brow and ten tensed fingers, he could feel how focused she was.

Only Yuria’s whispering voice lingered in the private room. Although there were three people, it was utterly quiet.

Alexis leaned against the window, monitoring the moment of prayer. The only reason he was here was for Yuria’s safety, but for some reason, his gaze was consistently fixed only on Cecil Adrian’s face.

The pale, drained complexion kept getting on Alexis’s nerves. He wanted to stop paying attention, but he got angry every time he saw Cecil. One moment he was following people around like a starving puppy, and now he was resolutely ignoring him.

Alexis persistently glared at Cecil’s face. At this point, it should be obvious that he was being watched, but Cecil avoided his gaze and stubbornly kept looking down at the floor.

It felt as if he himself had done something wrong. Alexis found it absurd and frowned. He too turned his head away, but his sharp gaze soon found its way back to Cecil’s left cheek.

“It’s all done.”

“Thank you.”

As the prayer, which had been more earnest than usual, ended, Cecil immediately dropped his hands and stepped back.

Then, after giving a light nod to Alexis and Yuria, he walked out of the private room door. There was not a single trace of regret in his departing back. No, rather, it was full of a desire to escape this space as quickly as possible.

“Are you okay? You’re not tired?”

Alexis belatedly took care of Yuria. It was understandable that she would be exhausted after praying for over 130 people one by one.

“Your Highness. It’s strange.”

Yuria clenched and unclenched her empty hands, a confused look on her face.

“When I held Mr. Cecil’s hand… I felt the energy of the goddess Gaia. From inside Mr. Cecil’s body.”

“You must have been mistaken because you’re tired.”

“I wasn’t mistaken, really. I felt it clearly. Could it be that Mr. Cecil has the same ability as me?”

Yuria cautiously stated her speculation. Unlike her timid voice, her face was almost filled with conviction. At the thought that Cecil might be of the same kind as her, a slight flush even appeared on her cheeks.

“No, that’s impossible. It can’t be.”

Alexis said coldly. His blue eyes glared fiercely at the spot where Cecil had been standing just moments before.

What nonsense. Yuria must have been mistaken.

But that night, Alexis headed for Peridot Palace. The words Yuria had said kept swirling in his head, and he just couldn’t stand it. It felt like this frustrating feeling would only be resolved if he confirmed it himself.