Chapter 114: Chance Encounter

Violic remembered the social structure and hierarchy of the Holy Empire quite clearly.

As a religious state based on the Church of the Goddess, there were no nobles like in other places. The closer one was to the Goddess, the higher their status within the nation.

The way to determine this “distance” was through the sincerity of one’s faith and affinity for the Light.

The former, being a subjective matter, could naturally be faked, so the affinity for the Light became particularly important.

To put what Fleidetrika said in another way.

Edwina’s affinity for the Light had already surpassed that of everyone else. This sudden change would undoubtedly cause significant turmoil within the higher-ups, and the young Holy Knight at the eye of the storm would face unprecedented pressure.

Even life-threatening danger.

“I see…”

If it weren’t for the Judging Saintess bringing it up, Violic likely wouldn’t have thought about that aspect.

To be honest, the Priestess really didn’t want too many people to know about the “Kiss of Light.” It was troublesome; no matter how she thought about it, it would absolutely become a huge hassle, especially in a nation like the Holy Empire that worshipped the Light.

If she told Fleidetrika about the “Kiss of Light,” it would essentially mean taking on most of the trouble that should fall on Edwina.

Troublesome, really super troublesome.

But…

Still, that saying holds true; disliking trouble doesn’t mean fearing it. Frankly speaking, even if it became known, what could those with ulterior motives really do to her?

Refuse what needs to be refused; as for those who are unreasonable or harbor malice, they can just be dealt with. There’s always a way when difficulties arise.

Edwina could be considered a friend that Violic had met and known for a long time since coming to this world. The Priestess cherished this connection. She wouldn’t just sit back and watch her…

“That’s enough, Sister Fei!”

The girl’s sudden outburst, while not particularly loud, was filled with a strong will.

Not only were Fleidetrika and the Priestess who was about to speak taken aback, but many guests around them also turned their curious gazes.

Edwina ignored the onlookers, her usually naive eyes now firmly confronting her sister.

“Xiao Nana, you…”

“Feifei, I know you’re looking out for me. You’ve always cared for and protected me to the best of your ability… but I’ve grown up! I’m no longer that naive, immature child. Even without your protection, I’ve been traveling safely by myself until now! I can handle many things on my own, so, so…”

The girl gritted her teeth, as if using all her strength to utter some seemingly heartless words.

“Please, don’t intervene in this matter anymore, okay?”

Oh… this is serious.

The Priestess was secretly astonished at the unexpected turn of events.

Who would’ve thought that the clumsy Edwina could say something so cool? But somehow it felt more like she was in a rebellious phase, starting to talk back to her parents.

“Xiao Nana…”

For some reason, despite being pushed away so firmly, Fleidetrika did not get angry. Instead, her expression was softened a bit, almost mirroring her sister’s pretty face.

However, just as she was about to say something, the banquet venue suddenly dimmed.

A cheerful, vibrant voice that felt oddly familiar echoed throughout the hall.

“Loyal guests from around the world, welcome to the Garden of Wings! Thank you all for taking the time to attend tonight’s banquet celebrating His Majesty the Wing Emperor’s 300th birthday! I am His Majesty’s personal attendant, the chief steward of the Wing Emperor Palace, Mo Kurk. It is my honor to host this banquet on His Majesty’s behalf. Now, the banquet officially begins!”

The proceedings of the banquet didn’t require much description. It was merely Xiao Mo giving a spirited speech, followed by the Wing Emperor Aistini and several high-ranking officials from the Kingdom of Azure, including Sigrid, performing some rituals and activities for the birthday celebrant, with everyone eating and drinking.

The only thing that piqued Violic’s interest was the appearance of the High Priestess at one point as a special guest, who quickly left afterward.

She should be the real deal.

The aura that erupted when she burst out from the Temple of Sky and jumped into the battlefield earlier was unmistakable. Violic wouldn’t get it wrong.

Though she hid her true power with props, and for some reason, her face was mostly obscured by a hood, the simple priestly robe she wore hadn’t been changed into a formal dress, but there was no doubt the High Priestess’s appearance brought considerable excitement.

After all, she was acknowledged as a noble being directly associated with the divine.

The High Priestess.

Xiao Mo, as the host, referred to her by that title rather than her actual name.

So, including Violic, most guests were unaware of this high priestess serving the deity’s true name; the only thing possibly viewable was likely her exceptionally radiant and beautiful white wings behind her.

Unable to endure the overly lengthy rituals and so-called entertaining activities, halfway through the banquet, Violic secretly slipped outside to the corridor for some fresh air.

To be honest, she began to regret accepting this invitation to this so-called banquet. It was quite boring; she would have rather stayed in her room to read novels and play with dragons.

The Little Dragon Daughter was sent off to do her own thing and wasn’t by the Priestess’s side. Edwina also hadn’t followed her as intended, and Fleidetrika, the Judging Saintess, had scampered back to the Holy Empire Envoy Group nearby as soon as the banquet started.

It seemed that representatives from those big countries would be invited to speak; in the end, it was just some repetitive congratulatory remarks.

“Ha… has it really been this long without me noticing?”

The last time she stood on a similar podium feeling the night breeze, it was shortly after she arrived in this world, during that incident in Wanku Fortress when she seemingly dealt with a peeping tom. Even now, she was still unsure who it really was.

But it was likely either a Beastman or one of the members of the Throne of Immortality, with a higher probability being the former.

Thinking back, that bustling period was really exciting; she truly encountered a lot of interesting things.

Gazing out at the myriad lights, the silver moonlight illuminating the night sky in March, perhaps moved by the scenery or just wanting to amuse herself, the girl gently parted her cherry lips and sang a line from a poem from Blue Star.

“The moonlight fills the imperial capital, lanterns shining bright, fine carriages and precious covers blocking the thoroughfare, ha, it’s rather fitting.”

“…Indeed quite fitting; what was that just now? In the language of the sky, there shouldn’t have been any literary structure like that.”

“Hmm?”

Violic turned her head to look, only to be met with a fragrant presence, as a strange girl with snow-white wings appeared beside her.

   

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